US Department of Veterans Affairs Interview Questions & Reviews

Interviewed Mar 2011 in Albany, NY (took a day)

I applied for the job by sending a package of information. This included two application forms, which I downloaded from the VA website, a resume, copy of my RN license, college transcripts, and a copy of my DD-214 because I am a veteran. As one might expect, the requirements for application are very clearly stated in the job listing.

I was contacted 4 weeks later and at that time set up a day and time one week later for a telephone interview, because I live far away from the worksite. The interview was conducted by two senior nursing staff.

The interviewers described the process as a "structured interview." They explained the process, however, I was unprepared for the actuality at execution. Questions were grouped by an area of focus, e.g., "
interpersonal effectiveness," "systems thinking," "flexibility/adaptability," and others I cannot recall. The interviewers introduced each set of questions by saying that the questions to follow had to do with one of those areas of focus, e.g., "interpersonal effectiveness." Then they read/asked the questions, which were multipart. It was grueling. I was unprepared for the type of interview, which was more like an oral exam. It was definitely not a conversation or a dialogue. When I had difficulty framing my answers to fit, they prompted me helpfully.
Still, I was unprepared for a question that asked how I had "thought outside the box," and another about how I had improved efficiency or quality. I had initially looked forward to anonymity of the telephone interview, but I also now think this made it more difficult to understand what was being asked for in the questions, made it more difficult to ask to have questions repeated, which I did, several times.

The interview was concluded after about 45 minutes. The interviewers explained that the hiring process takes 2-3 months. I will be notified even if I am not selected.