US Patent and Trademark Office Patent Examiner Interview

Interview Details – Applied through usajobs.gov in June, received email for a "Patent Examiner Telephone Interview Invitational event" in late July for a phone interview scheduled a week later in early August. Had to complete a Candidate Interest Questionnaire and an OF-306 "Declaration for Federal Employment" form prior to the interview. Candidate Interest Questionnaire was basically ranking how well you were experienced and how interested you were in several technology areas. And there was a short answer question about why you are interested in those technology areas.

During the phone interview, there were two SPE's (Supervisory Patent Examiner) interviewing me, one doing the majority of the talking, the other just adding their own two cents. Interview started off with six questions: 1.) "What do you know about the US and international patent system, what it does and its goals?", 2.) "Describe a situation when you received constructive criticism and how did you handle it", 3.) "Describe a time when you had to deal with a difficult customer", 4.) "Give an example of a time when you had to make a persuasive argument, how did you accomplish it and what was the outcome", 5.) "Describe a time when you had to do extensive technical research and had to write a technical report", 6.) "How would you complete four tasks of equal importance that were due at the same time?". All the questions that were asked are found here on glassdoor and I used those to prepare myself before the interview. I was also asked what departments I wanted to work in, so I suggest you research the different technology centers the have and which work group interests you.

After the questions, they talked about the next step in the interview process and the timeframe (surprisingly, the phone interview's the only interview they need in my case). Interviewers send their recommendations to HR and HR makes the hiring decision based on that and your resume. Decision will be made in one or two months. Interviewers were glad to answer all my questions and are very knowledgable. Overall, I think the interview went well and was easy because glassdoor was very helpful in preparing me for all the questions. Will update when and if received job offer.