US Coast Guard Interview Questions
Updated Nov 4, 2023
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- Anonymous (1)

Anonymous Employee in New Orleans, LA
I interviewed at US Coast Guard (New Orleans, LA)
The interview process for becoming an Operations Specialist in the Coast Guard is comprehensive. It begins with an initial screening to ensure candidates meet the necessary qualifications. This is followed by a series of interviews that assess technical knowledge, situational awareness, and decision-making abilities. Given the critical nature of the role, there's a strong emphasis on understanding navigation, communication, and surveillance systems. Interviewers often present real-life scenarios to gauge how candidates might handle high-pressure situations. Lastly, the candidate's ability to work cohesively in a team and their dedication to the Coast Guard's mission are key components of the evaluation.
- "How would you handle a situation where multiple distress signals come in simultaneously, and you have limited resources to address them? Can you walk us through your decision-making process in such high-pressure scenarios?"

Anonymous Interview Candidate in Washington, DC
I applied online. I interviewed at US Coast Guard (Washington, DC) in Oct 2023
In less than five minutes, I knew I wasn’t getting the job because they were hung up on two things. One was they wanted someone that had experience in interagency agreements. This was not listed on my resume. So, why did the select me for an interview? Secondly, they wanted to believe that I did not work as a team before and despite giving eventual evidence to the contrary. So, they came in with a bias. The resource manger in particular was rather aggressive at about the three minute mark. They wasted not only my time, but they wasted their time. It worked out for the best but not for the reasons they think - I was only interested because it paid relocation expenses.
- No particular questions. They spent the interview convincing themselves that I did not engage in teamwork and focused on not having experience with interagency agreements.

Anonymous Employee
I interviewed at US Coast Guard
Not much of an interview process but an in-depth medical examination. There was quite a bit of paperwork and several signatures. Prepare to divulge everything from your past including criminal history and drug usage.
- Have you used drugs before?

Anonymous Interview Candidate in Baltimore, MD
I applied online. The process took 1 day. I interviewed at US Coast Guard (Baltimore, MD) in Sep 2023
The interview process was ok. After the interview I reached out to the hiring manager for feedback, of how I interviewed. It's been over 2 months now and no response.
- The questions were technical. More along the line of the type of work I'd be doing.

Anonymous Interview Candidate in Detroit, MI
I applied online. The process took 2 months. I interviewed at US Coast Guard (Detroit, MI)
It was fair and interesting all over telephone conference. They were very open with travel and known role details. This was done by a panel of senior peers. They had a set amount and defined list of questions they asked.
- Describe a project you lead and how did it turn out?

Anonymous Interview Candidate in Oakland, CA
I applied online. I interviewed at US Coast Guard (Oakland, CA)
Interview was okay, very regulated and standard questions without room for flexibility in your answers. They never followed up about the position, even though they said I would hear back within two weeks either way from HR. I emailed my interviewer to touch base and they did not respond to my email as well.
- What is your experience with hazardous waste?

Anonymous Employee in Palm Beach, FL
I interviewed at US Coast Guard (Palm Beach, FL)
Checked to see if I had a pulse. Then they had me breathe into a mirror. I guess i passed both tests. On a real note you do have to pass a 1.5 mile run. Certain number of push ups and sit-ups and swim.
- Have you done any drugs.

Anonymous Interview Candidate in Oakland, CA
I interviewed at US Coast Guard (Oakland, CA)
Not bad just asking about past jobs and your criminal history . So just be honest because a background check will reveal any lies. It’s a branch of the military so take that into effect.
- Do you use any drugs

Anonymous Interview Candidate
I interviewed at US Coast Guard
Military recruiter. Explained the different ranks and rates. How life would possibly be. Explained boot camp. Pay procedures and leave and liberty. How to prepare for bootcamp and my first duty station.
- Can you do a push up

Anonymous Interview Candidate in Portland, OR
I applied online. The process took 1 week. I interviewed at US Coast Guard (Portland, OR) in Jul 2022
Useless info was provided about the current personnel's background info. The interview overall was good, but the supervisor never followed up afterwards with at least an email to decline or proceed with the hiring process. Very unprofessional.
- Just normal background and experience
US Coast Guard Interviews FAQs
Glassdoor users rated their interview experience at US Coast Guard as 65% positive with a difficulty rating score of 2.40 out of 5 (where 5 is the highest level of difficulty). Candidates interviewing for Information Technician and Officer rated their interviews as the hardest, whereas interviews for Petty Officer and Computer Operator roles were rated as the easiest.
The hiring process at US Coast Guard takes an average of 87.52 days when considering 128 user submitted interviews across all job titles. Candidates applying for Equipment Specialist had the quickest hiring process (on average 1 day), whereas Marine Science Technician roles had the slowest hiring process (on average 360 days).
Common stages of the interview process at US Coast Guard according to 128 Glassdoor interviews include:
Drug Test: 17.83%
Skills Test: 16.71%
Background Check: 15.04%
One on One Interview: 12.26%
Group Panel Interview: 10.31%
Phone Interview: 7.80%
IQ Intelligence Test: 6.96%
Presentation: 5.57%
Personality Test: 5.01%
Other: 2.51%
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