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Post by traceb on Aug 10, 2009 11:10:57 GMT -5
I ran a search but did not find anything on point. I understand the confidential aspect of the process. Given that; what should one who has not gone through an SSA interview generally expect? How long do they last, is it a panel interview like the OPM interview etc. etc. I know the issue is to find the right "fit". Don't know what that means though.
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Post by carrickfergus on Aug 10, 2009 11:25:30 GMT -5
I don't think I'll violate any confidentiality by saying that, compared to the OPM panel at least, it was a fairly pleasant experience. The interviewers (I had two) seem to want you to do the best you can. All the people there were very nice and helpful. Just relax and be yourself, and think about your accomplishments.
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RAM
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Post by RAM on Aug 10, 2009 11:41:06 GMT -5
Oh, I didn't know that the interview with SSA was confidential. I don't remember signing any confidentiality agreement or that it was even mentioned. What's up with this? Is there a confidentiality issue with the SSA interview? It would be nice to know so I don't violate.
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Post by traceb on Aug 10, 2009 11:46:56 GMT -5
I only mentioned confidentiality because of my two prior dealings with OPM during the testing process. Each time a confidentiality agreement was signed. Since I have not done an SSA interview yet, I cannot speak to the confidential nature of it.
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RAM
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Post by RAM on Aug 10, 2009 13:48:50 GMT -5
Whew. You scared me. Not that I have divulged any information or anything but if there is some type of confidentiality assumption it would be nice to know about it. Thanks.  |
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Post by traceb on Aug 10, 2009 14:43:12 GMT -5
Whew. You scared me. Not that I have divulged any information or anything but if there is some type of confidentiality assumption it would be nice to know about it. Thanks. Apparently there is some form of secret handshake and high sign but you do not learn those unless you are actually offered and have accepted a position and then only upon the next full lunar eclipse. |
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Post by valkyrie on Aug 10, 2009 15:46:30 GMT -5
There's nothing confidential about the SSA interview that I was aware of. What is confidential is who was in charge of shredding the results? Guilty! I said, "what the heck does this have to do with senior attorney work?" They told me to shut up, keep feeding the shredder, and see if Elvis is still on the throne. |
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Post by puravida on Aug 10, 2009 16:03:48 GMT -5
Relax, traceb. I thought it was fun, but I guess that depends on who is on your panel. There was a 2-member panel - could be ALJs, HOCALJs, Group Supervisors - and they had a list of questions that they asked, but it was conversational, not rigid like the OPM interview. Unlike last year, there was no transcription of the interview, just the interviewers' notes. There is really nothing you can do to prepare. But pay attention to the questions - they ask some "when did you stop beating your wife" type questions. Good luck!
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Post by carjack on Aug 10, 2009 16:32:36 GMT -5
Traceb: I pulled an old thread from last year for you and the other interviewees to look at. I took everyone's advice to relax and was sorry I did, but maybe that's just me. I don't think you can over-prepare for an interview where the first question, couched in terms of 'getting to know you' is something like "what can you do for SSA?"
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tab58
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Post by tab58 on Aug 10, 2009 17:41:39 GMT -5
I actually liked my OPM interview better than the SSA interview. But then again it was towards the end of the interview process and they all seemed hangared. That may also explain why I am on the cert and not training!!
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Post by barkley on Aug 10, 2009 19:26:49 GMT -5
Traceb
Just a bit of advice - don't freak out over other's experiences. Some of the panels will be more personable than others - some more chatty - some more willing to use humor. I had some friends come from their hour and a half interviews talking about what a pleasant experience it was. My panel was all business and I was out in about 45 minutes, including the time it took them to walk me to the room. As some are fond of saying, YMMV.
B.
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Post by decadealj on Aug 10, 2009 19:40:10 GMT -5
If you are an "insider" they have your "productivity" stats in front of them so your record speaks for itself. If not, take every opportunity to tell them how you have worked 12 hour days your entire adult life and 1.000 cases a year would be a piece of cake. If you were like me (a federal and state prosecutor) 75 cases a month were the norm and they were a heck of alot more difficult than what you are signing up for!
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Post by traceb on Aug 17, 2009 9:34:42 GMT -5
Well, all in all I thought the interview was not that bad. It lasted almost 2 and 1/2 hours. I arrived an hour early and the interviewers were ready to go, but then an emegerceny conference call came in and so we only started 15 minutes early. Every question was scripted with multiple follow ups. The first question, designed to break the ice, was "tell us why you want to be . . . "
I managed the Astrue mantra suggested by Patriotsfan. The Krispi-Kreme's went over well, I only broke down and wept 5 times during the interview (so I've got that going for me) and I remembered to wear pants, another big plus. I think, looking back on it now, that begging on my hands and knees at the end of the interview while crying hysterically pushed the envelope a little farther than necessary, but hey; whatever works; eh.
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