I applied online. The process took 10 months. I interviewed at IRS
Interview
USA Jobs is the portal for applying for federal government positions. Application process involves submission of various documents and online resume completion. Interview process involves panel of approx three managers. Questions are asked in round robin fashion. Unlike an interview at a private company, there is usually little follow up to questions. This is probably because in order to keep the interviews the same for all applicants, they can't do much "off-script" questioning. Once hired, there is a mandatory tax audit for all applicants as well as a background check. In addition, IRS special agents will interview your current and former neihbors to verify that you are who you say you are and that you are not involved in illegal or sketchy behaior. That step always freaks people out but I have never heard of it being a problem. Most are like, yeah, I think I have seen that guy mowing his lawn...
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
Questions are very standard. The only thing that might trip someone from the "outside" up is that there is a lot of terminology used in the IRS that might be different from the private sector. Just make sure you ask for clarification if a term or acromym is thrown out that you are not familiar with.
I attended a direct hiring career event for LB&I in April 2024. I was interviewed by a panel of 3 senior revenue agents, they asked me behavioral questions (tell me about a time when you faced a stressful situation, tell me about a time when you had to juggle multiple deadlines, etc.) and also questions on which tax forms I had experience with.
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
Tell me about yourself?
Have you ever prepared a business memo?
What is your experience with Excel?
Tell me about a time when you faced a stressful situation.
Tell me about a time when you had to juggle multiple deadlines.
Tell me about a time when you showed leadership.
It was a virtual panel style interview over teams with at 2 managers. I have heard there can be up to five on the panel. They do not ask personal questions. Long silences while they make notes.
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
1. Describe difference between a temporary and permanent adjustment. 2. Which schedule in the tax return pertains to the Balance Sheet 3. How would you prepare to start an audit.
SLOW. From submitting my resume to an interview went quick, job offer was slow. In person interview was just six-questions, but still lasted an hour. Both people from the IRS were very friendly though.
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
If someone asks you to search a government record for them, what would you do?