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Sample interview questions

Reviewing the questions you are likely to be asked and the best ways to answer them will help set you up for success.

Most common interview questions

Two of VA’s national recruiters, Hillary Garcia and Timothy Blakney, gave us a sneak peek at VA’s interview process. Here are the six most common VA interview questions and tips on how to prepare for them!

Tip:  Come armed with an example or three. In this case, you’ll want to discuss how you worked as a member of a team, including the role you played and how the group interacted.
Tip: At VA, you’ll sometimes need to make a decision in the moment, so an independent streak is a good thing. Play up your self-directedness. Also, when you describe past examples, don’t forget to mention the result and how your efforts made it possible.
Tip: Many interview questions at VA have several parts, like this one. Consider bringing a notebook to jot down notes as questions are being asked so you answer them in full.
Tip: Communication skills are often front and center in a VA interview. You’ll probably be asked about a professional area of improvement or a time you could have changed how you responded. Answering this type of question thoughtfully demonstrates that you can reflect on and work to perfect your professional roles.
Tip: Make sure you read the job announcement closely, especially the duties and specialized experience sections. Then review your own resume and previous experiences, paying particularly close attention to anything that makes you unique. 
Tip: Interviewers often ask questions about how you handled a difficult situation, and this can be tricky to navigate. You’ll want to think of a tactful example that demonstrates those vital communication abilities, as well as problem-solving and strategic thinking skills. If this was a negative experience, try to give it a positive spin by treating it as a learning opportunity.
Illustration of woman speaking

Questions to ask during an interview

If you really want to stand out during an interview, you should also have some questions prepared to ask your interviewer.

Coming to your interview prepared to ask questions demonstrates your level of interest and commitment to finding the right role. While many of the questions you may have will depend on the specific role and responsibilities, here are a few sample questions to help you get started.

  1. What does a typical day look like in this role? This question can both give you a better idea of your potential day-to-day tasks and show how you’re considering the smaller details of the position.
  2. How is performance measured and reviewed? By asking this question, you can indicate that you are focused on meeting and exceeding objectives—while also gaining insight into expectations.
  3. What do you enjoy most about working here? This can give you insights into the workplace culture, as well as help you get to know the preferences of someone you hope to work for.
  4. Do you have any concerns about my experience that I can address? By giving the interviewer an opening to address concerns, you give yourself the chance to ensure they don’t go unanswered.
  5. What are the next steps in the hiring process? This question is ideal to ask toward the end of your interview so you know what to expect next.

What’s next?

You’ve read through everything on this page and you want to learn more? Find additional resources here on how to ace a job interview with VA.

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The interview process

Understanding the interview process can help you better prepare and present your best self to interviewers.

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