the city of little rock: city of little rock human resources department 500 west markham, suite 130w...
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THE CITY OF LITTLE ROCK:
City of Little Rock
Human Resources Department
500 West Markham, Suite 130W Applications may be completed online at:
Little Rock, AR 72201-1428 http://www.lrjobs.net
501-371-4590 – office
501-371-4596 – fax
Purpose of Structured Interviews: The City of Little Rock utilizes the Structured Interview process as a way to objectively evaluate the experience & knowledge that applicants have as it relates to a specific position(s). Additionally, these interviews provide an opportunity to assess the applicant’s oral communication skills. The structured interview process is designed to ensure that each applicant is treated fairly and equitably. It assesses soft skills like leadership or interpersonal skills that can not be evaluated by traditional paper and pencil tests.
Format of Structured Interviews: The structured interviews that are conducted by the City of Little Rock will include both realistic scenarios as well as questions that pertain to your experiences and/or your views and opinions on certain things. Each applicant will receive the same set of interview questions that will be given in the same order. Your responses to these interview questions will then be measured against pre-determined standards or benchmarks.
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This guide is provided to help you prepare for your structured interview with the City of Little Rock. You should read the tips and sample questions provided and the sample questions in this guide to help you determine your area(s) of weakness. In addition, we strongly encourage you to use the public libraries, bookstores, and the Internet as sources to help you prepare for the interview and improve. However, the main strategy that you can use to have a successful interview is to prepare, prepare, and prepare some more.
There are two (2) main types of structured interviews that you will most likely encounter when applying for employment with the City of Little Rock:
1.Structured Interviews that are in front of a live panel of raters (e.g. Entry Police Officer)
2.Structured Interviews that are in front of a video camera (e.g. Entry Firefighter) with no raters present.
Panel Interviews will typically have three raters present while you answer your questions. The panel of raters will usually consist of personnel from the following City of Little Rock departments: Fire, Police and Non-Uniform Department managers or supervisors.
Video Interviews will only consist of you presenting your answers directly to a video camera. A panel of raters will then evaluate and score your interview by watching the video of your interview at a later date.
All Structured Interviews developed and conducted by the City of Little Rock have pre-determined rating criteria, i.e. scoring guides.
Example 1: Bank Teller
The following is an example of a structured interview for a bank teller, and the corresponding benchmarks used to evaluate the applicant response to the question.
Job Duty: A bank teller is responsible for interacting with customers to deliver and sell products and services.
Structured Interview Question: Being able to interact with customers positively is a necessary quality for a person in this position. Please describe your experience in which you were required to effectively interact with customers in person and on the telephone.
Benchmarks are the criteria used to rate the applicants response:
3 points EXCELLENT: Individual has the background to do this task with little or no guidance and
provides good examples of past customer service experience.
2 Points ACCEPTABLE: Individual has sufficient relevant training and/or experience to do this task at the level expected of someone beginning
work in this position. 1 Point POOR: Individual has little or no relevant
training and/or experience to do this task at the level expected at entry into this position.
Example 2: Recreation Manager
The following is an example of a structured interview for a recreation manager, and the corresponding benchmarks used to evaluate the applicant response to the question.
Job Duty: Work involves administering, evaluating and inspecting diversified recreation programs and facility operations, preparing and overseeing the division budget, and supervising subordinate personnel.
Structured Interview Question: Describe a time when your staff was really busy. How did you keep yourself and your staff motivated during that time?
Benchmarks (the criteria used to rate the applicants response):
3 points EXCELLENT: Individual implemented new strategies to keep high morale and the staff interested. The team
met their goals.
2 PointsACCEPTABLE: Individual made an attempt to motivate employees through verbal compliments.
1 Point POOR: Individual did nothing to motivate their employees and keep a high morale.
Know yourself . Be yourself . Be honest. Gather your thoughts and make notes before
giving your answer so it will be logically organized.
Remember your instructions outlining any time limits you have to prepare and present your answers.
Practice in front of a mirror, with a friend or even in front of a video camera. You will be surprised at what you see and hear!
Your interview is a conversation. Whether you are shy or extroverted, you can become more at ease with expressing yourself skillfully.
There is a huge difference between thoughts and speaking them aloud. Practice so you can easily translate your thoughts into verbal communication with others.
At family gatherings or when you are out with friends, have them ask you questions and critique your answers. This gives you the chance to improve your ability to “think on your feet”, respond coherently and to be more relaxed, more yourself.
Smile, Connect! BODY LANGUAGE SPEAKS
DO Arrive on time (15 minutes
early is better) Dress appropriately for a
job interview. Treat everyone you meet
well - your interview starts when you enter the front door.
Have a firm handshake Make good eye contact Use good and attentive
posture, i.e. sit up straight.
Don’t Be late Look disheveled or
unprofessional Look down or visually
disconnect during greeting. Slouch Put arms in a defensive
position Play with your hair, face or
other items such as pens or paper
Chew gum, candy etc.
Know when your interview is and where you need to be.
Pre-plan your route. Get directions and travel time to the facility ahead of time. Plan your departure time accordingly.
Make a plan that allows adequate time for a decent night’s sleep, time to get dressed, eat and still arrive 15 minutes early.
Would you like to take notes? Bring a neat folder/pad/pen to write with.
Do make sure to dress appropriately! It’s not a black tie affair, but even if THEY are casual, and many interviewers will be, you need to look professional.
The more prepared you are, the easier it is to be comfortable in this unique process and to be yourself.
Always be honest. After interviewing perhaps hundreds of candidates over the years, interviewers are adept at discerning sincerity, honesty and a true desire to become an employee of the City of Little Rock!
Good Luck!!!