I expected the first interview to be an introductory interview. Instead, it was a lengthy Zoom interview with a panel of about eight different city employees at once. A bit overwhelming, but the Bureau handled the process fairly well. They email you the interview questions 10 minutes before the interview.
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
1. Please describe your interest in this position. What makes you the most compelling
candidate?
2. Within the realm of communications, which are the things that you are best at, and
what are the areas where you see opportunities for growth?
3. Share one or two lessons about what makes effective strategic communication that you
learned in your most recent position. How, would those lessons translate to this
position?
4. Describe how you have centered equity in a communications strategy or how you would
develop a strategy centered on racial equity.
5. Do you have any questions for us?
I applied online. The process took 2 months. I interviewed at Portland Housing Bureau (Portland, OR) in Jan 2017
Interview
I did a phone interview with the department director and would have done an in person interview several days later if successful. Was supposed to be provided the interview questions prior to the interview, but that didn't happen.
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
•What do you know about this department and what we do?
•What means of communication do you use to communicate with team members? How do you stay in touch your team? Give an example.
•We’re big on equity and social justice. Please describe what equity means to you and how you administer equity.
•How do you communicate complex info to a general audience?
•Why do you want to work in housing?
•Why are you interested in this position?
•Tell me about your background & where you currently work.
•What kind of databases have you used and data analysis have you done?
•How have you handled a difficult customer. Give an example.
