 Prepare an initial review of pertinent documents (such as MOA and MOU)

that requires appropriate action of the Director of Legal Affairs for its validity,
completeness and conformance with the applicable rules, regulations, policies
and procedures.

 Collect, examine, and organize data, information and other legal documents

for review and case preparation.

 Draft and proofread correspondence and legal documents such as pleading

and contracts

 Research regulations, laws, and legal articles to assist with the preparation

of reports case files, and legal advice.

 Manage, organize, and maintain documents in paper or electronic filing

systems.

Provide general administrative assistance, such as maintaining the Director

for Legal Affairs’ calendar, making travel arrangements, scheduling meetings,
interviews and other activities

WHAT IS ORGANIZATIONAL LEADERSHIP?

Leadership is the ability to implement change by creating and communicating a
vision to others. Organizational leadership is the qualities and skills required to
run a company or one of its divisions. It’s greater in scale and scope than many
other forms of leadership.

“Scale refers to the sheer size and magnitude of what you’re leading,” says
Harvard Business School Professor Anthony Mayo in the online
course Organizational Leadership, “how many people; how large a budget; and
how many teams, locations, and operations you oversee. Scope refers to the
range and diversity of what you’re responsible for—the range and diversity of the
people, teams, business lines, locations, operations, and facilities you’re
leading.”
Although leadership doesn't inherently require business acumen, it’s helpful for
organizational leaders to have, so they can guide their organizations, drive
innovation, and manage organizational change.

Organizational leaders must consider what’s happening outside and inside their
businesses. They often don’t directly interact with everyone they lead—engaging
in what’s known as capital “L” leadership.

The Capital "L" in Leadership

Many senior-level leaders hold capital "L" leadership roles. According

to Organizational Leadership, those leaders no longer have direct contact with
everyone in their organizations and must:

 Inspire and motivate their employees

 Lead their organizations into the future
 Anticipate and respond to internal and external threats
 Pursue opportunities that range from money makers to risky bets
 Handle crises quickly and assuredly
As your duties increase as a leader—overseeing or guiding those you don’t
directly supervise—it's essential to learn how to communicate effectively and
execute tasks. This is particularly important when considering the differences
between organizational leadership and traditional management.

Organizational Leadership vs. Traditional Management

Leadership and management differ in several ways. At an organizational level,

the two are highly intertwined but have three primary differences.

 Proximity to the team: Managers work closely with the individuals they

oversee, whereas organizational leaders don't always have direct
contact with those they lead.
 Scale: Like leadership, management is a broad term that can be big or
small in scale, whereas organizational leadership involves managing
larger populations.
 Role: Managers are hired for specific roles; organizational leaders
oversee managers and ensure their companies’ visions are reflected in
how they guide and align teams.

General government job interview questions

The following list includes generalized questions that could be asked of you in
relation to your personal life:

 How was the drive?

 Tell me about yourself.
 Where are you from?
 What are your three greatest strengths?
 What are your three greatest weaknesses?
 Where do you see yourself in five years' time?
 What do you consider to be your greatest accomplishment?
 What are you passionate about?
 What is your biggest regret?
 Would you rather work alone or with others?
 If you could have dinner with any historical figure, who would it be
and why?
 What is the last book you read?

Why do you want to work in government?

"I've always believed that service-related work is the most rewarding. Knowing that my job is
part of a larger initiative to maintain and improve public life keeps me motivated."

Why do you want to work in government?

This question is designed to gauge the root of your willingness to work

within the government. An employer wants to understand why you want
to work for the government specifically, as opposed to other areas of
society. You should avoid answers related to pay, benefits or time off, and
instead center your answer around the foundational reason for
government.

Example: "I've always believed that service-related work is the most

rewarding. Knowing that my job is part of a larger initiative to maintain and
improve public life keeps me motivated."
Related: How to Use The STAR Interview Response Technique

What interested you in our agency?

By asking this question, an employer is trying to learn more about what

you value in a job and its work environment. You should avoid answers
related to pay or perks. This question is also used to gauge what you
know about the government agency you are interviewing with.

Example: "I've always been drawn to opportunities that allow me to serve

other people. I became interested in your agency after being inspired by your
agency's motto—'To provide joy and opportunities for learning to all ages'—
and I've seen how the different community programs offered by parks and
recreation have positively impacted the citizens of Louden County."

Related: 18 Types Of Federal Government Jobs (Including Benefits)

How would you describe the role of our agency within the
government to a member of the general public?

This question is designed to see what you know about the agency and its
responsibilities, but it is also designed to gauge how well you would
interact with citizens as a government employee.

Example: "Our government agency is devoted to serving the citizens of

Louden County by planning and overseeing fun and educational events, such
as the trail-walking club, Christmas festival and historic figure talks at the
pavilion in Whitetail Park. Our agency is also responsible for making sure that
our city's parks remain in pristine condition to be enjoyed by all."

Related: 15 Highest Paying Government Jobs

Are you comfortable with the responsibilities that would be expected

of you?
An interviewer asks this question not only to see how comfortable you
are with the role but also to see how in-depth you have researched the
position and its responsibilities. Your answer should demonstrate that
you understand the specific title and its required job duties.

Example: "I feel very confident that I have the necessary skills and
qualifications to fulfill this job position. I am well-versed in government
policies, have 10 years of experience in customer-oriented positions and have
been commended in my community outreach programs."

Related: 10 Government Job Interview Tips for Success

This role involves a lot of interaction with concerned citizens. Is that

something you can see yourself doing on a daily basis?

This question is designed to evaluate your readiness to work in a citizen-

oriented position. Your answer should be positive and detailed,
explaining why you could see yourself in this kind of role.

Example: "I've always been a people person. It's one of the aspects of

government that I find most appealing. As I have held multiple customer
service positions in previous jobs, I have developed a set of skills that are
specific to communicating with customers to find the best solutions while
keeping them calm and making sure they feel valued."

Related: What To Expect From the Federal Government Hiring

Process After Your Interview

What changes would you make to our agency and why?

This question is used by an interviewer to learn more about what you

know of their agency. This is also an opportunity for you to demonstrate
your creativity and possible leadership qualities. Your answer should
reflect a positive outlook on the agency and avoid any type of criticism
towards the agency or its employees.
Example: "I would want to expand the reach of your Christmas festival. I
read about the revenue that is acquired each year, and I believe we could
circulate a portion of that revenue back into the festival's funding. We could
lengthen the timeline of the festival from the week before Christmas Day to
two weeks before with the festival concluding on Christmas Eve. We could also
amp up the marketing plan for the festival to spread awareness to
neighboring counties."

1. Why did you apply for this role?

Employers ask this question to learn more about your intentions for their civil
service role. This question helps them tell whether you are getting into this type of
career for the right reasons. Prior to your interview, make an effort to reflect on
your goals for a career in government. Do a little research to find out the goals and
mission of the agency and how you can align your own goals with it.

Example: "I applied for this role because I enjoy helping others. Ever since I was an
undergraduate student, I knew I wanted to dedicate my career to the greater good.
Working for this government agency would give me the opportunity to help the
homeless population get connected to the resources they need. I feel like my
communication skills and commitment to civil service make me the right fit for this
role."

2. Are you good at sharing difficult news?

When working as a civil service employee, it's not always possible to please
everyone. Sometimes you need to break bad news about things like budget cuts or
policy changes. Employers ask this question to make sure you have the necessary
communication skills for their role. Use your answer to show you can clearly
convey your ideas and handle challenging situations.

Example: "When I worked as a public defender, I was always sharing difficult news

with my clients. I have grown quite used to this and have found that my
communication skills make the process much easier. By clearly explaining a situation to
someone and offering them a few solutions, I find that I can soften any difficult news I
share."

3. Are you skilled at implementing new systems?

This question helps employers decide if you are a quick learner. Government
agencies periodically implement new systems to make things more efficient.
Explain that you can adapt to new technologies and catch onto things quickly.

Example: "I would definitely consider myself as someone who is open to change. I am

quite good at implementing new systems and technologies. As a very curious person, I
am eager to learn better ways of working."

Related: 21 Job Interview Tips: How To Make a Great Impression

4. Can you manage multiple projects at once?

Due to limited funding and other barriers, those in government positions tend to
juggle a lot of different responsibilities. Employers ask this question to see how
you can prioritize your work. Explain how you stay organized, making it clear you
have the capacity to take on challenges.

Example: "Yes, I am quite used to having multiple tasks going on at once. I find the
best way to manage numerous tasks is by keeping an organized planner. At the start
and end of each workday, I reassess everything I need to do. I tackle projects in the
order of importance. I find this system works quite well for me."

5. Tell me about a time you had to work with a challenging coworker.

When working for a government agency, you're going to interact with all kinds of
people. Employers ask this question to ensure you have the interpersonal skills to
overcome any challenges with others. In your answer, use the STAR method to
explain a situation with a challenging coworker. Frame the situation, explain the
tasks, describe your action and then discuss the results.

Example: "When I worked for the department of natural resources, I was assigned to

short-term project with three other people. Our job was to implement an awareness
campaign that taught the public about the dangers of climate change. While I was
excited to do this task, my one colleague was not. She constantly complained about
every step of the process.

To remediate the situation, I asked to talk to her in private. I politely let her know that
her poor attitude was bringing down the rest of the team. I offered to take over her
portion of the project if she wanted to do something else. She said, no and that she
would do better. Her attitude instantly improved, and we ended up having a successful
campaign."

6. How would you help an under-performing colleague?

When applying to a civil service job that requires some leadership skills, employers
may ask this question to see how you'll help your team succeed. Use your answer
to explain how you would identify there is a problem. Go over the steps you would
take to help someone get back on track.

Example: "The first thing I would do is help them realize what areas they are
struggling in. I find that a performance review is a great time to go over areas for
improvement. I would use this meeting to help my colleague set new goals. After the
meeting, I would reassess their performance and have a follow-up meeting to discuss
what they are doing well and what they can continue to work on. I find that regular
feedback and praise can help someone get motivated again."

Related: How To Prepare for an Interview

7. Tell me about a time you implemented a change

When working in a civil service role, you're constantly thinking of ways to make
things better for your community. Employers ask this question to see if you have
relevant experience. This is a great question to use the STAR method, explaining
how you contributed to a specific situation and what the end results were.

Example: "In my last role, I helped the human resources department rewrite their
harassment policy. I wanted to ensure this policy followed the law, which is why I
consulted with a lawyer to go over the language. My team was happy that I verified we
were doing good work."

8. How do you avoid conflicts of interest?

While you want to avoid conflicts of interest at any job, this is especially true for
government employees. An interviewer may ask this question to learn how you act
with integrity and honesty. Use your answer to explain you will keep up on any
policies or regulations.
Example: "I avoid these situations by always striving for what's best for the agency
and community rather than what's best for me. I also make sure to carefully follow any
policies or regulations that my department has."

9. Tell me about a time when your ethics were challenged.

Employers ask this question to make sure you are always making ethical decisions.
Use the STAR method to explain a challenging situation you overcame. You want to
show that you'll always do what's right, even if it is the more difficult choice.

Example: "One time, I was working with a colleague who often came into work late.
After our manager yelled at them three times, she gave this employee their final
warning. One day, the employee was three hours late for work. They asked me to cover
for them with a lie. I politely told them that it is not my role to be deceitful for them.
They were let go the next day. I felt bad, but it was necessary for our department to
look for someone who is more punctual."

10. Are you someone who over-delivers?

Employers might ask this question to learn more about your work ethic. If they are
looking for an overachiever, it is a good idea to explain how you are always willing
to contribute as much as possible.

Example: "Absolutely. I am someone who strives for success, which is why I think it is

so important to over-deliver. It's my goal to "wow" my team and make a real difference.
By working extra hard, I can achieve great things for myself and those I work with."

11. Are you comfortable with giving presentations?

Depending on your role, you may need to give presentations in front of your team
or a group of community members. Employers ask this question to make sure you
have effective public speaking skills. Use your answer to share a previous public
speaking experience that went well.

Example: "Yes. I actually have quite a bit of experience with public speaking. At my last
job, I was responsible for leading our department meeting. I was eager to volunteer for
this role because I knew my colleagues would be happier not doing it. I find that I can
capture a crowd's attention and clearly convey important ideas and information."

12. How do you handle mistakes?

While mistakes can happen, it's important that you are actively looking for ways to
fix them. Since many civil service jobs impact others, employers ask this question
to learn how you problem-solve after making a mistake. Make it evident that you
are proactive and careful. Also, share how you strive to grow from any mistake you
make.

Example: "Due to the nature of this job, I would try my best to be careful not to make
any mistakes in the first place. If I let something slip by, I would address the situation
immediately and take responsibility for my errors. I would use my solutions-based way
of thinking to figure out how to overcome the problem. After I have everything in
working order, I would take a moment to reflect on my mistake and grow from it."

13. Where do you see yourself in five years?

Employers might ask this question to see if you envision yourself in a government
role years from now. It helps them decide if you are committed to this kind of role.
Use your answer to explain how you hope to move forward in this kind of career.

Example: "While I am excited to become a public health associate at this stage in my

career, I hope that I am in some kind of leadership role five years from now. I envision
myself always working in public health, but by then, I hope to be a department
manager or supervisor. I think that right now I should focus on developing my skill set
and experience in this sector. As time goes on, I hope I can prove I am ready for
additional responsibilities."

14. Do you have any questions for me?

At the end of your interview, the hiring manager is likely to ask if you have any
questions for them. This is a useful way for them to gauge how interested you are
in the position. Have at least two or three questions prepared. Make sure the
hiring manager hasn't addressed these topics yet.

Example: "I have two things I would like you to clarify. My first question is, who do I
report to? My second question is, will my job duties change over time?"