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This is a resource page for college and high school students for job application assistance such resume and interview tips. You can also watch our "How to Apply" videos to help you prepare to apply for jobs & internships at the City.
Job Application Assistance
Our Human Resources staff have created helpful resources for job seekers and new applicants navigate applying for jobs & internships at the city of Portland.
Participants will gain an understanding of the City of Portland's online application process and types of employment, how to create an account on our online Applicant Tracking System, review job announcements, and review and submit application materials and interview information.
- Watch our "How to Apply" videos here to learn about the application process before you apply.
- Register to attend a virtual or in-person "How to Apply" workshop led by an HR recruiter here
STAR Technique
The Star Technique is designed to be used during a job interview or your answers to supplemental questions on the application. The STAR technique can be helpful in answering Behavioral Interview Questions (Give me an example, describe a situation, etc.). These questions are best answered by telling a story, and the STAR method will help you give a brief but precise answer. Below is a PDF to help you use the Star Method during an interview, networking, or answering job application questions.
Interview Prep Cheat Sheet
Practice Interview Questions
A good interviewer will ask thought-provoking and reflective questions, which allow both the interviewer and the candidate to obtain the information they need to make an excellent employment decision. Your goal as an interviewee is to share specific and relevant stories with sufficient detail to paint a mental picture of yourself as a leader, team member, problem-solver, analytical thinker, etc.
Take an opportunity to review these sample questions and practice answering them with a friend or colleague:
Questions about yourself
These questions gauge your personal interest and awareness of the opportunity you have applied for. Do research on the bureau or departments mission, vision, values, goals, products, and services. This is a great opportunity to talk about your skills, background, education, and/or experience. Helpful tip: Use your resume as a reference to provide a 30-second to 1-minute "elevator speech."
- Why should we hire you? How will you add value to this position?
- Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
- Why are you interested in working for this company?
- What do you know about this position?
- What do you expect from this experience?
- How would someone you've worked for or with describe your strengths? What areas would they say need improvement?
Customer Service questions
- Please tell me about a time when you had to assist someone who was dissatisfied. What did you do to resolve the situation?
- Tell me about a time when you went out of your way to assist someone or a customer.
Time management questions
- Describe how you effectively balance your daily workload and other activities you may have going simultaneously?
- Tell me about a time when you dealt with conflicting priorities?
- What do you consider your most significant personal, work-related, or school-related accomplishment, and what steps did you take to achieve it?
Problem Solving questions
- Tell me about a problem you had to solve within the context of a work-related or school project. What steps did you take to gather facts for the project, analyze the information you received, and then how did you use it to decide on a course of action?
- Describe a challenging (or stressful) situation you've experienced and show how you dealt with it. How do you manage stress?
- Tell me about a time when you solved a problem for an employer. How did you approach the problem?
- Tell me about a time when something unexpected happened and how you responded?
Teamwork questions
- Describe your most successful effort in promoting teamwork within a group and how you motivated others to action?
- When a team is working under the pressure of deadlines, personality conflicts may rise to the surface.
- How do you work with others in stressful circumstances?
Leadership questions
- Describe a situation in which you've shown a great deal of initiative or took the lead in a group project and/or task?
- Tell me how you've demonstrated leadership at school, work, or in an organization.
- Who is your favorite leader, and why?
Preparing for a informational interview
When meeting someone or getting an internship in a career field that interests you, you should have a list of questions to ask to gain knowledge to help you determine if this career is a right fit for you. Furthermore, remember the old saying, "Treat every meeting like a job interview." Asking inquisitive questions helps distinguish you from other candidates. Furthermore, during an interview, you will usually be allowed to ask the interviewer questions. This is an excellent opportunity to show that you have done your research about the company.
- What Training or education is required for this type of job?
- How do you be successful in the type of job you have?
- How is a typical day in your job?
- How to get an entry-level job in your career field?
- What is your favorite part of your job, and what is the most difficult?
- How is your company trying to stand out in the market and compete?
- What are the values your company or organization is built around?