Interview Information

woman interviewing

Interview FAQs - General Information

What positions can I apply for with the NYS Courts?

Which positions require interviews?

What is the process for hiring and promotions?

How do I get selected for an interview?

What are the minimum qualifications for the position?

What to expect at an interview?

How are interview questions developed?

What are interview panels?

What questions will I be asked during the interview?

How are candidates rated during the interview?

 

Competitive Positions & Interviews

What is the hiring process for competitive titles? If I take a civil service exam, will I also have to be interviewed?

What is the 1 in 3 Rule?

 

ANSWERS TO FAQ QUESTIONS

 

What positions can I apply for with the NYS Courts?

Available positions and application information are advertised on the Careers webpage under Current Opportunities.  

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Which positions require interviews?

Non-Competitive Positions: Hiring for non-competitive positions is based on job qualifications assessed through the interview process.

Competitive Positions: Hiring for competitive positions is through the civil service examination process. Eligible candidates who pass the examination are interviewed for the competitive position (see Competitive Positions – Hiring, 1 in 3 Rule).  back to top

 

What is the process for hiring and promotions?

Step 1: Hiring is approved for a vacated position or newly created job

Step 2: Job description, responsibilities and minimum requirements are developed for the job posting (see Sample Job Posting)

Step 3: Job is posted on Careers website (Current Opportunities) with application information including application deadline

Step 4: Resumes are collected

Step 5: Interview panel is assembled

Step 6: Resumes are reviewed for minimum qualifications

Step 7: Best qualified candidates are selected by the interview panel for a job interview

Step 8: Candidates are scheduled for interviews

Step 9: Candidates are interviewed by the interview panel using structured interview questions and ratings

Step 10: Interview panel selects top rated candidate for the position

Step 11: Candidates are notified

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How do I get selected for an interview?


Minimum qualifications, specific job requirements and application deadlines are listed on the job postings (see Current Opportunities for job openings). A panel reviews resumes and selects candidates with job-related experience to interview. Candidates selected to be interviewed will be notified via email or telephone. (For tips on creating effective resumes and cover letters, go to FAQs - Resumes.)back to top

 

 

What are the minimum qualifications for the position?

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Minimum qualifications for the position are listed on job postings (see Current Opportunities for job openings).

 

 

What to expect at an interview?
Interviews are conducted by an interview panel. During the interview, panel members ask the interviewee to review his/her resume and to respond to a series of job-related behavioral and situational interview questions using standardized structured interview forms and ratings. Panel members rate candidates on their responses to the questions and then agree on a consensus rating for each candidate. back to top

 

 

How are interview questions developed?
Interview questions are developed by a group of experts with knowledge of the position and title.

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What are interview panels?
Interviews are conducted by a panel of interviewers from the courts. The interview panel consists of 3 to 5 diverse members of the court community with expertise in the field and in-depth knowledge of the position and job role. The interview panels are reviewed and approved by the appointing authority.  

5-Member Formal Panels - Formal panels are used to interview for titles JG-25 or above or for positions with significant supervisory responsibilities.

3-Member Informal Panels - Informal panels are used to interview for title JG-24 or below.back to top

 

 

What questions will I be asked during the interview?
During the interview, panel members use job-related behavioral and situational-based structured interview questions. The same interview questions are asked of all interviewees.

 

Typical interview questions:

Resume/Job Experience: Interviewees are asked to review their education and job experience as it relates to the position.

Behavioral Interview Questions: Behavioral interview questions require interviewees to discuss past experiences and how they behaved and reacted to those experiences.

Example: Describe a time you had to make a critical decision at work. What was the issue? How did you arrive at your decision?

Example: Describe a time when you disagreed with your supervisor's decision? Why? How did you react?

Situational Interview Questions: Situational interview questions require interviewees to explain and provide examples of how they would handle or react to job-related situations or issues.

Example: A court user complained about the quality of service provided by your team. What would you tell the court user? How would you resolve the situation?

Example: You have competing deadlines to complete two important projects for work. You are not able to meet the two deadlines. How would you handle the situation?

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How are candidates rated during the interview?
Interview panel members use standardized rating scales to rate candidates' responses to the interview questions on multiple job-related dimensions and candidates' overall qualifications for the position. Panel members then review individual ratings and provide a consensus rating for each candidate. The panel ratings are reviewed by the appointing authority.

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FAQs - Competitive Exams

 

What is the hiring process for competitive titles? If I take a civil service exam, will I have to be interviewed?

Step 1: Candidates who pass a competitive exam and meet the minimum qualifications of the position are placed on an eligible list based on their final test performance score in rank order. Final test performance scores are adjusted by applicable veterans and/or seniority credits.

Step 2: Eligible candidates are contacted for an interview (or further processing for the Court Officer-Trainee title) in rank order when their preferred work locations become available.

Step 3: Interview selection process for competitive examinations follows Rules of the Chief Judge Part 25 allowing a panel of court managers to appoint one of the top three scoring candidates form the Eligible List.

 

What is the 1 in 3 Rule?

To be reachable, candidate must be in the top three (based on exam score) of those willing to accept the appointment to a position in a specific work location.

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