LA County Department of Public Works Interview Questions
& Process

It was a long and drawn-out process, but ultimately worthwhile. I applied back in March 2016 and was one of about 5000 applicants. First, I took an online test, then a written test, and after that, I was banded. After being put on the eligibility list, several county departments started reaching out for interviews. I interviewed with 3 different departments before getting a second interview with my current department (DPW). Following that second interview with DPW, they told me they were recommending me to HR, which took HR over a month to complete. Once HR gave me the green light, they called me in for fingerprinting. The background check results came back in under two weeks, and I started working a week after that.

The hiring process is a bit long because it's a government job. You have a first interview, which is a test to put you on a candidate list. Then you have second interviews with the team you'd be working with. Both were fine. The first interview tests your knowledge in mechanical engineering areas the department works with, and the rest are behavioral. The second interview focused on my experience and how it matched the job description for the team. Everything went smoothly and quickly, and the engineers were nice, fair, and respectful. HR was helpful too. I turned down the offer since I was making more money elsewhere, and HR said the County doesn't negotiate higher pay for entry-level roles.

There were 3 interviews total. First was with HR for the department, then two with the division itself (one phone, one in person). After the HR interview, a score is given and you're added to a list for hiring divisions. The division I applied to then called for a phone interview, and if they liked me, I was invited for an in-person interview. The in-person interview was with 3 people and lasted about 15 minutes.

This role has 2 interview rounds. The first round is pretty easy and straightforward. After that, if you pass, you'll have to do a written exam. Finally, there's a last video interview.