Metropolitan Transportation Authority Analyst Interview Questions
& Process

The in-person interview had seven people, five in person and two on a video call. Interviews with MTA are typically very structured, not informal chats. While you're speaking, they're busy writing notes, which can throw you off your game. I got a lot of positive feedback, like I was 'exactly what they were looking for'. Still didn't get the job though. But the people were nice.

So, I had this interview, and the interviewers were just not ready, you know? They asked questions that were super vague and kind of old-school, so it was hard to tell what they were even looking for. It really felt like they didn't have the experience for a management type of role. It was a bummer because it made the company look bad in how they hire people.

I promised myself I'd share my hiring process since there wasn't much info when I looked for it. It's a long and nerve-wracking process. I applied in August 2015 and heard back from the department assistant in December 2015. The interview was scheduled for a week later. My interview was a new round robin style with about 40 candidates for multiple positions. Each candidate interviewed with 2 department staff, basically going over your resume. If they liked you, you did a writing test. If you passed, you waited for a second interview with department heads. A week later, I got a call for another round of interviews with people I'd work with directly, this was in January. I met with three people, and the questions were similar to the first rounds, but they asked my current salary and gave me more time for questions. By the end of the week, they called to offer me the job. They asked for an updated resume and references, and started calling references that day. In February, 3 weeks after the offer, HR called saying everything was approved and sent to them. HR emailed a large packet to fill out and return by the end of the week, mostly residence and work history. I spent another week correcting it because they are particular about exact dates and titles. Three weeks later, I got a call from the HR processing center to come in for processing (this was March 1st). The appointment was March 7th; I had to bring original documents, the final work history packet, and a $68 money order. Processing takes all day at 180 Livingston st. They review paperwork, make corrections, complete W2s and other documents, take your photo, and set your start date and orientation. After this, you give your current job notice, and MTA is flexible with your start date (I asked for 3 weeks). This position didn't require a physical or drug test, but many do. The analyst series pay is noteworthy; they offer 15% more than your current salary or the level you qualify for, whichever is lower. I start in April, and the first week is orientations and benefits. The whole process took 8 months from application to offer, 4 months from interview to hire date, and 3 months from offer to start date. Everyone was great; I recommend being yourself, prepared, and knowing how your experience relates to the position. I interviewed months prior for another department which was different: a board of three people asked situational and example questions, but they never let me know if I got the job or returned my calls.