NYC Department of Youth & Community Development Interview Questions
& Process

The interview was friendly and smooth. It was a group interview with three interviewers for the role. The interview lasted 30 minutes and covered both soft and hard skills. Just remember to let the front desk receptionist know you're there for an interview. I learned a lot in this role.

I applied online for the city and got a call to schedule an interview pretty quickly. The first interview was with the Director of CAFD Payments and it was mostly behavioral questions. Then, two days later, I had my second interview with the Assistant Commissioner of CAFD. This one also had a lot of behavioral questions, plus some tests on my knowledge about the agency and its services, and questions to see if I'd be a good fit. Definitely research the agency and how it fits into the broader city services picture before you go in.

There was a one-on-one interview with the Director of Program and possibly a Deputy Director. It was pretty relaxed and friendly. Usually, some time was spent discussing the Unit or Department – what it does, its size, hierarchy, how people interact, staff meetings, and collaboration methods. You might be asked to share your experience, including if you've worked in the non-profit sector. They're interested in your knowledge of after-school or community programs, your experience managing people and your management style, and examples of your analytical work. You might also be asked about prior program evaluation experience and your communication effectiveness, with requests for evidence or examples. Depending on the interviewer, a fun question like 'what's your favorite superhero and why' could come up. If you have direct client experience, like with youth or community members receiving services, you might be a good fit for a Program Manager role at DYCD. They value public sector or non-profit experience.

I sent in my application and got an email back about two weeks later. First, I had to do an assignment they sent me. After I passed that, they set up an interview with me. It was a panel interview with three interviewers. By the end of that week, they asked for my references. The following week, they extended an offer and I accepted it.