SSA logo

SSA Interview Questions
& Process

Real candidates share what happened, how many rounds they had,
and how the experience turned out.

Based on 13 interview experiences · FREE TO READ

1.5 Rounds average
Average Typical difficulty
69.2% Positive experience

Which role are you interviewing for?

4 roles · 13 reports

Candidate interview experiences

First-hand accounts from people who interviewed at SSA.

Showing 4 of 13
SSA logo
SSA

Office Assistant

Operations · more than a year ago

Entry Average Negative experience No offer 2 rounds
Interview process
Recruiter call Panel Background check Offer
Interview formats
Behavioral Presentation

It was pretty moderate overall. A panel of three interviewers asked me questions about the job and how my background fit. They gave me some time to prep my answers before I spoke.

Confirmed questions4 questions
  • Can you share your work experience with us?
  • What experience do you have that relates to this role?
  • How does your background connect to the requirements of this position?
SSA logo
SSA

Social Insurance Specialist

Operations · more than a year ago

Entry Average Positive experience No offer 2 rounds
Interview process
Recruiter call Phone screen Background check Offer
Interview formats
Behavioral Presentation

I applied online through USAjobs.com and got a call about 2 months later for an interview. They offered a phone interview right away, even though I live out of state. The interview was with 2 managers from different field offices and it was still on even though there was a snowstorm. They started by going over the benefits and job details. The interview lasted about 2 hours, with 4-5 questions and a role-play about dealing with a client. After that, I waited in the hallway while they discussed my answers. Then they asked me why I want the job, and they wanted a spontaneous answer. After I answered, I was sent to get fingerprinted, and they said someone would contact me either way. Some of my references were contacted the same day.

Confirmed questions1 question
  • Tell me about a challenging customer interaction you've experienced. What was your approach, what actions did you take, and what was the final result?
SSA logo
SSA

Claims Processor

Operations

Mid Easy Neutral experience No offer 1 round
Interview process
Recruiter call Onsite Offer
Interview formats
Behavioral Technical Case

I met with the hiring manager, visiting manager, and office manager all together in an office. They introduced themselves and their jobs. All three asked me questions. The hiring manager got a bit intense at one point, which I think was to see how I'd react if a client was being difficult.

Confirmed questions6 questions
  • Tell me about a time you dealt with a demanding client.
  • How would you approach a situation with a difficult client?
  • What are the steps involved in processing a complicated claim?
SSA logo
SSA

Attorney Advisor

Legal

Mid Average Neutral experience Accept offer 1 round
Interview process
Recruiter call Phone screen Panel
Interview formats
Behavioral Other

Standard phone interview with a 3-person panel that included an Administrative Law Judge and another attorney. Each person on the panel read scripted questions. Just a heads up, there are long pauses between your answers and when they ask the next question.

Confirmed questions1 question
  • What is your motivation for seeking employment at the Social Security Administration?

SSA Interview Questions

Quoted word for word from SSA interview reports.

What are the steps involved in processing a complicated claim?

Read reports

What actions would you take if you thought a claim was fraudulent?

Read reports

How do you manage your workload when you have many claims with different due dates?

Read report

Can you explain your understanding of confidentiality?

Read report

Given that people in this office are very quiet and disengaged, what strategies would you implement to foster a more interactive and engaging atmosphere?

Read report

What is your motivation for seeking employment at the Social Security Administration?

Read report

Formats, difficulty and experience

Across all 13 SSA interview reports.

Interview formats

Behavioral 56.5%
Other 13%
Technical 8.7%
Presentation 8.7%
Case 8.7%

Interview difficulty

Easy 7.7%
Average 69.2%
Difficult 23.1%

Candidate experience

Neutral 23.1%
Positive 69.2%
Negative 7.7%

Reports by job function

Operations 7
Other 2
Engineering 1
Legal 1
HR 1
Sales 1