State of South Carolina Interview Questions
& Process

If you apply for a job at DHEC, brace yourself for a long wait, like 2-4 months, because as the state's largest agency, they're not in any rush. I applied in early October 2015 and interviewed just before Halloween. About two weeks later, I had a second interview. Then I didn't hear back until January 2016. Honestly, after Thanksgiving, I was already leaning towards declining any offer. It makes you wonder what else takes them so long if hiring decisions are like this. I don't want to work for an organization that takes almost three months to decide. The interviews themselves felt really awkward. The first one was a panel, and maybe one person seemed okay; everyone else was clearly tense and didn't want to be there.

I applied in late August and got a call to set up an interview about a week later. About two weeks after applying, I had a brief panel interview. The interviewers were really nice and welcoming. As a former interviewer, I'd say it was a great panel with great questions that really let the interviewee shine. An hour after the interview, one of my references called me to get a clear picture of who I am. My current supervisor was busy the next day and they couldn't reach her, so they contacted me for another supervisor's number. I was surprised by their extra effort and really appreciated it. Now I'm waiting to see if I'll get a second interview or an offer. I'm excited and hopeful about landing this great opportunity with the state and working with those wonderful employees!

I first applied for the role on the SC State Government website and was contacted by phone about my first interview within a week of submitting my resume. My first interview was a panel with six other people from various positions and the board. Each person asked me a behavioral question. The second interview was a 15-minute presentation with slides on a topic I chose, also a panel with five people who asked questions about my presentation. The third interview was more casual, a meet and greet with the Director of the Employee Insurance Program, my potential manager, and the person leaving the role. Some questions were asked, and previous interview items were clarified. I really liked the interview process and how it was conducted, connecting with many different people. The employees were nice, respectful, and answered my questions, making me feel welcome.

It was a group interview along with a written test. The written test was about how I would investigate a child welfare check given a history of domestic violence exposure. The scenario was sprung on me and I wasn't able to prep for it. It wasn't in the invitation. It felt really intimidating and hard. I didn't get a callback for a second interview and wasn't told I didn't get the job, so I figured I didn't get it.