Texas Dept of Agriculture Interview Questions
& Process

So the interview process involved a job test first, and then a panel interview. A big part of it was this prompt where I had to design a presentation based on some field findings. They gave me most of the interview time to figure out a good design for the presentation, and then I had to present it, followed by some Q&A.

The interview process was quite lengthy and involved multiple stages. First, there was a case study where applicants had one hour to review a case, prepare a presentation, and then deliver it in person. Candidates who successfully completed this initial stage were then invited for a second interview, which, despite being in-person, was conducted virtually. In this round, we were given seven questions to answer within an hour. These questions were multifaceted and rather challenging, and we were not permitted to ask clarifying questions. As this is a government position, it's advisable to thoroughly review the position description.

So first you gotta find parking, it was $3 at a meter. Then you check in with your ID and head up to the 11th floor. They lead you through this maze of cubicles to a room with a computer. For this gig, they give you an hour to whip up a presentation in PowerPoint and Word, using internet stuff too, about your idea for running the National School Lunch Campaign. (I bet they get some good ideas from these presentations 'cause they save 'em there even if they don't hire you.) You give the presentation sitting down, and then they hit you with the 'how would you handle this situation' questions. Those answers seem to be the big deal (two ladies asked me). They actually write down what they think your answer is. After that, you get to ask them stuff about the job. The whole thing took about two hours, which is crazy long for an interview. I guess you have to ask for water or a bathroom break! I was the last one they interviewed that week. They posted the job again right after me. I'm not sure what they're looking for, I've been in Corporate Marketing for years.

I sent in an application for a state agency job and an administrator from the department got in touch via phone and email. Because I wasn't in the state yet, the administrator helped me get Skype for Business set up and told me what to expect in the interview. We did a test run of the Skype video and audio the day before my interview. On the interview day, I got an email with materials for a one-hour skills test. After that, there was a 1.5-hour interview where I had to give a 10-minute oral presentation about my skills test submission. Then, they asked about 12 standard agency questions, like a formal interview. They also asked if I had any questions for them.