A career in policy can be a highly rewarding, but challenging. During a policy job interview, you’ll be competing against other highly qualified candidates. Therefore, it is crucial you make a strong impression.
Above all else, preparation is key. Preparing for common interview questions will help you feel more confident.
So, what are some common policy interview questions and how do you answer them?
Why do you want to work in policy?
Interviewers want to see you are passionate about the industry and delivering positive outcomes.
Why do you want to work here?
Interviewers want to see that you are passionate about their company. Answering this question requires some research. Check out the company’s website and social media. What is their vision and mission? What is the organisation’s goals?
What technology or software did you use in your last role?
Roles in policy often require the use of various technologies. Interviewers want to see that you understand different forms of technology.
What are the most important qualities of a policy professional?
Interviewers want to see that you understand what is required for the role. Answering this question requires some preparation. Review the job description and consider what you believe the most important skills for the role are.
What steps do you take when analysing policies?
Interviewers ask this question to determine if you have the necessary experience. When answering, provide an example of a policy you have recently analysed
What omissions have you found when reviewing policies?
Attention to detail is a critical skill for those working in policy. Therefore, interviewers ask this question to test your attention to detail.
What’s the greatest challenge you think you will encounter in this position?
If you work in policy, you will encounter many challenges, requiring innovative solutions. Interviewers ask this question to assess your problem-solving skills.
How do you stay current on regulation changes?
Staying up to date with legislative changes is essential in policy roles. Interviewers want to know how you ensure you remain informed.
How do you assess the success of a policy?
Those working in policy must understand how to measure the success of a policy. In your answer, describe the method you use to assess whether a policy has been successful.
What strategies do you have for communicating complex information?
Being able to research and understand complex topics is a critical skill in policy.
How do you manage tight deadlines?
In policy you will be required to work on multiple projects at once often with tight deadlines. Interviewers ask this question to assess your time management skills and how you handle yourself under pressure.
Tell me about a time you made a mistake at work
Interviewers ask this question as they want to see if you are accountable for your mistakes. They also want to see if you can learn from your mistakes. To answer this question, think about a time you made a mistake at work. Consider the steps you took to resolve the issue and what you learned from the experience.
What steps would you take to get started on a large project?
Working in policy you will often be required to undertake complex research projects. Interviewers ask this question to assess your time-management skills and understand the process you follow for completing major assignments.
Policy interviews can be challenging. However, with preparation and self-reflection, you can give yourself the best chance of success.
Are you looking for a career in policy? Public Service Resumes can help. We offer various services including policy interview coaching.
Article References
Indeed (8 February 2025) ‘34 Interview Questions for Policy Analyst Job Candidates’, Indeed, accessed 17 February 2025.
Indeed (16 August 2024) ‘36 Policy Analyst Interview Questions (With Sample Answers)’, Indeed, accessed 17 February 2025.