Interview support
The interview process can be nerve-wracking for any position. Luckily, practice makes perfect!
Common interview questions you might encounter
Every interviewer and organization is different but here are some common questions they could ask you based on your skills, education and experience.
- Tell me about yourself.
- What do you know about the type of work we do? – This is your chance to share what you know from the research!
- What is your weakness? Always make this a positive answer. For example, “My spelling is not always perfect, so I always use spell check.”
- What are your strengths? Describe your skills in a way that will show you as a desirable employee for the company.
- Why did you leave your last job? Answer with a positive statement. Try to say: “new job,” “contract ended,” or “seasonal.”
Tip
No matter what job you’re applying for, talk about your passion for the outdoors in your interview! Employers will see your interest shine through.
Industry-specific questions
Your employer will likely ask you questions about the specific field in which you have gained experience and skills. Here are some examples of questions they might ask:
- How do you stay updated on forestry regulations and best practices?
- Can you discuss your familiarity with water quality monitoring and remediation techniques?
- If your supervisor was asking you to complete a task that didn’t feel safe to you, what would you do?
- How do you approach wildlife population management in areas affected by human activities?
- Describe a challenging fieldwork situation you encountered and how you resolved it.
- What strategies do you advocate for promoting sustainable use and conservation of natural resources?
- It’s a few minutes before the end of the workday and you’re almost done with a task when you notice the tool you are using is no longer sharpened/working correctly. What would you do?
Culture questions
As a job seeker, it’s important for you to feel comfortable in the environment that you work in. Here are some examples of questions to ask if DEI (Diversity, Equity and Inclusion) is a priority for you.
- Does your agency have a DEI statement or policy?
- What goals does the agency/organization have related to DEI work?
- What is your agency/organization’s approach to hiring and retaining a diverse team?
- What steps has your agency/organization taken to create an inclusive environment?
- In what area does your agency/organization need to improve the most?
Need more prep? Learn a few interview tips from the US Forest Service.