Recently one of our Knowledge Network members asked us what current local government leaders were looking for in the next generation of city managers and local government personnel.  Who will they want to hire?  What skills and experience are they looking for?  If you’ve finished your MPA, landed your internship, and wondering what the next step is, brush up on your knowledge about interviews.  ICMA has published some fantastic tips, tricks, and ‘how to’s’ for interviewing your future employees as well as being in the hot seat. 

I’ve pulled my top 5 most important reminders from ICMA’s issue of Career Compass: The Art of the Interview.  Read up for 13 great tips in total to enhance your interview skills or to simply skim before you start researching and preparing for your next big gig. 

1. Find your fit – Why would it make sense for you to work there?  Know the answer to their ‘why’ question before you walk through the door.  What skills and previous experiences make you fit for their position.  Remember to mention what you hope to learn from this position and how it fits into your future career goals.  

2. Authenticity – If the ‘real’ you wants to be hired, make sure you bring that version of yourself to your interview!  Being someone your not will not land you the right job.  Your happiness at work will influence your productivity, your development, and your growth as a person!

3. Ask a Few Questions yourself – Ask questions that will give you clues to understanding their workplace environment.  Give your interviewer a chance to talk about their experience and their day to day, nine to five.  When you pro/con your options, imagine yourself working with that person and in their environment.  

4. Debrief – To better evaluate what you said wrong and what you said right, write down all of your interviewer’s questions and your answers as best as possible. That way when you go for your next interview, you can evaluate your own strengths and weaknesses.  What threw your for a loop?  What questions were you most comfortable answering?  Evaluating and debriefing with yourself is a sure fire way to prepare for next time.  

5.Thank You Notes – A handwritten thank you note after your interview is not only professional but extremely considerate.  The sooner, the better. Your timeliness will be remembered during decision time.  Have them drafted so you can stick in the mail the next day.  

ICMA offers some tips for hiring personnel in professional local government management and how their day to day job can improve the functionality and organization of your municipality. 

Download ICMA’s “Recruitment Guidelines for Selecting a Local Government Administrator”

Ready for the next step?  Check out our jobs section.

How do you prepare for an interview?  Leave a comment below and join the conversation!

Hilary Badger

Knowledge Network, Intern

ICMA