IRS Agent Interview Questions & Answers
Below is a list of our IRS interview questions. Click on any interview question to view our answer advice and answer examples. You may view 5 answer examples before our paywall loads. Afterwards, you'll be asked to upgrade to view the rest of our answers.
Behavioral
1. Tell us the importance of a positive attitude.
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Someone who has a lot of negative things to say might feel that way no matter where they are and can be a detriment to a work environment. Positivity and a "can do" attitude is just as contagious as negativity in the workplace. It can increase or decrease morale and productivity. Focus on the power of positivity, empathy, tolerance, understanding, and how enhanced communication skills can over-deliver positivity and positive outcomes when delivered.
Written by Kevin Downey on April 18th, 2022
What You Need to Know
There is a saying that attitude is more important than facts, the past, a person's education, money, circumstances, failures, and successes. It is also more important than what other people think, say, or do. It's more important than appearance, giftedness, or skill. And that it will make or break a company or home. Every day we decide what attitude we'll embrace. We can't change our past or the fact that people will act in a certain way. We can't change the inevitable. The only thing we can do is play the one thing we have, and that's our attitude. In a team environment, the right attitude can go a long way.
Written by Kevin Downey on April 18th, 2022
Answer Example
"Attitude is contagious. A negative attitude can decrease productivity, sow dissent, create problems with authority, and make or break a business. A positive attitude has the opposite effect and is integral to success."
Written by Kevin Downey on April 18th, 2022
Behavioral
2. Share an experience in which you successfully collaborated in a team environment.
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Even if you were the top performer at your last job, you'll have to prove yourself when you start working with a new team. This question delves further into your concept of teamwork. Learning how well you thrived in a team environment in the past should aim to help them determine how'd you'd fit into their team. Regardless of whether you are more of an introvert or an extrovert, the purpose of this question is to assess how well you work with others.
Written by Kevin Downey on April 18th, 2022
How to Answer
The average person spends eight hours of a workday sleeping, and eight hours working. Your answer to this question will reveal the value you place in your work relationships. Focus on the collaboration involved in teamwork, and how you build camaraderie through enhanced communication skills. Treating the members of their client's team with dignity and respect and recognizing and rewarding their efforts is paramount, whether in a leadership role or not. It could also offer insights into your personality type and how social you are.
Written by Kevin Downey on April 18th, 2022
Answer Example
"There was a major group project due, and everyone was putting in overtime. The work was easy for me, and I kept finishing my tasks early. I stopped asking my supervisors for more work and just jumped to where I felt I was needed. I worked with every member of the team and with each task. Others on my team also jumped to where they felt they were needed. I guess I led by example. The collaboration and how everyone went above and beyond to help each other out, wow! That was great."
Written by Kevin Downey on April 18th, 2022
Behavioral
3. What bores you, fails to challenge you, or fails to excite you?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
This question aims to reveal whether you would thrive or burn out in this environment. It also attempts to gauge what your motivators are. Your interviewer will also keep an eye out for any red flags, such as inconsistencies between your answers.
Written by Kevin Downey on April 18th, 2022
How to Answer
Try to come up with examples that would complement the work of an IRS agent. Painting yourself as proactive, innovative, readily going above and beyond, and seeking out extra work to stave off boredom by staying productive will go a long way.
Written by Kevin Downey on April 18th, 2022
Answer Example
"No matter where you go, or what position you hold, there is always work to do. So I guess I get bored with coworkers who place themselves in a position of boredom and try to triangulate you into that. I get bored with being bored. I just find some work to keep me productive. Besides, regarding the work I am performing, I always pad the job. I am consistently exceeding expectations because I always have work to do."
Written by Kevin Downey on April 18th, 2022
Behavioral
4. Do you consider yourself a successful person?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
They want to know what success means to you, your self-perception regarding being successful in your career, and you have your eye on the big picture and scale your sense of accomplishment on the incremental successes toward your ultimate goals. They are trying to determine whether you evaluate success as your own personal success, the success of your team, or something bigger.
Written by Kevin Downey on April 18th, 2022
How to Answer
Break down what success means to you across all fronts; short-term goals, long-term goals, the big picture, and how to get there while protecting the company's assets. Tell the interviewer how you view success through this lens and be sure to mention the success you plan to bring to this position should they should offer you the role. So consider aligning your definition of success as the successful completion of the various goals you've set out for yourself, whether it is the pursuit of your degree or any other milestone in regard to your career goals. Weave your answer into the success you plan to bring with you to your next role.
Written by Kevin Downey on April 18th, 2022
Answer Example
"I consider myself a successful person. I set goals for myself, and I meet those goals. When I haven't realistically set goals, I gauge my success based on how adaptable I am to changing course or improving my expectations and then redefine my goals to ensure I meet them. Every failure is a growth opportunity. Regarding all my big picture goals, I take what I learn from my setbacks, and apply those lessons toward moving forward. The only true failure is quitting, and I'm not a quitter."
Written by Kevin Downey on April 18th, 2022
Behavioral
5. How would you envision making a difference with us if hired?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
This question tests your knowledge of the job you are interviewing for, and how well you've done your homework prior to the interview. It also seeks to reveal how relevant your answer will be to the work expected of an IRS agent. What the interviewer is also asking here is how you'd define teamwork. Whether you're an introvert or an extrovert matters little here. How well you work with others, motivate your coworkers, enhance communication, and lead by example is the aim of this question.
Written by Kevin Downey on April 18th, 2022
How to Answer
Think about what you contribute to a team. Consider how you've helped you've developed relationships at work, mentored your coworkers, and nourished a supportive and collaborative environment. Think about what key qualities you offer to the team that are unique to you. How you perceive yourself often differs from how you perceive yourself. Consider what positive testimonials your team members have said about you and offer those where appropriate.
Written by Kevin Downey on April 18th, 2022
Answer Example
"Well, I'm good at what I do and take pride in my work. I try to go above and beyond when I can and when the project time allows. But these are claims anyone can make. What sets me apart is my attitude. One thing I learned, no matter where I've worked, is that attitude is contagious. I'm happy-go-lucky and the glass is always half full, at the very least. Most days my cup runneth over. So I can be a motivator, steering the attitude of the team. I'm an excellent mentor. I'm all about promoting strengths, not exploiting weaknesses. After the other members of my team get to know me, I establish trust and build relationships that last."
Written by Kevin Downey on April 18th, 2022
Behavioral
6. What is your greatest weakness?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
This question helps the interviewer assess your level of self-awareness and whether you're open and honest about your shortcomings. It will also help them gauge if you allow your shortcomings to control you or if you actively pursue self-growth and whether you identify your weaknesses as growth opportunities.
Written by Kevin Downey on April 18th, 2022
How to Answer
Frame your greatest weakness as an asset in its own right. Being a perfectionist can be a weakness. Similarly, this quality can be seen as a benefit to a company. Think about self-assessments you may have done prior to previous performance reviews and see if any of those growth opportunities can be applied.
Written by Kevin Downey on April 18th, 2022
Answer Example
"I'd say my greatest weakness is I can be hard on myself whenever I make a mistake. My supervisors have commented that they rarely need to reprimand me, as I am already too hard on myself. I'll bend over backward to right any mistake I've made. This used to be so extreme, that some supervisors were reluctant to even let me know about any mistakes I made. I've since improved. On the rare occasion, something is brought to my attention, I simply listen, ask what I can do to make it right, and end any such discussion with a commitment to do everything in my power to make sure it won't happen again."
Written by Kevin Downey on April 18th, 2022
Behavioral
7. Provide an example of when your ethics were put to the test.
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Your interviewer is curious about what your answer will reveal about your level of integrity. They are also curious what kind of red flags your answer might reveal, such as making your coworkers seem lesser by making yourself seem bigger or above them.
Written by Kevin Downey on April 18th, 2022
How to Answer
Avoid casting any coworkers or supervisors in a negative light. Choose an example that advertises your integrity. Offering a situation where an honest mistake or human error was made, and how you went out of your way to make it right, could serve you well here.
Written by Kevin Downey on April 18th, 2022
Answer Example
"A coworker struggled with showing up to work on time. They'd recently been reprimanded for it. When they missed their bus again, they called me with excuses for their alarm not going off. When I asked them why they were calling me with this concern, and not a supervisor, they said they were hoping I would clock in for them and lie for them. I explained I wouldn't do this and suggested they talk to a supervisor to give them a heads-up that they were delayed and take responsibility for their own actions. They said they were going to and hung up, but they called out sick instead. They called another coworker asking them to take on their workload.
I grappled with this and decided their attendance issues weren't the only problem. They were slowing down the productivity of the rest of the team, creating a negative work environment, and overburdening other members of the team by passing off their work. I felt resentful of the awkward position this coworker put me in and decided, regardless of how awkward, that I should let management know. Once I told management, the issues were addressed. I was worried other members of the team might resent me for my decision, but it turned out most of them supported the choice I'd made."
Written by Kevin Downey on April 18th, 2022
Behavioral
8. Describe an instance where your patience was tested. How did you maintain control over your emotions?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
This question aims to reveal how well you work under pressure or in stressful situations. It also aims to determine what kind of situations test your patience. Someone who keeps calm and exhibits patience and understanding will be beneficial.
Written by Kevin Downey on April 18th, 2022
How to Answer
Exhibit your leadership skills by detailing how you keep calm under pressure and exhibit patience and tolerance. Exemplify emotional maturity by acknowledging that we face situations that test our patience every day, and highlight your ability to take such situations in stride. Having a positive attitude can go a long way here.
Written by Kevin Downey on April 18th, 2022
Answer Example
"Work is often stressful, and there are times were rushing to meet our deadlines. There was a day a coworker who was way ahead of their deadline backed the print cue up. They were taking a leisurely pace with preparing their project, bogging down the print cue, requiring several resets, and IT had to come over and try to clear the print cue. They'd clear the cue, but they kept resending and resending this low-priority job to the printer. Something in their file kept freezing the printer up and holding up the rest of the team's work for hours. So, instead of getting even more stressed out and frustrated by this situation, I troubleshot how we could remedy the situation by navigating around the wall. I explained to IT that if they could take the files, the employee was trying to print, and handled the job in another department, then once the print cue was clear, the rest of us could get back to work. This approach worked better, and everyone was happy. I don't think every wall you encounter needs to be climbed. There are many walls you can simply walk around."
Written by Kevin Downey on April 18th, 2022
Behavioral
9. Tell me about a difficult situation you"Ëœve overcome in the workplace.
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
They are curious about how you'll interpret this question. If you provide a relevant challenge to the work you are expected to perform, displaying professional development and growth, this could assure them you are capable. Describing a personal conflict with a coworker that didn't mark professional growth and little resolve could serve as a red flag.
Written by Kevin Downey on April 18th, 2022
How to Answer
When answering this question, think of a situation you faced where you saw a challenge as an opportunity to grow and help the team. Try to choose a story where you stepped outside of your comfort zone, resulting in your professional growth, and contributing to the bigger picture goals of the workplace. Doing so can advertise your merits, and reveal yourself as a desirable asset.
Written by Kevin Downey on April 18th, 2022
Answer Example
"There was a time when our manager left our office to pursue an opportunity with another company. We were under some tight deadlines, and the hired replacement manager came in with a chip on their shoulder and a big ego. Their approach to the team was authoritarian and was slowing down productivity. Several team members were whispering about stepping outside of the chain of command and reporting this supervisor to upper management. But I felt like this would just make things worse. So I asked if I could talk to this new supervisor and gave them a heads up on the dissent they were facing. They confessed the role intimidated them, and that another supervisor gave them the advice to take this approach, but it wasn't according to their nature. So giving them insights on what motivates the team, and the soft skills needed to communicate with each one of them, in a one-on-one approach, I was able to steer them on course. The extra efforts they made from there helped, and in the end, they turned out to be an even more popular manager than their predecessor."
Written by Kevin Downey on April 18th, 2022
Behavioral
10. Tell us about when you last dealt calmly and effectively with a high-stress situation.
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
The interviewer is assessing your perception of what a high-stress working environment looks like, how you cope with stress in a high-paced work environment, what kind of situations you find stressful, and how well your idea aligns with the reality of the job. Someone who keeps calm under pressure will be beneficial to the company in this position. In assessing your perception of what the job looks like, they'll hopefully be able to evaluate how well-suited you are for the role.
Written by Kevin Downey on April 18th, 2022
How to Answer
The aim here is not only to relay your relevant experience to the position you are competing for but also to exhibit your ability to remain cool and collected under pressure. First, describe your definition of a stressful situation. Then, describe a stressful situation you've faced, your response, and how the situation was resolved. Focus on problem-solving with a level head and decisive decision-making. Often, the best way to cope with a stressful situation is to take action. It's fine to have stress as long as the stress doesn't have you. Emotional balance is what you should aim to convey with your answer.
Written by Kevin Downey on April 18th, 2022
Answer Example
"I was on the phone with an unhappy customer. As soon as I took the call, they were quite aggressive. I realized they weren't adept at non-defensive communication. So I took notes, distilling facts from their emotional output. Once I had a clear and objective lens of what the situation was, I could aptly and calmly mirror their grievance back to them in a more impartial way. Once they affirmed my understanding of their situation was correct, I was able to empathize with them and calm them. From there, I maintained a calm, steady, and patient approach, and the call ended amenably."
Written by Kevin Downey on April 18th, 2022
Behavioral
11. Tell us three character traits your friends would use to describe you?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
How you answer this question will give the interviewer insight into your self-awareness and not only how you identify your merits and growth opportunities, but how you believe you are perceived by others. It's a constant challenge for an interviewer to determine whether the person interviewed is being forthright, or doing their best to tell them what they think they want to hear to land the job. This question tests your honesty in the interview process by gauging the consistency of your answers. Your consistency in how you present yourself will show the interviewer that you'll be consistent in your work performance should they choose to hire you.
Written by Kevin Downey on April 18th, 2022
How to Answer
How you perceive yourself may differ from how others perceive you, including the person interviewing you. Remain conscious of your body language throughout the interview process. Make sure your answers from one question to the next remain consistent with how you present yourself. Keep your answers varied but consistent. Remain professional and strategic in your answers. What this question is more geared towards answering are your intentions and your integrity. Speak to that. It's common for people who are honest to assume everyone is honest like them. This is no different from when someone who is dishonest or untrustworthy assumes everyone is trying to undermine them or is disingenuous. So the aim here is to convey trust and integrity as integral to your nature and your common practice. Your answer should be relayed with confidence and ease.
Written by Kevin Downey on April 18th, 2022
Answer Example
"I'm pretty sure they'd say I am honest to a fault, always thinking outside of the box, and just about the most happy-go-lucky person they've met. I am trusted, a friend to all, and am frequently sought out for my input and advice. They'd say, I'm the person they want in their corner, cheering them on."
Written by Kevin Downey on April 18th, 2022
Behavioral
12. Describe a professional risk you've taken.
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Innovation is partly achieved by taking calculated risks. For some, taking risks comes naturally. Others might take risks compulsively, which could turn costly for an individual, a family, or a company. Then there are those who are risk-averse, maintaining the status quo.
Written by Kevin Downey on April 18th, 2022
How to Answer
When delivering your example, you want to present yourself as someone who takes calculated risks as opposed to someone who is a habitual risk-taker. Offering trivial or commonplace problems you'd see in an everyday setting will paint you in average light. Avoid providing examples where you went outside of the chain of command, or the approach you took resulted in failure. This will only serve as a red flag, presenting you as a liability.
Written by Kevin Downey on April 18th, 2022
Answer Example
"My philosophy regarding risk is that I never take a bet unless I am certain I can win. Now, I don't say that to come across as risk-averse. I prefer to rely on quantifiable data when taking a calculated risk. I am all about protecting assets, and wouldn't endanger them. I once took a position with a company that I knew was a gamble in how it might aid my career. It was a management position that wasn't in my field. I realized the job wouldn't complement my resume, but I committed to working for them through the summer, and I stayed true to my word. I learned a lot about leadership, project management, and time management. I also learned a lot about communication. Although the position was outside of my field, I still learned skills that have since aided me in my professional and personal life. So in that regard, the risk paid off."
Written by Kevin Downey on April 18th, 2022
Communication
13. What do you consider the key to success in communicating with the public?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
This behavioral question will offer a meaningful glimpse into your personality. It will reveal how capably you navigate the bias geared against your role as an IRS agent. Its aim is to evaluate how adept and effective you are at diplomacy, mediation, and negotiation, working swiftly towards a communal end goal. This question is layered. Not only is the interviewer trying to get an idea of who you are, but also an idea of your communication skills. The IRS will recruit those who fit their mold. Soft people skills, and being able to non-defensively communicate with a wide range of personalities are desirable traits.
Written by Kevin Downey on April 18th, 2022
How to Answer
Any position within the IRS can be stressful at times. This can easily result in intense situations. Exhibit your non-defensive communications skills here, as well as your ability to function as a mediator between those who don't see eye to eye. Convey a possession of strong conflict resolution skills in your example. Also, some of the best communication tools are active listening and mirroring what was communicated back to the communicator. Offer an example where you've applied these or other effective communication tools. Even when that may not be enough, you've at least exhibited that you performed at your best with what you had to work with.
Written by Kevin Downey on April 18th, 2022
Answer Example
"I think it's the same when communicating with anyone. Everyone wants to feel heard, everyone wants to be treated with respect, and everyone seeks validation. So whenever I'm communicating with the public, or otherwise, I actively listen, mirror back to them what I feel they're communicating, and validate what they're communicating based on their perception and their reality. I'll present the situation back to them with the external components that may have been outside of their perspective. I'll share with them my knowledge, and the avenues I can explore to help them, and do my best to keep the communication as amenable and transparent as possible. Show them that you're putting thought into it, exploring all options before reaching an outcome."
Written by Kevin Downey on April 18th, 2022
Communication
14. How would you rate your writing skills?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
This question aims to assess your communication skills in written form. Not just your handwriting, which should be legible for communicative purposes, but how effectively you write and communicate. Effective writing skills are integral to inter-department communication, from emails to record keeping.
Written by Kevin Downey on April 18th, 2022
How to Answer
When answering this question, place emphasis on how important effective communication to the workplace is, be it written or verbal skills. If you have experience as a writer, bring work samples with you. Your writing skills can reveal a lot about you, from your education level to how actively you read.
Written by Kevin Downey on April 18th, 2022
Answer Example
"I'd say I have outstanding writing skills. In fact, I consider myself an excellent communicator both verbally and with the written word. I am transparent and strive to say the most in the fewest words possible. I just want to make sure that the message I intend to send is the message that's received as consistently as possible. Create standards for yourself and uphold them."
Written by Kevin Downey on April 18th, 2022
Communication
15. Provide an example where you demonstrated excellent listening skills.
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Your listening skills are just as important as what you communicate. There are those who jump in, confident they know what a person is saying before they've fully communicated their message, just as there are those who are waiting to talk. Then there are those who actively listen and make decisions based on the follow-up questions they ask. Your interviewer may use this question to ascertain where you fall on this scale.
Written by Kevin Downey on April 18th, 2022
How to Answer
Active listening, mirroring, and communicating thoughtfully and non-defensively is the goal here. By offering these points, you'll effectively mirror the value and importance of this question. Make sure the example you offer is relevant to a situation you might encounter in this job, should they choose to hire you.
Written by Kevin Downey on April 18th, 2022
Answer Example
"A person can only process about ten seconds of information before wanting to respond. However, it's often that a person takes far longer to discuss all the points they feel they need to address. So whenever communicating with the public, I start taking notes so I don't lose track. Then I mirror back to them each point, show them I am examining the data points they've presented to me, then approach each topic from their point of view with empathy. Once I've done this, then I will approach the situation with a situational perspective, to shed additional light on what they've communicated, which helps with a meeting of minds before diving in to address their concerns. For example, I was on the phone with a client where I took this approach."
Written by Kevin Downey on April 18th, 2022
Communication
16. Share an experience dealing with a difficult person and how you handled it.
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
This question is layered and can be interpreted in many ways. How you will interpret this question will give your interviewer insight into your outlook on the world. Not only is the interviewer trying to get an idea of who you are, but also an idea of your communication skills. It will also inform them of what you perceive as a difficult person. They're keeping a keen eye out for any 'red flags.' In the simplest terms, in this scenario, the last thing you want is to plant the seed that the difficult person in this scenario was you.
Written by Kevin Downey on April 18th, 2022
How to Answer
When relaying your example of a difficult person, pay close attention to the nuance of this question. It doesn't suggest a personal problem between you and the difficult person but wants to know your interaction with the situation, and how you communicated with them. Objectify the situation, exhibiting an emotionally mature perspective, and how you navigated this terrain, ultimately leading to a successful resolution. Avoid assigning blame. You don't want to come across as part of the reason you and this difficult person didn't get along. Focus on the positives, and how the overall outcome benefitted the team. You want to come across as a people person with enhanced communication skills. This question is meant to assist in evaluating your non-defensive communication skills, your aptitude for diplomacy, de-escalation, and negotiation. Take care to exemplify this mentality.
Written by Kevin Downey on April 18th, 2022
Answer Example
"I was helping a client prepare their past-due taxes. It was clear they didn't know what they were doing, and they continually challenged my help by projecting their fears on me. They kept going back and forth from being ingratiating to defensive. These things happen, and I understood where their responses were coming from. So I kept doing my job, actively listening to them, and assuring them I was doing everything I could to help them navigate their situation."
Written by Kevin Downey on April 18th, 2022
Discovery
17. What would you like to accomplish by the end of your career?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Your answer to this question will offer insights into your level of ambition and where you're interested in taking your career. It'll also reveal how well your future aligns with the opportunities their program would provide, and whether this is a job for right now, or if this is the right job for you in the long term.
Written by Kevin Downey on April 18th, 2022
How to Answer
This differs from your five-year career plan. This is speaking to your long-term goals. Break down your goals, where you hope to be in your career, whether it is the CEO of a company or maintaining job security and accumulating a pension. Exhibit your interest in growing within the IRS and align your long-term goals with your current career path.
Written by Kevin Downey on April 18th, 2022
Answer Example
"Every year I update my five-year career plan. I have it with me. If you don't mind, I'd like to share it with you to show you the full impact on how my professional self-growth has helped me to attain my goals throughout the year, from year to year."
Written by Kevin Downey on April 18th, 2022
Discovery
18. How have you changed in the last five years?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Your interviewer wants to know whether you're happy with the status quo and prefer to cruise along, day in and day out, or if you have ambitions and goals. If you have goals, they are curious about how well you've done in attaining them, and how you've grown professionally over the last five years. One's self-development should be as never-ending as one's determination.
Written by Kevin Downey on April 18th, 2022
How to Answer
If you haven't already, put together a couple of five-year career plans. Start with creating one starting five years ago and ending with where you saw yourself being today. Then update that five-year plan every year, until you get to today, creating another five-year plan starting fresh from where you are standing today. Following this exercise, you should be ready to revise your five-year career plan every year, determining again where you are and building from there, adjusting your trajectory accordingly. This offers insight into where your career goals have taken you over the last five years, as well as your perspective of the times when things didn't go according to plan.
Discuss what you learned along the way over the last five years in your career journey, and how those experiences helped your career path in ways you hadn't expected. Attitude is everything.
Written by Kevin Downey on April 18th, 2022
Answer Example
"I would like to accomplish all the goals I set out for myself throughout my career. I want to feel accomplished and proud of my legacy. Knowing I've contributed towards building something that will outlast me with a positive impact, I can ride off into the sunset. Here's what that looks like for me...."
Written by Kevin Downey on April 18th, 2022
Discovery
19. How long will it take for you to contribute significantly to the workplace?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
This question is a personality check. The interviewer wants to know how you'd go about earning their collective trust and develop relationships in the workplace should they choose to hire you. They're watching for if you're overconfident in your answer or modest. In this hypothetical situation where you've been hired, but the other members of your team still haven't interviewed you, you still have a lot to prove. Too often new hires enter a job and try to impress by reinventing the wheel before they've learned the ropes. The interviewers want to know your approach when coming into a new work environment and how you'll fit in with the team. A new hire is effectively a stranger to a pre-existing team. You'll need to earn their respect. Therefore, part of what builds an effective and reliable team is cohesive work relations, feeling secure in their relations, and being able to trust one another. In this regard, describe what your contribution would be.
Written by Kevin Downey on April 18th, 2022
How to Answer
Familiarize yourself with the 30/60/90 rule. The first month of a new hire's 90-day probation period should focus on building trust, familiarizing themselves with the team, systems, procedures, policies, etc. Month two should be spent studying current processes and procedures, and identifying strengths and weaknesses. In the last month, that hire should be well-grounded in the role and capable of identifying growth opportunities. Past the 90-day mark is considered an acceptable time to implement innovation.
Written by Kevin Downey on April 18th, 2022
Answer Example
"It would take as long as it would take me to build working relationships and build trust with the other members of the team. I'd learn how everything works, learn all the systems and processes, and learn all the rules before innovating. That takes working hard, side by side with the rest of the team, tapping into every resource, and building from there. So that would fall somewhere in the first 90 days."
Written by Kevin Downey on April 18th, 2022
Discovery
20. Tell us about a time your attention to detail positively affected your last job.
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
The interviewer is gauging your attention to detail and is curious about how you handle your work with diligence and accuracy. How you answer will clue them in to your skill level.
Written by Kevin Downey on April 18th, 2022
How to Answer
Talk to the interviewer about your level of attentiveness when it comes to details on the job. This will come down to a combination of technical skills and aligning all the necessary facts and figures to a conclusive result. Items you want to touch on in your answer are your organization skills and your methodology or approach to project management, the level of your attention to detail, and the standard you set for your work.
Written by Kevin Downey on April 18th, 2022
Answer Example
"There was a time when a coworker asked me to proof their work. I immediately noticed a discrepancy in the information they compiled. We examined it together, and we were able to determine that the error existed before they extrapolated the data from its source. Two numbers had been transposed. Digging deeper, we discovered this discrepancy was the source of another problem our management had been working on. Tying our issue to theirs, we corrected course on two projects, rather than just one, setting everyone back on course. All I did was noticed the discrepancy and question it. Tracking it to its source and directions it branched out to was more of a team effort."
Written by Kevin Downey on April 18th, 2022
Discovery
21. Would you consider the ability to analyze data a strength?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
This question probes your understanding of the role of an IRS agent, but also whether you take more of an analytical versus interpersonal approach. Those who are more interpersonal tend to be more extroverted and people-oriented, and those who are more analytical tend to be more solitary or introverted in their work. Most people rarely fall on one extreme or the other but closer to the center of the scale.
Written by Kevin Downey on April 18th, 2022
How to Answer
Having strong analytical skills is as much of a necessity as it is a strength. Having high attention to detail is a necessity for anyone working for the IRS. An IRS agent should display professionalism and strong analytical skills. Put self-evaluative thought into your answer, rather than trying to hurry through it.
Written by Kevin Downey on April 18th, 2022
Answer Example
"I consider an ability to analyze data a strength. I think it is easy to get carried away sometimes, and burrowing into data can be time-consuming. There are those who prefer that kind of solitary analytical work, just as there are those who prefer to take on a more interpersonal task. I'm somewhere in the middle. I'm all about addressing the work at hand as efficiently as possible, with as little rework as possible. I pride myself on my attention to detail, which is part of being able to analyze data, which I consider a strength."
Written by Kevin Downey on April 18th, 2022
Discovery
22. Tell us when you last identified a complex problem and implemented a solution.
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
They're seeking to measure your preferred working style and whether it meets what they're looking for in a candidate. Innovation is integral to their leadership. They want to know how resourceful you are and whether you exhibit 'outside-of-the-box thinking.' This question seeks to offer insights into one's makeup and determine if you are a good fit for this role while revealing any potential red flags.
Written by Kevin Downey on April 18th, 2022
How to Answer
Frame yourself as resourceful, with a propensity to think fast on your feet. Detail the situation, how you identified an opportunity, and the process you took to implement it. Describe what inspired you to take the approach you took, and how you achieved a positive outcome. Explain why it was important, and the impact it had on the business and your team. You want your answer to exhibit determination, showing that you aren't easily discouraged.
Written by Kevin Downey on April 18th, 2022
Answer Example
"I recently struggled with choosing between five different health insurance plans. There were a lot of cost differentials between coinsurance, copays, deductibles, premiums, and the tiers of in-network versus out-of-network costs. It was a lot for the average citizen to tease apart from choosing the most cost-effective plan. Not to mention, how one justifies the costs on a personal level, monthly or annually, really depends on the individual. So I sat down and went over my healthcare needs for the last three years and projected a slightly increased average for the next year. I adjusted my livable budgeting plan and created a chart for the total cost of those needs across all tiers, coinsurance, copays, deductibles, and premiums. It was far more work than anyone should be expected to do, but in the end, I think I saved thousands of dollars in healthcare costs annually."
Written by Kevin Downey on April 18th, 2022
Discovery
23. Why should we hire you?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
The interviewer is curious what kind of pitch you'd throw their way, or if you will squander the opportunity to advertise your merits. It also evaluates how above and beyond you've gone in researching the position, and how well you've been paying attention to the other interview questions in this set. They want to know if you know what sets you apart from the other candidates competing for this opportunity.
Written by Kevin Downey on April 18th, 2022
How to Answer
This is an excellent opportunity to boast about your accomplishments, go deeper into what you brought to your previous teams, and what you would deliver to their team that is unique to you. Think about your successes, the positive energy you'd bring, and the positive comments your coworkers have mentioned about you in the past. Speak confidently, make relaxed eye contact, and posture yourself with positive, engaging, and confident body language.
Written by Kevin Downey on April 18th, 2022
Answer Example
"Well, I learn fast and work fast. I have high attention to detail and a great deal of integrity. I hold myself accountable, take responsibility for my own actions, and am a clutch team player. I have solid leadership skills, and never quit, so I never fail. I am eager to learn, grow, and have a great attitude. Basically, I strive to be the kind of employee I'd want to hire."
Written by Kevin Downey on April 18th, 2022
Educational
24. How do you stay current with industry changes?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
It takes a concerted effort to make an informed hiring decision. This question informs them if you take your work home with you or watch the clock and leave it at the office. It will help them gauge how serious you are about your career by testing your industry knowledge, and your level of passion for learning more about your field. They want to know if you can talk the talk and walk the walk. They want to know if you pursued this career or just fell into it. It will also offer you an opportunity to show off your knowledge of your industry and how up-to-date you are.
Written by Kevin Downey on April 18th, 2022
How to Answer
This is an excellent opportunity to start a conversation, build a rapport with your interviewer, and connect. Discuss what recent news or changes you've read about. Exhibit your enthusiasm relevant to your field. This way you are exhibiting your knowledge and creating a personal connection. You want to exhibit a growth mindset at all times. If you take advantage of learning through continuing education credits, seminars, conferences, journals, and any other means of staying educated in your line of work, let them know.
Written by Kevin Downey on April 18th, 2022
Answer Example
"I'm an active reader and have multiple subscriptions to newspapers and periodicals. I also have multiple websites with shortcuts on my google homepage which I frequently refer to for any updates or changes in my field."
Written by Kevin Downey on April 18th, 2022
Educational
25. Describe your education or training that makes you uniquely qualified for this profession.
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
They want to learn more about the strength of your academic record, outstanding diploma, relevant experience, ambition, and whether you're fully committed to the career you've chosen. They're trying to determine how well aligned your motivators are aligned with theirs, and what kinds of achievements make you uniquely qualified for this position.
Written by Kevin Downey on April 18th, 2022
How to Answer
Prepare in advance. Display your commitment to your career path, exhibiting a passion for your field, and enthusiasm for where it'll lead you. Lay the foundation for your professional goals based on your educational pursuits. Focus on some of the relevant topics you learned. Go deeper than any subject you studied, and share how what you learned from your college experience prepared you for your career. Your educational history isn't necessarily restricted to an educational institution. Any and everything that helped you along your career path and aided in your professional growth can be considered part of your educational history.
Written by Kevin Downey on April 18th, 2022
Answer Example
"I went to the University of Washington, and graduated with a 4.0 GPA mastering in accounting and economics. I've attended several seminars by...."
Written by Kevin Downey on April 18th, 2022
Leadership
26. Tell us about how your willingness to lead helped your team.
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Your interviewer is interested to know if you have a propensity towards leadership or a reluctance to lead. Some personalities feel as if they are born to lead, and others may learn to lead. They are trying to assess where you fall on this scale as well as your interpersonal, organizational, and communication skills.
Written by Kevin Downey on April 18th, 2022
How to Answer
Before choosing your example, consider how you'd present your leadership skills or talents. Contemplate what leadership looks like to you, framed by leaders you admire. Consider what "rising to the occasion" looks like. Give yourself credit for your leadership by acknowledging the accomplishments of your team under your direction. Provide examples where you expanded the sphere of your comfort zone, striving to be the best version of yourself that you can be.
Written by Kevin Downey on April 18th, 2022
Answer Example
"A supervisor had to leave for medical reasons. They needed someone to lead the project they'd been working on. I'd been their righthand clutch player on this project, so the supervisor asked if I could take over steering the ship. I agreed and started by holding a meeting, explaining why I was taking over, and asking every team member what questions they had regarding the work they each had to do. From there, we clarified where we were taking the project, why it was important, how this work would impact other departments, and how each of their tasks fit into the puzzle. It turned out most of this was news to them, and my supervisor was only sharing this information with me, and not the rest of the team. I needed every one of them to be my clutch players, and they performed well. With this deeper understanding, they all took greater pride in their work and were invested in what they were doing. We delivered ahead of our deadline and the project was a success."
Written by Kevin Downey on April 18th, 2022
Leadership
27. Describe a time when you most recently put your needs aside to mentor a member of your team.
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
The scope of your vision, and whether you possess a big picture versus a more narrow short-term viewpoint, is what the interviewer is trying to assess. There are those who strive to contribute to the vision and the greater success of a team, who are driven to develop themselves, driven by their own ambitions to accomplish their personal and professional goals. There's nothing wrong with ambitiously trying to climb the latter. But prioritizing the ultimate success of the team displays big-picture thinking. By contributing to the greater success of the company and the team, they are contributing to their individual success and development. Therefore, investing in the development of your coworkers, and driving positive change towards the greater success of the team is an investment in one's own development.
Written by Kevin Downey on April 18th, 2022
How to Answer
Provide examples where you balanced your personal goals with the goals of the team through identifying an employee's growth potential. Detail how you approached their training, and specifics as to how the employee's performance improved. Describe how they continued to excel after your mentoring. Reveal your motivation to further the team, rather than checking off a list of accomplishments as you try to climb through the ranks. The impression you want to set is that you are humble, you're good at your job, and you are consistently putting your all in.
Written by Kevin Downey on April 18th, 2022
Answer Example
"I'd just turned in my work early when a coworker started asking me for help with the job they were working on. After the third question, it was clear they lacked the confidence necessary to tackle the task at hand. They were trying to go above and beyond by taking on a project that was outside of their comfort zone. So after the third request for help, I went over to their desk, looked at what they were working on, and asked them more questions to get a picture of what they needed coaching with. From there, I mentored them on how to complete this job, from beginning to end, guiding them along the way. Once they tackled the project, the advice I gave them helped them tenfold. This took them in some surprising directions, and the next thing I knew, they were mentoring me on something new. It comes full circle. That's teamwork, right?"
Written by Kevin Downey on April 18th, 2022
Leadership
28. Tell us about when you voluntarily took on additional responsibilities. How did you deliver?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
This question gauges how much of a team player you are, how naturally you go above and beyond, and how willing you are to step outside of your comfort zone. It also aims to determine how aligned your priorities are with that of the job you are interviewing for by comparing how relevant your example is to the job at hand.
Written by Kevin Downey on April 18th, 2022
How to Answer
Choose examples that advertise you as a team player, always willing to step up. Exhibit decision making, which centers around what is best for the work environment and the team.
Written by Kevin Downey on April 18th, 2022
Answer Example
"They let a member of our team go. They were way behind on their projects, and our supervisors asked for volunteers to take on the workload. I volunteered for the beefiest project in addition to my own work. I first studied their progress on the project and realized the progress they'd made didn't meet my work quality standards, so I had to start from scratch. So I put in approved overtime and prioritized completing my workload first, to maximize the progress I made, and not lose momentum. Once I finished that work, I started on this project. I recognized from the get-go I couldn't allow stress to dictate my actions, otherwise, I wouldn't meet the goals I set for myself. Task paralysis never took hold. I kept restrategizing my time to maximize my productivity. Keeping my eye on the ball, and focusing that stress energy on playing the game, I moved the team closer to the collaborative end goal. I completed every stage of this project, right up to the deadline, delivering on time."
Written by Kevin Downey on April 18th, 2022
Leadership
29. What would you consider the most important quality a supervisor should have?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
How you answer this question will help them evaluate your ability to identify different personality types. It will also offer insights into your ability to distinguish the benefits and drawbacks of each of the five main leadership styles, the five main leadership types; authoritarian, participative, delegating, transactional, and transformational, as well as your approach towards and identification of each type.
Written by Kevin Downey on April 18th, 2022
How to Answer
Think about the leadership style which has inspired or motivated you most. Whether by inspiring innovation in others by assigning tasks equitably, based on skill, preference, or randomly, determine which approach you've found most effective and speak to its merits. Describe the methods used to incentivize: praise and recognition, competitions, or rewards/bonuses. The ability to promote a team member's strengths and avert exploiting weaknesses is integral to effective leadership. An employee that has a general sense of accomplishment will be more effective at their job. Avoid examples of bribery (such as bringing in donuts) or micromanaging. Inspiring innovation is key.
Written by Kevin Downey on April 18th, 2022
Answer Example
"Out of the five main leadership styles, I feel transformational leaders are the most effective at motivating through educating and sharing the vision of the company and team. I think that adopting this style of leadership is effective in any work environment when engaged, and able to tap into both their hard and soft skills. They are more engaging, more of a mentor, and get everyone on the same page and engaged with the work. There's no better leadership style to get a team to take pride in their work."
Written by Kevin Downey on April 18th, 2022
Operational
30. How do you plan, organize, and prioritize your work?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
This question evaluates your approach to your work, your time management, and your ability to distinguish between urgent and important tasks. They're interested in how effectively your system works and delivers, how your process aids in your attention to detail, and if you will be thorough, and consistent in producing error-free, high-quality work within given time frames. They're also curious to what extent you are adaptable and flexible.
Written by Kevin Downey on April 18th, 2022
How to Answer
This is an opportunity to highlight what aspects of your work style have greatly benefited your work in the past. Attention to detail is only valuable when quality doesn't sacrifice meeting deadlines and accomplishing the goals set forth. Being singularly focused is a strength, so long as you're able to shift gears and exhibit flexibility when the need arises. Multitasking is challenging for most people. How you track your progress and pick up where you left off on a task, stay productive, and prevent rework is part one of this. Talk about the tools and resources you used to plan your work and stay organized on the job, describe your systems approach, as well as how you adapt your work style based on the situation. Explain how you re-prioritize your workload as needed. Exhibit strong time management skills. Emphasize your resourcefulness, flexibility, and adaptability in an ever-changing, demanding environment. Convey your ability to follow the chain of command, and know when to tap into the resources on the job. Ensure you exude confidence in your own written and oral communication skills, aiding you in how you establish priorities.
Written by Kevin Downey on April 18th, 2022
Answer Example
"Of course, it depends on the situation. Examining the work at hand, I'll compile all of the information I have to start with. From there, I'll determine what information I'm lacking, organize that information in a cohesive manner, creating flow and transitions based on the priorities at hand. An organized bullet-pointed list, in a way, is sorted based on priority. Then, examining the time I have to manage, what makes the most sense as far as preventing rework, and what work can be built off of as a foundation for the work at hand, I'll create a strategy on how to approach the work, getting a better idea of realistic time frame."
Written by Kevin Downey on April 18th, 2022