IRS Mock Interview

Master 40 IRS interview questions covering tax law, compliance, and public service integrity.

Question 38 of 40

Describe a time when you improved work-related methods or techniques.

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Kevin Downey has an extensive background in business management, recruiting, branding and marketing. He's volunteered his career coaching services at job fairs, lecturing on interview techniques and crafting winning resumes and cover letters.

"I noticed that there were several steps too many for a process at work. I understand why the system was structured as it was, to ensure everything was done according to the procedure. However, it was several steps too many, and several team members were skipping several of the steps to get the work done faster. But they didn't understand why the system was in place, and this resulted in several discrepancies in our system management software. So I studied the system, and came up with an alternative that had far fewer steps and made the job much easier to do the right way rather than taking the shortcuts my teammates were taking. I presented it to our team leaders, and they loved what I came up with. They made some minor adjustments and implemented the changes, which increased productivity and work quality output for our department."

Kevin Downey

By asking this question, the interviewers are interested in your team involvement, whether you have your eye on the big picture, and if you have an above and beyond team mentality. When answering this question, you'll want to focus on the positives of what you improved and what resulted in being the best for the team.

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40IRS Interview Questions & Answers

1.At IRS our business portfolio is diversified which can create a challenging management environment. Are you able to effectively manage unrelated business units?

2.Because IRS is a diversified organization, we offer a wide range of opportunities for career growth. Where would you like to see your career in 5 years?

3.Clear communication is key to our success at IRS. Describe to me your communication style and why you think your style will be a fit here.

4.At IRS we offer a wide range of products and services. How do you plan to positively impact our business, if hired?

5.Because IRS has a large geographic footprint, we have to accommodate a variety of time zones. Do you have experience working for clients and co-workers in multiple time zones?

6.Have you ever been employed through a company merger or acquisition? If so, tell me about your experience.

7.IRS puts a lot of focus on our local and global impact so we seek to hire those with the same values. What do you know about our company values, and how do they align with your personal values?

8.We have many strong competitors. In your opinion, what does IRS do to stand out from the rest?

9.Typical "corporate culture" is something that we work hard to avoid here at IRS. Tell me about your ideal workplace culture.

10.Tell me about a time that you have helped a co-worker accomplish an important goal.

11.When have you been asked to perform a function or complete a task in which you had little or no experience in doing?

12.When have you had to think quickly in response to sudden change?

IRS Mock Interview

Describe a time when you improved work-related methods or techniques.

40IRS Interview Questions & Answers

1.At IRS our business portfolio is diversified which can create a challenging management environment. Are you able to effectively manage unrelated business units?

2.Because IRS is a diversified organization, we offer a wide range of opportunities for career growth. Where would you like to see your career in 5 years?

3.Clear communication is key to our success at IRS. Describe to me your communication style and why you think your style will be a fit here.

4.At IRS we offer a wide range of products and services. How do you plan to positively impact our business, if hired?

5.Because IRS has a large geographic footprint, we have to accommodate a variety of time zones. Do you have experience working for clients and co-workers in multiple time zones?

6.Have you ever been employed through a company merger or acquisition? If so, tell me about your experience.

7.IRS puts a lot of focus on our local and global impact so we seek to hire those with the same values. What do you know about our company values, and how do they align with your personal values?

8.We have many strong competitors. In your opinion, what does IRS do to stand out from the rest?

9.Typical "corporate culture" is something that we work hard to avoid here at IRS. Tell me about your ideal workplace culture.

10.Tell me about a time that you have helped a co-worker accomplish an important goal.

11.When have you been asked to perform a function or complete a task in which you had little or no experience in doing?

12.When have you had to think quickly in response to sudden change?

13.How would you describe your work ethic?

14.After receiving information from your supervisor, how do you ensure you properly communicate this information to your team?

15.Describe your working relationship with your previous or current colleagues.

16.Tell me about a time when you took the initiative to improve work related procedures.

17.Tell me about a time when you created a unique idea or solution, and it was rejected by your colleagues. How were you able to bounce back?

18.When have you had to be extra thorough in completing tasks?

19.We are asking for 8 years of industry experience and you have just 5. Why do you think you are qualified for this position?

20.When have you shown great integrity at work?

21.What causes you to feel dissatisfied on the job?

22.Do you believe you are a leader? When have you led a team?

23.How do you evaluate success among your team members?

24.What are you reading right now?

25.How do you prioritize multiple projects when they all seem equally important?

26.What would you do if a client asked you about a product or service and you were unsure of the answer?

27.How long have you been looking for a job?

28.Have you ever worked in a cross-functional environment?

29.What is your personal mission statement?

30.What are your salary expectations?

31.Do you have any questions for me about this position?

32.Why do you think you will be successful in this role with IRS?

33.How has your post-secondary education prepared you for this job with IRS?

34.What do you know about the IRS' mission?

35.Who is a source of inspiration for you?

36.What are some techniques you use to deliver tough news?

37.Describe a time when you've made a mistake in your work and how you fixed it.

38.Describe a time when you improved work-related methods or techniques.

39.How would you reassure a customer when they're concerned?

40.What would you do if you encountered something you didn't have the answer to?