What do gov't interviewers want to hear? Forum

[Anonymous User]

So I got an interview with a fed department that I have zero previous experience with, and I really don't know how to spin my resume/experience to the job. I have some regulatory experience, but I haven't even taken a class relating to this department's goal. What can I expect to be asked, and how thick should I apply the bullshit?

[jess]

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[harbin]

Depends on the department I would think. I interviewed with two more obscure departments for the summer (one DOJ, one non-DOJ) and both wanted an interest, but more so in general government and litigation than their specific department. I think in those situations going overboard in professing love for their work is going to come of as fake.

(EDIT DISCLAIMER: I'm just a 1L, but I was offered both summer internships.)

[Anonymous User]

2L here who worked in government last summer. I think they like to see commitment to public interest or a particular field (e.g. environmental law). You don't have to be super public interest-y. But being able to point to something in your background when you say "I like government" will help.