Interviewing Tips for IRS Jobs

As a former IRS agent, I can attest to the fact that the IRS interview process can be tedious, complicated and even annoying. As with most government jobs, the hiring process is subject to numerous government regulations and processes designed to ensure fairness and competence. However, you can take steps to streamline the interview process and make it less cumbersome.

Things You'll Need

• Transportation
• Pen
• Paper
• Calculator
• Phone

Instructions

1. Take an accounting course. There is no getting around the fact that most of the IRS' work centers on financial accounting. IRS interviewers will use the interview process to test your accounting and mathematical skills. You'll be tested on basic math such as percentages, fractions, multiplication and interest calculations. If you do not work in the finance industry, consider enrolling in a refresher accounting course.

2. Bring your identification. Unlike most private employers, the IRS requires identification at the interview, not the first day of employment. Again, this is mostly for security. To avoid having your name removed from the applicant pool, make certain you have your driver's license or passport handy before you leave for the interview.

3. Arrive for the interview on time. The IRS often conducts interviews in groups, partly because most IRS campuses are secure facilities and it is easier for the human resources supervisor to provide security approvals for a group rather than one person at a time. Your first step: A 15-minute interview. The group process is convenient for IRS staff and it doesn't allow any flexibility for late arrivals. If you're late and the human resources director must make a second trip to sign you in, chances are you won't get the job.

4. Organize your pen, pencils and paper. A key aspect of many IRS interviews is a skill assessment widely known as the Telephone Assessment Program or TAP test. During the test, the applicant receives at least three files containing fictitious taxpayer information. An IRS examiner calls the applicant posing as a taxpayer and asks the applicant a series of questions regarding the taxpayer's account. Many of the questions posed by the IRS examiner involve how effectively the applicant completes mathematical calculations and scans the taxpayer's file. The speed and accuracy with which you answer the examiner's questions will distinguish you from the rest of the applicants.

References

• Internal Revenue Service