Cobra Administrator 

How did you get your current job?
Through a resource called The Governor’s Job Bank, which no longer exists.

What was the application process?
Submitted a paper application with a cover letter.

Did you have to interview for your current job? If yes, what did the interview process entail?
First there was a one on one phone interview, then an in-person interview with two managers, then an in-person interview with a director.

If you can remember, what questions were you asked during the interview?
Tell me about a time when you…..

…made a mistake.

…went above and beyond the call of duty.

…had a difficult time with a co-worker.

…faced adversity and prevailed.

Do you feel your employer properly prepared you for your job? Explain.
Yes. My employer did little, but my employer hired me to be an expert in my field. They shouldn’t have to train me, I should be advising them.

Was there training for your current position? If yes, what did it entail?
Yes, weeks spent reading benefits information specific to the Texas Employees Group Benefits Plan. It was completely self-taught.

Do you feel your educational background prepared you for your job? Explain.
Yes. Researching things on my own is wonderful skill that college helped me master.

If applicable, do you feel your internship experience helped you prepare for your job?
N/A – I was never an intern.

If someone wanted to go about getting a job similar to yours, what would you recommend for him or her to do?
Go to college. At minimum finish an Associates, though more is better. Get an entry level HR job. Do your job well and volunteer for special projects. Never stop learning. Choose a specific area and specialize in it. Make yourself an expert at what you do.

What skills do you think a person should have if they want to pursue a position like yours?
Research skills are a must. No one is there to hold your hand and tell you where to go for the answer. When you go swimming in the sea of bureaucracy, there are no lifeguards. Patience is also a plus. Clear communication skills (written and verbal) are necessary.

Do you feel that you need a certain level of education or training to be successful in your job?
Yes. College is a plus, but the best training is self-taught.

What advice would you give to someone who was about to start work in your position/ line of work?
Don’t believe something just because someone tells you. In the words of Ronald Reagan: “Trust, but verify”. Look everything up yourself. If you absolutely cannot find the answer and need help, don’t go to your superior empty-handed. Bring all of the reseach you’ve done so far with you.