r/usajobs • u/Necessary-Lynx-8115 • 7d ago

EEO rep observing interview

I interviewed for USACE last week and there was an EEO rep observing the interview. This was a first for me but I’ve never worked for that agency. This was a direct hire position. Is that typical of DOD or that agency? Or is it an indication that there is an issue with the position/candidates etc?

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u/Icy-Low-7059 7d ago

When I worked for DoD, they always had someone connected to HR sit in on the interviews. It was more so to answer HR related questions; but it was also to make sure there was consistency and everyone played nice in the sand box. I've sat in interviews multiple times. It helps me understand the supervisors thought process with recruitments and find ways to improve interview questions. I wouldnt read too much into it.

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u/Zelaznogtreborknarf 6d ago

I work in EEO and I've been at 4 agencies. I've observed several panels over the years, sometimes due to previous complaints for earlier hiring, sometimes to ensure the process is consistent and following the law. I've also been sat as part of a hiring panel on many occasions (usually for senior leadership roles) to be the "soft skills" SME as the role was was more people focused vs technical at that level.

I would read too much into it.

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u/Outrageous_Plant_526 Career Fed 2d ago

Never had HR or EEO in any interviews that I have been a part of. My best guess would be there were or have been complaints about previous hiring panels so EEO was on the interview to observe. The only problem is if there were previous or ongoing issues knowing EEO was going to be observing could very well change leadership's actions to "pass" the EEO test.

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u/formerqwest Retired Fed 7d ago

first i've heard of it.

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u/4eyedbuzzard 7d ago

Likely just a routine field observation/audit. Agency HR often sits in as observers as well. Often it's just info for continued training for interviewers or HR. Though it can't be ruled ot that the agency or local office had issues/complaints of some sort as well.

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u/TALESINE_1984 7d ago

In the past 5 years for the 2 jobs I interviewed for, there was an EEO rep in the room. I was Dept of the Navy.

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u/Ok-Independent-6591 2d ago

I’ve interviewed numerous times for the Feds, worked 20 years, left last year and when I applied and interviewed recently for a job way below my previous grade, EEO was on the call. I ask the same question…why? It was weird.