Hot Jobs Newsletter
April 2023
Gail Mulligan, Labor Relations Administrator - The Rockland County Department of Personnel
Gail Mulligan sat down with Rockland Works Coordinator of Business and Employer Services Rich Gore to discuss interview tips and what The Rockland County Department of Personnel seeks in a strong candidate.
Q) What do you look for in a job seeker during an interview?
A) During the application submission and interview phase, candidates are assessed based on their qualifications, communication and problem-solving skills, willingness to be adaptable to a changing environment, attitude and overall interest in the position. It is key that a candidate demonstrates their interest in the position and are able to highlight relevant education, experience or skills to show a nexus between their past experiences to the position under consideration. Preparation, eye-contact and good listening skills go a long way toward making a positive impression.
Q) What are some of the key value propositions of your brand which employees need to reflect?
A) We strive to make civil service and government employment transparent and accessible to a diverse potential workforce, ensuring that essential services which County residents rely on are delivered with professionalism, integrity, and competence. We seek candidates who have an interest in working for and in their community with the goal of contributing toward making a positive impact on the County. When considering the breadth of services that County and local government provides to and performs on behalf of its constituents – law enforcement and emergency response, education and youth services, social services, public health, economic development, public finance, human resources, law, and facilities management and operations – there really are employment opportunities to match all skill sets and professional interests.
Q) What are some of the paths for a candidate to grow with The Rockland County Department of Personnel?
A Once employed, candidates may be eligible for promotional opportunities within their department, lateral moves to other roles within or outside of their department, or even assignment on special projects. We encourage staff to take advantage of professional development opportunities, additional training, education or certificates to build upon and enhance their skills. Networking, building a positive reputation, being open to constructive feedback, and actively seeking out promotional opportunities are also key toward career development.
