Recruiter's Glossary

Examples: Merit System • Cost-Benefit Analysis • Risk Management

Program Evaluation

Term from Public Administration industry explained for recruiters

Program Evaluation is a systematic way to assess how well government programs, non-profit initiatives, or public services are working. It's like a report card for public programs that helps organizations understand if they're achieving their goals and using resources wisely. Just as businesses track their success through sales and profits, public organizations use program evaluation to measure their impact on communities and ensure taxpayer money is well-spent. This process includes collecting information, analyzing data, and making recommendations for improvement. You might also see this called "Impact Assessment," "Outcomes Measurement," or "Performance Analysis."

Examples in Resumes

Led Program Evaluation of youth employment initiative, resulting in 30% budget optimization

Conducted comprehensive Program Evaluation and Impact Assessment for state healthcare programs

Designed and implemented Program Evaluation framework for federal education grants

Managed Outcomes Evaluation and Program Assessment for community outreach initiatives

Typical job title: "Program Evaluators"

Also try searching for:

Program Evaluation Specialist Impact Assessment Analyst Performance Measurement Specialist Evaluation Coordinator Research and Evaluation Manager Policy Analyst Outcomes Measurement Specialist

Where to Find Program Evaluators

Professional Associations

Job Boards

Professional Networks

Example Interview Questions

Senior Level Questions

Q: How would you handle a program evaluation where stakeholders disagree about what success looks like?

Expected Answer: Should discuss experience in building consensus, facilitating stakeholder meetings, and developing comprehensive evaluation frameworks that address multiple perspectives. Should mention methods for balancing competing interests and communicating effectively with different groups.

Q: Tell me about a time when your evaluation findings were controversial or challenged. How did you handle it?

Expected Answer: Should demonstrate experience in defending methodology, presenting evidence-based findings diplomatically, and working through resistance to change. Should emphasize importance of data integrity and objective analysis.

Mid Level Questions

Q: What methods do you use to collect and analyze program data?

Expected Answer: Should be able to explain both qualitative and quantitative data collection methods, including surveys, interviews, focus groups, and statistical analysis. Should demonstrate understanding of when to use different methods.

Q: How do you ensure your evaluation findings are actionable for program managers?

Expected Answer: Should discuss experience in creating clear recommendations, presenting findings in accessible formats, and working with program staff to develop improvement plans based on evaluation results.

Junior Level Questions

Q: What is the difference between process evaluation and outcome evaluation?

Expected Answer: Should explain that process evaluation looks at how a program operates, while outcome evaluation measures the program's results and impact. Should provide basic examples of each.

Q: How do you ensure data quality in program evaluation?

Expected Answer: Should discuss basic data collection principles, importance of consistent measurement, proper documentation, and verification of information sources.