| Author | Message | ||
     Lowlife |
Hello everyone! This weekend I completed a written and physical examination for a law enforcement agency, and I'm scheduled for my first oral board examination. Right now, I'm structuring some answers to common questions and going through all of the permutations in my mind. Also, I have read some of the typical preparation literature, but additional input would be greatly appreciated. | ||
| Sanchez |
I took some training recently to be a better interviewer. The course advised us to look for "STARs." It's a mnemonic for "Situation/Task", "Action", and "Result." When someone asks you a question, describe a particular situation or problem you faced, the action you took, and what the result was. If your interviewers are good, they'll ask questions that naturally lead to these answers. If not, you'll get generic junk like, "So, are you a team player?" | ||
| Wardan123 |
Incorporate their question into the first and last line of your response. This will bring focus to their question and act to summate it as well. | ||
| Redhatbuell |
I had a buddy that interviewed with a department a while back. When he walked out of the interview room they handed him a piece of paper and a pencil and told him to describe the members of the board and the room. Attention to detail and powers of observation were what they were after. Good luck! | ||
| Firemanjim |
Have a one page resume,short and to the point for each interviewer.Make eye contact with each as you answer.Be prepared to tell a little about yourself.Might get the "So tell us why we should hire you above all the other applicants",or "What have you done to prepare for this interview/".Have you checked out the city(chamber of commerce good source) -population,type of goverment,who is the mayor,what sort of benefits you get,pay scale,(and yes,you should know all of this as it shows you have done your research,and pay is a legitimate reason for seeking a job---needed more to support my family,sir.)Size of city in sg miles.And maybe the question,"So why do you want to work in this city/dept/town?" Know some positive aspects of living/working in that community. God luck. | ||
| Johnnylunchbox |
One thing I might do is study the agency. Try to know something about them so you can incorporate their mission into your answers. Another thing to do is call the office and ask to speak to an officer/agent. You can politely interview them over the phone if they are willing to give you the time. You can then work in the fact during your interview that you actually conversed with Officer so and so. It shows initiative and that you are really interested. Be real, be yourself, be honest. Most of these guys can see through BS.Good luck. | ||
| Tramp |
Hi, Lowlife- Being that you've completed the written and physical, I have to assume you're past the 'resume' phase at this point. According to the level and breadth of the 'law enforcment agency', the odds are very, very good that you'll have detectives/Intel vets present and likely querying you at your interview. Should you decide to keep direct eye contact with them, honesty is KEY. These personnel are trained in visual-cue lie detection, and your unconscious eye movements will give you up should you give any dishonest answers. attempting to 'control' these movements effects ocular 'freeze', which is a snap-indicator of less-than-honest bearing. Be Honest. incidentally, being that you're already a "Grad Student", I assume that it's not the local constabulary you're pursuing. Be honest, even if you *think* your honesty might cost you the job. If you've ever experimented with herb, don't tell 'em you "didn't inhale"..... they're concerned with your present and future serum chemical content, not your past. Bring along an anecdote or two that you think might apply to a potential question. don't be cute, don't attempt comedy unless they do, first, habitually (let 'em make a good 4 or 5 cracks before you exhibit any levity. 4 or 5, minimum. I doubt they'll run you through that, but if they're of any high security level, they might, esp. if your prospective position involves dealing with probable felons. Your interviewers will observe your 'suggestibilty') be yourself, (whoever it is you you 'be'), BREATHE, and take the interview with the stride and ease of a guy who has other options and nothing to hide. everybody even LEO interviewers, are suckers for the enthusiastic applicant bearing no shortage of options. (I'm no cop, never have been, never will be- but I've been on both sides of exhaustive non-LEO interviews) | ||
| Koz5150 |
Don't tell them your online name is Lowlife! | ||
| Krassh |
Definitely do not let them see your profile admitting to going 125 mph. | ||
| Tramp |
If it's a federal level job, believe me, they've already seen it and all else that originates with his IP. that's one of the innumerable reasons that honesty is key. | ||
| Koz5150 |
Well... Don't walk in and say, "Hi, I'm lowlife and I like to drive 125 mph, but never while on the clock!" | ||
| Tramp |
Never Ever 'offer up' usolicited intel | ||
| Road_thing |
 And make sure your uniform is right...  rt | ||
| Bomber |
I believe the best thing one can do in an interview setting is to approach it as a meeting of equals -- they have a need, or they wouldn't be interviewing -- they feel you may be able to help meet that need, or they wouldn't be interviewing YOU -- you have a need, which they may be able to help you meet too many folks approach an interview with all the signs of a supplicant crawling up the bascilica steps, asking for alms -- employment is an agreement between equals -- | ||
| Tramp |
I am so framing that. this is true with sponsors, as well. I used to treat reps (who were interested in picking me up...um...for sponsorship) like racer-chasers. show 'em you don't need them any more than they need you. | ||
| Rek |
My favorite tactic is to wear my PJ's to the interview and carry a six-pack of your preferred beverage. It doesn't hurt to offer the interviewer a beer, either. Rob | ||
| Djkaplan |
My only advice? If they start asking you about drugs, don't say, "Why? Do you want to buy some?". | ||
| Lowlife |
Thanks for the input everyone. I didn't pick my screen name to describe myself. There's a story behind it. And the 125 mph thing was during a track day. So, I'm off the hook for that one too. My interview is tomorrow morning...wish me luck! | ||
| Oldog |
Good Luck LL |
