Got the Interview

[Tikidaddy]

Ok so, I've been in the academy for the past 10 1/2 months (Part time) and thank god only 3 more weeks til graduation. I took an entrance exam 2 weeks ago, and scored the 3rd highest. I received a letter yesterday stating that I'll be scheduled for an interview in a couple weeks. I know alot of these interviews are based on "What would you do" scenarios but, can anybody give me some insight of what to possibly expect, and if anyone has conducted interviews, what do you look for, etc.

Basicly any info would be greatly appreciated.

[SlowDownThere]

Ok so, I've been in the academy for the past 10 1/2 months (Part time) and thank god only 3 more weeks til graduation. I took an entrance exam 2 weeks ago, and scored the 3rd highest. I received a letter yesterday stating that I'll be scheduled for an interview in a couple weeks. I know alot of these interviews are based on "What would you do" scenarios but, can anybody give me some insight of what to possibly expect, and if anyone has conducted interviews, what do you look for, etc.

Basicly any info would be greatly appreciated.

First, Congratuations upon your imminent graduation.

Second, Congratulations for getting an interview. I have sat in on interviews for promotional exams, I have never done so for entrance exams. So keep my reply in context.

I think they are looking for intelligent, reasonable people. The expectation for you may be higher, as you have been through the academy, but still they are not interviewing an experienced PO. If you were seeking a lateral, the expectations would be higher.

My advise is to remain calm, to answer each question fully and honestly. I would not be afraind to state that you would seek advise from a SGT or senior patrolman. If they state that is not an option, then make your answers reasonable. The most importanat thing a PO needs is good judgement. The skills a PO needs will come with training and experience, but there is no substitute for good judgement. And that means being reasonable, not extreme.

I'd give a more specific answer if you gave me a more specific example, but you may get my drift.

Good luck, and let us know.

[Tikidaddy]

SlowDownThere,
Thanks for the reply, I appreciate it. In talking with some people they have said that they are looking for someone who "thinks on their feet", shows good judgement etc (I guess that is obvious). I am relying on my vast military experience (NCO now) along with my intelligence (yes I do have some, ha). I'm just trying to get a few opinions, and try to get ahead of the game by getting some good feedback from experienced officers. I have been trying to prepare anyway that I can i.e. going as far as looking up as much info as possible on the town itself.

Thanks again, it's greatly appreciated.

[SlowDownThere]

what part of the state are you in?

I'm too lazy to look it up on a map. Near NYS?

[Tikidaddy]

SE PA Chester County(about 30 miles south of Philly) I'm originally from North Jersey (Don't hold that against me)

[SlowDownThere]

I get to SE PA a few times a year. I have a good frined who lives there.

Lives in Lancaster, works in Bucks County. It's amazing how much nicer the weather is there, compared to here. We get "lake effect" snow off the great lakes that can really add up. I like it in lower PA.

[Tikidaddy]

Yeah it's not Jersey but I do like it. We have a nice mix here, city,residential, and rural I do like it.

Bucks Co is one of the counties that I am looking in, I've decided to look in roughly an hour radius. What sucks about my county is, alot of it is patrolled by State so, I have to broaden my search a bit.

[SlowDownThere]

...so I don't really view that as a negative.

But I see your point all the same. Best of luck