Advice

[Black-N-White]

I am going for my interview a week from now and I just want to ask how to prepare, what to read, what to know, what type of questions they may ask, and what type of questions I should ask, keep me informed, thanks

[PhilipCal]

I am going for my interview a week from now and I just want to ask how to prepare, what to read, what to know, what type of questions they may ask, and what type of questions I should ask, keep me informed, thanks

I'm going to paint with a pretty broad brush. The first point I would emphasize is dress. For Males, that means suit and tie, shoes shined, hair cut, no beards, no earings, no "bling".For Females, Business attire, as in professional, easy on makeup and perfume. Be prepared to tell the officer or the board. why you want to be a LE Officer. Have at least, a general familiarity with the agency you're applying to. Be prepared to answer some common sense situational questions. Remember too, that as an entry level applicant, in-depth knowledge of criminal law, agency policies and procedures, isn't going to be required. That said, have an awareness of current events, national, state, and local. Keep in mind that your interview serves two basic purposes. It gives the agency a look at you. Equally important, it gives you a chance to "sell" yourself to the agency. Keep your answers brief and to the point. Appear confident,but not arrogant. Speak in a well modulated voice, look your questioner in the eye. Hopefully, other forum members will have some additional advice. Good luck to you.

[Black-N-White]

Perfect, I know that knowledge of the community you hope to work for will be a a large factor as well as the dress but I'm looking for somthing that could set me above the "yes" and "no" answerers, somthing that they would not expect, what sets the employed away from the unemployed or what can I present that will keep my name on the list, what should I ask, do, say? Just lookin for a little somthin extra or if it is even necessary? Thankyou again for your advice.

[-918-]

PhillipCal is 100% correct.

Oral Board interviews are designed to give the interviewers a unique look into several of your personal characteristics. Verbal communication, confidence and the ability to articulate yourself to perfect strangers are among some of the things they will look at. It is important to remember that this is a place to showcase yourself and allow them to see the passion you have for doing this job. I don't believe there is anything that people here, sworn and striving to be, can tell you or teach you in order for you to be ahead of the game. You should be yourself, be honest and allow them to see why you believe you would be a good choice for employment with their agency.

One thing I can add. During my OBI, I had a three person panel. The only time they made eye contact with me was when they asked a question. They were writing my answers down and their own notes beside my answers as we went through the interview. That was very distracting for me. Talking to the tops of their heads was frustrating.

I hope any of this helps. Good Luck, let us know how it goes!

[SlowDownThere]

All good advise so far. I'll add some more.

Perpare for some sort of ethical question. What would you do if your caught the chief's neice driving drunk? An off-duty officer from another agency? from the same agency? How about speeding, but not drunk?

Perpare to answer a question about your long range plans. Where do you see yourself in 5 years? 10 years? Detective? Supervisor? A differenet agency?

[Black-N-White]

It helps to listen to someone who has gone through this before, I appreciate the tid bits, thats what really helps, thankyou and I will let you know how everything will turn out.