i previously applied for a state LE agency, i have a good background (prior MIL. currently a state corrections officer) i passed the entry testing PT, written, psych. I was invited to a panel interview and then notified two days after the interview i didnt score high enough to move forward and to reapply if i was still interested.

any tips tricks or resources i should be looking at to improve and hopefully score high enough this time.

A little more info on the type of interview will help.

Was it the type where they ask structured questions, and ask for specific details as follow on questions?

Was it job based questions? Or general knowledge?

Or was it a “tell us about…” where its more of an open ended question and they want to see your communication skills.

Again, can be questions about you or your experiences in life.



And while many assume, I have to ask, you wore a nice suit and clean and shined dress shoes, right?? Polos and dockers need not apply.

If it is your communication skills you can check out Charisma on Command on YouTube, listen to podcasts, and spend time striking up conversations with strangers. If there is a Toastmasters group around you I highly encourage you to join them.

These skills will be crucial for you if you're hired.

All of this.

Given how desperate most agencies are, I would apply elsewhere to get your foot in the door and then move laterally at a later date if the opportunity arises.

What questions did they ask? Details help.
What were your answers?

These days?  Go test some place else.  If you made it that far, someplace will give you a shot.  

I always interviewed pretty well.  As a Sgt, I was senior to a couple really good guys, simply because they didn’t interview and test that well.  Everyone agreed they were good cops, and all became good Sgts as well.  But it took them extra time to get there.  

Meanwhile, we also let thru some real questionable promotions, because that person had a great day, or convinced people that didn’t know them of how great they were, when they were….not.

Point being- don’t take it personal.  I had a few interviews early on when trying to get a job where I did not do that well, and as a result was saved from working for what I later found were rinky dink agencies.    Always a bright side.