I just need a little input/advice on initiating emloyment in this field.

I've applied and interviewed with my State Probation & Parole several times, but to no avail. I meet the qualifications in terms of educational requirements, I dress professionally for my interviews, I am calm and confident during the interview process, I greet everyone with a smile and shake hands as I introduce myself and again at the conclusion of the interview, and I answer the interview questions with well thought answers. I only respond to the question being asked, and keep my response focused on that question. I ask questions when afforded the opportunity to do so, and I keep my questions professional and related to the position I am interviewing for.

Although no experience is required for employment with this agency, I successfully completed an internship with the local misdemeanor probation department (State handles the felons), giving me some experience in the probation process.

I have nothing in my background that could or should prevent me from consideration for employment in this field.

What am I missing and/or doing wrong?

Thanks in advance for your input,

Gunner

Quoted: What am I missing and/or doing wrong? Thanks in advance for your input, Gunner

My sister aspires (???) to get into this field. I find fault in her logic.

Anyways, the advice given to her was go to college and get a criminal justice major, she did, and now she's a Sheriff ... works as a jailer? And supposedly, that experience will help her get into probation.  Could be all bullshit, I dunno.

Point I wanted to make was, I think college is basically required.
Your competition will have a 4yr degree. (my sister has an expensive, private degree, to boot.)

Second, I hope you don't have anything in your past like a DWI, or anything other than an honorable discharge.

And if you're a white male, you lose by default.  Affirmative Action.

You might try posting this in the Brothers of the Shield forum.

I don't know about your state, but in Florida P&P is under the Department of Corrections.  A four-year degree is required.  Even though they say that no experience is required, most (if not all) of the CPOs (for Correctional Probation Officer) that I know have prior corrections experience, either as a CO or as a Classification Officer within the institution, or prior law enforcement experience.  CPOs are designated as LEOs by the Dept of Corrections and have limited arrest powers.  They may carry firearms (personally purchased but of an approved type). They drive thier own cars and are paid mileage.

I would try to get information from people who are already working in your preferred field in your state and find out what they recommend.

Hope this helps.

Thanks for the input so far. State Probation & Parole in NM is also governed by the Department of Corrections. They are considered LEOs with arrest powers and have the option to carry firearms (either issued or personally owned handguns, shotguns, & AR15s), although some units impose a requirement for carrying firearms.

A Bachelor's degree in any field is required, supplemented by 15 credits or  major in various coursework (Psych, Soc, CJ, etc.), which I exceed. I don't have a criminal background. I probably have more experience (through the internship) than most of the people that apply and subsequently get hired.

I spoke to several PPOs when I did the internship, as some had previously worked for State, as well as my supervisor. I have also spoken to a few PPOs who are currently employed with State. Their recommendations mirror everything I put in the original post. I've considered the affirmative action aspect, but I'm not sure if that's the reason. I can't think of what could be or is holding me back.

I thought about posting this in Brothers of the Shield, but thought it would get more attention here in GD.

-Gunner