Posted: 6/12/2011 4:39:08 PM EDT
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Hey all,
I'm going to be heading out to Wyoming next month to test for the highway patrol out there. During the testing they have interviews and psych evaluations and I have no experience with either. If all goes well in the written and physical agility exam phases I'll be having my first employment interview since 2003 (and that was my first ever) and I'd like some tips on what to expect and how to prepare. Thanks in advance. ETA: Yes, I did read the sticky up at the top. I'm just wondering if anyone had anything else to add. |
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Well first off congrats on your progress thus far and good luck with your interviews.
From my experience (Ive gone thru the process and been hired by 2 agencies), the most important thing during an interview is to be yourself. Dress in a suit, make sure you are cleanly shaven and your hair isnt crazy. Doesnt have to be a military cut (at this point) but look professional. When you enter the interview room, shake everyones hand (firm but not hard) in the order they are introduced and do your best to remember their names. That will be tough because your mind will be racing, its ok if you cant. Call everyone sir (or ma'am) and look them in the eye. You also want to have good posture, sit with your back straight and dont fidget, those types of things. When they get to asking you questions, focus your attention on the person asking and then move from person to person while your answer, again keeping good eye contact. When asked a question, pause for a few seconds and make sure you understand, formulate your answer and then deliver. Always be honest, and they make mirror some questions you have already answered on paper, so be consistent. The only way to make it through the process is to be completely honest. We have all made mistakes so own up to yours and put a positive spin on them. They may also ask you scenario questions. Obviously they are not expecting an in depth answer based on police experience and procedure, so dont be alarmed. Just apply some common sense to the situation and clearly explain your response. These are just a few things to keep in mind but I have found them to be effective in this type of setting. Dont be thrown off if they give you evil eyes or are not very responsive. Its all a part of the show. |
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Google police interview and you will see a bunch of good info.
Things you will probably get asked: your biggest strengths or strengths an officer must have (have at least 5 and details why) your biggest weakness or failure - different schools of thought on this, you will have to figure it out for yourself why you want to work for this agency what you know about the agency what makes you a good candidate for employment there will also be a few scenario questions - answer them honestly, as they may revisit your answers for clarification. also do not change your answer to a scenario question since they may be trying to trick you and look for that specific change of thought mindset. Just relax, smile, dress in a suit and you will be fine. Ohh and come early, like 30-45 min early. |
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Quoted:
Shine your shoes. Seriously, it's amazing how many people skip this step. A suit for sure, and know how to tie a tie properly. Practice if you have to. Plain white shirt, maybe light blue. Nothing with a pattern. Basic red power tie. As in the shirt, or the ensemble in general? I've only got one suit and it's pinstriped (muted, but pinstriped nonetheless)...  Tying a tie is no big deal, and I can acquire a white shirt (already have a light blue one).
Thanks for the input so far guys. I really appreciate it. I've asked my dad also, but the last time he interviewed for a police job was probably about 25 years ago. |
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Not sure how things are out in WY, but around here community policing and problem oriented policing are big. You don't need to be an expert, but knowing some general facts would be helpful (I just went through a hiring process- which ended well for me  - and I got at least one interview question specifically related to community policing). Read up on some general info available in links here: And look here too: If you can reference things like the SARA model in your answer they'll know you at least have a general knowledge of POP/COP. "Why do you want to work at this department/agency" "Why do you want to work in this area" Think of the agency as your date for the day. A few well placed compliments (i.e. "I am impressed by the professionalism of this department") can be helpful. Don't be a suck up, but don't be afraid to compliment the agency and the city/county/state. If you're not from the area, study up on general facts about the area and the department. They might ask: "Where do you see yourself in 10 years" (or something along those lines) Your answer? It will be dependent upon the person, but remember that the agency/department is sinking money into you for the hiring process and training. If you tell them you're using them as a stepping stone things might not work out well for you. Other questions? "If you were given an unlawful/unethical order, what would you do?" "What's one prejudice you have, and what have you done to overcome it?" "What is one strength you have?" "What is one weakness you have?" (the strength/weakness questions are lame and unoriginal, but used often enough that its good to prepare...remember to always keep things positive- when talking about a weakness, always end by talking about what you're doing to reduce/eliminate that weakness and improve yourself) "Why do you want to work in law enforcement" "Why you over the other candidates" (something that worked for me here was to say, "I can't speak for the qualifications of the other candidates, I met several of them in the testing process and they all seemed very qualified, but I... [then talk about whatever your strengths are- be it experience, education, or personality/attitude- whatever it is you have to offer to the department]"...don't be arrogant, but let them know what you can bring to the department). "What do you feel is the most important quality a police officer can have" (something like honesty or integrity usually works well here...) They will most likely close with: "Do you have any questions for us?" Have a question ready. You could ask the interviewer's opinion about one of the questions (i.e. "What do you think is the most important quality in a police officer"). Asking what the interviewer likes about working at the department/living in the area will work almost anywhere. Is there a local university or tech/community college in your area you have connections to? A mock interview or two can be helpful, and most school career centers can hook you up with those. I had the good fortune of doing two mock interviews put on by the CJ department at my alma mater. I credit that in part for me getting my job- I'd say close to half the questions I got in my department interviews were asked to me almost word for word in those mock interviews. I got lots of good feedback about what potential employers are looking for in interviews. That being said, just be yourself. Don't be a robot when answering questions, and don't act like someone you're not. For the written testing? Can't really study too much for those...the ones I have taken are just general knowledge. If its something like the POST it wouldn't hurt to brush up on paper/pencil long division and multiplication. Psych evals? VERY important to be yourself here. You're almost certainly not crazy, so don't sweat being yourself. If you try to "polish" answers or be deceptive you will hurt (or destroy) your chances at advancing. Any polygraph? Just relax for those and tell the truth. You'll be a bit nervous, but you should do fine. You may think they're BS but it's just another hoop to jump through. |