Job application references (update posted)

[Luis650ar15]

I have recently completed my post pellet b test, wtsb physical test, and 1.5 mile run. I am now in the process of throughly filling out an application for my local sheriff's deparment. My question is regarding the references section of the application.

How many references would be best to add with my application? Also, should these references include family, personal, and professional acquaintances?

I plan to include some of my more important relationships that would establish good moral character such as; landlord, direct supervisor, and mentor from another law enforcement agency. Thanks in advance for the responses. I am excited to begin this long awaited journey. I look forward to earning a position to serve the community.

[esy]

I remember having lots of references. I can't recall exactly how many, however, I want to say I had somewhere around 5 personal (non-family) and 5 professional. Then, I had to list one supervisor and three co-workers for every job. Then, I had to list people that I had lived with at every residence (usually this covers family and relatives). Realistically, list as many as you can. You can never really have too many references. You can definitely not have enough references though.

My references generally ranged from about 3-4 years all the way up to 20+ years. I didn't put any LE references on there and that was just a personal decision. Generally, those letters will get out to those people because my references were asked to give names of people that also knew me to provide greater insight on the kind of person I am.

Good luck.

[Luis650ar15]

Esy,

Thanks for the reply. I have not been asked to list previous residences yet. It is likely in the background investigation process where I will need this information. I am going to go over the application very carefully to make sure I am not missing that. Also thanks for giving me an idea of how many references would be ok; it gives me a much better understanding of how many to list.

[CBR_rider]

Sounds like you have a pretty good set of names already. I don’t remember how many my agency has for a minimum; but definitely 5-10 solid references should be enough. A background investigator in turn asks those folks for anyone else who might be good for him/her to talk to so he web will spread a bit anyway.

Longtime friends, mentors, landlords you had lots of good contact with (maybe like an on site apartment manager for five years that knew you very well), longtime family friends even, professional contacts, Dedinitely a good NCO/Offixerxontact is prior military, etc

[Just-in]

The PHS can be found on the CA POST website. It is the pamphlet the BI will use to start investigating you. Start gathering info. If/when backgrounds come about it makes the process smoother.

[micro911]

I think they requested 3 for me in the 80s.

[zfields]

The PHS can be found on the CA POST website. It is the pamphlet the BI will use to start investigating you. Start gathering info. If/when backgrounds come about it makes the process smoother.

When I went through hiring, I didn't have enough. I talked to the BI about it during the interview and it wasn't an issue.

Just throwing that out there.

[Luis650ar15]

Thank you for all responses. I really appreciate all the info. I have about 8 total for now. I should be submitting my application by Friday. I am only waiting for a previous employer to get back to me with previous employment dates to be as accurate as possible.

[eltee]

I was a background investigator and BI unit supervisor for a while. Don't make the mistake of inundating your reference list with every cop you know ... it does not impress BI's to see nothing but cops as references. Be diverse. Teachers, nurses, lawyers, retirees, tradesmen/women, clergy, etc. and a cop or two, no more. In reality, you are serving the public, not just cops.

GOOD LUCK!

[code_blue]

The current POST standard PHS states to list 7-10 people. It is suggested to list a variety of references with different relationships to you. It is also suggested to max out at 10 references. Some agencies will use their own PHS and some will ask for neighbors as references. The important part is that you do not multi-list the same person.

Start filling out the POST standard PHS now. Even if your department uses their own, you will already have the standard PHS complete and can port the information over. Take note of the variances in question numbering between the standard and agency specific PHS's as well as the date ranges that the PHS asks for: 7 years, 10 years, EVER, etc...

Good luck and don't give up if this is something that you want to do. The waiting game will test your patience for sure.

[Luis650ar15]

Just thought I'd give a brief update. I have successfully made it to a panel interview. I am beyond excited and just can't wait. Any tips from those who have passed this phase are welcomed. I have about two weeks to prepare and intend on learning everything I can about the agency I am applying to. I have already spent a lot of time learning about the agency before applying. Now I must really learn and put it all the information to use.

[esy]

One thing that many managers really eat up is knowing the many different characteristics that they look for in candidates. Those characteristics are generally listed in the department’s mission statement. How do you apply those to yourself, your life experiences, your morals/values/ethics?

Having done a few panel interviews to get into the academy, Chief’s interview, and for some other positions that I’ve applied to, and assisted potential candidates for my department’s academy, ALWAYS have a closing. Be able to talk yourself up, sell yourself, and make it concise. It should only be about 1-1:30 minutes to hit on some things that you didn’t get to.

I would also think long and hard about why you want to do this job. Make this personal. It’s fantastic that you and everyone’s mom wants to “help the community,” “serve the public,” etc. We know that. What sets you apart from the hundreds, if not thousands, of other applicants that you’re competing against?

Hope that helps. Good luck.

[Luis650ar15]

Esy, Thanks for the great advice. I am now going through the mission statement and picking a few key points I want to touch on.

[CBR_rider]

Always sell yourself... don't be an egomaniac but really show WHY you are the best candidate for the job. In many interviews; the only information to be added/scored is what you provide. So for instance; let's just say that you were in the military and worked overseas linking bomb makers to their creations. If in the interview you just mentioned that you were deployed once and served in the military, that doesn't really help you.

[Luis650ar15]

My oral board is fast approaching. I am very excited/ nervous all at once. Definitely more excited than nervous. Probably on the ratio of 80/20 but on a serious note thanks to all that chimed in with the great advice. There is also a short written excerise before my oral board that I am trying to find some info on but can not find any for my agency. I'll just have to do the best I can. Once again thanks to all and wish me luck!!