Just had my Oral interview

[Jonnyboy182]

Hey guys, its been quite a while since I came to these forums-my computer decided to die-and that's always fun when you don't have the cash available for a new one! Since then, I've gotten a pretty decent job, so I'm pretty happy.

Anyway December 5th, I took my POST. I ended up with a 61.8 overall, I did better in the reading than I did in the writing.
I got my B/G packet in the mail when I returned from the East Coast (Family) on Jan 21-So I had the weekend to finish it. I got it all done-but didn't fully explain what every "yes" box meant. The interviewer mentioned it more than once, and I obviously did not complete the packet to where I needed it done. Durring the interview I didn't give any excuses, I understood that it is my responsiblity to MAKE time to get it 100% done, and turning it in at 95% is not acceptable. I'm hoping that this is just a speedbump-I'm self sponsered and trying to get into the Modular academy since I can't leave work full time to pursue it.

I know there are many on this page are current or former LEOS. I guess the thing I'm wondering is-did I totally blow it? It seemed like they were trying to see how I would react to being criticized. I refuse to blame anyone else for the fact that I didn't make the time. I really wish I had gotten the packet earlier, but again, I had a weekend, and I should have done it better. I was honest about my background-told them everything I've ever done lol . Anyways, I should hear back soon.

[Unit74]

If they are mentioning it, I'd think you will not rank as high. CHP told me the same thing and I ended up getting DQed for an incomplete package. But they were my first agency and I had no idea how detailed it really needed to be.

I wouldn't sweat over it too much right now. But, in the future, be more detailed and have someone look it over before you send it in.

[Baconator]

The problem that you will have is that there are tons of people applying for the same job you have that did fill out everything they were supposed to. There are people trying to get into law enforcement who would have never thought of it prior to the recession. People with perfect backgrounds, grad degrees, and everything else that makes them very nice on paper. So if it is two people doing about the same in the process, and one has something off (like missing something on the B/G form) they could bump you for that. That being said, it might not be a big deal. Just keep in mind how stiff the competition is right now, you want to look as good as possible.

[Jonnyboy182]

Well it's not a paid postition, I'm actually paying to go into the accademy. And not the full time one the reserve modular accademy ....
If that counts for anything

[Baconator]

Are you paying to go to an academy to be a reserve or a volunteer? Or are you just trying to do the modular academy to look for a position somewhere?

[Jonnyboy182]

Well modular goes at night when I can go. I can't afford to take 6 months off so I intend to pay my way into level 1 ( which won't be till next year at earliest) then work full time after I graduate.

[Jonathan Doe]

You cannot be sloppy in the things you need to get done. If you are sloppy now, you will be sloppy later. It may mean your life and others' when it counts. I bet the agencies do not like to see candidates who are not organized or cannot complete a task.

[Jonnyboy182]

I agree with the core of your statement that agencies
don't want half-assed people coming in. At the same time to say dicipline can't can't be learned is not nessessarily true. If I tried to explain it would sound like an excuse, so I will say simply that I am trying and will continue to try to gain dicipline.

[yzErnie]

the agencies do not like to see candidates who are not organized or cannot complete a task.

The problem that you will have is that there are tons of people applying for the same job you have that did fill out everything they were supposed to.

It's been a few years now but when my wife worked backgrounds the above sentences resulted in the lower scoring of many applicants. A perception of cutting corners or slacking does not sit well with the background folks. This is a part of the whole hiring process in the respect that it shows the ability to be thorough and complete.

Having said all that, it may not be as an important flaw for a reserve application as it would for a regular LEO position. What you would need to do in any other parts of the process that will take place is to make sure you have your ducks in a row and your finished product is as thorough and complete as necessary. Excuses are cheap and they hear many of them but knuckling down and getting it done is what puts someone a cut above the others.

[dvs kugai]

cross the t's, dot the i's, check all the boxes. alot of the job is details, so don't cut corners when you are still trying to land the job.