Fighting discouragement

[jrivera408]

To all the current officers of the law here on CGN:

How does one keep from getting discouraged while going through the application/hiring process? I'm going on my third/fourth straight year of applying and actively looking for LEO careers. Looking back to my first initial application date, I never thought I'd still be trying to pursue this dream. I've tried to take every application, test, background investigation, and interview as experience for the future. I've been more proactive in doing things that I can apply to this career as well as my resume. However, more recently I am kicking myself in the a** for not self sponcering an academy. In the years I have been waiting to be picked up, I could have received my POST cert already! I believe that would have opened up more doors for me. Now I am currently looking to perform the modular training course, I see that there aren't any available locally to me (SJ). Is there any advice from someone who has been fighting through a similar situation? Thank you and rant over.

[yzErnie]

Hiring has been slowly picking up but is still nothing like it was 4 years ago. Some departments do not recognize the modular academies so make sure the depts you are interested in will accept that. Also, becoming a reserve could be helpful in your effort to go full time.

[Ron-Solo]

I agree with Ernie 100%

[RileyBean]

Testing is a full-time job in itself. In a tight economy there can be hundreds of applicants for each open position. You are also competing with laterals from other agencies. I agree, becoming a reserve can help. You just have to keep at it.

[jrivera408]

Thank you all for the replies. I have to figure out the details and logistics of how I'll be able to enroll in the needed training courses with my current schedule.

[HB Surfer]

My brother tried just like you for a few years before he decided to put himself through an academy. he was picked up towards the end and had a great career.

Also, a friend of mine years ago was brought on as a Reserve Officer and today he is a full time Police Captain. Amazing!

Good luck!

[tyrist]

I applied to dang near every agency within driving distance and it took me over a year to find a job during better economic times. I encourage you to not give up.

[Notorious]

One of my buddies took ten years... a full decade... of applying everywhere and getting a ton of crap thrown in his face... and he finally got picked up after he paid his own way through the academy... by the DEA. Go figure.

[Bobby Ricigliano]

I applied off and on for about 10 years before finally getting picked up. My department actually paid for our academy training too so I was really fortunate.

All I can say is do whatever you can to market yourself and distinguish yourself from the sea of hopeful candidates that show up at every hiring event. Sell yourself, especially during the oral interview.

[beb]

Took my ex a little over 3 years to finally get picked up by CHP. Youll get discouraged, but you just have to keep on trying! Or you could move to LA! Im in the application process and was told that if we were squeaky clean on backgrounds/poly; that we could be in academy within 6 months because they are actively hiring.

[fullrearview]

Departments are thinking more economically now. They are hiring laterals or people that self sponsor. Actually passing the academy, then FTO, then probation is not hard, but the odds are not in your favor. Departments see this, and would rather save that money up front.

Keep trying. It's almost part of the process now.

[jrivera408]

Thank you all!

[retired]

I tested for two years and was finally hired in 1976. I would score in the top 5 or 10, but the depts. either would hire only one or two when I was #4 or 6 or 7 when I was #9. Just missing out.

I finally got on with LASD and that process alone took a year.

Hang in there as it will eventually pay off. One day, 25yrs. from now, you'll look back, smile and remember this while sitting at your detective desk.

[Notorious]

One day, 25yrs. from now, you'll look back, smile and remember this while sitting at your detective desk.

You want him to go through all that just to sit at a desk and miss patrol?

[Petro6golf]

You dont. Its a miserable process full of headaches but just know its worth it in the end.