Oral Interview Advice

[Ziggy91]

Hey guys,

I recently passed the written and physical tests for a big department here in the Bay Area. I'm scheduled for an interview in 3 weeks and need some advice on what to expect. Some friends went through the process not too long ago, but wouldn't tell me about questions... only saying, "You'll do fine" as if that helps calm me. Hah.

Any advice is appreciated.

Thanks.

[Miller Time]

Study the city, in a general sense
Major airports? Seaports? Economical situation of the city.
History of the dept
How many beats/districts
Mayors name
Chiefs name
Know what "community policing" is, and what it means to you
What have YOU done to prepare yourself for this job?
Why XYZ dept?

and lastly, try to speak slow, clearly, and breath! Good luck!

[BoJackUSMC]

1) Do not sit until they offer you or tell you to sit
2) Do not play with your hands or shake your knees during interview
3) Positive eye contact
4) Do not say, "I THINK OR I BELIEVE I will do........ Be CONFIDENT with your answers!!!!
5) Firm handshake after interview is over and thank everyone for their time

Most importantly.... DO NOT SHOW UP LATE and DRESS TO IMPRESS!!!!
No jeans!!!!!! Also, DO NOT ACT COCKY!!!! Just remember this.. you are asking them to hire you and train you to become a sworn officer in California..

[dmendoza1779]

1)Do not sit until they offer you or tell you to sit.

**This one I agree. I had my panel interview last tuesday and I almost forgot about this tip. Good thing I remembered and just nonchalantly pulled my chair and stood right next to it and stood there until they both sat down and of course I waited for them to tell me to have a seat.

It also helps to know the agency's mission statement or their department philosophy. I was able to formulate an answer and incorporate my work
situation with the mission
statement. Most likely, they will challenge your answers to see if you will change them. They will be checking your thought process. Good luck!

[Spanky8601]

Study the city, in a general sense
Major airports? Seaports? Economical situation of the city.
History of the dept
How many beats/districts
Mayors name
Chiefs name
Know what "community policing" is, and what it means to you
What have YOU done to prepare yourself for this job?
Why XYZ dept?

and lastly, try to speak slow, clearly, and breath! Good luck!

The above is excellent advise. Study the hiring bulletin put out by the agency. Most likely it will list personal traits they are looking for, like honesty. See how many you possess and be prepared to discuss them.

[Ziggy91]

WOW. Great feedback!
I wasn't expecting most of this...

I'm obviously not prepared, but I'll start to get my answers straight tonight.

[Just-in]

As I was told a while back when I started interviewing with the agency I'm testing for just be yourself and be calm about it, study and use the thing between your ears for the rest.

[Ziggy91]

/\ Just noticed your thread under mine. Good advice in there.

[ARinSD]

I've gone through 3 panels and have been lucky enough to pass them all.

Remember be confident but not cocky. Use common sense and stick by your answer. A lot of times they want to see if you'll change your mind or second guess yourself.

Make sure you have an intelligent question or two when they ask you if there is anything you'd like to know.

Mostly, they want to see not so much if you CAN do the job but how you would fit in the culture of that department.

[RedVines]

Be prepared to answer questions about yourself. Your strengths, your weaknesses, your leadership abilities, your ability to work as a team etc. Good luck.

[Ziggy91]

Any other advice? The interview is coming up this weekend and I'm still uneasy about what to expect.

[PsychGuy274]

If they ask your opinion on something and then act as if they disapprove and they start challenging you - stick to your guns and justify your answer.

9/10 they could care less about what you said, just that you stand by what you said with solid reasoning.

[CBR_rider]

If they ask your opinion on something and then act as if they disapprove and they start challenging you - stick to your guns and justify your answer.

9/10 they could care less about what you said, just that you stand by what you said with solid reasoning.

Many times they will do their best to make you change your answer, even if it is the correct answer. Know WHY you are answering the way you are, and you'll be fine.

[Khromo]

There will usually be some hypothetical situations posed which are intended to make you think and react. They will modify the hypothetical after your first response to see if you are clever enough to react to a different set of facts, and to see if you are mature enough to change your position. Think before you speak, every time. Don't leap to the first and most obvious conclusion, rather wait until you have all the available facts.

There will usually be a question which measures your respect for the sanctity of human life. This is not the time to pose as Billy BadAss. Talk about the need to balance

[AR15 Guy]

Every department will ask different questions. I strongly suggest that you do read up on community policing and know the background of the department you are trying to interview for. Also common questions asked are why do you think you are suitable to become a police officer and what accomplishment are most proud of? A tip for the second question is to not say your kids if you have any. They want to hear about something that you worked hard for like getting a degree or something of the sort