Interviews are tough; police interviews can be tougher. Check out these 15 tricky questions and how to answer them.
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1. Why do you want to work in this industry?
Bad answer: "I like law enforcement. I think it's really cool."
Don't just say you like it. Anyone can like law enforcement, and that proves nothing. Focus instead on your history with the industry and if you can, tell a story.
Good answer: "I have always appreciated and admired those who put their lives on the line to protect our communities. My interest really piqued in law enforcement after I witnessed a domestic dispute and watched the responding officers diffuse the situation. I heard the calling as I saw the officers control the situation and remove one of the parties from harm's way. It was then I knew that this is what I was meant to do."
2. Tell us about yourself.
Bad answer: "I graduated four years ago from the University of Michigan, with a Bachelor's degree in Biology – but I decided that wasn't the right path for me. I switched gears and started volunteering with a local police department as an admin. Then I went on to work in another department and started watching the training courses. After that, I took a few months off to travel. Finally, I came back to start working again. And now, here I am, looking for a more challenging law enforcement role."
Instead of giving a chronological work history, focus on your strengths and how they pertain to the role. If possible, illustrate with examples.
Good answer: "I'm a very energetic and well-rounded person who can follow instructions well. I'm a good communicator and team player. At the last department I was with, I initiated advanced medic classes for the officers who were interested in learning new first-aid techniques. It had such a positive impact that they are offering the same course again this year."
3. What do you think of your previous chief?
Bad answer: "He was completely incompetent and a nightmare to work with, which is why I've moved on"
Remember: if you get the job, the person interviewing you will some day be your previous boss. The last thing they want is to hire someone who they know is going to badmouth them some day. Instead of trashing your former employer, stay positive, and focus on what you learned from them no matter how awful they might have been.
Good answer: "My last chief taught me the importance of time management – he didn't pull any punches, and was extremely driven. His no-nonsense attitude pushed me to work harder, and to meet goals I never even thought were possible."
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4. Why are you leaving your current job?
Bad answer: "I can't stand my boss, or the work they have me doing."
Again, stay away from bad-mouthing your department or fellow officers. Focus on the positive.
Good answer: "I've learned a lot from my current role, but now I'm looking for a new challenge, to broaden my horizons and to gain new skill-sets – all of which I see potential for in this department."
5. Where do you see yourself in five years?
Bad answer: "Relaxing on a beach in Maui," or "Doing your job."
There's really no right answer to this question, but the interviewer wants to know that you're ambitious, career-oriented, and committed to a future with the station. So, instead of sharing your dream for early retirement, or trying to be funny, give them an answer that illustrates your drive and commitment.
Good answer: "In five years I'd like to have an even better understanding of what it takes to be a good officer. Also, I really enjoy being the first to a scene, and I work very well under pressure. Ultimately, I'd like to be in a commander-type position, where I can use my organizational skills and industry knowledge to benefit the people working with me, and those we are there to help."
6. What's your greatest weakness?
Bad answer: "I work too hard," or for the comedian, "Blondes."
This question is a great opportunity to put a positive spin on something negative, but you don't want your answer to be cliché – joking or not. Instead, try to use a real example of a weakness you have learned to overcome.
Good answer: "I've never been very comfortable with public speaking – which as you know, can be a hindrance in this field. Realizing this was a problem, I asked my previous department if I could enroll in a speech workshop. I took the class, and was able to overcome my lifelong fear. Since then, I've given several safety presentations to school children across the county. I still don't love it, but no one else can tell!"
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7. What salary are you looking for?
Bad answer: "In my last job I earned $45,000 – so, now I'm looking for $55,000"
If you can avoid it, don't give an exact number. The first person to name a price in a salary negotiation loses. Instead, re-iterate your commitment to the job itself. If you have to, give a broad range based on research you've conducted on that particular role, in your particular city.
Good answer: "I'm more interested in the role itself than the pay. That said, I'd expect to be paid the appropriate range for this job, based on my five years of experience. I also think a fair salary would bear in mind the high cost of living here in New York City."
8. Why should I hire you?
Bad answer: "I'm the best candidate for the job."
A good answer will reiterate your qualifications, and will highlight what makes you unique.
Good answer: "I've been a law enforcement officer for the past five years – my chief has said time and time again that without me, the department wouldn't function as well as it currently does. I've also taken the time to educate myself on some of the non-standard techniques that may come in handy while on duty. I can react quickly in hectic situations, and can handle the responsibilities of a leadership role. What's good enough for most people is never really good enough for me."
9. What is your greatest failure, and what did you learn from it?
Bad answer: I never finished law school – and everything that has happened since then has taught me that giving up, just because the going gets tough, is a huge mistake."
You don't want to actually highlight a major regret – especially one that exposes an overall dissatisfaction with your life. Instead, focus on a smaller, but significant, mishap, and how it has made you a better professional.
Good answer: "When I was in college, I took an art class to supplement my curriculum. I didn't take it very seriously, and assumed that, compared to my Engineering classes, it would be a walk in the park. My failing grades at midterm showed me otherwise. I'd even jeopardized my scholarship status. I knew I had to get my act together. I spent the rest of the semester making up for it, ended up getting a decent grade in the class. I learned that no matter what I'm doing, I should strive to do it to the best of my ability. Otherwise, it's not worth doing at all."
10. How do you explain your gap in employment?
Bad answer: "I was tired of the job and I needed a break," or "I just couldn't find a job."
Employment gaps are always tough to explain. You don't want to come across as lazy or unhireable. Find a way to make your extended unemployment seem like a choice you made, based on the right reasons.
Good answer: "My work is important to me, so I won't be satisfied with any old job. Instead of rushing to accept the first thing that comes my way, I'm taking my time and being selective to make sure my next position is the right one."
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11. When were you most satisfied in your job?
Bad answer: "I was most satisfied when I did well, and got praised for my work."
Don't give vague answers. Instead, think about something you did well —and enjoyed— that will be relevant at this new job. This is an opportunity for you to share your interests, prove that you're a great fit for the department and showcase your enthusiasm.
Good answer: "I'm a people person. I was always happiest — and most satisfied — when I was interacting with community residents, making sure I was able to meet their needs and giving them the best possible comfort in a tough situation. It was my favorite part of the job, and it showed. Part of the reason I'm interested in this job is that I know I'd have even more interaction with the public, on an even more critical level."
12. What did you like least about your job?
Bad answer: "A lack of stability. I felt like the place could collapse around me at any time."
Try and stay away from anything that draws on the politics, culture or financial health of your previous employer. No matter how true it might be, comments like these will be construed as too negative. Also, you don't want to focus on a function that might be your responsibility in the next role. So think of something you disliked in your last job, but that you know for sure won't be part of this new role.
Good answer: "There was nothing about my last job that I hated, but I guess there were some things I liked less than others. My previous role involved traveling at least twice a month. While I do love to travel, twice a month was a little exhausting – I didn't like spending quite so much time out of the department. I'm happy to see that this role involves a lot less travel."
13. Describe a time when you did not get along with a co-worker.
Bad answer: "I'm easy to get along with, so I've never had any kind of discord with another officer or department staff member."
Interviewers don't like these types of "easy out" answers. And besides, they know you are probably not telling the truth. Think of a relatively benign (but significant) instance, and show how it became a positive learning experience.
Good answer: "I used to lock heads with a fellow officer. We disagreed over a lot of things – from civilian interaction to who got what shifts to how to speak with a victim's family. Our personalities just didn't mesh. After three months of arguing, I pulled her aside and asked her to lunch. At lunch, we talked about our differences and why we weren't getting along. It turns out, it was all about communication. We communicated differently and once we knew that, we began to work well together. I really believe that talking a problem through with someone can help solve any issue."
14. What motivates you?
Bad answer: "Doing a good job and being rewarded for it."
It's not that this answer is wrong — it's just that it wastes an opportunity. This question is practically begging you to highlight your positive attributes. So don't give a vague, generic response — it tells them very little about you. Instead, try and use this question as an opportunity to give the interviewer some insight into your character, and use examples where possible.
Good answer: "I've always been motivated by the challenge – in my last role, I was responsible for training our new recruits in firearm care, and wouldn't stop teaching until each recruit passed the course. I know that this job is very fast-paced and I'm more than up for the challenge. In fact, I thrive on it."
15. How would your friends describe you?
Bad answer: "I'm a really good listener."
While being a good listener is a great personality trait, your employer probably doesn't care all that much. It's unlikely that they're hiring you to be a shoulder to cry on. You'll want to keep your answer relevant to the job you're interviewing for, and as specific as possible. If you can, insert an example.
Good answer: "My friends would probably say that I'm extremely persistent – I've never been afraid to keep going back until I get what I want. In college I worked as a program developer, recruiting keynote speakers for major conferences. I usually got one rejection after another – this was just the nature of the job. But I really wanted the big players – so I wouldn't take no for an answer. I kept going back to them every time there was a new company on board, or some new value proposition. Eventually, many of them actually said "yes" – the program turned out to be so great that we doubled our attendees from the year before. A lot of people might have given up after the first rejection, but it's just not in my nature. If I know something is possible, I have to keep trying until I get it."
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