Beginning the Application Process

[BluShrtBlkShoes]

I am planning on applying with different agencies in my area (West Central GA) and I was wondering what I should have on my resume or what I should get completed before I just go up to some local chiefs and hand them my app. I'm 20 years old and I hope to be on the force by the time I turn 21, preferably be hired prior to my birthday so I can start working immediately upon my 21st birthday. What all can be done to give me any possible advantages over other candidates? I was pondering going through the academy myself while I am in the process of applying, would this help my chances? Thanks for your time guys.

[scooterlee]

I recommend getting yourself thru the academy and continue applying at various depts. Here in ohio, alot of depts. don't hire applicants that are not already "certified." It saves the dept. time and money!

If you conduct a search on this topic, you'll find lots of threads that cover this issue that should hopefully help ya.

I recommend taking as many tests as possible and applying everywhere. Don't limit yourself to just a few select agencies. The more test taking and interview experience you have the better you'll become.

As far as the resume, What do you do now? If your not in the field, I recommend getting on as a dispatcher or Corrections Officer at a dept. Get your foot in the door somewhere and start meeting people.

Good Luck!!

[irishlad2nv]

I am planning on applying with different agencies in my area (West Central GA) and I was wondering what I should have on my resume or what I should get completed before I just go up to some local chiefs and hand them my app. I'm 20 years old and I hope to be on the force by the time I turn 21, preferably be hired prior to my birthday so I can start working immediately upon my 21st birthday. What all can be done to give me any possible advantages over other candidates? I was pondering going through the academy myself while I am in the process of applying, would this help my chances? Thanks for your time guys.

Thats good you have the goal to be hired/working by the time your 21. However, the whole hiring process with most agencies is anywhere between 4-9 months long, so thining realisticly, you may not be working by your b-day! But, all you have to do is apply where you want to work or think you may want to. To say or think you can get a better edge over some cadidates. Well one disadvantage is you only being 20. You won't have much work history behind you and maybe not schooling? If so I apologize. I see the average age of applicants these days are around 25, 26. Who have college and a good steady job history behind them. If an application does not ask for a resume, do not attach one. Ask before you do that if you can attach one to your application. They will see where you have worked and what qualifies you in your background. Good luck.

[BluShrtBlkShoes]

Thanks for the insight guys, I do have some school under my belt as I am in my Junior year at a local college and my plan is to have a full time LEO position (nights hopefully) as I finish my bachelors and seeing how well that goes, continue school until I'm tired of it. Compared to other 20 year olds, I would say I have a pretty solid work history as I have worked for a resturaunt in my hometown since the age of 15 and have received steady raises and promotions since I started. I have also owned a part time commercial lawncare/landscape business since I got my drivers license and continue with this currently while in school to pay rent. As for my age and inexperience in the field, does anyone know of an agency, say, within an hour or so from Villa Rica/Douglasville that recruits uncertified applicants? I hear Macon is good about it but it's too far of a drive for me (2-2.5 hrs). How far do (or are you willing to) ya'll drive to the job?