What to expect and how to approach a police job interview

[Futuredeputy863]

So I emailed my department telling them why i want to become a police officer, they emailed me back and called me telling me if i can come in for an interview next week. In which i now have an interview. I saw multiple videos saying how you should approach the questions and what not to say and what to say. But i feel like in a way i rather be myself and answer questions confidently and not so much like a script? Am i overthinking it or no? For instance if they ask me about my self do i mention my entire life starting as a kid or just recent events?

[Aidokea]

So I emailed my department telling them why i want to become a police officer, they emailed me back and called me telling me if i can come in for an interview next week. In which i now have an interview. I saw multiple videos saying how you should approach the questions and what not to say and what to say. But i feel like in a way i rather be myself and answer questions confidently and not so much like a script? Am i overthinking it or no? For instance if they ask me about my self do i mention my entire life starting as a kid or just recent events?

Has anyone encouraged you to capitalize the word "I", or to use paragraphs? We write for a living.

[tanksoldier]

UBe yourself. Don’t script, don’t say what you think they want to hear.

First, you don’t know what they want to hear.

Second, gods forbid you get hired by mistake and just aren’t cut out for it or maybe just aren’t a good fit with that department.

Be you, let the chips fall where they may.

[Iowa #1603]

An OLD post but still worth reading
I am still in contact with "Guams" who is having a fantastic career as a cop

https://forum.officer.com/forum/public-forums/ask-a-cop/hiring-recruitment-process-questions/96526-the-applicant%C3%A2%E2%82%AC%E2%84%A2s-guide-to-getting-hired

[NolaT]

This interview is before actually filling out the application?

[Zeitgeist1]

Dress appropriately. Fresh haircut. No cologne. Remember your posture, stand up straight. Don't slouch.
Look people in the eye. Firm, but not crushing, handshake. Recent shower. Deodorant.

Know the history of the Dept. that you are interviewing for. Search positive current events that involve the Dept. (A high profile arrest where no one got hurt, an officer acting heroically, etc)

Eat a good breakfast and try to get a good night's sleep if possible.

Try not to use conversation fillers such as: Like, Uh, you know, ya feel me? etc. It's an easy habit to fall into, especially when nervous.

Practice your responses to such questions as:
Tell me about yourself.
Why do you want to be in Law Enforcement.
What are your strengths. Weaknesses.
Why should we hire you.
(Either in front of a mirror or, ideally, with another person)

Try to remember that the person/people interviewing you are human beings, just like you.

I hope you do well. Keep us updated.

[1RidgeRunner7]

Research the PD you’re trying to get hired by. Know the areas they patrol (square miles), population size, command staff, problem areas and any history of the PD. If they ask talk about a time when you helped someone or any volunteer work.

Youll probably be asked a few scenario based question, answer them truthfully and exercise common sense. I’ve mostly sat on lateral boards. Their questions are more about their experience on the job.

[Ratatatat]

Dude, in this day and age- as long as you can fog a mirror and don't have any 1,000 pound skeletons in the closest- you'll be solid.

[huwge23]

These are some good responses. One of the more common complaints I've heard recently is applicants not wearing a suit.

Definitely research the department and know what community policing is. If it's a city department they won't care as much but town departments are huge on community policing.

if they ask a good question that stumps you simply state "that's a great question can I have a moment to think about my response?" I've had great success with that.

Lastly, have a couple of questions for them that show you REALLY looked into their department or the area they cover.

[just joe]

Are you sure that this is an actual interview as opposed to having a chat with the chief?

[kc12]

There were some very good answers above. DON'T use any scripted answers you find on the internet. Everyone knows them and uses them, so your hiring panel has heard it before and will discount the answer (I've discounted many answers I've heard while on the board).

This is you interviewing them as much as them interviewing you.

[L-1]

SO, how did the interview go?