The strengths that oral board members want to hear...

[patten2002]

Here is my question for everyone. I was told by a deputy friend of mine to be prepared to answer "What are your strengths and weaknesses?" Now I already have the weaknesses down (go figure, lol) but I need to know what "strengths" are they wanting to hear? I know that they don't want to hear hardworking and motivated.

Thank you so much for your help!

~Kristin

[PhilipCal]

Strengths

Here is my question for everyone. I was told by a deputy friend of mine to be prepared to answer "What are your strengths and weaknesses?" Now I already have the weaknesses down (go figure, lol) but I need to know what "strengths" are they wanting to hear? I know that they don't want to hear hardworking and motivated.

Thank you so much for your help!

~Kristin

Kristen, Perhaps you have a strong desire to be of service. Perhaps you enjoy a challenge. Maybe you're at your best in challenging situations. The list goes on. You know Kristen better than anyone of us. I've posted this before, but once more, isn't going to hurt. I've long felt that an Oral Board serves two basic purposes.

1). It's an opportunity to "sell yourself"
2). It's an opportunity for the department to take a look at you.

Know, as far as selling yourself is concerned, it is possible to over do that. Most cops have built-in B.S. Detectors, and Oral Board members are no exception. Be honest. Answer questions fully, but don't editorialize. Look the Officer who questions you in the eye. When you reply, make eye contact with each member of the board.

[patten2002]

Now we're gettin' somewhere....

Kristen, Perhaps you have a strong desire to be of service. Perhaps you enjoy a challenge. Maybe you're at your best in challenging situations. The list goes on. You know Kristen better than anyone of us. I've posted this before, but once more, isn't going to hurt. I've long felt that an Oral Board serves two basic purposes.

1). It's an opportunity to "sell yourself"
2). It's an opportunity for the department to take a look at you.

Know, as far as selling yourself is concerned, it is possible to over do that. Most cops have built-in B.S. Detectors, and Oral Board members are no exception. Be honest. Answer questions fully, but don't editorialize. Look the Officer who questions you in the eye. When you reply, make eye contact with each member of the board.

I think the first two are what really say it for me. I do love something that is challenging, but I just have a strong desire to provide public service. I am the type of person who puts others first and cares about the general welfare of someone, even if I've only known them for a few minutes. I love being around people, which is a great quality to have because as an officer about 90% of their time is spent dealing with the public and being in the public eye.

I'll have to practice looking at everyone else b/c I usually have just looked at the person who has just asked me the question.

[McPhenius]

When you do give answers to the questions that refer to "your" etc. Make sure your answers are from the heart. Usually it's the weaknesses that candidates have trouble pinpointing. You have that already, so your in a good position. How about honesty or trustworthy? Those are good personal strengths as well.

[Kieth M.]

The strengths they want to hear about usually revolve around good character, honesty, and the ability to get along with people of other genders, races, cultures, etc.

[ask80]

be careful on the weakness part. make sure it has nothing to do with LE work if you know what I mean. you don't want to say " my weakness is I'm quiet and shy or i'm scared of guns or big people, etc"

[patten2002]

The strengths they want to hear about usually revolve around good character, honesty, and the ability to get along with people of other genders, races, cultures, etc.

Kieth,

I'm wondering how I can make a sentence about honesty being a strength? Speaking from the heart, I have a big conscience. I believe in telling the truth the first time because in LE, if you lie, you die. Plus, if you get asked follow up questions after forking over a white lie and you can't answer them, your credibility just goes down the tube.

But i dunno if that answer is suffice....