Police Interview Tips

7. The interview

   Your interview will be approximately 30 to 60 minutes in length. A panel of three to five people will question you. You should answer all of the questions truthfully. If you pass the interview, they will conduct a background investigation.

   Most people are a little nervous during a job interview. This is a normal response. To help you relax, pause before answering a question. Take just a brief moment to think about your answer before responding. As you answer the questions, speak clearly and loudly. The panel is assessing your ability to communicate by what you say and how you say it.

   They will usually begin the interview by verifying the information you provided to them. They will then begin to probe into your past to find out who you are. Lastly, they may ask you some hypothetical questions to judge your reasoning abilities.

8. Your experiences are important

   Tell them about your previous achievements. Tell them your experiences about volunteer work, military service, playing on a team, or anything you have done to contribute to the community.

9. Leave a good impression

   Do not forget to thank the interviewers by name and leave with a handshake.

10. Follow up

    Follow up letter is also one important part of interview. After you return from your visit, write follow-up letters to your interviewers. If you interviewed with several individuals, plan to write individual thank-you letters.

11. Police interview tips - Do's

    • When instructed to, you will knock on the door, wait until your told to "Come In" proceed to the chair in front of the board and be seated.
    • You have to observe Officers in the Department in which you are testing. If you look like a member of that Department, then it will be natural for the Civil Service Board to offer you the position.
    • Purchase the published study guides. If you chose a study guide that has sample tests in it, you will learn which areas you need to focus your time and energy.
    • Be Positive. When you are relaxed and confident, you will be able to focus more on the questions and your instincts than on being self-conscious. Knowledge breeds confidence.
    • Give the interviewer a firm handshake, even if the interviewer is a woman and you are man. Nobody likes a limp handshake but by the same token do not take the person's hand off either
    • Eye contact shows your confidence. Do not stare out of the window or fiddle with your pencil. The interviewer is talking to you or you to him. Be attentive.
    • If the interview makes a joke, smile to acknowledge that he made one, even if it was not funny.
    • Make sure you have understood the question. If you do not, ask him to clarify it.

12. Police interview tips - Don'ts

    • Don't chew gum during the interview.
    • Don't discuss personal problems.
    • Do not smoke, even if the interviewer does and offers you a cigarette.
    • Don't interrupt when the interviewer is talking.
    • Don't address the interviewer by his/her first name unless invited to do so.
    • Don't speak or act in a nervous manner.