Police Officer Preparation & Law Enforcement Resource - Archive

Hey guys just had my second oral board interview today and I had a question. At the end of the interview they asked me if I had any questions for the panel. While I was at college the professors didn't talk much about asking the panel questions of your own so I didn't really know how I should approach it.

I did my research about the department before I went in so I knew how many they were hiring, size, call stats ect... So I really didn't have any questions for them. Are they looking for you to ask one, or is it ok just to say that I didn't have any? Thanks!

I haven't sat on an interview panel, but I would guess it's best to ask a question if you have one. If you look confused about something or unsure, they would rather you weren't afraid to ask. Being timid will count against you.

I always asked what was next and when that would be. They probably don't know for sure when or if you'll be around to see the next step, but they probably know what the next step is. Even if you think you know, why not show you're already looking forward to participating. It also shows you think you deserve to get to the next step.

If you don't think you have earned a spot; you probably haven't.

YMMV

Questions NOT to ask:

1) So how soon do I get my gun?

2) Is there a refrigerator for my beer at the academy?

3) Will I get taught to fight like the UFC guys so I can lay down some major whoop a$$ on people.

4) When do I get my uniform, because I heard that I can pick up a lot of chicks at the bar in one of those?

5) Will I get a lot of free things and discounts when I'm hired?

Good luck on the job! My answer will not help you in this situation as it has already happened. However, if you have to continue looking, in the future I would say something like: "No Sir/Ma'am, I do not have any questions. I have researched this agency, including its size, approximate number of calls and results inasmuch as that is publicly available, and the command structure and names. If selected, I look forward to joining this agency and intend to display an attitude of willingness to learn as well as hard-working behavior as part of a team. Thank you, however, for the opportunity to ask anything that may have concerned me or caused me any confusion, but I am comfortable with my application, this agency, and hopefully my participation as part of it."

Or something along those lines. I would be impressed as a panel member anyway.

Good luck on the job! My answer will not help you in this situation as it has already happened. However, if you have to continue looking, in the future I would say something like: "No Sir/Ma'am, I do not have any questions. I have researched this agency, including its size, approximate number of calls and results inasmuch as that is publicly available, and the command structure and names. If selected, I look forward to joining this agency and intend to display an attitude of willingness to learn as well as hard-working behavior as part of a team. Thank you, however, for the opportunity to ask anything that may have concerned me or caused me any confusion, but I am comfortable with my application, this agency, and hopefully my participation as part of it."

Or something along those lines. I would be impressed as a panel member anyway.

I would be impressed if you got that whole thing out without messing it up or sounding too scripted.

Questions NOT to ask:

1) So how soon do I get my gun?

2) Is there a refrigerator for my beer at the academy?

3) Will I get taught to fight like the UFC guys so I can lay down some major whoop a$$ on people.

4) When do I get my uniform, because I heard that I can pick up a lot of chicks at the bar in one of those?

5) Will I get a lot of free things and discounts when I'm hired?

6) Can I touch your feet?:D

Questions NOT to ask:

1) So how soon do I get my gun?

2) Is there a refrigerator for my beer at the academy?

3) Will I get taught to fight like the UFC guys so I can lay down some major whoop a$$ on people.

4) When do I get my uniform, because I heard that I can pick up a lot of chicks at the bar in one of those?

5) Will I get a lot of free things and discounts when I'm hired?




Ha! Actually had a department test at Western and the chief asked if there were any questions. One of the WIU students raises his hand and says "Well I have two, first, what type of gun will I get, and how soon do I receive it at the academy?" The chief completely ignored him and said "anyone else?" Talk about embarrassing for the entire school!

Good luck on the job! My answer will not help you in this situation as it has already happened. However, if you have to continue looking, in the future I would say something like: "No Sir/Ma'am, I do not have any questions. I have researched this agency, including its size, approximate number of calls and results inasmuch as that is publicly available, and the command structure and names. If selected, I look forward to joining this agency and intend to display an attitude of willingness to learn as well as hard-working behavior as part of a team. Thank you, however, for the opportunity to ask anything that may have concerned me or caused me any confusion, but I am comfortable with my application, this agency, and hopefully my participation as part of it."

Or something along those lines. I would be impressed as a panel member anyway.



I would be impressed if you got that whole thing out without messing it up or sounding too scripted.


As I was reading that first post I was thinking that exact thing to myself. "That sounds perfect, but it would be a miracle if I was able to get it out right." I understand your point though, thanks for the advice. Hopefully a conditional offer will come out of this one and I won't have to worry about it!

A lot of the tests I have been to though have stated that they are just establishing a new list and they have no current positions. I'm going to keep trying until it happens though, hopefully something will work out soon. Thanks again guys!

When I went through the oral board from which I was eventually hired I asked, "How many are you hiring?" and "When should I expect to hear from you?" Basic stuff.

When I went through the oral board from which I was eventually hired I asked, "How many are you hiring?" and "When should I expect to hear from you?" Basic stuff.


UH, don't know why this posted twice, I can't figure out how to delete one of them!

Ha! Actually had a department test at Western and the chief asked if there were any questions.

WIU

That's where I was going but I decided to join USAF

ALWAYS: Thank the interviewers for their time, and then ASK FOR THE JOB!