I have great news!

[jfor]

As some of you know I have been looking into becoming a police officer. A local city had some job openings and I thought, "What the hell. Might as well go for it." I filled out the app, sent it in, took the test and tied for 3rd place. Went in for an interview with the police hiring board and did really well. Background check and everything went awesome. Got the phone call today that they have recommended me for hire and Tuesday morning I have an interview with the chief of police!!!

My next question. What should I expect from CHief's interview? Will it be similar to the first interview I had with the hiring board?

Thanks in advance!

Jfor

[Nole795]

First of all congrats on your situation. Every department is different in what they ask applicants so go into the interview with an open mind, be professional, and be honest with the Chief. He/she wants to get a feel for you.

Good luck.

[Piggy]

You are at a good point, like Nole said, every department is different. Four our agency, a meeting with the Chief is pretty much a formality. He just wants to have final say for every hire as he's the Chief. But in our case, he trusts the Captain for his decisions, so meeting the Chief for an interview is pretty much a BS session so the Chief knows who you are when you walk through the door in uniform.

[Valor55]

Make sure you are dressed appropriately, use "sir" a lot (assuming you have a male chief that is) and don't act like he's your buddy. Imagine you are getting a job at a fortune 500 company and the CEO wants to meet you first.

[K-9MALY]

Look sharp, speak sharp, and remember, this is a conversation with huge importance emphasized on your ability to communicate orally. Not only is the Chief probing for that, but trying to get a feel for you, and to see whether or not your a good fit for the Department. Go in there and be confident, excited, and motivated, but above all else, be honest and tactful. I like Valor55's point about the interviewer not being your buddy. Stay focused on getting the job, then at a later date you can become friends. Great news, I am happy for you, now go get your job!!

[mcsap]

You have ONE chance to make a good first impression. That means a good suit, fresh haircut, top notch shave, leave any earrings at home and otherwise look and act sharp. Good Luck.

[Valor55]

I'll say another thing, while you may have facial hair or long hair now and it's ok, you will be expected to cut it all off when you get the job. I'd do it now before the meeting so the chief doesn't have to try and think too hard imagining whether you will be presentable as his officer.

[Cat_Doc]

I would suggest talking with one of the department supervisors and finding out what the Chief's law enforcement and management philosophy is.

For example, if the Chief supports strong community policing or volunteerism, then find the right time to say something to the effect of, "I am aware of your philosophy of shared problem solving between the department and the community it serves. I agree fully with this and am looking forward to being a team member."

This is NOT brown-nosing, you are applying for a job and you are playing the "game."

Know how many sworn officers there are, what the crime rate is in your community, the "mission vision" of the department, etc.

Be prepared to answer questions posed to you by the Chief regarding what you believe you will contribute to the department if selected.

If asked where you see yourself being in five years, make it reasonable; don’t answer that you want to be a Lieutenant in charge of homicide.

I would suggest an answer such as...."I know I will have a lot of learning to do. A few years on patrol, maybe a detective slot in five years. I will have to wait and see where my skill and comfort levels are, but I do know I want to progress and become a well rounded staff member."

In my experience, an applicant who is looking forward, who has done some checking on the department and shows more depth than a simple "I want to be a police officer and help people" will carry much more weight with an administrator.

The best of luck to you with your endeavor.

[Star]

These guys all gave you some awesome advice except, if you interviewed with me, I don't like to be called "Ma'am". I like to be called "Chief" by people I do not know. And I am real big on body language. It tells what kind of person you are. Read up on "body language".

A clean cut, well dressed, well mannered and well spoken person always gets my utmost attention. I want people who listen well and respond after they have fully thought about the question. I like the aggressive people who are willing to go into any situation without a second thought. I don't like the word "why?" at all. I'd rather someone give me an alternative suggestion like, "Well, Chief, I would approach the situation like this.... "Is that ok with you?". If you're going to ask me a question, have an answer you feel is appropriate to go with it.

I'm very "by the book" and I like a team player.

There- you've just been answered by the "Dragon Queen". :D Oh! I almost forgot! Make sure your belt matches your shoes. That bugs the crap out of me. :rolleyes:

[jfor]

Oh! I almost forgot! Make sure your belt matches your shoes. That bugs the crap out of me. :rolleyes:

LOL.... I had a lady friend help me pick out my clothes so that I would make sure that I matched.



Thanks everyone for the advice. Hopefully my next post will be me telling ya'll that I got the job.


Jfor

[chewy]

Make sure you show him your slang talk and gang habits...you know, to show him your "hip" and you can comfortably communicate with the average street punk. :D

[Darin]

Bring the Chief a beer. He'll like that..... sorry....I had nothing more to add since the above people gave great advice. SO I was being a smart *** ;) :D

[Star]

Chewy and Darin, I love you both to death but, for God sakes, don't corrupt him.......yet. :D

[jfor]

I got the job! I come back on Thursday to meet the mayor, do a polygraph test(they told me I am not doing a full polygraph, just the pre-interview part), take my drug test. Fill out some paperwork and turn in my 30 days notice. Hello police goodbye computer job!!!!! The academy is currently in its 3rd week so I will have to wait about 11 weeks before I can go. But in the meantime I will be training. Can't wait!!!


Jfor

[mcsap]

Congrats on the hire !