What are my chances?

[JerZey79]

First off, hello everyone.. I just found this site today. So let me get to it. I've been considering being a philadelphia police officer for quite some time now. Its the only thing I Know I want to do career wise. However there are a few things in my past and actually in my present that would defenitley prohibit me from being a desirable candidate. I'am a high school drop-out for one, second my credit is pretty nasty. Third though I've always held a job and never been fired its not the best employment history in the world, being since I had the tendency of leaving one job for a better one... I'am attending an adult HS session, and I should be done with that in the next few months. I intend on reparing my credit history as well.. So my question is, once I have rectified my past mistakes what are my chances of ever being a desirable candidate? If say they are 50/50 what are some other things I can start doing to show them I'm serious about this.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated....

-Thanks

[Darin]

I'd enroll in a community college or if you can do it full time a state college. Definately fix your credit and keep it clean. You have an uphill battle but you can do it.

[Bradleyadleo]

Originally posted by Darin
You have an uphill battle but you can do it.

I am totally with Darin. Nothing is impossible if you give it your all. If it is something you really want I am sure it will work out in the end. Good luck!

[Stump]

Jerzey,
I admire your ambition to better yourself. No matter what field you want to get into it's a good move. To better yourself will reflect on your character, and that is what you present to prospective employers.
I echo Darin's sentiment that it will be an uphill battle. You didn't say how old you are, but don't think you have to be hired by a PD when you turn 18/21... I know quite a few that prefer to hire the more mature candidates (all other things remaining the same).
GENERALLY SPEAKING --
Employment history - if you were constantly employed, and left on good terms, then you shouldn't have a problem with that.
Credit - not the end of the world, but they WILL look at it. If you show poor credit history, it doesn't reflect on you very well. Get it straightened up ASAP. I'd be more than happy to help you devise a plan (an evil plan hee hee ;) ) to fix up your credit. In another life I was 2 classes away from an accounting degree and have always had an affinity with numbers and financial planning.
Education - they won't even look at you unless you are at least a high school graduate. I strongly urge you to go to college and get a degree - even a 2 year liberal arts degree will help. Push yourself to get this done. I know how difficult it is to go back to school when you stop for a while.
Without straightening out these issues, my feeling is "Don't even bother". The more time between your credit problem and application, the better. I hope this helps, and PM me if you'd like any suggestions on the money part.