Eye Contact?

[ninjaready600r]

When Talking to someone or being talked to I know you are suppose to keep eye contact with a person. Is this recommended during an interview? The reason I ask this question is I feel sometimes uncomfortable staring at someone when they are talking to me. I feel like they think I am "staring them down". Am I over reacting?

I will continue to keep good eye contact when being talked to, I just wanted to know how others felt.

Thanks for your time.

[oscarmitre]

Doesn't worry me - just don't stare. You know, nod, smile, look at your papers to check a fact or whatever, but don't do the The Great Hypno routine.

Most people can't maintain lengthy eye contact and I don't expect them to, people should just act as naturally as possible (given it's a stressful situation). I must admit though that the fixed stare makes me want to start filling out paperwork that begins "Mental Health Schedule". And when someone is just plain shifty, not looking at me at all, that makes me feel they're hiding something.

So, just keep eye contact in the socially accepted manner and you should be fine.

[Roger Dat]

Try to acknowlege everyone in the room while interviewing.

[ferrara04]

Is it a regular one on one interview or an oral board?

Either way, eye contact is good. If you did not look at the person and make eye contact one may think that you are not being honest, or that you may be too timid to do law enforcement.

Just be yourself and talk to them how you would talk in any other professional interview. Good luck.

[ninjaready600r]

Thank you all for the advice. I really appreciate it.

[shsabres]

I went above and beyond hahah, my oral board was filled with a lot of BRASS!! I made sure to keep eye contact with the person that asked the question, and upon completion it never hurts to shake hands with the people for taking time out of their schedule to be there.

[Dachadman]

I agree.

At my oral board I was instructed to have a seat at the end of the table. I looked across the table and saw all stipes. Before I sat down, I walked around the table, introduced myself to everyone, shook their hands, then sat down where instructed.

During the board, I made sure to look at both the person who asked the question, but also address everyone in the room.

At the end, I was instructed I was done and could leave. I told the Captain, "One moment Sir", and proceeded to thank everyone again for their time and shake their hands once more.

I later found out I scored at the top of the list for my oral board.

Hope that helps.

[Fury]

Eye contact can say alot, but also consider body posture. When listening to someone speak, or when speaking, make eye contact, but don't stare for a long time. Also, if you are staring, and leaning forward, it can be construed as a sign of aggression. If your posture is slouched, or leaning back too far, it may seem as if you have an attitude. Best thing to do is sit up straight, make brief eye contact with the person you are addressing, but don't forget that there are others in the room. I believe it is a combination of things that will speak volumes about the person, be it good, or bad.

[guardianSJ]

I agree.

At my oral board I was instructed to have a seat at the end of the table. I looked across the table and saw all stipes. Before I sat down, I walked around the table, introduced myself to everyone, shook their hands, then sat down where instructed.

During the board, I made sure to look at both the person who asked the question, but also address everyone in the room.

At the end, I was instructed I was done and could leave. I told the Captain, "One moment Sir", and proceeded to thank everyone again for their time and shake their hands once more.

Not to change the subject, but this is something I'm always uncertain about in board interviews. I have no problem with the eye contact part, but I never know whether to offer a handshake when none is offered -- either at the beginning of the interview or when leaving.

The way I look at it, it's their "home field advantage", their territory. If I go around offering my hand to everyone, that might be seen as being too forward. Or am I being too stiff, or even shy, for not taking the initiative with handshakes?

[Dachadman]

Not to change the subject, but this is something I'm always uncertain about in board interviews. I have no problem with the eye contact part, but I never know whether to offer a handshake when none is offered -- either at the beginning of the interview or when leaving.

The way I look at it, it's their "home field advantage", their territory. If I go around offering my hand to everyone, that might be seen as being too forward. Or am I being too stiff, or even shy, for not taking the initiative with handshakes?

Ok, sorry for the belated answer...

Yes, you are correct, it is their territory. When you respond to a call, where do you think you are? Someone else's territory! You have to own the call, and the way I see it, the oral board!

But as to the question about being shy, when is the last time you, or anyone else saw a shy cop? How a suspect perceives you can make all the difference in the world in how a call goes, and how the board perceives you, decides whether or not you ever go on that call. :eek:

Trust me you will not appear too forward. It shows confidence and respect for everyone in the room.

Good luck!