Question about qualifications

[GRYDE001]

I'm trying to practice some sample interview/oral questions.

The one that I'm having trouble coming up with a great answer to is:
"What are your qualifications?"
Yes, I know, it sounds like the easiest question they might ask, right? Well, I've never worked a job related to LE, nor have I had any classes / courses in criminal justice. I'm hoping this question would be worded "How has your education and training prepared you for a career in LE?" Then I'll be able to relate my own experiences.
But, without any official qualifications, would a good answer just be that I have no official qualificaions at the moment but am eager to learn? It just sounds like a bad statement to make during an interview.... I have no qualifications. :confused:

[Taz_bb2]

What are your strengths as an individual?

What can you bring to the agency that will make it a better agency for the people it serves?

Are you an intelligent person? Are you a fast learner? Can you distinguish between letter of the law and spirit of the law? (Something that you should be able to answer even without CJ training.)

This is an opportunity for you to sell yourself to the agency, not tell them how qualified you are in CJ. That comes with training.

[normal1]

What are your strengths as an individual?

What can you bring to the agency that will make it a better agency for the people it serves?

Are you an intelligent person? Are you a fast learner? Can you distinguish between letter of the law and spirit of the law? (Something that you should be able to answer even without CJ training.)

This is an opportunity for you to sell yourself to the agency, not tell them how qualified you are in CJ. That comes with training.

The letter versus the spirit of the law is very interesting to me. Do you have any examples of the letter versus the spirit for the law?

Inquiring minds want to know :D

[vengeance05]

The letter versus the spirit of the law is very interesting to me. Do you have any examples of the letter versus the spirit for the law?

Inquiring minds want to know :D

Taz is just speaking of common sense and the use of discretion.

If someone is travelling at 27mph in a 25mph zone - then by the letter of the law he is guilty of speeding. The spirit/meaning of the law is to promote traffic safety. An officer could use discretion and not pull over/ticket that driver if he does not pose a danger to himself or others on the road.

[North Patrol]

If someone is travelling at 27mph in a 25mph zone - then by the letter of the law he is guilty of speeding. The spirit/meaning of the law is to promote traffic safety. An officer could use discretion and not pull over/ticket that driver if he does not pose a danger to himself or others on the road.

Good answer. "Clap, clap, clap, clap"

Well put.

[Plazoo]

Well, I've never worked a job related to LE, nor have I had any classes / courses in criminal justice... It just sounds like a bad statement to make during an interview.... I have no qualifications. :confused:

Don't worry about this question...everyone has qualifications. For example, let's say you worked at McDonalds. You can always say, "I have extensive experience working with the public.." (Like police do).."I've learned how to effectively speak with customers who are unhappy and agitated..(like police do).."and it taught me to be patient and understanding of people's needs"..(like police are..er..supposed to).

Or let's say you were a cab driver: "I have extrensive experience dealing with people and, from my years/months as a cabbie, Ive learned the city inside and out. I know the fastest way to reach a location and I know which areas are affluent/poor/high crime/drug areas..etc."

Hell, even a contruction laborer can always say, "As a laborer, I had to learn to follow the orders of my site supervisor to the letter and perform my duties not only as fast as I could but effectively so I did not have to go back and redo work I had already done, leaving me free for the next task..(call)..that came up."

Any job can be turned around and used so it applies to the police field as long as you use a little imagination and thought.

Good luck

[GRYDE001]

Don't worry about this question...everyone has qualifications. For example, let's say you worked at McDonalds. You can always say, "I have extensive experience working with the public.." (Like police do).."I've learned how to effectively speak with customers who are unhappy and agitated..(like police do).."and it taught me to be patient and understanding of people's needs"..(like police are..er..supposed to).

Or let's say you were a cab driver: "I have extrensive experience dealing with people and, from my years/months as a cabbie, Ive learned the city inside and out. I know the fastest way to reach a location and I know which areas are affluent/poor/high crime/drug areas..etc."

Hell, even a contruction laborer can always say, "As a laborer, I had to learn to follow the orders of my site supervisor to the letter and perform my duties not only as fast as I could but effectively so I did not have to go back and redo work I had already done, leaving me free for the next task..(call)..that came up."

Any job can be turned around and used so it applies to the police field as long as you use a little imagination and thought.

Good luck

Great suggestions. Thanks for the response.

[maz]

Listen if they wanted someone who was qualified to step right into the position of police officer they wouldn't be interviewing non-certified applicants. Everyone doesn't have qualifications currently for the job, they are basically asking what qualities do you posses as a person to perform the job. Meaning you don't show anger or frustration when dealing with difficult situations, you are a fast learner and always strive to learn new things. You are great people person who can communicate with a whole variety of people from different races and backgrounds. That type of stuff. They don't want to hire someone who personality wise is a bump on a log. He may be a great cop if they gave him the chance but would be a horrible people person and that would look negativly upon the department and they don't want to hire someone who makes the department look bad