2 oral interview questions

[danah]

i don't know if the first one is dumb but...when sitting down in front of the panel how should i have my hands? on my knees relaxed? or should i lace my fingers like a im praying and leave them on my lap? or something else?

also, should i address the panel members as sir and ma am or mr. 'whatever' and mrs. 'whatever'?

of coarse any other tips are more than welcome.

[knucklehead]

danah,

not a dumb question at all...because it is those little things that count sometimes....

either would be fine with the hands but I prefer the hands on knees...just used to that due to the numerous military boards I have endured....

I would also address them as sir or ma'am...when you go in and they they introduce themselves to you make sure you greet them and make eye contact...

other than that just relax and realize that they do not want a robot or machine, but rather a person that can speak intelligently under pressure...

you will do fine...

[Barenaked]

I would reccomend remembering thier names when they introduce themselves and addressing them as such at least once to show that you know and remember thier names.

[jeff92k7]

...but make certain to precede their names with the correct title. You don't want to refer to Chief Smith as Officer Smith or Sergeant Smith.

[danah]

i was thinking of handing them a resume or portfolio thing when i introduce myself to them so they can look through it and see more about me and maybe ask some questions about. but mostly to make myself look prepared and to try to sell myself-good idea?

[HK45cal]

I remember my first oral board for my current department and I cannot say it was easy. I am applying for a new department in FLA and have an oral board on the 18th of this month. I have a pretty good idea what Im going to say; however anyone elses tips would be greatly appreciated

Danah, as for you I would suggest to a keep a good consistent amount of eye contact with them, not staring, but moving almost kind of scanning. Its a sales pitch of yourself, you are the product they want so I cannot stress confidence enough in what you are saying. A lasting impression will go along way. I would remember that these people have heard every bit of BS you could possibly imagine so stand out above and beyond the crowd you are competing with it may just land you a career

good luck

[Kenpokev]

I just did my oral.

I recommend you review the Police Exam Prep book by Jetmore, very good section on preparing for orals. That said, here's my take:

Approach: Confident approach, purposeful gate when walking into the room. Smile, shake hands firmly, Good Morning Sir/Mam. In my board, I remembered their ranks and addressed them in that fashion. (I also knew them prior to the board...no fair )

Hands on table in front of me, used gestures to emphasize some of my points. Remember that these folks are likely very experienced officers, and not seeing your hands may subconciously bother them. A minor point, but keep your hands in sight. Try not to point fingers when emphasizing your point. Open hands convey a trusting message.

Dress impeccably!

Resume: Tough call. I didn't have mine for the oral. They had a very specific list of questions and that was the purpose of the exam. I went over the resume when I did my background.

Smile, be friendly, speak clearly. Think about secondary aspects of the questions they ask. Like what is around the suspect in a shoot-don't shoot scenario...a playground behind him? Tell them your assumptions when explaining your answers, it gives them an understanding that you are thinking logically and provides them good follow-up questions.

Be honest.

Practice answering questions (talk to yourself) Avoid "um, ah, er, etc."

Good luck.

KK

[danah]

thanks everyone. all this is helping organize myself for the interview so i can go in and be natural. i believe i can go into the interview and hold my own but i want to walk out of it with there minds blown-if thats possible. i want them to be thinking about me when they are interviewing the next applicant.

i dont' know if that is realistic but that is what i am aiming for. what do you guys think about the idea of me handing each interviewer a little portfolio thing about me. any other stand out things that i can do?