Panel Interview With FAM 2 weeks.. PLEASE HELP

[Audirs4]

Ok,

I know there are a few FAMS in this forum… Intheaircop is one which he rocks…

But, for anyone else that is a FAM or has ever been thru a FLEO panel interview… I got questions…. An yes, I know that FAM/TSA isn’t all that and a bag of chips but… It’s a start…

What to expect?

How many people are on the panel, and is there one person that seems to be quiet but pays a lot of attention and seems to be more of the official person in charge with final say in decisions?

Questions?

What are they going to ask, and what responses are they looking for? Be straight forward, or try to answer questions in the “Standard” manor? Humor

What was your panel interview like?

I’m not sure of how to do this and I really don’t want to mess it up…. It is and would be a great opportunity for a 19yr old… An even if I can’t be offered a position until when I am 20 in a few months…. I guess they must be impressed to even offer me a chance..

You know,
I could work, and take classes online… Get a degree, pay for college and have a far amount of spare change left over

More or less so far it has been an honor to get an interview without any LEO experience… I’ve worked in the Insurance & Medical Industries .

Currently work in the Medical Industry and also am a TSO that has be acting in a lead/supervisor position… Given a DHS coin for outstanding leadership/ featured article in the DHS/TSA sentinel and also awards (Paper/Cash) for Performance/ Attendance/Dedication and have only been a TSO for 6months…

What questions can I ask.. That would wow them to the point of.. Wow, how would he know how to ask that?

I drive 150 miles per day across Mid Michigan 2 a.m. and cross 3 counties ( Which two don’t know what a plow truck is) to and from my duty location… Work overtime like crazy on short notice work all holidays/weekends and hell, even show up to work 45mins early everyday before any shifts start and fill out paperwork and monitor the checkpoint alone … And I’m part-time… And I still work another job…Working 7days per week..

I really don’t want to f””” this up… Not really sure of what to do …I’m asking for other people to in lighten me and help my reach one of goals

Dan

[igneous]

Have you been through any other steps in the application process? When did you apply? I haven't been called for an interview yet, but got my request to get med forms done, and I have my med exam at FOH in a little over a week. I'm also a bit curious about the interview, I'm not sure if they will call me for the pta or interview first though.

[Joeyd6]

I am being honest so don't think I am making a persona attack:

1) Somebody has not looked at your age. When they do....you will be given "thanks but no thanks." You can't have a gun unless your 21. Your 19 right now. They are not going to "wait list" you 12 months!!! No way, no how. Not when they have 30 year olds with 5 years active LE experience and master degrees.

2) Nobody hired in the past few classes has been hired without at least a 2 year degree or 60 college credits!

3) Why would we give you any of the answers to your questions?? Everyone here has gone in blind! It is the point of the interview. It is only fair you no nothing when you walk in like very other person.

[Nole795]

I agree with Joey. The chances of you getting the position is slim due to your age. I'm really surprised as well you got this far. And I also agree with Joey's point 3. Your on your own.

[NOLACOP]

HOw in the hell does a 19 year old get so far in the FAM process when i have other friends who are career leo's with BA degrees who havent got passed the TO? This is nuts....but this is the G, so go figure.

[Audirs4]

I was thinking the same thing too...

I went into this, like wait this is a 6c postion? Shouldn't I be limited due to my age... An I agree... But, somehow they have kept on requesting more info and I have did as I was told...

I too do understand the idea of picking older more experienced people... However, someone has to start out somewhere right?

I'll be 20 in 2 months... An then its a year... An, well it seems to take the government a long time... to do things

But, nonetheless... When I get shot down... I can atleast say that I got to an Interview and a Physc test which quite a few people can't... An it seems my KSA's where good enough... for i applied under the public announcment not under the TSA/FAM employee only notice....


I see your point, and interview is its own... An well it should stay that way... Sorry to ask,


Hmm... The only thing I see is an Age issue... Sad, when you can send a 17yr old over to Iraq.. But, can't allow them to work a job where you just guard a passenger plane..... lol

Thanks Again for being Honesty... It does matter

Dan

[Audirs4]

I think it come down to the KSA... an how well they are written to the annoucement questions....

Highest rated down to lowest...

[igneous]

Well there is a 51 year old on officer.com who got through as well, he is up to the MED stage like myself. So I dont think avue has anything to take people out by age. Either that or they just completely overlook age a lot.

[intheaircop2]

Well guys here is the 411. You can not hold a postion in 6c covered postion untill you are 21. And the guy who is 50 something, well he better wake up and smell the coffee. The only way a guy who is 50 can get into a 6c covered postion is if he already held a 6c covered postion in the past.

I do not know if any of you have read this in a past post but I had a 19 year old in my class back in 2002 and they ended up sending him home a week before graduation. I talked to the kid and he said it was FLETC / OPM that sent him home and not the FAM service. So it comes down to OPM / FLETC and not the FAM service.

Relax on the interview questions because as soon as they find out that you are 19, I am sure you will be told that you have to be 21 to hold the postion.

[intheaircop2]

Hey thanks for the comment on me. I would like to think I am a cool and down to earth guy. I wish you all the luck and do not rush it and slow down a little. Life is way to short and you need to enjoy it.

[tunlrat]

For someone so young, you should be proud that you made it this far. Unfortunately, like everyone has said, realistically there's no way you can get any LEO job until 21. That doesn't mean that you should give up on your goal. You seem to have a steady head on your shoulders & know what you want; which is unlike many 19 year punks I come across everyday. Keep your eye on the prize! Consider getting a bachelor's degree. That will take some time off your hands. Imagine how competitive you'll be a in a couple years from now with a degree AND supervisory TSA experience.

ps
Oh yeah, don't be in such a rush! Enjoy life now because once you start working full time, it's over...o.k. it's not ALL that bad.;)

[tunlrat]

In terms of the panel, just be yourself. Be honest & truthful. Don't give answers you think THEY want to hear. Stress on what you've accomplished so far in your career, especially your awards & supervisory experience. Draw on that experience when giving answers. For example, "Oh yeah, I had a situation like that & this is how I handled it..." Remember, the interview is a 2 way street. Just relax & converse normally but obviously don't be coy or cocky. Humility goes a long way young padawan...Good luck!

[webjeep]

Congrats on making it thus far. Not to be a d!ck, but I think they have just been throwing darts when they pull names, there doesn't seem to be much rhyme or reason.

[Audirs4]

I Agree… Life is short…. There are three things that we all have in common… Birth, Retirement and death… An in between one must live life to its fullest, and enjoy it for time is only a borrowed fee, and when its time to check out one must accept it.

However, Big or Small this is an opportunity… One that one should put as much effort into; to be able to utter in the end, I did everything that I could…

If, I don’t get it…I wouldn’t dare be upset nor depressed… Honored that I could give the Big dogs a run for there money

As much as age is precursor of things to come.. It doesn’t nor will it ever entirely define a person’s ability, character, morals or even there potential.. Just a statement of accomplishment in time…

Granted there are quite a few stupid 19/20 yr olds running around I will admit, I’m thinking of a few now actually.. All you’ve to do is walk into a high school or college … And find yourself mumbling the words “Society has gone to the ****s” or watch MTV Real World or Spring Break… (Laughing)

Nonetheless, posting this down onto a forum doesn’t seem all that personal… but,


thanks

Intheaircop
and all the


others for
your insight

It hasn’t gone onto diff “punk” ears… I find that you learn more when you listen..

Thanks
Again

Dan


P.S. An no one was being a D!ck… Granted there might be a few “Big d!cks” in here. But That’s a different post, however I wasn’t offend by the comments…

[Nole795]

Keep that positive attitude up Audirs. Once you have a few years under your belt, you will be great applicant. Good luck to you man.