I've got my CBPO interview on Friday, anyone know what that's like?

[User Name]

Like the subject says, I've got my interview for the customs and border protection officer position this Friday. The part that is kind of strange to me (and differs from most other jobs I've applied for) is that they claim it is a video based interview. Having not had a video based interview, I'm not at all sure about its structure, format, or any questions they may ask? Anyone have a clue or been through the process before?

[tunlrat]

Of all the Fed interviews I've had, the one I did for legacy US Customs Inspector (now the CBPO position) was the most laid back & casual. You'll meet with a Chief Inspector from your nearest port (airport, land, or sea) & after some pleasantries, he'll run through a series of "what if" scenarios: e.g. what if you witnessed your co-worker (& best friend) take money illegally what would you do & why.

In terms of the videos, I'm actually not sure what that's about. I think the videos may take the place of the questions they'll ask, & they just ask what you think you should do at that point.

It may also involve "use of force" scenarios. Basically, you'll watch a dynamic situation involving a bad guy & possibly a weapon. Then you'll have to decide what kind of force you would use (including deadly force) & why. Then the interviewer will rate you from there. Good luck!

[sinthetiq]

I took the "VBT" last month, just got my results last week (I passed). Anyways, it isn't anything you should worry about. I don't think I can go into the specifics, other than that it's pretty weird when you're there doing it. Just be yourself, and you should be fine...

[Piggy]

I don't think you ever have to worry too much about a federal interview. There are so many restrictions, EEO, labor laws, merit board stuff and everything else, sometimes I'm suprised they don't just have a mime shake your hand and welcome you aboard.

[Lost Texan]

The video based interviews are quite different from the old structured interviews of days gone by. The pilot program was run at FLETC with new hires a couple of years ago and apparently they liked it enough to start using it. Try to use some common sense and always keep in mind, "Is what I am doing reasonable and can I articulate why I am doing it?" There is one more part to this, but it will come later. Good luck.

LT

[BP348]

I don't think you ever have to worry too much about a federal interview. There are so many restrictions, EEO, labor laws, merit board stuff and everything else, sometimes I'm suprised they don't just have a mime shake your hand and welcome you aboard.

I don't know about that. I'm certified to conduct oral interviews for USBP and we fail people all the time. However we do the structured interview thing.

[jvale00]

I don't know about that. I'm certified to conduct oral interviews for USBP and we fail people all the time. However we do the structured interview thing.

I hate the structured interview. You spend to much time worrying about what you'd do then how the other people responded then what you'd do then how they responded to that then what you did.... If I were that imaginative I'd be writing the next episode of Law & Order.

Plus you have to respond to a situtation the way they think it should be handled. From my experience, every department handles situations differently. Then you have buzzwords etc. etc.

What happened to the good 'ol interviews? "Tell me about yourself and why do you want to work here.", "Why law enforcement?" I have always understood an interview is an opportunity for both sides to meet and determine whether or not they are a good fit. Does the structured oral board panel think the applicant should be privledged to work for them? I have left many interviews thinking to myself, if the oral was any type of indicator as to how the agency is, I don't want to work there! :D

[Switchback]

I don't think you ever have to worry too much about a federal interview. There are so many restrictions, EEO, labor laws, merit board stuff and everything else, sometimes I'm suprised they don't just have a mime shake your hand and welcome you aboard.

Yeah, I would have to disagree with that in regard to the structured interviews that the USMS does. With that being said, I do have to say, though... way back when, when I was hired, it was a really nice mime. He just pretended to shake my hand. I don't think he liked being touched.