Hey guys, I have an upcoming panel interview this week with the DEA. About two months ago I took the written test and just this past week they notified me saying that I passed and I have an interview this coming week.
Here's the problem. My plans after graduation college was to apply to the local police department here but due to the economy they are currently in a hiring freeze. So I decided to take my shot with the DEA and here I am now. But I have no prior law enforcement experience. Any suggestions and idea on how to handle the panel interview with no law enforcement experience? I have a gut feeling they will ask me how they think my education has prepared me to become a DEA agent. Any help would be appreciated.
First of all, congratulations on passing the exam and getting to the interview process. Secondly, as for the wanting to first apply to a local PD for more experience; while that sounds like an excellent game plan, apparently it wasn't meant to be for right now. Another door of opportunity has opened and you are taking it.
As for the interview, I have not applied to the DEA so I can't give you details about what they ask and how to answer them. I'm sure others on this site have and will share some of their experiences.
However, I have applied to other FLEOs and have had panel interviews. So this is what I recommend:
1. Know the agency you are applying to. Read about the DEA's history, maybe know some milestones of the agency, read about what they do. I know that sounds like commonsense, but you would be surprised as to how many people overlook this common thing. Besides, they may ask you, "what do you know about the Drug Enforcement Administration?" This will also help you answer why you are interested in working for them. For on agency I applied to, I felt like I was studying or an American History test, but I got asked that question and I went through all my facts and indicated why I wanted to be part of it.
2. You are concerned about not having an LE experience. Just as there will be applicants who have a lot of LE experience, there will be those that have little to none. I doubt the DEA is hiring only 1 person. They will want the best of the best, irregardless of LE background.
So, what you can do is start thinking about your skills, job experiences, and education that you can bring with you that will help or complement the role of a DEA agent (assuming that's the position you are applying for). Use anything you have experience doing and mold it to the role of the DEA. For example, you're in school, well that means you have the ability to multitask (lots of papers, readings, maybe you are involved in a student organization, if you work then you must be able manage your time effectively, especially if you have good grades). Think about group projects you may have been involved in. Do you take charge of the group, are you persuasive, do you listen to all ideas and then make a decision?
I too, do not have any LE experience but I used my prior experiences to answer the questions asked.
3. If you are given scenario questions. Take your time to answer them, it's not a test and you not time limited. Don't blurt out the first thing that comes to mind. Think about it. This will not show incompetence but will show that you are methodical. Be detailed in your answer. Don't just answer the question, state why you would do that. Knowing about the agency and the role of the DEA agent will also help you answer these type questions.
4. Be honest in your answers. Whatever you tell them will be verified in your BI.
So, good luck. Above all be prepared and just do your best, cuz in the end that's all you can do.
In addition to what Jennifer said, do a google search on the STAR Method (Situation, Task, Action, Result). It is a useful interviewing technique. Then think about situations in your life (school, work, wherever) where you worked as part of a team, overcame an obstacle, dealt with a test of your integrity, managed your time, multitasked and prioritized a project, etc... Apply the STAR method to these situations. That way, when you get to the interview, you have in mind some of your experiences that you can use to answer some of the questions. You won't have all the answers and you will still have to think on your feet, but it is a starting point.
Thanks folks for all the help, it's greatly appreciated. Definitely some good information to know. I'll keep you folks informed on how the interview went.
Just adding on here, nothing too new:
The advice that Jennifer gave is pretty good, especially points 1 and 3. I have been through the DEA panel and know that the worst thing you can do is overthink things. Do your homework, then just go in and be yourself. Good luck.
Last edited by nyctrainer8; 11-09-09 at 08:43 PM.
Reason: She knows why
So I went for my interview yesterday and I must say it wasn't that bad. As expected I was nervous before I went in but those nerves went away about the first few minutes or so. I got really comfortable and that half an hour went flew by. Like everyone else said just be yourself and you'll be fine.
Now it's time to play the waiting game but as my interview wrapped up, the panel told me to start to train for the PTT. But we shall see how it goes.
So I went for my interview yesterday and I must say it wasn't that bad. As expected I was nervous before I went in but those nerves went away about the first few minutes or so. I got really comfortable and that half an hour went flew by. Like everyone else said just be yourself and you'll be fine.
Now it's time to play the waiting game but as my interview wrapped up, the panel told me to start to train for the PTT. But we shall see how it goes.
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