Passed another "hurdle" today...

[Odin]

About 2 months ago I applied for the department that I really want to work for. I haven't yet applied to any other departments because this is my first choice, but the general wisdom seems to be that it's difficult to get hired as a LEO when you only submit 1 application, so I'm considering other apps.

Anyway, I'm still in the game. The department says they can hire 5 officers. We started with 580 potential applicants at civil service test time. After the civil service test and initial personal history packet I believe the field was narrowed to less than 200. I passed the civil service with an 87, which I thought was rather low but the highest score was a 90 so I guess it wasn't too bad.

After the physical agility test the field was narrowed to less than 60. Going in to the physical agility test I was ranked #9. I know that #4 failed the PT test, so I was in 8th position or better after the PT test.

Then we had a "preliminary background interview", which I passed.

Then the BPAD. I passed. I was told that after the BPAD there were 21 candidates left in the running.

Then the in-depth personal background interview (several hours of intense interview). I passed.

Then the drug screen test, easiest test I ever took. I pissed...I mean passed.

Then the polygraph. This was no fun. I took one poly (4 hours) and they asked me to take another poly. They wouldn't say I "failed" but they wouldn't say I "passed". I spent 3 more hours tonight taking poly #2 and the examiner told me in no uncertain terms that I "passed" the poly tonight.

I don't know how many are left in this race, but I'm still hanging in there. Now it's time for the background investigation, then the oral boards, physical and psychological exam. I'm hopeful, but still pretty uncertain about where I stand. If I don't get hired I'll be disappointed, but after reading how some people here have applied multiple times over a period of years I guess I shouldn't expect too much out of my first attempt.

[txinvestigator1]

You are on the right road. Keep your chin up.

[decuervo]

Good luck to you.

[KPDPOPO]

Congrats so far! Not looking too bad at all. Good Luck!

[Odin]

You are on the right road. Keep your chin up.

Thanks. My BI is tough. And I'm competing against a field of mostly younger guys (I'm 34) and some experienced guys as well. But I'm not a quitter - ever.

[txinvestigator1]

And I'm competing against a field of mostly younger guys (I'm 34)

Heh,

Old age and treachery will always overcome youth and skill. ;)

[PAC1]

Best of luck to you in the rest of the process. Congrats on your progress thus far.

[Deputy Joe]

Sounds like you made it far already. How is the oral board different than the other 2 interviews you took?

Good Luck the rest of the way through!

[valycop]

Think only positive thoughts Odin and I've got my fingers crossed for you.

[mxwelch]

Congrats on the progress. Wow, your story sounds alot like mine. I'm also 34 and at the last stage in the process, although my poly was no where as hardcore as yours. Mine lasted only about 1-1.5 hours. Keep chargin!

[spitfire]

Congrats on making it this far in the process and good luck on the remaining portion.

I remember how nervewracking it was to go through the hiring process, holding your breath that you make it to the next stage. Try not to get too wound up about it all, and believe that if it's meant to be, it'll be.

[Odin]

Thanks for the support guys (and girls).

Deputy Joe - the oral board will be different from the other interviews in that it's more formal, there are more people firing questions at me (compared to just me and the BI) and the board will expect me to answer without too much thinking about the questions. The BI is tough (and he is definitely "interrogating" me sometimes) but at least I'm not "in the spotlight" while he's asking the questions. This department has a reputation for being tough on applicants, and my area (Dallas) has a LOT of competition. Many Dallas PD officers with experience are always looking to go work in the suburbs, and I'm applying for one of those suburban departments, so the dept doesn't have a lack of potential hires.

[Mike Romeo]

Sounds like you have things together Odin.

Best of luck and keep us informed!

[GrayPatriot]

Odin,

You should be proud of yourself as they appear to be hiring from less than 1% from the applicant pool. Stay focused and you will get there.