In your opinion, what would make me a more competitive applicant?

[la9018]

Hello all,


Im nearing the end of my schooling and will be applying at a few local departments within the next year or two. I would appreciate some input on what I can do to make myself more marketable to future employers.
.
Here is a little info about myself:

Age: 20...turn 21 in 2 weeks
Sex: Male
-Senior in college
-will graduate with a BA in Sociology and minors in both Criminology and History.
-Have held a management position with a landscape construction company for the past two years.
-Have never been arrested
-No traffic violations

Some potential handicaps:
-I'm projecting my final GPA to only be about a 2.7-2.9
-age
-physical shape. I meet the minimum requirements, but not by much.
-I took two hits off of a marijuana joint on my 18th birthday.

Thank You.

[Kimble]

Some potential handicaps:
-I'm projecting my final GPA to only be about a 2.7-2.9

A better GPA is nice, but I graduated with a 2.9 and I still got hired.

-age

You're young, no doubt, but you can still apply with most agencies at 21. If you're not among the most qualified, get a full-time job somewhere in the meantime and apply again.

-physical shape. I meet the minimum requirements, but not by much.

With all agencies I'm aware of, PT tests are pass or fail. Being in better shape is great, but if you can pass you pass.

-I took two hits off of a marijuana joint on my 18th birthday.

Assuming this is the only time you've smoked pot, not going to be a killer. It was only 3 years ago, which for some agencies is long enough, but others may want to see no MJ usage for at least 5 years, so the more time that has passed the better.

[greg72982]

A better GPA is nice, but I graduated with a 2.9 and I still got hired.

You little party animal you.

to the OP: Military is always a good idea too, if you consider it an option.

[mcsap]

It is never good to be able to " just pass". Getting in better shape is something you CAN do if you want to. WHen you do take the PT tests , you will do all of them in the same day , usually in about an hour or so. Can you pass all of them back to back ?