Posted: 10/9/2006 7:21:23 PM EDT
|
So I've got my first oral board coming up next week.........what should I expect? This is my first time going through this process. I hear it's pretty intense, however I think I can keep from losing my head. So for you guys with experience........what are they looking for? I've already read NorCal_LEO's suggestions, just wondering what you fella's could add. Any hints and suggestions are appreciated! |
|
Many oral boards will ask questions to find out what you have to say about yourself... think about how you will answer those types of questions. Examples are: Why do you want to work here? What is your strength? What is your weakness? What is the one thing your most proud of? What one big mistake have you made that you wish you could change? Who did you look up to while growing up? Bottom line: Be honest, speak in a clear confident voice, look folks dead in the eye, sit up straight, and don't try to BS an answer. Good luck!! |
I also remember from my initial interview: 1) How much do you know about this fire district? (they like to see that you have researched their department...shows you are sincerely interested) 2) Where do you see yourself in 5 years?...10 years? (A good answer would be something like: "Well into building a good career, and continuing my education", etc.) |
|
They asked me about the one life changing event in my life that impacted me most. I failed this one and I know why. Next time I will say that I married the devil's daughter and I am still paying for it. It's also the thing I'd change if I could. I would not have married her, stayed in the Army and retired. I'd be retired 4 years now and starting another career. |
|
Often there are general questions that don't require a direct knowledge of law enforcement, but are used to judge your reaction to a specific event. Often a question related to ethics will be asked, regarding reporting an inter-department infraction, or very minor acceptance of an unauthorized gift or petty theft. Usually a use of force question to see if you would stay safe, or get killed to be politically correct. There may be a question that will show if you have general observation skills. There is a general question list that POST uses, and often a department will ask 4 specific questions, looking for the best answer for the questions from each candidate. Lastly, it may not matter how well you answer the questions. If someone has a specific degree or skill the department desires, or if a candidate has a political relative or relative on the department, or if there are a specific number of minorities or females that they are REQUIRED to hire, it won't matter how well you answer the questions. These are the cold, hard facts.  |
|
***UPDATE*** So, Thursday is the day.......my background investigator is done with his investigation. He said all my references checked out and gave me good reviews. So I suppose now I just have to make it through this board.......wish me luck and I'll post an update sometime Thursday afternoon to let everyone know how it went......... Thanks for the help and advice! |
Best of luck, easy on the caffiene before the board. 
|
Sometimes--not too often--you might get a "confrontational" interview to see how you handle stress. I only had one when I was looking (9 years ago). Prick at the opposite end of the table asked how many drugs I'd done. I replied I hadn't used any illegal substances, which was true. He wouldn't drop it, and was a jerk about it. I just repeated myself until he gave up, but I decided right then, during the interview, that I wouldn't work for an agency that treated potential employees as lying scum. I think they may have noticed my decreased interest in their agency 
|
My background investigator sort of indicated that there was going to be a guy present that was just your kinda guy. I'm hoping I can draw from my many ass chewings as a Marine and not lose my cool! On another note.......I was doing a little research about possible questions and I found a couple that I thought would pretty difficult to answer.... 1. Would you give your best friend a speeding ticket? 2. Would you arrest your mother for drunk driving? I've been having a tough time with those.......as would anyone I suppose. |
I guess I don't see the dilemna in those 2 questions. The first one I would say would depend on how fast they were going and the circumstances, much like any other speeding stop. However, I wouldn't cut them any favors. As for the drunk mother, it'd be the same thing, depending on the circumstances, but no special breaks. |
I don't think I would give my best friends or my mother a speeding ticket.......again depending on the circumstances......a warning yes...if it was habitual then that's another thing. As for the DWI......I think I would have to make an arrest because I'm not sure I could live with myself if I let them go and they crashed and injured or killed someone....... |
|
*****UPDATE********HIRED******** Well........the process is finally over.........and it looks like I have a job!! 5 months of waiting and being patient has finally paid off! The polygraph was pretty nerve racking, as was the oral board.....but it's done with now. I start the academy on the 13th and I can't friggin' wait. |
OUTSTANDING.... welcome to the Big Show. |
Congrats! What Agency/Dept.? |
Galveston Police Department (Obviously Gavleston, TX) |