Bowtech_archer07 Posted August 25, 2009 Report Share Posted August 25, 2009 Well, I'm not sure how many of you remember, but I tested with a city PD close to my hometown in IL and passed the physical test with a good score, and passed the written test with an 81% average. This was my first time ever testing at a department so I think I did pretty well. I have a friend that works at the department, and he told me that I tested high in my class, so that made me feel pretty good, especially with it being my first test ever for a department. The next step was to schedule a ride-along which I did and I learned a lot about how the department works, some of their policies, etc. The next step is the oral interview, which for me, is Wednesday at 4pm. I'm extremely nervous about this as I have never had to interview before. I have worked, but just for people I know and my current job of 6 yrs part time has been with a family friend. This is becoming stressful for me because I am just worried that something will go wrong, or I will say something stupid. This would be a great experience for me. It's in a town where I would get to experience many different things, a lot of action, and they have a great program where they put you through training and you, in return, work for them for 2 years. So, I guess i'm just asking for a few thoughts and any advice y'all might have for me. Everyone on this forum has been great to me during my time here, and hopefully this next step in my life will be successful. I will be sure to let y'all know how the interview goes when I get back on Wed. Thanks for listening;) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pendog Posted August 25, 2009 Report Share Posted August 25, 2009 Be yourself!! I tested for Columbus OH police Dept back in the day my uncles all worked there. I did not pass the physical due to my bad knee which i blew out playing bball in college. My uncle told me that during the oral interview they try and trip you up with different questions, be yourself!! It's the best way to ensure your telling the truth:) Let us know how it goes. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Casey Posted August 25, 2009 Report Share Posted August 25, 2009 Be yourself!! I tested for Columbus OH police Dept back in the day my uncles all worked there. I did not pass the physical due to my bad knee which i blew out playing bball in college. My uncle told me that during the oral interview they try and trip you up with different questions, be yourself!! It's the best way to ensure your telling the truth:) Let us know how it goes. Don't tell him to be himself, he won't get a job being like that.... Ohhhh hey Kyle! :clown: Good luck, bro. Your do just fine, text me when you get done with it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pendog Posted August 25, 2009 Report Share Posted August 25, 2009 We lost an officer this last week due to a suicide.....man what a procession of cars, three helicopters as well. A very cool brotherhood, i have the utmost respect for my uncles and all the officers around this country. My prayers that you do your best. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OJR Posted August 25, 2009 Report Share Posted August 25, 2009 Be upfront and don't try to BS your way through it! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jbeck Posted August 25, 2009 Report Share Posted August 25, 2009 (edited) Talk slow, It's hard to do when your nervouse but force yourself to talk slowly. This will give your head time to think about your response, and be completly Honest. Remember a job is not given out of kindness, they need someone to fill a position who is qualified. From the sounds of it you are, so you need to be confident, with out being arogant. Good luck you'll do fine. Edited August 25, 2009 by jbeck Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hungry hunter Posted August 25, 2009 Report Share Posted August 25, 2009 Remember your basic knowledge that you learned at the academey. They will smell BS. Just stay calm and you will get through it. Good luck!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The_Kat Posted August 25, 2009 Report Share Posted August 25, 2009 Some advice from a guy whose been through two interviews with the highway patrol, and two department. THINK LIKE A COP! I went into my first OHP interview with the be an All American guy kinda attitude. They asked me if I'd cite a friend who was also a fellow lawman for not wearing his seatbelt and I said, na, I'd just remind him we were supposed to be examples. They stopped the interview right there and said it doesn't matter who he is, he knew better, write him a ticket and I was dismissed. Next year I got asked the same question, and I answered as they instructed the year before and guess what.....I got in. Don't be Mr. Nice guy. Be Mr. Proffessional Cop Guy Best of luck Kyle. It sounds like they are interested in you, as this process has taken alot of time. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RangerClay Posted August 25, 2009 Report Share Posted August 25, 2009 When I went to one of my first teaching job interviews I went in there prepared for any all teaching related questions. Then they asked me the toughest question of all, "Tell us about yourself?". I froze up big time! I have never sat down and described myself to anyone before. I didn't know what to say. I babbled why way through it and I did get the job but it could have gone bad. Remember you don't have to spit out an answer in a split second. Feel free to take a couple seconds to think it over. There is plenty of great advise above, especially from Orlan (OJR). Don't BS or lie. These guys will sniff out a lie like a fart in a phone booth. Good luck! Be sure to tell us how it came out. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stevebeilgard Posted August 25, 2009 Report Share Posted August 25, 2009 3 second rule. don't open your mouth for 3 seconds with ANY answer. think a while, then answer. then just be you, tell what you think and be honest. you'll do fine. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GWSmith Posted August 25, 2009 Report Share Posted August 25, 2009 These guys will sniff out a lie like a fart in a phone booth. I'll never look at LEO's the same way after that comment...LOL Ahhh the joys of public speaking....which in your case this is a really small crowd! First ask yourself "What is a Interview" and "Who's Involved". Sounds simple enough to do right because it is. Their going to find out about you and your going to find out about them. One of the things that will give you more confidence is to realize that your interviewing them as well to see if you want to work there! When you give the right to yourself to not only give answers but to get them as well it's instant confidence. Secondly..It's just you and them. Your there to find out about them and you get the privelege of sharing with them about you. When people here have reccomended to you to tell the truth...they were absolutely right. You never have to try to remember the truth so you really cant screw it up. Lies on the other hand will eventually tie you up in knots trying to remember what you said and to whom. Tell them why your there...yeah it's that simple. Your there to get the job and what comes along with it(experience). Then ask them what is involved in that. When they ask you questions their trying to find out what you know. Again tell the truth..and if you dont know what that is for the question they ask say so. They know what they are looking for...and you dont have to attempt to figure that out. All you have is what you have so try to remember why your there...to get more experience;) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
woolybear Posted August 25, 2009 Report Share Posted August 25, 2009 Good luck on the interview. Last time I had one they gave me a place to stay.:hammer1: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bowtech_archer07 Posted August 25, 2009 Author Report Share Posted August 25, 2009 Thanks for the advice guys. I'm still nervous, but trying to just stay calm as I have other things I need to be worrying about before the interview even gets here... like school.. LOL I'll be sure to update everyone when I get back on Wednesday... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bowhuntMN Posted August 25, 2009 Report Share Posted August 25, 2009 i'd say make them laugh. that'll help them see that your very relaxed about the interview and your confident. if you get them to laugh or chuckle even they'll open up to you and you'll feel better about answering questions. also, think about the possible questions they may ask you and say the answer out loud to yourself so you have an idea of what your gonna say and what it'll sound like. if it doesn't work out you can always leave the dark side and come to the good side of the force. the fire dept. :clown: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ildrhntr Posted August 25, 2009 Report Share Posted August 25, 2009 Good Luck!! I remember the interviews I had to go through before signing on with the Sheriff's Office. Try to be calm and everyone is right do not BS them. Kat is right all answers about giving someone a ticket or an arrest are black/white. If you get on you will be BUSY. DPD is a very busy place! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Turkeygirl Posted August 25, 2009 Report Share Posted August 25, 2009 Go to your Dr. and ask him for some Ativan......lol Be yourself, be normal....try not to worry about it. If it's the job you are meant to have, God's will, then it will all work out....if it doesn't, then God has other plans....We'll be praying for ya! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bowtech_archer07 Posted August 26, 2009 Author Report Share Posted August 26, 2009 i'd say make them laugh. that'll help them see that your very relaxed about the interview and your confident. if you get them to laugh or chuckle even they'll open up to you and you'll feel better about answering questions. also, think about the possible questions they may ask you and say the answer out loud to yourself so you have an idea of what your gonna say and what it'll sound like. if it doesn't work out you can always leave the dark side and come to the good side of the force. the fire dept. :clown: I am a volly Firefighter, so ha... and one quick quote.. if you can't walk the beat, go be a fireman!!! HAHAHA:clown::clown: J/K, like I said, i'm a volly FF and have the utmost respect for guys that do it full time Good Luck!! I remember the interviews I had to go through before signing on with the Sheriff's Office. Try to be calm and everyone is right do not BS them. Kat is right all answers about giving someone a ticket or an arrest are black/white. If you get on you will be BUSY. DPD is a very busy place! I know it's extremely busy, which means great experience and lots of different scenarios. Like I said, I know someone on the force, and he is always busy. Thanks again for the words of encouragement everyone. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bowhuntMN Posted August 26, 2009 Report Share Posted August 26, 2009 i see lol well good luck on the interview! hope it all goes well. it sounds like a good job and it'll be a lot of fun! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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