Interview

[midcoaster]

Hello all,

I just received a call last night from a local Dept. that I applied to, and they said that the chief wants to interview me on Tuesday at noon. My husband actually took the call because it was almost 8:00 PM, and I was attending a board meeting for the chemical awareness center that I volunteer with. I have no idea why they called so late.    They told my husband that this is not the "big interview" (I assume that they meant the oral board.) They told him that the chief just wants to give me an initial interview. What can I expect from an "initial interview"? I am assuming that he just wants to find out a little about me, and see where I stand as a prospective candidate? I would appreciate any input as to what I should expect. This will be my first interview for LE.

I of course have been combing this website for all of the info that I can.  ;D  This is a pretty small dept., so they could do things a little differently than a larger agency.

Thanks in advance.

Lisa  

[cpl_mike]

Is this an agency that you'd want to work for? Are there other Female officers there that you can talk to?We've talked before and I've checked a few of the agencies near where  you want to work for-they seem fairly similar in pay and activity.However, in a larger agency there is more opportunity for growth(patrol officers grow old fast in small agencies before a detective spot or sgt spot come open) also, you don't want to be the "token" female officer, if that dept. isn't really interested in you as a potential recruit period! Take the "initial interview" as I have a thought that it will be a
"feeling you out" type of interview, although expect some formality during it(also, go on a ride along with that small agency-it'll show that you've been doing your "home work" and could give a positive impression to the Chief). remember that small agencies tend to work like a family,outsiders (new recruits) are scrutinized a lot more in some aspects than in larger agencies, and life in one can be very rewarding or very miserable depending on how well you are accepted anad how you do.GOOD LUCK

[midcoaster]

cpl_mike,

             The smaller agency that I will be interviewing with is a pretty good agency from all that I have seen. They are actually pretty good about hiring females and from the dept. roster that I found online, they have three female full time officers and three male full time officers, one male Sgt., and four male reserve officers.

This agency is hiring one full time officer and two reserve officers. Their reserve officers act in the same capacity as their full time officers, except they work less hours. I applied with them because I have heard good things about them. They actually work with our local dept. a lot because they are a neighboring town; the guys that I know here on my hometown dept. have said good things about them. I understand that advancement opportunities won't be as readily available at this agency, but I am being realistic in my pursuit of a LEO job. I have absolutely no LE background, and I have no college degree, because of that I know that I can't be picky if I really want to be a LEO. I really wish that I had the time to obtain my degree first, but at age 33 I don't have a lot of time to work with. I do plan on obtaining the degree, even if I have to work on it online.

I sort of thought that the purpose of this interview was to "check me out". I will definitely have to request a ride-a-long.

I will let you know how the interview goes.

Thanks for the info and the good luck wishes.

Lisa  

[JimCMR]

Hi Lisa;

Well, it looks like things are going well, and I could not be happier for you.

A few of the things the Chief will be discussing are the realities of the job, namely the hours and days you would be required to work.  This is to see if you really understand that this is a 24/7 job, and you will be getting the bad along with the good.  Expect to work Christmas, Thanksgiving, Easter, and any other holiday, as well as midnights.  I'm sure you know this, but you would be surprised how many recruits don't have a clue about the hours.

There will be an attempt to see how this would affect your family life, kid care, and such.  The dangers of the job would probably be discussed.

This chief interview is usually used to "scare off" someone who is not a good fit for the job, before the Board gets to them.  Many times the Board is made up of civilians who do not know the JOB, and as such are not in a position to discuss the realities of it.

My best to you.    JimCMR

[midcoaster]

Hello Jim,

              Thanks for the info and well wishes. I kind of figured that the purpose of this interview will be to give me the once over and to make sure that I am worth continuing the process with.

I am certainly aware of the realities of LE work hours, I can't imagine how anyone could expect to work
"banker's hours" as a LEO.    LE is actually the only job in which the prospect of working odd hours and holidays doesn't bother me; that must truly mean that this is my calling.

I wasn't expecting an interview this soon, but I think I'm ready for it; as ready as I'll ever be.  ;D
I will let you know how it goes.

Thanks again, and take care.

Lisa