Multiple Applications

[Tommy]

I currently have my application for a police officer in at one department.  In fact, I take the written test next week.  However, I've always been one to make back-up plans.  A few other departments in my area are also hiring.  As of now, I would consider two of them.  Yet, how would that reflect on my current application?  Or even future ones?  Does it imply a lack of investment to a particular community?  Would it make my application seem insincere?  <br>
I'd like to pursue these options, but not at the cost of my current application.  My concern is that I have a small window of opportunity.  I currently work for a college, and my committments follow the academic year.  For the welfare of my staff and students, I'd rather not leave mid-year.  Thus leaving me with the need to apply now so I can switch professions at the end of our academic year.  Because of this, I can't wait until I find out the results of this current application before I apply to another.  <br>
Any and all comments would be welcome, thanks.                

[JimCMR]

Tommy;
As a former police commissioner (hiring board member), I noticed that many of my applicants had applied to nunerous departments at the same time.
That did not bother me, as I can well understand the need for back up plans, and the fact that many departments are only testing to make a list and not planning to hire, or only hire a couple officers.
I would not see a problem in having 2 or 3 applications going at the same time, I would not recommend a dozen or so, that shows a shotgun approach, and may well be frowned upon.
You need to look after number 1, so if you see a couple other departments you would like to work for, go ahead and apply.  An officer would not go on the street with only the ammo in his weapon and no extra, backup is good.

Good luck.      JimCMR

[Charlie]

Tommy--Applying to more than one department isn't a bad thing. To expand a little upon what Jim's already said, there's nothing wrong with having a back up plan. BUT, at the same time, I would be cautious about how many different departments you're applying with. If I were you, I would choose just a few departments that you really want to work for and work with those only. Applying to too many departments at one time can posssibly be contrued as a "bad" thing. Why? Just to name a few possible general reasons it MAY reflect negatively on you:

* Suspicion that you may not have a sincere interest to work for a given department. Departments typically invest a lot of money in someone in educating & training individuals. They want to hire someone who'll be around awhile to get their return.
* Concern about why other departments have not hired you.

Again, there's nothing wrong with applying with a few departments at one time but don't do, as Jim pointed out, the shotgun approach. People commonly take this approach. I think the thought is: 'The more departments one applies with will equate to the better chances they'll have in getting hired somewhere.' Not necessarily true. It can hurt you even though a given applicant does not necessarily have anything wrong with their application.

Again, I'd recommend making up your mind about a few departments you really want to work for and work with that game plan. Also remember, it is not uncommon for people to apply to a given department more than once before they are finally hired. So, don't get discouraged if you're not hired after the first time you apply.

Good luck and I hope maybe I have helped in some way.

Charlie