questions to ask at a interview?

[T.COTE]

I have been to a couple of oral boards and interviews now. They all end with a chance for me to ask them questions or to explain to them why I should be hired. Basically a chance to give them information that I think is important and they did not ask about. MY question is what are some good questions to ask? Also to those of you that have experience in hiring people what do you want to hear when you ask "why should I hire you and not the next guy?" Thanks for your time

[JimCMR]

Trevor; When I sat on a hiring Board, we did not finish up with allowing a candidate to ask questions, or ask why we should hire that candidate as opposed to another.  We tried to let our original questions answer our concerns.

That is not to say that a candidate could not ask a general question, such as how many people we planned to hire, and in what time frame.  Of course if these questions were asked, they were not graded, just informational.

I did have one candidate ask what we were looking for that he did or did not have to offer, he came across as imature in asking it, and we were not impressed.  He made the list, but when we called him, he did not have the courtesy to even respond, so i guess immaturity was a good guess.

I know I havn't answered your questions, but just giving you the information, that all orals do not end the same way.

Good luck in your job search.     JimCMR    

[Charlie]

T.Cote--One thing is definitely true as noted by JimCMR, not all oral boards are the same nor do they necessarily end the same way.  ;D

Obviously, generally speaking, noone here can give you a sure fire answer that will satisfy any oral baord out there. But I think some of the following ideas might possibly help. Please take the time to seriously consider and ponder the following at your liesure:

* "Why should you be hired?" Seriously think about this question and apply it to yourself....what sort of qualifications or attributes can you offer? Ponder this question, maybe sit down, make a list, refine your answers and perhaps rehearse how you would respond to this question. That way, when the question does come up, maybe you'll provide a very good answer that is well-thought out under what would appear to be a very short period of time. It could make the difference.

* Learn what you can about the department - One other thing I have personally done in the past that seemed to help me was: I tried to learn what i could about the department I was applying with. For example: the department's size, history, traditions, specialized units, etc. Have some general knowledge about the department.

* Stay away from the thoughts of "Giving the answer they want to hear." No, tell them what you think, from the heart, etc. And remember, boards know most applicants typically have limited life experiences and most people have never been cops before.

* As for questions to ask an oral board at the end.........I have to agree with Jim, I think this is "informational only" and really doesn't make much of  difference. It's sort of done as a courtesy I think.

* Closing remarks -  I think it will depend on the board and how the overall interview went and what they asked you. For the most part, most people keep it short and too the point. Usually, most thnk the board amd leave.

* Dress professional and don't ever be a "smart ass." Remember, the board is typically composed of cops who have seen and heard it all.

Don't know if that's helped you but there is no "magic bullet" with these sorts of things. Not everyone does things the same way nor do they look for the same characteristics in applicants too. Everyone sort of does things a little differently. Just keep in mind what I have said and try and be flexible.   Common sense & good Judgment is the key! 8)

Good luck.

Charlie