?'s I was asked in my oral interview yesterday.

[Chris]

I had my first oral interview yesterday with the Schaumburg Police Department.  My interview was at 10:15 pm at the Schaumburg Village Hall (kind of an strange time for an interview).  I was interviewed by three members of the Fire & Police Commissioners Board.  The interview was very short, less than 10 minutes and I was only asked 5 questions.  The questions were read to me and then I also received a notecard that had each question that I could refer back to if I wanted.  There were supposed to be 21 people interviewing for the 4 positions open, but only 17 showed up.  Each person was asked the exact same questions.  The following are the questions that were asked:

1.  Describe in detail what you did today.

2.  What qualities do you believe a police officer must posses?

3.  Describe a time when you helped someone, how you helped them, and what the outcome was.

4.  What are your strengths?

5.  What one question were you prepared to answer tonight, that was not asked?  What was the question, and what was your answer?

I hope this will help some of you.  I was really suprised that they only asked five questions, and none of them were situational.  I think I did pretty well, and I should be receiving the eligibility list in the mail soon.

[junior]

chris,

thanks for your post, it gives us all something to ponder ;D.  if you don't mind me asking, how did you respond to these questions?

8)junior

[Drakor]

   I see that it was a strange time but it shows that you are commited to wanting the job. That you are flexible with your schedule. It also shows that for a police officer anytime is good.
    All very good questions....I know what the question was that you prepared for but wasn't asked....Why do you want to be a police officer? I think you'll find that all 17 canidates said the same question.
      :)17 people for 4 positions is great, the odds are in your favor. Compared to 2000 candidates for 25 positions. Where are you in your processing? By knowing that I can narrow down you odds even more. Believe it or not out of 17 people they may only get 2 to 3 people ;D, only you know whether you have the qualities to be one of those people.
    I think you'll do fine, 8) I wish I had those odds. Good luck keep us posted.

[Chris]

These were my answers to the questions:

1.  Describe in detail what you did today.
I gave a very detailed description from the time I woke up, to what I wore, to what I ate for meals.  I provided them as much detail as I could.

2.  What qualities do you believe a police officer must posses?
I guess I pretty much gave the general answers that I asume everyone gave such as; integrity, honesty, professionalism, courage, enthusiasm, initiative, creativity, confidence, good judgement, good problem solving skills, and great teamwork.

3.  Describe a time when you helped someone, how you helped them, and what the outcome was.
For this question I used an example of when I was going to college, and I helped a foreign student get through or last project.  He was very depressed because he hadn't found a job, and was worried about being sent home to his country if he didn't find one soon because he was here on a student visa.  I explained how I encouraged him and gave him hope to finish the project and use it as an example when looking for a job.

4.  What are your strengths?
I just listed what I think are my strengths such as; integrity, honesty, great people skills, organization, motivation, confidence.  I also said that I think one of my strengths is being a perfectionist, but at times it can also be a weakness.

5.  What one question were you prepared to answer tonight, that was not asked?  What was the question, and what was your answer?
Drakor was correct, the one question I was prepared to answer but wasn't asked was why I wanted to be a police officer.  I answered by saying that I am looking for an exciting and challenging career in which I can help people and the community.

My status is as follows:

I have taken the written test for two police departments in the Chicago Suburbs.  The first department is Schaumburg, and I have passed the written test and completed the oral interview.  The next step is the background investigation and the polygraph test.  I would appreciate any tips that may help me on this.  The second department is Elk Grove, and I have passed the written test and I have my oral group interview on November 6.

I appreciate all the help this board has given me, Thank You!!!

[JimCMR]

Chris;

There isn't much help on a background check, unless you will need explanitations of situations, then have them written out.

As for Poly, tell the truth, can't say much more.

You have chosen 2 good departments to apply with.

Good Luck.      Jim