Need advice on job interview.

L

Longshot

New member
Wednesday morning I go before an oral board for a correction officer position. I'd really like to know if any TFL'rs have either been through or on an oral board for a corrections related position.

The interview will entail speaking to 3-5 people for about 1/2 hour. It is step one of a two part interview process. The next step is with a single interviewer, assuming I move past this board. I've worked corrections before - 10 years ago. I spent 4 years in military corrections; maximum security, minimum security, supervisory-level experience, the whole works. I've studied an ARCO career manual and a good book on interview skills, I've spent a great amount of time on observation/memory drills, too.

It's an entry-level position, so I do have an advantage over most applicants, but I really want to do well on this.

Point is, I've always been employed for long stretches and, as a result, have not been through many interviews. Any help or "heads up" would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks all...

Longshot

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NRA/GOA/SAF/USMC

Oregon residents please support the Oregon Firearms Federation, our only "No compromise" gun lobby. http://www.oregonfirearms.org
 
Sounds to me like you know all of the material involved and have probably "been there, done that" over and over. Just anticipate mostly "what would you do if..." and what are your feelings/thoughts on...."
A big one is asking about your strengths and weaknesses. Strengths are easy; honk your horn, but not too loud. Don't answer the "weakness" question with a real, honest-to-god weakness. Twist it into a strength, like "I tend to take too much responsibility on by myself; I need to share some of it when needed," or something like that. (It wouldn't hurt to give this a lot of thought in advance, so you have several to pull out of your sleeve.)
Be sure that you know what the organization's philosophy of the corrections process is, and the directions that the organization is going in. This is so you can stay on the same wave length and not put your foot in your mouth.
Other than that, it sounds like you're already ahead of the game.
Oh, on interview panels, watch the quiet ones. It's not that they have nothing to say or ask; they just may save it for later. In your field, this should be easy: try to scope out all the panel members and get a feel on where each one is coming from.
Good luck! You should do fine.
 
Smile, use easy to understand language, think of possible questions and answers to them, dress nicely, remember that you are a professional; that gives you an edge. Good luck
 
With your experience you've got it made. They'll be wanting to hire you, a lot of people going into that lack experience and that could be a problem. I don't know what else to say but good luck and I'm sure w/ your background everything will go well.
 
"Point is, I've always been employed for long stretches and, as a result, have not been through many interviews."

Let this slip out during the interview. ;)

Be confident. You're going to do fine because you are focusing on succeeding.

Regards,

Ledbetter
 
My $.02. Speak slowly and clearly. Lean forward a bit in the chair. Take a small pause before you answer ANY question, no matter how simple or straitforward, or how anxious you are to demonstrate your knowledge or expertise. This will help you to appear thoughtful, and that you are giving any question the full benefit of your experience. I have no experience in LE or as a CO, but most interviewers are just as happy to talk about themselves as they are for you to talk about yourself. Let 'em. You are never wrong when they are talking. You might even ask questions that encourage THEM to talk, if it seems appropriate.

Best of luck.
 
If you had more time, I'd suggest the book "Knock 'Em Dead" by Martin Yate, best book I've seen on how to get a job. Lots of good interview stuff. I've had hiring authority in various jobs for 14 years now, so I think I know whereof I speak.

Short term advice is to look sharp, stand tall, give them straight answers, and rely on your qualifications and your record. Since you're ex-military, think of them as a promotions board, but one where maybe you can be a bit less stiff. Remember, these people are hiring someone for a reason -- there is a job they want done. Focus on why you are the person that can do it.

Also remember, Boards like this have highly tuned BS detectors built in. They would rather hire an average guy who speaks true than an above average guy who tries to buzz one by them.

Best of luck, though I don't think you'll need it.
 
I agree with Ledbetter. Be confident. You're better than any other candidate and they know it. Be sure you know that too.
 
You are selling yourself. Make sure you are washed and polished. Dress well but not flashy.

When introduced to the panel, repeat their name back and nod or shake their hand if they offer it. Repeating their name makes it easier to remember and it is a nice touch when you have finished the interview when you can call them by their names again.

It is nice to have small stories about your life experiences where your best qualities have been put to the test.

If you have weaknesses, again it is nice to have a small story of your life experiences where you have benefitted and learned from your mistakes.

Speak clearly, and loud enough so the panel doesn't have to strain to listen. When asked a question, answer the questioner, but don't forget to direct some of your answer to the other interviewers.

Smile and be confident.

Afterwards, write a thank you letter, if practicable, thanking the panel for the opportunity to be considered for the position.
 
From aperson who has interviewed more than most, most interviewers are ill-prepared and do not know how to ask work related questions. Often, you will be asked personal hobbies, weather, sports and other prompts to see if you will work with in the team.

It sounds like you have great advice, but first anticipate some of the questions,

1)Why has it been 10 yrs from corrections?
2)Why, with your experience, are you looking for an entry level job.
3)Do you play golf, softball or horse shoes?
4)Are you a family man?
5)What special skills do you possess that will help you in this job?
6)What special circumstance has arise where you have demonstrated one of these skills? How did you handel it?

Write the answers to these questions down, I will assure you that 1-4 will be asked by everyone you are meeting with, 5-6 by the advanced interviewer.

Ask a lot of question about the work environment, benefits.

If starting pay is not known, never, ever mention what money you are anticipating. Whatever figure you mention first limits your ceiling. Always reply that you are negotiable depending on the package offered.

Good Luck

Remember, in business- and preservation of the 2nd Ammendment- YOU DO NOT GET WHAT YOU DESERVE< YOU GET WHAT YOU NEGOTIATE.
 
Boy Longshot are you going to ever be safe! We all know from the anti's that a gun-free society is a totally safe society completely free of crime and violence. There are no guns inside a prison, not even the guards. It must be a warm and delightfully safe place that the rest of us can only dream about.
 
These answers all sound good to me. I went before a bunch of military boards, and the main thing they looked for was confidence, and a good first impression. Speak clearly and don't let your words trail off in volume or tone, try not to fidget, and look directly at the person asking the question. If you are at a distance to do this, a hint comes to mind.....
If you are not comfortable looking directly into someone's eyes while being interviewed, pick another spot on their face, such as the upper lip. It makes you LOOK like you are looking at their eyes if you are a little further away from them.

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"Any world that I'm welcome to.....Is better than the one I come from"
 
Thanks very much for the advice! I had very short notice of this interview, but I think I am ready. They contacted me 3 days after I submitted my application, and I had a week to prepare for the interview.

David, the "Knock 'em dead" book sounds good...wish I had thought to ask TFL'rs about this a couple of days earlier.

Bruels, excellent point about the follow-up thank you letters. I'm sure a number of people don't think about this, so it helps one to stand out.

And Jeff, you are so right about the utopian state of total disarmament...why, I feel safer already :D. If only our entire society could be so enlightened.

Thanks again to everyone for the "crash course". Every suggestion helped. I'll let you know what happens.

Longshot.



------------------
NRA/GOA/SAF/USMC

Oregon residents please support the Oregon Firearms Federation, our only "No compromise" gun lobby. http://www.oregonfirearms.org
 
Don't take any Advil for a couple of days before hand as they will most likely give you the Wiz-quiz. Advil shows up as a false positive for marajuanna.
 
I'm back...

I think it went very well. Only two people on the panel, and I really wasn't nervous after the first minute or so.

I'll know for sure by October.

Thanks again, all.

Longshot.

------------------
NRA/GOA/SAF/USMC

Oregon residents please support the Oregon Firearms Federation, our only "No compromise" gun lobby. http://www.oregonfirearms.org
 
Great news! Congrats!

Bummer you have to wait so long to know ... I always hate waiting so long for that kind of thing. Take care.

Live and let live. Regards from AZ
 
Got my results. Number 1 out of the 24 applicants interviewed! Now I just wade through the background checks.

Thanks again for all the advice...

Longshot

------------------
NRA/GOA/SAF/USMC

Oregon residents please support the Oregon Firearms Federation, our only "No compromise" gun lobby. http://www.oregonfirearms.org
 
Now, why did we all know that would happen? That's WONDERFUL!




[This message has been edited by mrsMTN (edited August 12, 2000).]
 
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