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Does anybody have anything to share about interviews? Tips, tricks, general info or any formalities we should know before going in..
Is it even possible to have a good non-scripted answer for the "biggest weakness" question?always have a good answer for the whats your biggest weakness question. I usually go with the I sometimes find it hard to turn off the work mode at the end of the day and spend my off time thinking about the job and ways to improve or solve current problems. or I sometimes find myself micromanaging instead of allowing my employees to take full control of their positions.
I agree, it's important to have some idea of the history and reputation of the company in advance. At the end of the interview, when asked if you have any questions, try to ask one smart question that shows you've been paying attention, but not anything that sounds forced or makes you seem like a slacker, like "How soon do vacation days accrue?" (real example).I've been recently on the other side of the table (conducting the interview) and aside from being yourself, it definitely does help when people research the company and know about it. This shows initiative. Also it's good to ask questions during the interview or at the end of it. Take some spare copies of your resume in case others join. I'm old school and believe a suit should be worn. This doesn't make or break but definitely leaves a good first impression.
Really, Facebook? Unless you work in Marketing, what relevance does FB have to potential job performance? I work in a specialized subset of IT; if HR or worse, a real interviewer asked about Facebook, I'd cross that employer off my list -- Most of the best people in my field do not maintain an active Facebook account.Dont hesitate one single millisecond when asked to fire up your Facebook account for the interviewer to peruse. That being said, be smart enough to have squared your FB away well before the interview.
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And Bigblue is correct. Wear a suit each and every single time you go in, even if its just to sign a list. The first thing my deputy chief asks me after I conduct an interview of a potential candidate is what he/she was wearing.
Is it even pissuessible to have a good non-scripted it conswer for the "biggest weakness" question?
I agree, it's important to have some idea of the history and reputation of the company in advance. At the end of the interview, when asked if you have any questions, try to ask one smart question that shows you've been paying attention, but not anything that sounds forced or makes you seem like a slacker, like "How soon do vacation days accrue?" (real example).
One thing I learned from working with 3rd party recruiters is to make a tailored cover/summary for my resume highlighting experience and skills that specifically match the requirements listed for the job posting or otherwise apply to the job in question, and if your home printer sucks, put in the effort to get your resume copies printed on a real printer with real quality paper.
I add a unique URL to the cover page (and any email correspondence) that links to my resume -- I can tell by the traffic logs whether they follow the link, forward my info elsewhere, etc. And most people are just going to throw away a printed copy, but will keep email around forever and might pass it along to another firm that has an opening that is a good fit.
Really, Facebook? Unless you work in Marketing, what relevance does FB have to potential job performance? I work in a specialized subset of IT; if HR or worse, a real interviewer asked about Facebook, I'd cross that employer off my list -- Most of the best people in my field do not maintain an active Facebook account.
I suppose it's different in Law Enforcement, but in IT, wearing a suit for interviews is optional, maybe even deprecated. The basic of "dress one step nicer than that client" applies, so in my field, "dressy" business casual is perfectly appropriate for interviews.
There's a saying in IT -- if you walk through the work area and see a cubicle farm covered in Dilbert comics, consider walking away from the opportunity. If you don't see any Dilbert comics at all, absolutely walk away (and if you see a plush PHB hanging from a necktie noose, you're working at my former employer, and have my condolences).
Is there an equivalent litmus test for LEO?
Intersting question on the litmus test. Unfortunately, Forrest Gump has it correct, but instead of life, candidates for LEO are an absolute box of chocolates. Occasionally we get to put our thumbs into one or two before they are hired, find out theyre filled with that nasty pink/orange stuff, and dont hire them. Some of the worst guys on my job interviewed well with the brass, but failed miserably when we put them thru the real interview. Its unfortunate that my office doesnt get to pick the new hires lol.
And yes, FB. LEOs have a big enough issue already shooting ourselves Iin the foot (or hand tee hee hee), pictures of guys doing kegstands and giving people the finger only make it worse.
For one, it's a great way to find personal references other than the ones an applicant listed in his background investigation packet. Social media presence (not limited to just FB) is becoming a very big deal for LE.Really, Facebook? Unless you work in Marketing, what relevance does FB have to potential job performance?
We are interested in finding out info on what a MA LTC-A interview is like. We live in Dennis, MA, have taken our safety course, completed the application and have been fingerprinted and had our photos taken. We are now waiting to get contacted for our interviews. Any info and advice is appreciated.
Are you royalty accustomed to using the Royal we or are you part of a couple who has applied at the same time?
There is no grace period for expired licenses!
Looks like Dennis, MA is pretty F$%#ed up in their recognition of one's rights and the law in regards to license applications.
They include 2 letters of reference but also this is on their site
They also make you drop off your app, get picture and prints done and THEN you get an interview. What a bunch of BS.
There is plenty more wrong on their "info page"
http://www.town.dennis.ma.us/Pages/DennisMA_police/firearms
Looks like Dennis, MA is pretty F$%#ed up in their recognition of one's rights and the law in regards to license applications.
They include 2 letters of reference but also this is on their site
They also make you drop off your app, get picture and prints done and THEN you get an interview. What a bunch of BS.
There is plenty more wrong on their "info page"
http://www.town.dennis.ma.us/Pages/DennisMA_police/firearms
I've already done a 'Cory' on myself so I know I am spotless
I'm a little concerned by that statement. I didn't run a CORI on myself because I knew I was spotless. Is there something you though may show up? If so, there's a good chance it will show up on the MIRCS check but not on a CORI.
I'm a little concerned by that statement. I didn't run a CORI on myself because I knew I was spotless. Is there something you though may show up? If so, there's a good chance it will show up on the MIRCS check but not on a CORI.