Highway Patrol and 911 Dispatch interview advice....?

Question

I am going in for a panel interview in 3 weeks for a Highway Patrol dispatch position with the state and another interview a couple weeks after that for a 911 dispatch position for the city. What are some interview questions to be really prepared for? What would be a good weakness and how would you turn into a positive? Why did you leave your last employer? Why should we hire you?

I do ok on most other questions but these are the most difficult for me...

Thanks.

Answer 1

Dress appropriately. You are going to a job interview, which means you wear a suit and tie or a dress or slacks or whatever you prefer. Make sure you dress with respect for the job and the people taking the time to interview you. No T-shirts, no jeans. When I tested with 60 other people, I was the only male to show up to the interview with a suit on… I was the only male to get the job.

When you get there, make sure you sit with a posture that shows you are paying attention to what the interviewers are saying or asking. Sit up straight; do not sit with your arms folded in front of you. Do not fiddle your fingers. Also, maintain eye contact with the interviewers. This will help ensure you hear what they say and it also shows them that you are paying attention.

BE HONEST. This is the single most important piece of advice anyone can give you. When you’re asked a question, answer it with honesty. Don’t make up an answer to make the interviewers like you. We don’t want that kind of person working in our profession. Give each a question a few seconds of thought so it’s the best you can give. That doesn’t mean to leave the interviewers hanging wondering if you’ve slipped into a coma, but just enough time for you to quickly plan out your response.

Now is a great time to ask questions about anything you might want to know about the job. Not specifics like “How does your CAD work?” But general questions about shift work, hours, benefits, etc… This shows interest in the job and helps you decide if you really want to work there.

After the interview, go shake the interviewer’s hands and thank them for their time.

There are books out there that allegedly give advice on 911 interviews. Don’t waste your money.

Answer 2

I assume you have already passed the simulation and typing tests, and now are at the interview stage.

You know they give you a lie detector test. If you don't answer truthfully on recreational drug use it will show up on the test. Make sure you answer that honestly.

A good weakness, say you are a perfectionist. Some people see it as you being a stickler for details, others see it as accuracy is your hallmark. Don't use this if it is not true.

Left last employer? You should still be employed now. But tell them lack of growth in the company, they usually can't fault you for that.

Why to hire you? C'mon I can't do your interview for you! You know your qualifications, sell yourself.

Answer 3

Many agencies will use their own set of questions rather than use some standardized questionnaire. Be prepared to answer questions such as, "How do you handle stress?", "Have you ever worked in a position where you had to make life and death decisions?" and that sort of thing combined with the normal interview questions.