Become a Cop >> Browse Articles >> Exam & Career Preparation

Police Oral Board Interview - From Stress To Success

Featured Author:

Sergeant George Godoy

Sergeant George Godoy (ret) is a 22 year police veteran from the Denver, Colorado area. During the last 5 years of his law enforcement career he was a police recruiter and investigator responsible for the hiring of police officers. His responsibilities included screening police applicants, administering written tests, participating in oral board interviews, and completing police background investigations.

George is the founder of the Police Exam 911 learning system for police candidates. Utilizing streaming video and digital technology, police hopefuls are taken step-by-step through the application process, written test, oral board, psych, and polygraph exam. Police Exam 911 has been instrumental in helping hundreds of police applicants realize their dream of becoming a police officer.

For more information:
- Visit PoliceExam911.com

More articles from this author:

• Your Written Exam: How To Think Like A Cop
• The Police Oral Board Secret Weapon
• The Police Entrance Exam - Vehicle Pursuits

The image you present in your Police Oral Board Interview is one of the most important elements to consider in any preparations you undertake.

The most positive image to present is one that displays character traits that are universally perceived as positive. Bringing a powerful combination of accepted positive images to your interview is a sure way to make a winning impression that puts you one step closer to your ultimate goal – becoming a police officer.

WHAT MAKES A POSITIVE IMAGE

Some positive image elements to incorporate into your interview would include showing:

Appreciation – for the opportunity to interview for the position.

Enthusiasm – for the job. Your interest should be genuine and informed.

Empathy – for others and displaying an understanding for the role compassion plays in police work.

Confidence – in yourself and your abilities. Be comfortable with your beliefs and reveal your trust in the abilities of others.

Practice applying these image elements to everything you do, every encounter with another person, and soon, they will become a part of you – natural and supportive in all your social interactions – ready to reassure others of your capable nature and social skills.

WHAT TO DO

A number of important actions need to be strictly under your control for the best chances of success in your interview, these include:

Do Not Be Late! Target your arrival to be at least 20 minutes prior to the scheduled interview time.

Walk into the interview room smiling, head up, and with excellent posture.

Make eye contact with each interviewer and introduce yourself – give a firm handshake – if the courtesy is offered.

Wait to be seated, then sit when invited to do so, smile and say ‘thank you’.

Let the interviewers begin the conversation.

Small talk should be responded to with respectful phrases appropriate to a police department – yes sir, no sir, yes ma’am, no ma’am – while keeping additional comments brief and to the point.

WHAT TO SAY

Once the interview begins, the positive image you have worked to establish so far must be given depth and reality with effective speaking. Your ability to convey your thoughts clearly and concisely is a powerful factor for success in your interview.

To achieve successful communication, you must:

Control what you say.

Do your homework and be prepared to respond intelligently.

Take Your Time – Think Before You Speak.

Control how you say it.

Your emotional attitude must be kept moderate.

Your tone of voice must convey confidence and self-assurance.

Your pattern of speech must be relaxed and natural.

Your physical posture must be composed, alert, and purposeful.