Let me be the first one to tell you, if you want to work for the Feds it’s not going to be easy. Whether you want to work for the Secret Service, ATF, DEA, or the FBI, the panel interview is not a stroll in the park.
Take it from from someone who’s been there; it’s intimidating and nerve-racking sitting there getting questioned by people you don’t know. I faced the police oral board almost a decade ago and that was tough on the local level. I’d imagine it’s even tougher at the federal level.
Here are some simple tips to a successful panel interview for the following federal law enforcement agencies:
- Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF)
- Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)
- Federal Bureau Of Investigations (FBI)
- United States Secret Service
- US Customs and Border Protection
- United Stated Postal Inspection Service
- Central Intelligence Agency (CIA)
1.) When going into a federal agency interview be prepared for all questions asked. Do your research spend at least 3-5 hours looking over interview guidebooks online or products that can help you gain leverage over your competition.
When looking for job interview products, look into the resources that include job interview answers. I personally recommend Robert Lawrence’s Killer Interview Secrets . If you don’t know who he is or haven’t seen his effective interview techniques, Click Here Right Now. This e-book reveals one simple strategy that will have the interview panel chomping at the bit to hire you.
2.) If you are asked a question about your last job such as, “Why did you quit or get fired from your last job?” Don’t be negative towards the last company you worked for. If you quit, respond kindly and just say it didn’t work out.
3.) This follows up from the last tip; don’t talk bad about your previous boss because it doesn’t look good. Why would the federal government want to hire someone who will talk badly about them if you happen to leave or get fired?
4.) THIS IS VERY IMPORTANT! Many of applicants seem to forget to check their Facebook or MySpace pages. Look for pictures, statuses, or anything that could negatively impact you during an interview. This should be done before, let me stress this again, BEFORE you hand in your application. The federal government especially the FBI, ATF, and Secret Service are beginning to look into these online resources now.
5.) Being honest will go a long way, but don’t be too honest. They’re some things left better unsaid. The interviewers on the board aren’t looking for a personal relationship but a business relationship, so keep it that way.
Here are a few more that may be common sense, but they can get your mind thinking. Be on time, eat well before, dress neat and clean. Bare in mind wearing cologne or perfume could affect the raters on the panel and he/she may be to overwhelmed by the smell.
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