Common Recruitment Examination

Transcription

After more than 25 years in law enforcement and nearly 20 years of proctoring police entrance exams for my own and other agencies I've made note of several things that a police applicant can do in this very early stage, to stand out a bit and to begin to make their mark as an above average, reasonable candidate. If you're an applicant for a police agency or doing research because you may someday pursue this career, please be keenly aware of three key things that I just said, and they are this: 1. I used the term "stand out" 2. Above average 3. I used the word "reasonable" In my training of police candidates, I'm very calculated in how I train and what I say because I don't want those that I assist to be lead astray. I speak plain English, I use analogies often because they paint a mental picture and I teach through verbal repetition and three examples of terms I use very often are, standing out, working to be above average and the word reasonable. Standing out, positively of course, during the hiring process isn't just a good idea or something to strive for, it's essential. Entering the hiring process as an "above average" candidate is also essential and finally it's important that you know, the career of law enforcement and the basis for and the foundation on which our decisions are build, is reasonableness. We base our profession on this premise. As you move forward in your bid for a career in this most noble profession, please keep these three elements in mind. For now, I'd like to answer a question that I've been asked many, many times over the years and it's this. Is there anything I should know ahead of time about my written exam? My answer is two part and it is, yes there are a few things you should know. I always told applicants to find a good study guide and learn as much as you can about the testing proficiencies before the written exam. I never told anyone where to look because I didn't know. What I found out later was, the preparation guides that I found were substandard and they weren't video based. I took care of that problem with EarnYourBadge and I'm very pleased with the result of the first ever, video based exam guide available. So, that's problem one solved right, the how to prepare. But other than proper preparation what is there to a written other that just showing up right? Remember, it's your goal to be different than the others, not freaky different, but stand out positive different. So, here are the six-slip-ups that I see most often, at the written entrance exam for law enforcement officer. 1. Sit in the front of the room. The candidates that intentionally sit in front aren't the "blend in" type. They want to be noticed and they are, and that's a good thing. This also affords you the opportunity to memorize the face or faces of the people proctoring the exam. This may come in very handy later in the hiring process. 2. Dress in business casual clothing. Guys, don't overdue this one with a coat and tie and gals, don't overdo it with a pants suit, you'll look odd but do wear well pressed, good looking clothing. There is often the perception that the test is just a relaxed blue jeans sort of event and you'll be forgotten anyway so what's the difference. Some of your test proctors, depending on the agency, may very well be some of your oral board panel members. Begin acting like a desirable candidate from the day you pick up or drop off your application packet. 3. There may be casual conversation as people are being seated, that's fine, but please keep your voice down, way down. Once the proctor has begun addressing the room, don't talk AT ALL to anyone and certainly never, never, NEVER during the test. 4. As your testing, don't look around the room and don't be animated. Many people do this and I'm not quite sure why but they'll yawn or stretch loudly. It looks bad and does them no favors. Be very quiet and don't look at the testing material of the person sitting next to you even if it's to see how far along they are. I've assisted some agencies that insist on removing anyone and everyone that looks at their neighbor's test, regardless how innocent. 5. Many people are nervous at their exam and I understand that, but don't draw negative attention to yourself by allowing your nervousness to materialize in physical movements. The two most common are leg shaking, leg rubbing and pen tapping, with the latter being the most irritating to the proctor and of course to your fellow exam takers. 6. Finally, bring your driver's license. Not just ID, but your driver's license. This is very important and I won't tell you now, that information is inside EarnYourBadge, but some agencies pull a fast one on people that don't bring their DL. Also, don't forget to bring your invitation to the test if they gave you one, and a bit of scratch paper, folded in your back pocket to use if they allow it. Also, and finally, bring two pencils and two pens. Your chance to make a positive mark for yourself, with the picking up of your law enforcement application, has begun. I enjoy working with and assisting law enforcement applicants, navigate the complicated process of the hiring system, and I hope this bit of inside information helps you. To your success, I'm Chief Russ Ehlers