chp oral interview questions

Interviews are tough; police interviews can be tougher. Check out these 15 tricky questions and how to answer them.

Dont just say you like it. Anyone can like law enforcement, and that proves nothing. Focus instead on your history with the industry and if you can, tell a story.

Good answer: “I have always appreciated and admired those who put their lives on the line to protect our communities. My interest really piqued in law enforcement after I witnessed a domestic dispute and watched the responding officers diffuse the situation. I heard the calling as I saw the officers control the situation and remove one of the parties from harms way. It was then I knew that this is what I was meant to do.”

Bad answer: “I graduated four years ago from the University of Michigan, with a Bachelors degree in Biology – but I decided that wasnt the right path for me. I switched gears and started volunteering with a local police department as an admin. Then I went on to work in another department and started watching the training courses. After that, I took a few months off to travel. Finally, I came back to start working again. And now, here I am, looking for a more challenging law enforcement role.”

Instead of giving a chronological work history, focus on your strengths and how they pertain to the role. If possible, illustrate with examples.

Good answer: “Im a very energetic and well-rounded person who can follow instructions well. Im a good communicator and team player. At the last department I was with, I initiated advanced medic classes for the officers who were interested in learning new first-aid techniques. It had such a positive impact that they are offering the same course again this year.”

Bad answer: “He was completely incompetent and a nightmare to work with, which is why Ive moved on”

Remember: if you get the job, the person interviewing you will some day be your previous boss. The last thing they want is to hire someone who they know is going to badmouth them some day. Instead of trashing your former employer, stay positive, and focus on what you learned from them no matter how awful they might have been.

Good answer: “My last chief taught me the importance of time management – he didnt pull any punches, and was extremely driven. His no-nonsense attitude pushed me to work harder, and to meet goals I never even thought were possible.”

Good answer: “Ive learned a lot from my current role, but now Im looking for a new challenge, to broaden my horizons and to gain new skill-sets – all of which I see potential for in this department.”

Theres really no right answer to this question, but the interviewer wants to know that youre ambitious, career-oriented, and committed to a future with the station. So, instead of sharing your dream for early retirement, or trying to be funny, give them an answer that illustrates your drive and commitment.

Good answer: “In five years Id like to have an even better understanding of what it takes to be a good officer. Also, I really enjoy being the first to a scene, and I work very well under pressure. Ultimately, Id like to be in a commander-type position, where I can use my organizational skills and industry knowledge to benefit the people working with me, and those we are there to help.”

This question is a great opportunity to put a positive spin on something negative, but you dont want your answer to be cliché – joking or not. Instead, try to use a real example of a weakness you have learned to overcome.

Good answer: “Ive never been very comfortable with public speaking – which as you know, can be a hindrance in this field. Realizing this was a problem, I asked my previous department if I could enroll in a speech workshop. I took the class, and was able to overcome my lifelong fear. Since then, Ive given several safety presentations to school children across the county. I still dont love it, but no one else can tell!”

Bad answer: “In my last job I earned $45,000 – so, now Im looking for $55,000”

If you can avoid it, dont give an exact number. The first person to name a price in a salary negotiation loses. Instead, re-iterate your commitment to the job itself. If you have to, give a broad range based on research youve conducted on that particular role, in your particular city.

Good answer: “Im more interested in the role itself than the pay. That said, Id expect to be paid the appropriate range for this job, based on my five years of experience. I also think a fair salary would bear in mind the high cost of living here in New York City.”

Good answer: “Ive been a law enforcement officer for the past five years – my chief has said time and time again that without me, the department wouldnt function as well as it currently does. Ive also taken the time to educate myself on some of the non-standard techniques that may come in handy while on duty. I can react quickly in hectic situations, and can handle the responsibilities of a leadership role. Whats good enough for most people is never really good enough for me.”

Bad answer: I never finished law school – and everything that has happened since then has taught me that giving up, just because the going gets tough, is a huge mistake.”

You dont want to actually highlight a major regret – especially one that exposes an overall dissatisfaction with your life. Instead, focus on a smaller, but significant, mishap, and how it has made you a better professional.

Good answer: “When I was in college, I took an art class to supplement my curriculum. I didnt take it very seriously, and assumed that, compared to my Engineering classes, it would be a walk in the park. My failing grades at midterm showed me otherwise. Id even jeopardized my scholarship status. I knew I had to get my act together. I spent the rest of the semester making up for it, ended up getting a decent grade in the class. I learned that no matter what Im doing, I should strive to do it to the best of my ability. Otherwise, its not worth doing at all.”

Bad answer: “I was tired of the job and I needed a break,” or “I just couldnt find a job.”

Employment gaps are always tough to explain. You dont want to come across as lazy or unhireable. Find a way to make your extended unemployment seem like a choice you made, based on the right reasons.

Good answer: “My work is important to me, so I wont be satisfied with any old job. Instead of rushing to accept the first thing that comes my way, Im taking my time and being selective to make sure my next position is the right one.”

Related: Discover your perfect career path and get customized job recommendations based on your military experience and vocational interests with Military.coms Military Skills Translator + Personality Assessment.

Bad answer: “I was most satisfied when I did well, and got praised for my work.”

Dont give vague answers. Instead, think about something you did well —and enjoyed— that will be relevant at this new job. This is an opportunity for you to share your interests, prove that youre a great fit for the department and showcase your enthusiasm.

Good answer: “Im a people person. I was always happiest — and most satisfied — when I was interacting with community residents, making sure I was able to meet their needs and giving them the best possible comfort in a tough situation. It was my favorite part of the job, and it showed. Part of the reason Im interested in this job is that I know Id have even more interaction with the public, on an even more critical level.”

Bad answer: “A lack of stability. I felt like the place could collapse around me at any time.”

Try and stay away from anything that draws on the politics, culture or financial health of your previous employer. No matter how true it might be, comments like these will be construed as too negative. Also, you dont want to focus on a function that might be your responsibility in the next role. So think of something you disliked in your last job, but that you know for sure wont be part of this new role.

Good answer: “There was nothing about my last job that I hated, but I guess there were some things I liked less than others. My previous role involved traveling at least twice a month. While I do love to travel, twice a month was a little exhausting – I didnt like spending quite so much time out of the department. Im happy to see that this role involves a lot less travel.”

Bad answer: “Im easy to get along with, so Ive never had any kind of discord with another officer or department staff member.”

Interviewers dont like these types of “easy out” answers. And besides, they know you are probably not telling the truth. Think of a relatively benign (but significant) instance, and show how it became a positive learning experience.

Good answer: “I used to lock heads with a fellow officer. We disagreed over a lot of things – from civilian interaction to who got what shifts to how to speak with a victims family. Our personalities just didnt mesh. After three months of arguing, I pulled her aside and asked her to lunch. At lunch, we talked about our differences and why we werent getting along. It turns out, it was all about communication. We communicated differently and once we knew that, we began to work well together. I really believe that talking a problem through with someone can help solve any issue.”

Its not that this answer is wrong — its just that it wastes an opportunity. This question is practically begging you to highlight your positive attributes. So dont give a vague, generic response — it tells them very little about you. Instead, try and use this question as an opportunity to give the interviewer some insight into your character, and use examples where possible.

Good answer: “Ive always been motivated by the challenge – in my last role, I was responsible for training our new recruits in firearm care, and wouldnt stop teaching until each recruit passed the course. I know that this job is very fast-paced and Im more than up for the challenge. In fact, I thrive on it.”

While being a good listener is a great personality trait, your employer probably doesnt care all that much. Its unlikely that theyre hiring you to be a shoulder to cry on. Youll want to keep your answer relevant to the job youre interviewing for, and as specific as possible. If you can, insert an example.

Good answer: “My friends would probably say that Im extremely persistent – Ive never been afraid to keep going back until I get what I want. In college I worked as a program developer, recruiting keynote speakers for major conferences. I usually got one rejection after another – this was just the nature of the job. But I really wanted the big players – so I wouldnt take no for an answer. I kept going back to them every time there was a new company on board, or some new value proposition. Eventually, many of them actually said “yes” – the program turned out to be so great that we doubled our attendees from the year before. A lot of people might have given up after the first rejection, but its just not in my nature. If I know something is possible, I have to keep trying until I get it.”

Related: For the latest veteran jobs postings around the country, including law enforcement jobs, visit the Military.com Job Search section.

Are You Prepared – An Interview with Greg Tassone from CHP

Interviews for Top Jobs at California Highway Patrol

Office Technician Interview

SSMI Interview

Personnel Specialist Interview

The classification of Cadet, CHP, is a recruiting and training classification for qualified persons to learn the duties of an Officer, CHP. Persons in this classification undergo a formal comprehensive training program of 27 weeks at the live-in CHP Academy in West Sacramento. Cadets must successfully complete all Academy courses including academic classes, physical training, vehicle operation (including skid training, high speed pursuit, defensive driving, and emergency driving), radio operation and methods of traffic control, and the use of weapons, in order to promote to the classification of Officer, CHP. As an Officer, the person would assume the full responsibilities of vehicle patrol, accident investigation, community oriented policing, administration of first aid, apprehension and arrest of suspected violators, problem solving; conflict resolution; and other related duties. Officer assignments are made throughout the state, although the majority of initial assignments are made to major metropolitan areas.

SPECIAL PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS – Interest in law enforcement work; willingness to work throughout the state, at night, and at unusual hours; willingness to work under strict discipline; satisfactory record as a law-abiding citizen; tact; reliability; professional demeanor; keenness of observation; neat personal appearance; problem solving; and good communication skills with diverse groups of people.SPECIAL PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS – Good health and sound physical condition; freedom from any physical or mental condition that would interfere with the full performance of the essential duties of an Officer, California Highway Patrol; effective use of both hands; strength, endurance, and agility; normal hearing; and normal visual function and visual acuity. If eyeglasses or hard contact lenses are worn, uncorrected vision must be no less than 20/40 in each eye and corrected to 20/20 in each eye. Applicants who have successfully worn soft contact lenses for at least 12 months are not required to meet an uncorrected standard as long as their corrected vision is 20/20 in each eye; normal color vision as assessed by the Farnsworth-Munsell D-15 test (wearing an X- Chrom lens during vision testing is prohibited); and weight proportional to age and height. DRUG TESTING REQUIREMENT – Applicants for positions in this class are required to pass a drug- screening test. DRIVER LICENSE – Possession of a valid class C driver license issued by the California Department of Motor Vehicles is required. Applicants who do not possess the license will be admitted to the examination, but must secure the license prior to appointment.

NOTE: THE LINK TO APPLY FOR THE POSITION IS LOCATED AT THE END OF THIS BULLETIN. Applicants will have notifications regarding their test locations, dates, times, and results sent to both their CHP and Email Accounts. It is the applicants responsibility to refer to both of these information sources for testing correspondence.

NOTE: Applicants may have only one active application in process at a time. The examination consists of a pass/fail Physical Ability Test, and a written test weighted 100%. In order to obtain a position on the eligible list, a minimum rating of 70% must be attained. All competitors must subsequently pass a background investigation, medical examination, and psychological evaluation, prior to appointment to the CHP Academy.

Education – Equivalent to completion of the 12th grade. Effective January 1, 2013: Equivalence to graduation may be demonstrated only by the following: (1) possession of a high school diploma; (2) pass the California High School Proficiency Examination; (3) pass the General Education Development (GED) test; or (4) have attained a two-year, four-year, or advanced degree from an accredited college or university. The high school shall be a United States public school, an accredited U.S. Department of Defense high school, or an accredited or approved public or nonpublic high school. Any accreditation or approval required by this paragraph shall be from a state or local government educational agency using local or state government approved accreditation, licensing, registration, or other approval standards. Age Limitation – Age limits for participation in the examination are 20 to 35 years (as of the Examination Close Date). The minimum age for appointment is 21 years.Citizenship Requirement – Under the provisions of California Vehicle Code Section 2267, no person shall be appointed as a member of the CHP who is not a U.S. citizen. Persons who are not U.S. citizens may compete in the examination for this classification, but must show proof of citizenship before an appointment can be made.Felony Disqualification – Under the provisions of Government Code Section 1029(a), persons convicted of a felony are disqualified from employment as peace officers. Such persons are not eligible to compete for, or be appointed to, positions in this classification.

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FAQ

What questions are asked in a police oral interview?

• Explain three reasons we should hire you.
• Have you applied to other departments or agencies?
• Have you had any car accidents recently?
• How many speeding tickets or driving infractions are on your record?
• How do you think your friends would describe you?

How do you pass an oral interview?

1. STEP 1: Start by researching the company and your interviewers. …
2. STEP 2: Practice your answers to common interview questions. …
3. STEP 3: Reread the job description. …
4. STEP 4: Be prepared with examples of your work. …
5. STEP 5: Plan your route. …
6. STEP 6: Dress for interview success.

Can CHP have facial hair?