Nervous about interview!

[floss85]

Hi all,

I have an interview next Thursday for the police force and I am really nervous. Its not just an interview, there are 2 written test, a maths test and 4 role plays. I have never been brilliant at maths and its going to be my downfall! Has anyone been through this process (the assesment centre) or got any general tips for me?

Thanks

[amarillis]

Hi floss85, I've never been to a police force assessment centre, but we regularly hold assessments where I work for recruitment. I would suggest the best thing to do is really get involved with the role play assessments, and at least have a go at the tests. It is likely they will be assessing how you work as a team as well as how you do in the written tests. Best of luck for Thursday.

[hinge1967]

I've helped recruit for student nurses and they undergo a similar process. The pass mark for the maths is really quite low. Do your best and don't panic about it. We definately look for diplomacy in role plays and the ability to work as a team member who is willing to take a lead in the absence of anyone else. Domineering personalities don't cut it, but we like those who take time to listen, assess the situation and respond appropriately.

Good luck!

[lizzieoneill]

Hi. I have a lot of experience in this process so I will allow you to benefit from my experience.Firstly you must remember that the process you are going to is to assess whether you have the attributes to become a police officer. Firstly remember that everyone who goes through this process is nervous and really wants the job and it's about you displaying confidence in the role plays. To contribute but not become overbearing. They are looking for common sense. Maths is a very minor aspect of the whole process and from my knowledge very few applicants do very well in this area, so if you don't do well it doesn't matter that much because it is far more important that you do well on the english tests., because as a police officer a lot of your time is spent writing various types of reports.

 You need to project confidence and assurity in whatever you do, as the people assessing you will be looking at you and will be thinking 'Can I see that person in a police uniform'. In my opinion the most important thing you can do is to develop a mental positiveness that you will project yourself in the best possible way and whatever the role play get involved without taking over because if you are too quiet then they will find great difficulty in assessing you, and you can guess what the probable outcome will be. If you do too much and 'take over', they will mark you down as being overbearing. A bit of advice is to have a knowledge or an awareness of Diversity issues because this is one area they will be definetly assesssing future candidates. Hope this helps.  

[Philtaz]

I once went through a similar process with Devon and Cornwall Police.  Don't worry too much about the maths, it's all fairly basic stuff.

The only advice I can give in the role play scenario's is as follows:

Take charge of the situation and get people to listen to and look at you.  Be polite and courteous but be firm when you need to be.  You may be placed in a dilemma situation(mine was two people on a train with the same ticket.  Guy in the seat was a scruffy so-and so reading The Sun.  Lady stood next to him was a business woman in a suit etc who demanded the seat.  I asked if he was willing to move, he wasn't.  I said "My decision is blah blah......").  They will be looking for you to make a decision.  Doesn't matter if it is right or wrong, just make sure you stick to it.  Change your mind and you're in a world of sh*t!

Don't place your hands on anybody, whether it be to push someone away or provide a comforting arm to a bereaved person.  Such actions can be misconstrued so better to play safe.

Be mindful of other cultures and religions as we now live in a multi-cultural society.

Best of luck!

[smee.tracey]

I was a role player for Derbyshire Police a few years ago. If you get someone like me - I was always mrs nasty - keep calm. In my time I've had grown men crying, both sexes screaming at me and twice men had to be restrained when they lunged at me. I'm happy to say that last two were very quickly stopped and I was actually offered counselling. We were told to push to the limit. If the potential officer showed any signs of weakness or gave anything at all of their personality away - play on it. I often felt guilty afterwards but the police need to know they've not got someone too unpredictable or volatile on their hands. Good luck and keep your cool.
I disagree with Philtaz, changing your mind is not necessarily a bad thing, if you can show why you've had a change of heart. You may not get the full facts immediately - you need to get a complete picture before making a final decision. As in life.

Best of luck, doing your research here shows you're serious.

[floss85]

Thanks everyone!

Thats really put mind at rest!

I'll let you know how it goes!

Floss xxx

[bad11bone]

 

Now for the truth.....

Be prepared to have ur a*se chewed off. They will grill u in a interview just like they did with my brother they want to make sure that you dont crack under preasure.

They will ask trick questions so be careful and remember every answer u give will be assessed. 

When my brother went for interview they said that he was a racist (which I find very hard to digest).  Dont worry my brother came back with a great reply 'Im not racist I just hate people equally'.

Just wanted to make you aware that the interview will not be a walk in the park.

[pughee]

What has been said is all true....even about the interview.....be prepared for a grilling.  However, its not all bad, but just be confident and honest.  Try to be updated on what the crime scene is like nowadays and what the police are doing about it.  http://www.met.police.uk/ is a good place to start.

 

One thing though, I am suprised that you have an interview.  I passed my interview and my physical (day 2) and that was in May 2003.  Guess what.....I still havent recieved my start date because they have too many recruits!!!!!  If you are an ethnic minority I suppose you have a much greater chance of getting in faster.

 

Good luck though and let us know what happens.

[floss85]

Thanks again to everyone for all your advice!

xxx

[Andy008]

hold on

[BJJ]

This may not help Floss but anyone wanting advice/help re joining the Police should look at www.policeuk.com the advice given is very good and mostly supplied by candidates applying recently. My hubby is a sgt so a long time since his recruitment interview! He is impressed by this site. Most of the answers here seem spot on, the assessment centre is just that. The Police want to recruit people who can handle situations confidently without escalating the problem. The main thing to remember is there is no right or wrong answer, you just need to find a solution based on sound reasoning not prejudices.