CBP Mock Interview
Practice 35 CBP interview questions covering integrity, law enforcement scenarios, and border security protocols.
Question 20 of 35
You are on the job and a member of the public calls you a racial slur or derogatory term. What do you do?
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Rachelle Enns is an interview coach and job search expert. She works with candidates to perform their best in employment, medical, and post-secondary admission interviews.
This question tests your emotional intelligence. CBP is looking for any indication that you may have a short temper or a tendency to react out of emotion. In this scenario-based interview question, show you can remain professional and composed, even in trying situations. If you have a real-life example to provide, it's a great idea to walk the interviewer through your reaction and the outcome using the STAR framework (Situation, Task, Action, Result). Exhibiting an ability to remain calm and communicate effectively will go a long way.
Rachelle Enns is an interview coach and job search expert. She works with candidates to perform their best in employment, medical, and post-secondary admission interviews.
"This question reminds me of a Zen proverb that I aim to live by every day, 'To be calm is the highest achievement of the self.' I have had insults thrown my way in the past, and I prefer to choose calm and collected over anger. A member of the public should never get an emotional rise out of me while I am in uniform. If someone says something rude to me on a personal level, I can let it slide. I will remind them that my job is to protect others from their poor decisions. Keeping a level head is always a better response."
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Anonymous Answer
It has been my experience that ignoring such comments and not giving the person the satisfaction of getting the reaction they want to be the most effective way of handling such comments.
Cindy's Feedback
Great! That is a good approach to the question. Nicely done.
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