Share an example of when you went above and beyond the “call of dutyâ€.
"Our unit had been deployed for an operation, and I volunteered to be among a skeleton crew of three to watch our ten detainees before we transferred them. We did our job and carried on. But this is part of helping the team. Sometimes it's up to you when your number comes up, and I'm not one to wait around for them to call me out. I'd prefer to just step up and do it. Whatever it takes."
They are seeking to assess whether you are dependable based on what you consider above and beyond. They're also curious whether you can meet the demands of the job. Because of the nature of most jobs in the department of corrections, going above and beyond the call of duty consistently is an unspoken job requirement. They're also curious whether you've grasped this through your prior knowledge of the posted job.
Perform your research in advance. Gain a full picture of what the job looks like, as well as the most common situations where you'll be expected to go above and beyond the call of duty. Once you clearly understand what that looks like, then find a relevant example from your working experience that translates to what they will probably expect of you in this role.
Many of the positions at the department of corrections require physical strength and stamina. This work environment has one of the highest rates of injuries and illnesses, which frequently leads to staffing issues. The work hours tend to be long and demanding, often spent on one's feet for nearly a whole shift. They're often expected to work longer than normal shifts, often working with no more than a skeleton crew. Despite these work conditions, they are looking to recruit those who exhibit sound judgment, strong interpersonal skills, physical strength, resourcefulness, self-discipline, strong leadership, and problem-solving skills.
Community answers are written by other candidates practicing this set. Reading how others frame the same question is one of the fastest ways to sharpen your own.
Anonymous Answer
When I worked at ______, one of my coworkers had loaded up a car wrong and many of the items spilled. I wanted to make it right so I apologized to the customer and offered to get all brand-new items for them. I also was able to get them a discount on future purchases.
Marcie's Feedback
Nice! Can you talk more about why you felt the need to do this? Also, what was the end result? Was the customer appreciative? Finally, remind the interviewer that you look forward to going above and beyond for their organization too if they hire you.
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