They're interested in finding out whether you have relevant work experience, and if not they'll be curious as to what motivated you to apply for a position in the Department of Corrections. Inherent natural talent isn't valued as highly as on-the-job relevant experience. Preference will be given to individuals who have previous experience working in a correctional setting, or to those who have a military background. They are also interested to determine if you understand the role you are applying for and whether you have the personality type that can endure what it takes.

Be professional and respectful. Avoid taking too conversational tone unless the interviewer sets that precedent. When answering questions like this, most candidates aren't sure how to present themselves, where to start, where to end, or how to elaborate their points with relevance to the position they're interviewing for. The trick is to compose your answer in advance and rehearse it. This is your first impression, so be confident and sincere. Think about your translatable leadership skills, communications skills, and ability to de-escalate situations and work under pressure in a high-stress environment. Doing so will convey some understanding of what the position entails.

Sought after traits are physicality, an ability for coping with stress, and being able to work an inflexible schedule. Must exhibit a willingness to cover for staff shortages and to put in lots of overtime. Competition at work is rarely a factor.

The educational requirements are low for most roles in the department of corrections. Among correction officers, for example, 89% have a high school diploma, with only 11% holding a certificate or associate degree. Of those that possess degrees, 19% of correctional officers hold a criminal justice degree and 3% had a degree in criminology.