30 Department of Juvenile Justice Interview Questions & Answers
Below is a list of our Department of Juvenile Justice interview questions. Click on any interview question to view our answer advice and answer examples. You may view six answer examples before our paywall loads. Afterwards, you'll be asked to upgrade to view the rest of our answers.
Behavioral
1. Tell us about your ability to work under pressure.
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
They're curious about what you might consider a high-pressure work environment. They are also assessing how capably you'd navigate the kinds of pressures you'd face in this role.
Written by Kevin Downey on April 20th, 2022
How to Answer
Dealing with an emergency, working extra hours, or taking on additional responsibilities when short-staffed are common high-pressure situations one might face working in the Department of Juvenile Justice. Being able to manage your workload and manage your time with increasing flexibility is the test here. Take these points into consideration while formulating your answer. Working under pressure requires confidently handling situations that are usually outside your control or comfort zone. How you conduct yourself in such situations, and your general attitude and self-discipline, is what this question seeks to reveal.
Written by Kevin Downey on April 20th, 2022
Answer Example
"I have no problem keeping my cool under pressure. My first job when working through college was in a very fast-paced call center environment. Every day, I was under assault from some pretty disgruntled customers. I've continued to develop a thick skin, and have no trouble keeping my calm, even in the most intense situations."
Written by Kevin Downey on April 20th, 2022
Behavioral
2. Are you able to regulate your emotions to do your job effectively?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
How you adapt to change will inform them of how you perform in a high-stress work environment, and if you can stay flexible when faced with unique challenges. Your interviewer wants to know if you can face these challenges with emotional maturity, confidence, and poise, or whether your reactions would be a detriment to the department or the developing situation.
Written by Kevin Downey on April 20th, 2022
How to Answer
In the Department of Juvenile Justice, you'll be in a high-stress, highly demanding role where you will encounter the demands of many unpredictable and sometimes dangerous personalities. This will require your constant flexibility and an ability to remain calm, keeping your safety and the safety of others a priority. They'll want to hear an example of when you put your skills into action. Try to keep your answer relevant to the role for which you are applying, and ultimately convey a unique ability to stay cool and collected, even in the most stressful situations.
Written by Kevin Downey on April 20th, 2022
Answer Example
"I think it is important to have mastery over one's emotions to effectively get any work done. I pride myself on being emotionally grounded and mature. I'm more of an observer, an active listener, and a responder rather than someone who is emotionally reactionary. So, yes, I consider myself quite capable of regulating my emotions while effectively putting my all in."
Written by Kevin Downey on April 20th, 2022
Behavioral
3. When faced with confrontation and aggression, how do you handle it?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
The interviewer needs to know if you respond defensively to situational conflict, versus approaching such situations diplomatically, working swiftly towards a communal end goal. They want to know whether you'll be part of the problem or part of the solution.
Written by Kevin Downey on April 20th, 2022
How to Answer
Explain the steps you took to work through the example you provide. Taking a thoughtful approach through actively listening is a good place to start. Detail the situation leading up to the conflict. Show that you took the initiative and stayed calm to resolve the situation. Include the steps you took to de-escalate. Explain how it was resolved. Do your best to exhibit your soft skills and your adeptness at non-defensive communication.
Written by Kevin Downey on April 20th, 2022
Answer Example
"I never get embroiled in it. I immediately distance myself from those situations psychologically. I remain calm, but maintain my focus on maintaining safety for myself and anyone else involved in the situation."
Written by Kevin Downey on April 20th, 2022
Behavioral
4. What interests you about this position?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
The interviewer is trying to determine what your expectations are, and what your idea of what this opportunity looks like. They're also interested in how sincere your motives are, and how well your motivators align with theirs.
Written by Kevin Downey on April 20th, 2022
How to Answer
Think about what your core values are, what motivates you in your career, and how those align with the role you're competing for. Be sincere in your answer, and knowledgeable about the position you're applying for.
Written by Kevin Downey on April 20th, 2022
Answer Example
"I think everyone deserves to receive the benefit of the doubt and a second chance. Especially when it comes to kids. If everyone gives up on them, then they've got nothing to lose. I'm interested in this position because I believe I can make a difference, in more ways than one."
Written by Kevin Downey on April 20th, 2022
Behavioral
5. What motivates you?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
The interviewer wants to ensure that pay isn't your only motivator. Additionally, they're interested in your reasons and motivators for entering this field. They're also curious if you have a personal motivation to rehabilitate the sentenced, such as social responsibility or a desire for a fair outcome and a general concern for others.
Written by Kevin Downey on April 20th, 2022
How to Answer
Whatever your reasons for wanting to work in this field, you should spend some time rehearsing your answer. Whether you're interested in helping the sentenced to get back on track, or working in a structured, high-pressure environment, be honest with your reasons for seeking this position. Be respectful, professional, and unbiased.
Written by Kevin Downey on April 20th, 2022
Answer Example
"Doing the good work. I'm an overachiever in every way. My rule of thumb is to always pad the job. It's my insurance policy for a job well done. So putting my all in and being acknowledged for my efforts is motive enough. This is how I've successfully advanced my career. If it works, keep doing what you're doing."
Written by Kevin Downey on April 20th, 2022
Behavioral
6. How do you handle conflict in the workplace?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
This behavioral question will offer a meaningful glimpse into your personality, as well as your soft skills. They're aiming to ascertain your mediation and negotiation skills. The interviewer needs to know how adept and effective you are at diplomacy and working swiftly towards a communal end goal. They are also curious if you have issues with people in positions of authority, or if you strive to preserve the peace and exhibit respect for your superiors.
Written by Kevin Downey on April 20th, 2022
How to Answer
Any position within the Department of Juvenile Justice can be a stressful environment. This can easily result in intense situations. Exhibit your non-defensive communications skills here, as well as your ability to function as a mediator between those who don't see eye to eye. Convey a possession of strong conflict resolution skills in your example. The key here is to exhibit your inner strength and your capability to work in high-stress situations with composure.
Written by Kevin Downey on April 20th, 2022
Answer Example
"It depends on what you mean by conflict? If it is a scheduling conflict, or a personal conflict, I handled it as best as I can to prioritize the work and the benefit of the team over the one. If it is a personality conflict, I'll put my non-defensive communication skills to work, demonstrate active listening, and do all I can to remain objective and level headed and deescalate the situation. The aim is to ensure the team is working well together, and supporting each other at every turn."
Written by Kevin Downey on April 20th, 2022
Behavioral
7. Give us an example of a stressful situation that put you to the test.
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
The interviewer is assessing your perception of what a high-stress working environment looks like. They're curious about how well your perception aligns with the realities of the job.
Written by Kevin Downey on April 20th, 2022
How to Answer
If you've worked in a similar role, spend time before the interview planning a professional and impartial answer based on your working experience. Exhibit your ability to step outside of your comfort zone and your ability to stay grounded while working under pressure. If you don't have relevant work experience, put in the time to research what the job looks like. Then take your example of working in a high-stress environment and examine how you can correlate the two in a translatable way.
Written by Kevin Downey on April 20th, 2022
Answer Example
"I was working in a building where there was an emergency with the fire alarm and sprinkler system being triggered. Our computer equipment was destroyed, and everyone went into a panic trying to get out of the building. I took command, getting our department to calm down, and restored order. We exited the building, everyone went home, and I was able to restore my work from the cloud, and instructed the rest of our team on how to do the same. Simply by keeping a level head, we were able to continue our work remotely, and continue putting one foot before the other."
Written by Kevin Downey on April 20th, 2022
Behavioral
8. What do you consider your greatest achievement outside of work?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Talking about your greatest accomplishments will give the interviewer a strong idea of where you place your values. It will also reveal more about your personality, as well as the goals you're seeking to achieve. Your answer will reveal why you're proud of the example you provide and how it fits into your work ethic, as well as serving, to reveal what motivates you.
Written by Kevin Downey on April 20th, 2022
How to Answer
It is okay to brag a little when answering this question. Show that you are proud of yourself and your accomplishments. Describe how this achievement acts as a milestone towards your goals. You want your non-work-related example to translate to the work ethic you bring to your profession.
Written by Kevin Downey on April 20th, 2022
Answer Example
"Raising kids. I am proud of my kids and only hope I have outdone the job my parents did in raising me."
Written by Kevin Downey on April 20th, 2022
Behavioral
9. Give us an example of when you went above and beyond the call of duty.
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
They're seeking to assess whether you're reliable based on your view of what above and beyond looks like. They're also curious whether you can meet the demands of the job. Going above and beyond the call of duty consistently is an unspoken job requirement.
Written by Kevin Downey on April 20th, 2022
How to Answer
Find a relevant example from your working experience that translates to what they will probably expect of you in this role. They're looking to recruit those who exhibit sound judgment, strong interpersonal skills, resourcefulness, self-discipline, strong leadership, and problem-solving skills.
Written by Kevin Downey on April 20th, 2022
Answer Example
As a social worker, there was a juvenile whose parents were detained, and the juvenile's nearest relative was 12 hours away. There was no place where we could easily hold the child, so I stayed at a secure location with a sheriff's deputy, supervising until the relative was able to take possession of the juvenile. The child had run away in the past, and this was a concern, yet it seemed imprudent to enter the child into the system, so I did what no one else was willing to do.
Written by Kevin Downey on April 20th, 2022
Behavioral
10. Tell us about yourself.
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
This is a basic ice breaker introductory question. Its aim is to get you to lower your guard and be more candid in your answers. They're testing to see how well your personality fits the role. They're also curious why you are interested in this position.
Written by Kevin Downey on April 20th, 2022
How to Answer
Start by telling your name, then your educational background, experiences, interests, and skills. Keep your answer relevant to your professional experience and/or goals. Offer a hobby or two that they'll likely find as relatable. Additionally, mention any other skills that would be a benefit to this position.
Written by Kevin Downey on April 20th, 2022
Answer Example
"I was a member of the boys and girls' club growing up, and since I've always wanted to help at-risk youth. I went to college and got a bachelor's degree in social services. I've volunteered with at-risk youth, taking part in several after-school programs. Now it's my goal to continue my career path by seeing what kind of change I can bring about, large or small."
Written by Kevin Downey on April 20th, 2022
Behavioral
11. Why should we hire you?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
The interviewer is curious what kind of pitch you'd throw their way, or if you will squander this opportunity to advertise your merits. It also evaluates how above and beyond you've gone in researching the position, and how well you've been paying attention to the other interview questions in this set. They want to know if you know what sets you apart from the other candidates competing for this opportunity.
Written by Kevin Downey on April 20th, 2022
How to Answer
This is an excellent opportunity to advertise your accomplishments and merits, to go deeper into what you brought to your previous teams, and what you would deliver to their team. Think about your successes, the positive energy you'd bring, and the positive comments your coworkers have mentioned about you in the past. Speak confidently, make relaxed eye contact, and posture yourself with positive, engaging, and confident body language.
Written by Kevin Downey on April 20th, 2022
Answer Example
"I have a pretty great attitude, regardless of the work I perform. There's no doubt this work can be dispiriting for some, but I have a proven track record of motivating those working around me. I am the team's cheerleader, an enemy to none, and a friend to all. That combined with my hard skills and on-the-job training and leadership skills, I consider myself poised as a desirable candidate."
Written by Kevin Downey on April 20th, 2022
Behavioral
12. What are your strengths and weaknesses?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
How you answer this question will give the interviewer insight into your self-awareness and how you identify your merits and growth opportunities. This question tests your honesty in the interview process by gauging the consistency of your answers. Keep your answers varied but consistent. Your consistency in how you present yourself will show the interviewer that you'll be consistent in your work performance, should they choose to hire you.
Written by Kevin Downey on April 20th, 2022
How to Answer
Provide the personal strengths you feel make you an excellent candidate. Try to align your self-perceived strengths with the merits they're looking for in a viable candidate. Strengths can be skills or qualities that allow you to follow through and overcome difficult circumstances or accomplish challenging tasks. Talk to the interviewer about your strengths and why those will aid your success. Frame your greatest weakness as an asset in its own right. Being a perfectionist can be a weakness.
Written by Kevin Downey on April 20th, 2022
Answer Example
"I think my greatest strength is my eagerness to please, but my greatest weakness is not being great as saying no. In the past, I've bitten off more than I can chew and struggled with how to communicate 'no' functionally. Since then, I learned that not communicating what's possible within my well-managed time and taking on more than I can lead me to underperform. I've gotten a handle on this. But being a people person who is not easily offended and rarely takes things personally, saying no can be hard for me. This trait is something of a strength and weakness. I'm starting to learn how to strike a harmonious balance between the two."
Written by Kevin Downey on April 20th, 2022
Behavioral
13. How would you describe your work style?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
They're trying to assess how you will fit in the team and the work environment. They're hoping to learn how efficient and innovative you are, and how productive you'd be. Ultimately, it should also offer insights into how adaptable you are to their way of doing things, and what you'd contribute in this regard.
Written by Kevin Downey on April 20th, 2022
How to Answer
Go into the interview knowing the basics of what the position looks like. Highlight your strengths, your flexibility, and that you are easy to work with. Describe your system approach, as well as how you adapt your work style based on the situation.
Written by Kevin Downey on April 20th, 2022
Answer Example
"I am a stickler when it comes to productivity and thwarting task paralysis. So I immediately survey the work that needs to get done and think three moves ahead. I'm not a fan of putting out fires, so I identify any potential fire hazards and preemptively address them before they have a chance to spark. I am strategic in my approach, identify the fastest methods of performing my work while maintaining a high degree of attention to detail, to ensure it is quality output."
Written by Kevin Downey on April 20th, 2022
Communication
14. Describe an occasion where you mediated a dispute between two people.
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
This behavioral question will offer a meaningful glimpse into your personality, as well as your soft skills. This question is designed to determine what you consider a conflict and how you confront it. It aims to gauge your problem-solving skills and your general perception or attitude. They're aiming to get a glimpse of your mediation and negotiation skills. The interviewer needs to know how adept and effective you are at diplomacy and working swiftly towards a communal end goal.
Written by Kevin Downey on April 20th, 2022
How to Answer
When an interviewer asks you how you deal with conflict, focus your example on the solution rather than the problem, on the situation, and never focus on any one person as the source of the conflict. Exhibit your non-defensive communication skills here, as well as your ability to function as a mediator between those who don't see eye to eye. Convey a possession of strong conflict resolution skills in your example.
Written by Kevin Downey on April 20th, 2022
Answer Example
"There was an occasion where a disgruntled former employee entered the building and started an altercation with our manager. They immediately responded defensively by calling security. This agitated them more, and that's when I stepped in. I asked the former employee why they felt the need to come into the office and express their grievance. I asked several follow-up questions and validated their emotions and perception of their experience. I then objectified the situation to them and help them look at how they were worsening their situation as we spoke. I was able to illustrate that the behavior they'd been displaying resulted in them being let go in the first place. After rationalizing with them for a while, I was able to de-escalate the situation, and they left peacefully, apologizing to everyone involved."
Written by Kevin Downey on April 20th, 2022
Discovery
15. How comfortable do you feel about working around young offenders?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
They're not only curious about what your professional or personal experience is, but what kind of emotional response, or personal prejudice, your answers might reveal. They're also curious in what capacity you have, or haven't, worked with offending juveniles. They're screening for candidates with relevant experience, who isn't easily intimidated and have strong stress coping mechanisms.
Written by Kevin Downey on April 20th, 2022
How to Answer
Stay calm while answering the question. Even if you've had a bad experience, discuss it calmly and objectively. They shouldn't notice a trace of anger or resentment in your tone. On the other hand, if you've had a positive experience, talk about it with enthusiasm. If you haven't experience, mention any translatable, relevant experience you do have.
Written by Kevin Downey on April 20th, 2022
Answer Example
"I feel secure in my abilities and confident in getting the job done. I have no issues working with young offenders. It's why I am here."
Written by Kevin Downey on April 20th, 2022
Discovery
16. Have you ever managed a medical emergency?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Those working within the Department of Juvenile Justice often work with juveniles experiencing an array of health issues, including mental health, suicidal, or even homicidal thoughts. In addition, it's estimated that over 10% of the prison population has a diagnosed mental health disorder, most commonly mood disorders. The interviewer is curious about what level of experience you have in such situations, and how you would handle being confronted with situations such as these.
Written by Kevin Downey on April 20th, 2022
How to Answer
Relay your relevant experience, any CPR training or certificates you have, and the steps you would take in a medical emergency. You want to convey an ability to stay cool in stressful situations, with a firm grasp of your communication skills.
Written by Kevin Downey on April 20th, 2022
Answer Example
"I have not, but I have certifications for CPR along with several other life-saving skills. I work well under pressure, and feel as if I am ready for anything that comes my way."
Written by Kevin Downey on April 20th, 2022
Discovery
17. Do you have any experience working with people with mental illness?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Those working within the Department of Juvenile Justice often work with inmates experiencing an array of health issues, including mental health issues and experiencing suicidal or homicidal thoughts. In addition, it's estimated that over 10% of the prison population has a diagnosed mental health disorder, most commonly mood disorders. The interviewer is curious about what level of experience you have in such situations, and how you'd handle being confronted with situations such as these.
Written by Kevin Downey on April 20th, 2022
How to Answer
Take time to determine whether you have relevant, translatable experience in this regard. If you have, use the STAR method to describe the Situation you encountered in your example, the Task at hand, the Action you took, and the overall result. If you don't have any experience that translates, offer the experience you do have, and detail that you understand that it may not directly translate to the position you are interviewing for. Offer your understanding of how this relates to the position, and eagerly ask clarifying questions as to what is expected.
Written by Kevin Downey on April 20th, 2022
Answer Example
"In a personal context. My grandmother and my brother suffered from mental illness. So, although it wasn't in a professional context, I am no stranger to the work involved when dealing with someone who is combatting mental illness."
Written by Kevin Downey on April 20th, 2022
Discovery
18. Do you have children?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
The test here is in how you present your answer and in how you interpret the question. They'll be looking for any emotional tells or biases you'll exhibit towards the juveniles you'll be working with when answering this question.
Written by Kevin Downey on April 20th, 2022
How to Answer
Be honest in your answer and offer your motives for pursuing the position. Try to remain unbiased, pragmatic, and objective in your view. The aim is not to come across as vulnerable or easily manipulated by the juvenile you'll be working with. The last thing you want to do is inadvertently present yourself as a liability.
Written by Kevin Downey on April 20th, 2022
Answer Example
"I do have children. I am doing my part to educate them on the difficulties they face, as well as the difficulties others face who aren't as privileged as they are. I am grateful to have had the chance to raise my kids right. But the kids in the system are a different story. They need help, but they're not my kids. There's a distinction there, one I'll not lose sight of."
Written by Kevin Downey on April 20th, 2022
Discovery
19. What are your expectations for this work?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
This again tests your knowledge and perception of the work the position entails. How realistically your expectations align with the reality of the job will help them determine your fit.
Written by Kevin Downey on April 20th, 2022
How to Answer
Do your research. Try to come across as someone who is already on the job. Where this is not possible, provide the knowledge you do possess, and ask as many clarifying questions as possible. Be prepared for the answers. You want to come across as confident and secure in your responses. The attitude you want to exemplify is that you are ready for anything.
Written by Kevin Downey on April 20th, 2022
Answer Example
"I expect it will fall within the realm of some of the work I've done. I imagine it will have its own unique challenges, but nothing I haven't already faced, or am unprepared for."
Written by Kevin Downey on April 20th, 2022
Discovery
20. How comfortable are you with being in a locked facility?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Interviewers are asking this question to find out how adaptable you are, how you perform in high-stress situations, and in a work environment that changes quickly and often. The aim is to test whether you can remain calm and flexible when faced with unique challenges. They want to know if you can face these challenges with confidence and poise.
Written by Kevin Downey on April 20th, 2022
How to Answer
Provide an example of a situation in which you faced such a challenge. Explain how your course of action created positive insights toward the bigger picture and the end goal. You want to come across as a stabilizing force that can work effectively even under the most unusual circumstances.
Written by Kevin Downey on April 20th, 2022
Answer Example
"I'm perfectly comfortable working in a secure facility. Makes no difference to me to working in an office, a moving car, or a locked facility. I'm there to do the work."
Written by Kevin Downey on April 20th, 2022
Discovery
21. How long do you envision committing yourself to this position?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
How you answer this question will offer insights into your ambition and where you want to take your career. It'll also reveal how well your future aligns with what they have to offer you. Basically, they're seeking to ascertain if this is the right job for you or a job for right now.
Written by Kevin Downey on April 20th, 2022
How to Answer
If you haven't already, create a rough draft of a five-year career plan. Break it into attainable goals. Share your vision with the interviewer, revealing the detail of your ambitions, with an understanding that sometimes these goals get modified along the way. Inquire about what kind of growth is available in the particular department you are interviewing for. Consider the mutually beneficial opportunities working for them would offer you both. Once you have this mapped out, you can communicate your answer in a manner that should meet their expectations.
Written by Kevin Downey on April 20th, 2022
Answer Example
"I have no plans to leave the position unless you know something I don't know. This is aligned with my career goals, and where there is growth there is opportunity."
Written by Kevin Downey on April 20th, 2022
Discovery
22. What's the biggest challenge you anticipate facing in this position?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
This is another question that seeks to test your knowledge of what the expectations of this role look like. How deep your understanding is, and how confident you are in your abilities, is what they are evaluating here.
Written by Kevin Downey on April 20th, 2022
How to Answer
Do your research. Describe how you'd effectively navigate the more difficult aspects of this position with confidence and skill. Your focus should be on how you're the right person for the job and emphasize why.
Written by Kevin Downey on April 20th, 2022
Answer Example
"I imagine there is some heartbreak, especially when dealing with some difficult personalities. You can't help everyone, but you have to keep trying to be there for those who need it. So I imagine the most difficult challenge is staying true to one's vision and motives, and not getting jaded or burnt out on the work to be done."
Written by Kevin Downey on April 20th, 2022
Discovery
23. Why are you seeking employment?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
They are curious about what your circumstance will reveal about you as a potential employee. If you quit your job before lining up another, this could speak to a lack of planning or strategizing. If you were laid off or let go, that could reveal any potential red flags as well. If you are currently testing the field, while considering leaving your current employer, they'll be curious about how committed you are to your current employer, and gauging how serious you are about joining another team elsewhere. Your motives for leaving your job could be just as revealing.
Written by Kevin Downey on April 20th, 2022
How to Answer
Focus on the positives with a mindset for career growth. Steer away from speaking about your current or previous employers negatively. Be sincere, but frame your answer with a positive growth mindset.
Written by Kevin Downey on April 20th, 2022
Answer Example
"I feel a bit stuck at my current job. The growth opportunity there isn't quite what they advertised when I took the job. So I figured it was best to move on, before I burn out there, and continue to deliver and set all parties, including myself, up for success."
Written by Kevin Downey on April 20th, 2022
Discovery
24. In what ways do you consider yourself overqualified for this position?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
The interviewer is trying to assess what you'll bring to the table that sets you apart from the other candidates. In other words, they want to know what makes you uniquely qualified for the job. They're curious if you comprehend what the position entails and have confidence in your ability to do the job. They'll likely scrutinize how your answers match up to your resume and cover letter.
Written by Kevin Downey on April 20th, 2022
How to Answer
Tell the interviewer how you view success. Don't waste this opportunity to detail where you've gone above and beyond, the unique leadership skills or other unique talents that set you apart. Take the benefits of your personality into consideration as well. There can be more than one answer to this question.
Written by Kevin Downey on April 20th, 2022
Answer Example
"Overqualified is an interesting choice of words. I think I am a natural-born leader, have an above-average level of experience, and a unique skill set that makes me especially qualified for the position."
Written by Kevin Downey on April 20th, 2022
Discovery
25. Where do you see yourself in five years?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Before they can determine your fit in their culture, they're curious to find out what your goals are, and whether those goals line up with theirs. How you answer this question will offer insights into how committed you are to your career path. It will inform them if you have a direction you are going, or if you hopping from one job to another, without any demonstrated direction.
Written by Kevin Downey on April 20th, 2022
How to Answer
If you haven't already, put together a five-year career plan. Be ready to revise your five-year career plan every year, determine where you are, and build off from there. Thoroughly research the position and their work culture and before the interview, determine how your goals align with theirs.
Written by Kevin Downey on April 20th, 2022
Answer Example
"I imagine in five years, I'd have proven myself as invaluable to the rest of my team at work, and am mentoring others in the way my mentor took care of me. Doing the best in my job, gaining tenure, building up a pension, and ensuring I am doing my best to provide for my family."
Written by Kevin Downey on April 20th, 2022
Discovery
26. What is your availability?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Depending on the position you are applying for, there might be rotating shifts, or evening and weekend hours as well. They're gauging your overall flexibility and expectations, and how well your answer to this question aligns with your other answers provided through the interview set.
Written by Kevin Downey on April 20th, 2022
How to Answer
Best to be honest. If you have other priorities or demands on your time that aren't conducive to working lots of overtime or covering other shifts, then it is worth clarifying this now. It is better for both an employee and an employer to learn that the job isn't a good fit earlier rather than later.
Written by Kevin Downey on April 20th, 2022
Answer Example
"My spouse works from home, which frees me up to having an open availability."
Written by Kevin Downey on April 20th, 2022
General
27. What questions do you have?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
This question will help them not only assess your genuine active interest in working for them but also clue them into whether you're the type of person to ask questions. The more questions you ask, the more enhanced your communications skills will seem, and the more likely you are to be self-guided and successful at your job.
Written by Kevin Downey on April 20th, 2022
How to Answer
You're interviewing the company as much as they're interviewing you. They've provided opportunities for you to share your accomplishments and advertise your merits. This is your opportunity to provide them a platform to propose their pitch, advertise their merits, what they offer, and convince you this is a great opportunity.
Written by Kevin Downey on April 20th, 2022
Answer Example
"I am familiar with the responsibilities of the job, but there is no way to know what the job really looks like until you are onboarding and learning the ropes. How would you describe a typical day on the job, given the day of the week?"
Written by Kevin Downey on April 20th, 2022
Salary
28. What are your salary expectations?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
This question is a test to see how realistic your expectations are for the position you are applying for. Your expectations may be unrealistic, or perhaps they may sell your value short. Either can be revealing. A person who is familiar with the position should be able to guestimate a realistic metric. Such a metric should be based on the duration and/or level of experience a candidate has contrasted with the industry-standard pay rate such a position offers. An employer's market versus a job seeker's market can likewise influence your number. Your current earnings and where you feel you are on your career path, compared to where your ultimate career goals are heading, should give you a reasonable expectation of what you should ask for. How well you've performed in the interview so far, and your self-awareness in this regard, are likewise components to consider. How you quantify your answer will likewise justify your perceived self-worth. This is where you'll show your hand and how you not only value yourself but how realistic your expectations are.
Written by Kevin Downey on April 20th, 2022
How to Answer
This question can come up anywhere in the interview, but it more commonly comes towards the end. It's never a good idea for the person being interviewed to bring up pay too early on. But once the interviewer addresses it, it's fair game. A good question to ask, when quantifying your number, is how frequently pay increases occur, and how their pay structure works. Whether it is salary or hourly holds weight when determining your price. You can also ask, to ensure you are coming up with a fair number, what other benefits are offered with the position. Health benefits cost an employer money and should be considered when coming up with your number, as well as any incentives, bonuses, or other perks. Be open, realistic, and honest. Transparency is the best choice when salary-based questions arise. If you want the job, don't be too eager to accept a low offer. Likewise, don't throw out an unrealistic number. Doing so could be viewed as disrespectful of the time and energy they've spent interviewing you.
Written by Kevin Downey on April 20th, 2022
Answer Example
"I earn a base salary of $45,000 per year plus a potential 20% annual bonus. Last year, my earnings were $52,000 and I would like to stay in the same range or higher."
Written by Kevin Downey on April 20th, 2022
Scenario
29. If an inmate escaped and you were in a facility that was locked down, how would you respond?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
What the interviewer is attempting to gauge is your ability to handle such high pressure or high-stress situations. To determine your fit is to determine your ability to persevere through such situations without compromising your dedication. They also need to gauge how your reactions would be either an asset or a liability in situations such as these.
Written by Kevin Downey on April 20th, 2022
How to Answer
Offer a recent high-stress situation comparable to what you imagine similar situations in this environment to look like. This will convey your understanding of what will be expected of you. Next, detail how managed that stressful situation, logistically and emotionally.
Written by Kevin Downey on April 20th, 2022
Answer Example
"I trust the safety measures and rules and regulations put into place. For me, it's no different from being stuck in a traffic jam. Follow protocol, stay safe, and keep plugging away."
Written by Kevin Downey on April 20th, 2022
Situational
30. Give me an example of when you used your observational skills to resolve or prevent a problem.
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
This question seeks to ascertain how your work experience correlates with what is expected of the role for which you're applying. They're also curious about how by-the-book and professional the course of action you took was, and how effective your observation skills and attention to detail are.
Written by Kevin Downey on April 20th, 2022
How to Answer
Working in the Department of Juvenile Justice requires high-level attention to detail and constant awareness of one's surroundings. This includes the ability to identify suspicious behavior or anything out of the norm of the routine established by adhering to the rules.
Written by Kevin Downey on April 20th, 2022
Answer Example
"There was someone down the street from my spouse and me just the other day who was exhibiting some troubling behavior. It was the way they were fidgeting, wildly flailing their arms about. I think they were going through withdrawal from substance abuse. I decided to change direction, keeping my eye on the situation from afar. I alerted an officer around the corner, and just as I was bringing the matter to their attention, they troubling person attack another couple walking by. The officer quickly intervened, and called an ambulance for the suspect, getting them the help they needed."
Written by Kevin Downey on April 20th, 2022