Master 40 FBI interview questions covering security clearances, investigative scenarios, and ethical judgment.
Question 21 of 40
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Focus Your Answer On
What to Avoid
Remember To
Experienced
Entry Level
Community Answers

Krista Wenz has been on thousands of interview panels hiring EMS professionals and firefighters for public and private agencies.
Agencies invest a lot of money advertising their job openings. The interviewer wants to hear what methods are effective and which are not. They also want to hear if an employee of their agency referred you. Describe how you heard about the position, and be sure to give the name of the employee or recruiter who referred you if applicable.

Krista Wenz has been on thousands of interview panels hiring EMS professionals and firefighters for public and private agencies.
The interviewer wants to briefly hear how you heard about the position. Be concise in your response, focusing on describing the recruiter's name, the website where the agency posted the job, the agency website, or if an FBI employee referred you. The FBI also has an Honors Internship Program and a Collegiate Hiring Initiative, which are entry-level programs to prepare you for a career with the FBI. If you were involved in either of those programs, explain which program you attended.

Krista Wenz has been on thousands of interview panels hiring EMS professionals and firefighters for public and private agencies.
You want to avoid forgetting where you heard about the position. Suppose you cannot remember where you learned about the job opening. In that case, the interviewer will determine that you do not pay attention to detail and might not be focused solely on working for the FBI.

Krista Wenz has been on thousands of interview panels hiring EMS professionals and firefighters for public and private agencies.
If you know someone who works for the FBI, remember to name the person and their rank. The interviewer may place you higher on the candidate list if you understand how the FBI operates. The interviewer may also speak with the person you know to get a character reference from them.

Krista Wenz has been on thousands of interview panels hiring EMS professionals and firefighters for public and private agencies.
"I heard about the position while attending your Honors Internship Program. I completed the program and worked in one of your investigative divisions. After that experience, I knew a career with the FBI was for me."

Krista Wenz has been on thousands of interview panels hiring EMS professionals and firefighters for public and private agencies.
"I saw the job opening on your website after searching for FBI Special Agent jobs. The website was very informative in describing the application process and made it easy to apply online."

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Written by Krista Wenz
40 Questions & Answers • FBI

By Krista

By Krista