The FBI hires less than 5% of our applicants. Why should we choose you?
Competition is incredibly tight when gaining a coveted spot in the FBI. Once you finish your law enforcement-related degree, you will need to complete at least three years of relevant work experience.
From there, your FBI application process will include extensive background checks with a polygraph, drug test, credit check, and interviews with family and friends, as well as former employers. After acceptance, you can enter the FBI training academy, which provides you with 20 weeks of training.
Considering the significant leaps you passed to get here, you must have a compelling answer prepared for this question. The interviewer wants to hear why you should be in their top 5% and how you will benefit their organization. If possible, pull from your personnel file, volunteer work, and education history to create an excellent and well-rounded response.
The FBI is known for seeking out 'Type A' Special Agents who are ambitious, decisive, motivated, and highly competitive. Extra-curricular and volunteer work always stands out to the interviewer while showing a history of success in your career, and a positive attitude is also favored. Focus your answer on a combination of these factors to show the interviewer why they should choose you for the position.
While you want to sell yourself, it is best to avoid sounding cocky or arrogant when responding to this question. You should also avoid speaking poorly of other candidates to make yourself look better. When you speak negatively of others, the interviewer will decide that you are not a team player and lack the maturity to work as a Special Agent.
Remember to briefly highlight your strong points and show the interviewer you have the characteristics they are looking for in a Special Agent. You have a short time to explain why you should be in the top 5%, and you want to make sure you stand out more than other highly qualified candidates.
"You will see from my files that I have held exemplary status through my entire training and work experience before applying to the FBI. I graduated with a bachelor's degree in law with honors while also working part-time and giving back to various community initiatives, including the homeless shelter and food bank. I have a consistent history of doing the right thing, being tenacious in the toughest situations, and remaining loyal under all circumstances. With me, you are receiving a high achiever who understands the importance of delivering the best in everything that I do."
"I believe the FBI should choose me because I have a record which shows consistency, excellence, and a passion for this career path. From graduating with honor at the top-of-my-class, to perfect grades, to earning my PhD, and my Naval background a Master At Arms. Perform a background check, interview my references, and it will become ever more apparent that I am a candidate you can take a chance on."
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
I have a strong sense of justice and doing what is right. I am very analytical and approach problems systematically and efficiently. My career background in the biological sciences is very different than probably most candidates. Still, I think that makes my application diverse and gives me a different perspective on potential problems.
Krista's Feedback
Your background in biological sciences is a unique factor! Please dig into that further, being more descriptive in exactly how this would benefit you in this role with the FBI.
Anonymous Answer
I am not looking for just a paycheck; I am passionate about wanting to make a difference. I have many years in law enforcement, which gives me a great foundation towards being an agent. I also have experience and education in cybersecurity, specifically digital forensics investigations, which would make me be a great candidate for the Cyber Crime Unit. I am continually seeking opportunities to improve myself and my knowledge and skillsets. Moreover, I am great at managing and balancing my personal and work life events.
Krista's Feedback
You make an airtight case for hiring you. This is a strong answer because it's diverse, factual, and based on specific ways you can benefit the FBI.
Anonymous Answer
Since I could remember, I have always been interested in law enforcement and wanting to help the most vulnerable people escape whatever difficulties are upon them, whether its a girl forced into trafficking or a young child being manipulated to run drugs. Growing up and seeing the world change and understanding precisely what is going on is one of the main reasons why I continued my education at NYU in global affairs but focused on transnational security. By doing different types of internships, from working with the UN CTED to writing policies for AARP, I finally realized I wanted to be the person who could do something to help and work on the frontlines verses from behind a desk.
Krista's Feedback
This is a perfectly crafted response. You show heart, and also bring your experience and training into your answer.
Anonymous Answer
You can see from my file that I have excelled in almost every professional endeavor I have taken on. I have 6 years of military experience, 3 years of entrepreneurial experience, and a Bachelor's Degree in Civil Engineering. I know that my wide range of experience and deep passion for justice would make me an exceptional Special Agent.
Krista's Feedback
This is a good start! Next, I recommend diving deeper into the measurable ways these experiences will benefit the FBI. We have a guide on 'Why should we hire you?" You might find some of the pointers in this guide helpful for forming a more compelling response: https://www.mockquestions.com/articles/HowtoAnswer/HowtoAnswer%3AWhyShouldWeHireYou%3F/
Anonymous Answer
The FBI should choose me due to the fact of my track record with my current employer, I am passionate at what I do for a career.
Krista's Feedback
This is a good start! It will be important to take this answer a few steps further and draw out the precise benefits for the FBI, should they choose you. We have a guide here that you may find helpful: https://www.mockquestions.com/articles/How to Answer: Why Should We Hire You?/
Anonymous Answer
I have a bachelor's degree in Homeland Security which is only offered from a select amount of colleges around the United States. I will utilize almost all of the information learned during that time as a member of the FBI. I knew that I wanted to be involved in law enforcement from a very young age and am not motivated just to make money. I want to serve and protect the country I live in.
Krista's Feedback
Good start. Your education is very relevant, but devote more time to explaining why you're the best choice. Can you draw on past employment, experiences, or interests to show that you're the best pick?
Anonymous Answer
I have always been interested in law enforcement. I grew up seeing all the great things law officials have done for people. I have a great interest in helping others. Seeing others smile and helped, puts a smile on my face. I take the law very seriously. I believe in justice. I believe things done with great intentions, ethics, morals, and values go far.
Krista's Feedback
It's awesome that you have a lifelong interest in law enforcement and believe so deeply in justice, but this response does not quite get at the root of the question. This is a highly competitive role, and most folks who apply have are interested in law enforcement and believe in justice. What makes you competitive and sets you apart? (This is a great opportunity to focus on passion, determination, drive, work ethic, any transferrable skills you're bringing to the work, etc.)
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