FBI Mock Interview
Master 40 FBI interview questions covering security clearances, investigative scenarios, and ethical judgment.
Question 10 of 40
When have you gone above and beyond the call of duty for another individual?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Focus Your Answer On
What to Avoid
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Community Answers
Krista Wenz has been on thousands of interview panels hiring EMS professionals and firefighters for public and private agencies.
The interviewer wants to know that you are not the type of person to do the bare minimum and have compassion and empathy for others. As an agent, you will work on a team, whether doing research or investigations, and you need to prove that you have a sense of responsibility towards your teammates and the public. Describe a situation in which you stepped up and went above and beyond the call of duty for a coworker or another individual.
Krista Wenz has been on thousands of interview panels hiring EMS professionals and firefighters for public and private agencies.
Focus your answer on a situation where you went above the call of duty in law enforcement. You may have gone out of your way to help someone unrelated to law enforcement; however, the interviewer would like to hear of when you went out of your way to help another individual as an officer.
Krista Wenz has been on thousands of interview panels hiring EMS professionals and firefighters for public and private agencies.
Avoid responding with something that is generally part of your job duties as an officer and is expected of you. For example, saying that you successfully caught a thief while working as a law enforcement officer and returned the victim's purse to her is not going above and beyond the call of duty. That is part of your job to protect and serve.
Krista Wenz has been on thousands of interview panels hiring EMS professionals and firefighters for public and private agencies.
When responding to this question, remember to highlight a situation that shows you have compassion for others. You should also show that you are humble and do not help others for recognition or notoriety. The interviewer wants to see that you are an individual who truly cares about helping others.
Krista Wenz has been on thousands of interview panels hiring EMS professionals and firefighters for public and private agencies.
"When I worked in law enforcement in my hometown, I was committed to supporting my partner, my team, and the community. I got a call that two little kids in a low-income neighborhood had their bikes stolen just days apart from each other. I bought them new bikes and delivered them myself. I did not tell anyone that I did this, as I did not want recognition for the act."
Krista Wenz has been on thousands of interview panels hiring EMS professionals and firefighters for public and private agencies.
"I strive to make rising above the call of duty my norm. I have zero hesitancy covering shifts for fellow officers any time they're sick, or had family emergencies, or needed personal health days. Whenever my leaders needed volunteers, I would be the first to step up. The only times I don't do this is when my balance is off and I need to recharge. But I have a long battery life, and normally can keep going. It's important for me to know my team can rely on me, even when it isn't mandatory. I am dedicated to my career, which means I am dedicated to the teams of every step of my career. It is how I operate."
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Anonymous Answer
When I was in the Army, I was patrolling the barracks from 12 to 2 a.m., and as my shift was about to end, I noticed that my replacement was not showing up because he was probably sleeping. I knew that he was exhausted because he hadn't had a day off for four days because we were short on people in that period. I decided to continue and do his shift as well for two extra hours and not complain to my superior.
Krista's Feedback
This is a very nice example! Good work! I have reworded it slightly for the sake of flow.
"While in the army, I was patrolling the barracks from 12:00 to 2:00 am. As my shift was about to end, I noticed that my replacement had not yet arrived. I figured he had slept in out of exhaustion, due to working four days in a row. Rather than reporting the situation to my superior, I continued to do his shift for two hours, allowing him to get the rest he needed."
Anonymous Answer
As a police officer, you are expected to report to work, even if there is inclement weather. There was a time we had a huge snowstorm, which made it impossible for some to report to work. I volunteered to stay at work and picked up other duties. I slept at the job for four days straight before I was able to go home.
Krista's Feedback
Wow, that is a serious example of dedication. This is the type of answer the interviewer(s) will be looking for. You went above and beyond for your unit, your colleagues, and your community.
Anonymous Answer
One of my employees was working hard to make ends meet. He was our very best employee, but he had fallen on some hard times as his car broke down and he had no transportation. Between my colleague and I made a plan to pick up and take him home every day for a month until he could get another car.
Krista's Feedback
That's so nice! It's wonderful that you recognized this employee's value and did what you could to lend a hand.
Anonymous Answer
At my previous job, a colleague would only get to have his son for a certain amount of time. So, during this time I would often cover any tasks that needed to be done before he got to work. If he needed to leave early, I would stay after, completing any work that still needed to be completed and locking up. I understand that life happens, and sometimes you have to look out for others because you do not know when you will need them.
Krista's Feedback
Great response; this clearly shows your willingness to go the extra mile for co-workers, especially when family needs arise.
Anonymous Answer
As an apprentice in the ironworkers union, it is my job to assist the full-time "journeyman" ironworkers. One day I was supposed to be joining a worker to complete a task after lunch. However, I noticed he fell asleep during lunch because he got no sleep the night before staying up with his kid who was sick. Instead of waking him up or telling our foreman, I went out and completed the task by myself and let him get some rest.
Krista's Feedback
Great example.
Anonymous Answer
I had a couple come into my office telling me about how they would like to get married but they do not have the means to buy their wedding dresses or rings. I took them both to get free clothing of their choice and provided them with rings that I had sitting in the office because I used to bring things to donate to the needy who would come to me. They were full of joy and beyond happy. They were in tears while thanking me.
Krista's Feedback
This is a really sweet story! You might consider strengthening your response by adding another sentence or two about why you felt compelled to help this couple or why going beyond the duty in this situation was important to you.
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