Why do you want to work for the FBI?

Question

Kevin Downey · Accepted Answer

"When I first enrolled in college, I wasn't sure what direction I wanted to take my career, but considered exploring criminal justice. Then I read the book Mindhunter: Inside the FBI's Elite Serial Crime Unit, by John E. Douglas. This prompted me to take a course on criminal psychology and profiling. This sparked my interest in pursuing a career with the FBI. I wanted to continue my education, and received a partial scholarship, but decided to enroll in the Naval Officer's Program and they paid for my continued education. In the Navy, I served as Master at Arms. Now, having earned my Master's Degree, I feel uniquely poised to finally pursue my long held ambition to join the Federal Bureau of Investigation."

Krista Wenz · Answer

Many FBI agents say they knew they wanted to be an agent from a young age. Others decide to work in the FBI after spending time as a municipal police officer or in another law enforcement role. No matter what got you here, the interviewer would like to know that you have an innate sense of justice and a passion for supporting the greater good.

Krista Wenz · Answer

The interviewer wants to hear that you want a career in the FBI for the right reasons and that your motivation aligns with the bureau's. Focus your answer to coordinate with the FBI's mission statement, which is to protect the American people and uphold the Constitution of the United States.

Krista Wenz · Answer

When responding to this question, avoid giving a response that does not fit the FBI's priorities. The top priorities for the FBI include the following:- Protect the United States from terrorist attacks
- Combat public corruption at all levels
- Protect civil rights
- Protect the United States against foreign intelligence operations, espionage, and cyber operationsIf you respond with a different reason for wanting a career in the FBI, the interviewer may not feel you are the best person for the job.

Krista Wenz · Answer

Of course, you will have your personal reasons for wanting a career in the FBI. Still, you should add a few of the top priorities for the FBI in your response, showing that you share the same values as the bureau.

Krista Wenz · Answer

"After spending seven years as a police officer, I started seeking something bigger with more robust challenges and varied cases. I was approached by a friend who has been an FBI agent for many years, and his description of his career was precisely what I was seeking. I want to make a bigger difference for my country and the American people by serving a broader range of cases while upholding the Constitution of the United States."

Krista Wenz · Answer

"I have known since I was a child that I wanted a career in the FBI. My grandfather was an FBI agent, as was my father, making me a third-generation law enforcement officer. My passion for helping others to find justice, serving my country, protecting the American people, and upholding the Constitution of the United States is what motivated me to apply to the bureau."

Anonymous User · Answer

"Ever since I graduated high school and had to seriously consider my future, all path lead towards public service in one way or another. Early on it was military or firefighting aspirations but as my college years progressed and skills harnessed, my paths manifested the best in deductive reasoning, a sense of justice and the betterment of people, and there's no other agency like the FBI that can impart that."

Anonymous User · Answer

"I have no law enforcement background but have always had a strong leaning towards doing what is just and what is right. My natural inquisitive nature, coupled with a science background, gives me a very systematic approach to how I tackle problems. Having a career in the FBI would allow me to use my personal, professional, and educational experiences to contribute to the FBI's mission and overall efforts. I've always wanted a career where I feel like I'm contributing to the greater good."

Anonymous User · Answer

"I was introduced to cybersecurity at a conference a few years ago. I pursued an education in that field and continued to attend training and conferences. There were always FBI agents that sat on the panel and spoke on their roles as agents, particularly their role in regards to cybercrime. That solidified my decision to apply for the FBI. They spoke of the position as being a culture, and not just a job; I want to be apart of that culture."

Anonymous User · Answer

"Since I was young, I knew I wanted to be apart of something bigger than myself. After 20 years in the military, the FBI gives me a chance to continue the mission of serving and protecting the United States."

Anonymous User · Answer

"I have been contemplating a career in counter-terrorism and thinking of ways to help protect this great country shortly after 9/11. Hence, I was once in contact with an Air Force recruiter after High School and expressed interest in being an Arabic language analyst, but my family recommended that I finish college first. At this moment, the FBI is the perfect organization for me to apply my passion for justice and equality and play a part in protecting America."

Anonymous User · Answer

"I am driven to make a difference for this country, and the world for that matter. I would like to use my skills to do good and to bring those that have done wrong to justice. I think there is no better way to accomplish this goal than to work for law enforcement. I would like to be a key member of the Bureau. Ever since I changed my major to Criminal Justice, I have had a desire to work for the best."

Anonymous User · Answer

"From a young age, I knew I wanted to help people. My little league coach and a family friend talked about how he served in the coast guard and how amazing of an experience it was. He mentioned how great it felt to help people and to know that you were making a difference by keeping people safe, even if they didn't know it. He also spoke about how it felt like a culture being in the Coast Guard. My parents decided to push me towards the college route instead. I happened to see an event about different law enforcement agencies coming to talk. I decided to sit in and I heard the representative for the FBI speak about how they serve and protect people from serious threats and how it felt like a "culture" instead of just another job. I immediately knew I wanted to work for the FBI from that moment forward."

Why do you want to work for the FBI?

How to Answer: Why do you want to work for the FBI?

Advice and answer examples written specifically for an FBI job interview.

9. Why do you want to work for the FBI?

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