What do you believe to be the most essential quality of a 911 Dispatcher?

"My years of experience of a 911 dispatcher has revealed to me that the most important skill a dispatcher should possess is the ability to decipher multiple sounds and events at one time. It's cognitive multi-tasking, in a sense."

There are many essential qualities in a skilled 911 Dispatcher; however, the interviewer would like to know what qualities you value the most. Be sure to support your response by including information as to why you feel your listed quality is the most essential. Lastly, be sure to express to the interviewer that you possess, or are working on building up that particular quality.

Some critical skills include:

- Strong level of integrity
- Computer savvy
- Ability to follow instructions and process
- A remarkable memory
- Exceptional listening skills
- Steady typing skills/speed
- Ability to filter through multiple sound sources
- Clear verbal communicator/easy to understand
- Emotional control
- Trustworthy judgment
- High level of compassion
- Ability to multi-task

"My years of experience as a 911 Dispatcher has revealed to me that the most important skill a dispatcher should possess is the ability to decipher multiple sounds and events at one time. It's cognitive multi-tasking, in a sense. This skill is one that I have worked on building up over the past four years, and has helped me to be much better in my work every day."