Focus on giving your reason for choosing this career, responding with enthusiasm and passion. There is no right or wrong answer. The interviewer wants to gain insight into what motivates and inspires you as an Arson Investigator to determine if you will fit their organization well.

Avoid saying you pursued a career as an Arson Investigator for the money and benefits or because you could not get hired in law enforcement or the fire service. If it seems like you are only in this career for monetary reasons, the interviewer will think you lack passion for the job. If you say that you could not get hired in law enforcement or the fire service, the interviewer will wonder if there is something negative in your background and question hiring you as an Arson Investigator.

"I chose to pursue a career as an Arson Investigator after working as a firefighter for eight years. I enjoyed working as a firefighter but found the investigative part fascinating. I spoke with one of the department's Arson Investigators, who invited me to shadow him on my days off. After riding along with him for one month, I discovered I have the analytical and critical thinking skills to be a good Arson Investigator. I went back to school to become a Certified Arson Investigator, and my friend mentored me through the process."