How to Answer: What do you think are the most important qualities for someone working in a law enforcement agency?
Advice and answer examples written specifically for a Border Force job interview.
3. What do you think are the most important qualities for someone working in a law enforcement agency?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
You want to make sure you are not only a good fit for this job but that this job is the right fit for you. Thoroughly research the position and what life looks like inside the Border Force, the Home Office, and as a Civil Servant. Once you've thoroughly researched the position, you'll be able to align the qualities you possess with those that make for an outstanding officer.
Written by Kevin Downey on March 6th, 2023
What You Need to Know
Here are some detailed descriptives of the types of people they are looking for to join the Border Force: "There is no one type of person in Border Force. Just like in a wider society, everyone here is different. Our different backgrounds and perspectives help us do our jobs and make better decisions. The working environment, the people you encounter, the skills you will learn and the importance of the work we do make this a unique and exciting role. We are looking for candidates who have: Excellent interpersonal skills; Are flexible, adaptable and creative in solving problems and dealing with change; Have a strong sense of personal ethics and honesty; Enjoy dealing with colleagues, members of the public and external stakeholders; Can demonstrate sound interpersonal, communication and relationship building skills and thrive working as part of a team; Have leadership potential or demonstrated leadership ability; Think in an objective and analytical manner; Are robust at enforcing UK law whilst maintaining professionalism and sensitivity."
Written by Kevin Downey on March 6th, 2023
Answer Example
"I think it is rather important for an officer of the law to be a strong communicator. This, combined with above-average interpersonal skills, a sense of empathy and compassion, and emotional intelligence and objectivity, is essential. However, they should have strong instincts, strong attention to detail, and the ability to analyze their situation and surroundings and adapt. So they should be strong in character, have integrity, and be willing to make tough decisions when necessary."
Written by Kevin Downey on March 6th, 2023
About the Author
I’ve always been a writer, but it wasn’t until much later that it became my full-time profession. My management career, however, started long ago when my supervisors noticed the hard work I put into the job I held at the time. I embodied the culture and environment of that company and lived their core values. It wasn’t hard. I was just the right fit for the company, and the job was the right fit for me. The hard work was the easy part because I was having fun doing it.
When I was recruited to train for a leadership role, I wasn’t fully prepared for what it entailed. I was favoured by both my manager and regional manager and felt like a rising rockstar. But when my manager and regional transferred to roles across the country, I suddenly had to work twice as hard as everyone else to prove myself. From there, the road was rough.
When I was promoted to a leadership position, I was transferred to the roughest and toughest location in our region. It was known as the place where new leaders were sent to die. Despite the new obstacles, I stuck with it, passing every test thrown my way, and continued to operate with integrity. The work was no longer fun, but I was growing as a leader and a person, and that is something a true leader doesn’t cast aside lightly.
I was eager to share every lesson I learned the hard way with others to usher their success and spare them unnecessary failures. That’s when I discovered coaching was my favourite part of the job, and the work became fun again. Second to that, I found interviewing and recruiting my ideal teams rewarding. When I interviewed someone who seemed ready for the job before their foot was even in the door, I knew immediately they were the right addition to my team. There’s confidence, swagger, and a light in their eyes that you don’t see in every candidate. There are actions behind their words and a commitment that comes with them.
After a decade with the company, I had job security, was well-liked and still enjoyed the work, which only got easier with time. Yet, I was no longer growing professionally or personally. I realised the company had given me all it could, and I had given them the same. So I decided it was time to move on and seek out new challenges. Soon I found myself managing a small medical practice, and my skills grew.
During this time, I volunteered at career fairs, helping college graduates customise their career goals, cover letters, and resumes while coaching them on how to deliver an above-average interview. I started training two of my staff, and they both grew into newly created management positions, and I’m proud to say they are running the clinic together to this day. I’ve since turned writing into my full-time career. Now thanks to mockquestions.com, these many years later, I can do my two favourite things in the world in tandem: writing and helping you land the job of your dreams.
Learn more about Kevin Downey