When have you had to shift your priorities in response to sudden changes?
When you work in border patrol, you will often be asked to change your priorities on a dime. The interviewer wants to see how you react to this shift in priorities. Assure the interviewer that you can respond professionally to sudden changes.
"Border patrol is a very reactionary career path, so I am accustomed to being asked to shift my priorities often. It could mean a change in my work schedule, being asked to work overtime, or being asked to attend another more urgent case. I have adapted very well to these frequent, sudden changes."
"In my current role, our schedule is changed regularly and always at short notice. I have adapted very well to these frequent, sudden changes."
"As the senior officer in my unit, I have to respond to unexpected changes and cases on short notice. I also have to change my plans to incorporate new team member training, or training on ideas, processes, and procedures."
Focus on providing an example when you had to shift your priorities suddenly. If you have worked in law enforcement before, use a work-related example. If you are new to the field, provide an example from a previous job or a school experience.
Community answers are written by other candidates practicing this set. Reading how others frame the same question is one of the fastest ways to sharpen your own.
Anonymous Answer
As a drill sergeant, I had to make sudden changes on a regular basis to ensure that the mission was accomplished.
Rachelle's Feedback
Nice start! Try speaking a bit about the training that you might have when it comes to making these sudden changes / smart decisions in the face of pressure.
Anonymous Answer
It's ironic that I'm encountering this question but it will definitely shed light on some of my past. I consider that shifting priorities is just a way of life. We can plan ahead all we want but when something unexpected arises we have to be ready to rearrange and adapt to the changes. Approximately 12 yrs ago my mother was deported to Mexico, I always understood that this was the consequence of an incorrect action on her behalf. Obviously, I was saddened plus I was unsure if her actions would jeopardize my opportunities in my field of study but despite this, I continued my education in the area. My father, brother, and sister were here and to fill a void of my mother being away when my siblings were quite young I decided to shift my own priorities for the best of them. For some time I put school aside, then returned part-time and eventually full time. I put my dream career of being in the field on hold and searched for a position that would be convenient. I pretty much took on the role of a mother at 19 which is quite common nowadays except this was not precisely my own choice but did what I felt was right. I tried to set the best example for both of them. It has been 12 years since they are now grown and for the most part, can fend for themselves if need be. They still have my father here and my mother is only a few miles away. I can say shifting my priorities due to the sudden change was by far one of the hardest things I've had to deal with but at the end of the day, I feel like I learned a lot from the situation. I matured faster, I became stronger, and also encouraged me to always try my best to do things right. It's all about perspective and learning to take the good out of bad or unexpected situations in life.
Marcie's Feedback
Wow. This is an amazing and heartfelt response that will definitely resonate with any interviewer. You made a difficult and yet noble decision to raise your siblings at such a young age, and this admirable decision will only help reinforce that you have the integrity and heart to fill this type of role. You should be very proud of yourself and the decision you made! This sacrifice has undoubtedly made a tremendous and positive impact on the lives of your siblings. Your answer is also extremely thorough and clear. Excellent job!
Unlock all 40 Border Patrol Officer questions
Prepare for rigorous federal law enforcement interviews with expert-written responses.
Get Started