Why did you choose a career as a border patrol officer?

Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
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The interviewer would like to know the driving force behind your choice to be a border patrol officer. You can give an answer that allows some personal insight if you wish. The interviewer must see that you have a love for this career path. Your passion will keep you in this career for years to come.

Focus on showing the interviewer that you are committed to your decision. Describe how you have wanted to work in border patrol since you were a child, how a family member was a border patrol officer, or how you changed career directions to become a border patrol officer. Give your personal and compelling reason for choosing this career path.

"I knew that I wanted to be in law enforcement, and being a border patrol officer seems to offer the variety that I am seeking. Also, I understand there is more rapid potential for promotion in this field than city law enforcement."

"I grew up with a father in law enforcement, and it was a career path that I always knew would be mine one day. Growing up, I loved to see the pride in my dad's eyes when he came home after a shift. I heard stories of him helping people and taking steps to make our community and country safer. I want to do the same."

"I chose a career as a border patrol officer after working for the city police for many years. I wanted the change of pace and the regular shifts to spend time with my husband and small children more often."

Anonymous Answer

"I like the idea of serving my country, family, and setting an excellent example for my children at the same time. I left the Marine Corps several years ago, and I wish to return to service. I saw advertisements for this position, and I became interested in it. I asked a few questions and then shortly replied with an application, resume, and requested documents."

Rachelle's Feedback

Your reasoning is very genuine, and the path to your application makes a lot of sense. Try offering more detail such as the questions you asked yourself before applying.

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Anonymous Answer

"I choose this path because it allows me to continue serving. It also provides me with the structure professional atmosphere that I am used to. But most importantly, it allows me stability."

Rachelle's Feedback

Stability is very important to many job seekers. Are you referring to job stability (pay, hours, growth opportunity)? If possible, try to be a touch more specific on that point.

Anonymous Answer

"I knew I wanted to be in law enforcement. When we first emigrated into this country we were granted our green cards in El Paso Texas. After spending my first day in America and when we were ready to go back to our hotel in Mexico, our truck failed and died on us. Suddenly a border patrol truck spotted us and approach us, the agent asked if we were ok and after telling him of our situation he decided to take us back to the border crossing safely. That's when I realized I wanted to help others and make our country safer."

Stephanie's Feedback

Great response! You do a good job of personalizing this response and showing how your own immigration experience has impacted your interest in working as a border patrol officer. To round out your response, I suggest adding an additional sentence about why your specific strengths and current professional interests align well with working as a border patrol officer. (Example: are you detail-oriented with strong interpersonal skills?)

Anonymous Answer

"I chose this career because I have a strong drive to help protect our borders and our nation in general. In a sense, it's my way of giving back to our community and that brings me pride and joy."

Marcie's Feedback

Great! But why do you have a strong drive to protect our borders and the nation? Tell us more! And try to connect your strengths, skills, and experience here back to the position. Take the opportunity to provide a passionate explanation of why you really want the job.

How to Answer: Why did you choose a career as a border patrol officer?