Correctional Officer Mock Interview
Practice 40 Correctional Officer interview questions covering security protocols, conflict de-escalation, and ethical judgment.
Question 13 of 40
Do you have a problem with authority?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Example Answer
Entry Level
Experienced
Focus Your Answer On
What to Avoid
Community Answers
Rachelle Enns is an interview coach and job search expert. She works with candidates to perform their best in employment, medical, and post-secondary admission interviews.
As a correction officer, you need to be able to report to a variety of levels comfortably, following the chain of command. Using a real-life example is always the best route to take when asked a behavioral question. If you can, discuss your relationship with your most recent employer. The interviewer wants to hear that you do not have a problem with authority or the ranking system.
Rachelle Enns is an interview coach and job search expert. She works with candidates to perform their best in employment, medical, and post-secondary admission interviews.
"I do not have a problem answering to authority. While working in prison, you must answer to your authority figures with the utmost respect, as the inmates are always watching. My previous supervisor and I had a great working relationship, and she is happy to give a strong reference as well."
Rachelle Enns is an interview coach and job search expert. She works with candidates to perform their best in employment, medical, and post-secondary admission interviews.
"I fully understand that there needs to be a level of authority in the workplace, especially in the prison system. I will have no issue with authority. It's necessary, and I embrace it."
Rachelle Enns is an interview coach and job search expert. She works with candidates to perform their best in employment, medical, and post-secondary admission interviews.
"No, I do not have a problem with authority. I have had many personalities supervising me in my career, and I have also been a leader in a wide range of diverse groups. Clear-cut authority is a must in the corrections system, and I respect this, to the fullest degree."
Krista Wenz has been on thousands of interview panels hiring EMS professionals and firefighters for public and private agencies.
You want the interviewer to understand that you recognize the ranking system as a correction officer and do not have a problem reporting to your superior. Focus your answer on a positive relationship you have had with a manager or supervisor.
Krista Wenz has been on thousands of interview panels hiring EMS professionals and firefighters for public and private agencies.
If you want to be considered for the position, you should avoid saying that you have a problem with authority figures. As a correction officer, you will be at the low end of the totem pole and need to respect your superiors. If you have a problem with authority, the interviewer will determine that you would be a challenging employee and pass you over for another candidate.
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Anonymous Answer
Of course not, we need to have authority in all situations in life. If we didn't have authority, we would have a lot more problems in the world.
Kevin's Feedback
Solid response; however, I have reworded it just to soften the delivery a touch. Additionally, offer something tangible to back up your claims of supporting your superiors
"I have no issues with those in positions of authority. They have different priorities and additional responsibilities, all centered on keeping their eye on the big picture. That picture often ends up being broken into pieces, like that of a puzzle, and each piece gets delegated to the rest of the team. Sometimes we have to trust in what that assembled puzzle looks like, and trust our superior's vision on how to assemble all the pieces. So, I get it, their jobs are tough, and it's my job to make their tough job easier, as much as I am able."
Anonymous Answer
No I do not, I always report to my superiors in the upmost respect, because I expect the same respect back and know that it's necessary to have oversight and chain of command.
Rachelle's Feedback
Very well said. Great work :)
Anonymous Answer
No, I do not. I always comply with the person who has a higher rank than me in the workplace. They are in their uniforms and have their badge for a reason. They here to protect and provide service to the public, maintain order and peace.
Rachelle's Feedback
It sounds as though you hold an immense amount of respect for others, which any interviewer will be pleased to hear.
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