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Correctional Officer Mock Interview

Question 6 of 40 for our Correctional Officer Mock Interview

Correctional Officer was updated by on February 10th, 2022. Learn more here.

Question 6 of 40

Tell me about a time you went above and beyond your job duties.

The interviewer wants to hear that you have the skills they are looking for, such as reliability, work ethic, dependability, and leadership skills. Describe a time you went above and beyond your job duties as a correction officer unless you have not worked in corrections before. In that case, you can use an example from a previous job or while in school.

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How to Answer: Tell me about a time you went above and beyond your job duties.

Advice and answer examples written specifically for a Correctional Officer job interview.

  • 6. Tell me about a time you went above and beyond your job duties.

      Why the Interviewer Asks This Question

      The interviewer wants to hear that you have the skills they are looking for, such as reliability, work ethic, dependability, and leadership skills. Describe a time you went above and beyond your job duties as a correction officer unless you have not worked in corrections before. In that case, you can use an example from a previous job or while in school.

      Written by Krista Wenz on February 10th, 2022

      Focus Your Answer On

      Focus on something that highlights your skills, such as compassion, leadership, or dependability. The interviewer wants to gain insight into the type of correction officer you would be if hired.

      Written by Krista Wenz on February 10th, 2022

      What to Avoid

      Avoid describing a situation that would be expected of you in your position. For example, don't say you went above and beyond your job duties when you broke up a fight in prison, as that will be one of your job duties. If you do, the interviewer will not be impressed.

      Written by Krista Wenz on February 10th, 2022

      Entry Level Example

      "I graduated with my Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice, and there were a few students in my Criminology Literacy class who were struggling. I started a volunteer tutoring group. We met once per week, for an hour. It felt great to help others, and I built some strong relationships with other future officers."

      Written by Krista Wenz on February 10th, 2022

      Answer Example

      "Just last week, we had an officer call in sick while another was away on holiday. We were very short-staffed and were processing a couple of new inmates. I offered to stay late and work a double shift to ensure the safety of everyone in the prison. My supervisor was thankful for my attitude and bought me lunch the following day as a way of saying thank you."

      Written by Krista Wenz on February 10th, 2022

      Experienced Example

      "I go above and beyond, nearly every day. Some ways that I do this is to have conversations with the inmates, allowing a tired CO to have an extended lunch while I cover for them, being on call more often than is required of me, and training new CO's whenever I see an opportunity to help."

      Written by Krista Wenz on February 10th, 2022

      Anonymous Interview Answers with Professional Feedback

      Anonymous Answer

      "Working in construction can be difficult for new guys trying to get into the trade who don't have any training. There have been numerous occasions we would have new guys who hadn't built homes. I would take them under my wing and show them whatever they didn't know. I made sure they knew no questions they had were dumb because they were learning."

      Rachelle's Feedback

      Your response shows your kindness and care for others. Nice job. Just a slight rewording for impact, and also to remove pronouns (he, guys, etc). I know it's a challenge as traditionally, the construction world has been predominantly men; however, this will be an important habit to break before moving forward in your interviews.
      "It can be difficult for new employees to learn the construction trade. On numerous occasions, my employer has hired people who did not have home building experience. In these cases, I take these new co-workers under my wing and show them what they need to know. I make sure they understand there are no 'stupid questions' so they are free to ask me anything they need."
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