Correctional Officer Mock Interview
Practice 40 Correctional Officer interview questions covering security protocols, conflict de-escalation, and ethical judgment.
Question 15 of 40
Tell me about a time you went above and beyond your job duties.
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.
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.
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.
"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."
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 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."
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 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."
Krista Wenz has been on thousands of interview panels hiring EMS professionals and firefighters for public and private agencies.
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.
Krista Wenz has been on thousands of interview panels hiring EMS professionals and firefighters for public and private agencies.
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.
Interview Coach
Jaymie
A real coach, not AI. I read every answer myself and write back with personalized feedback.
Typically responds within 24 hours.
0 - Character Count
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."
Anonymous Answer
There are some days where there are staff vacancies and it's an officers turn to stay a shift and be mandated and I'd take the shift because they weren't able to take it. I'm always willing to train or help an officer with something they are struggling to do.
Rachelle's Feedback
It sounds like you are an excellent team player and collaborator. Nice!
Anonymous Answer
I helped a custodian clean some shattered glass because he was busy cleaning the blood and other body fluids from another section. I made sure that there was no more potential hazard to people who work around that area.
Rachelle's Feedback
It was very kind of you! What a great example that shows off the kind character that makes you special :)
Unlock All 40 Correctional Officer Questions
Unlock expert responses to high-pressure scenarios correctional facilities prioritize during interviews.
Get StartedJump to Question