Correctional Officer Mock Interview
Practice 40 Correctional Officer interview questions covering security protocols, conflict de-escalation, and ethical judgment.
Question 25 of 40
Whether you were caught or not, have you ever committed a crime?
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 asks this question to see if you are an honest person and humble enough to admit you committed a crime. The interviewer is emphasizing the fine line between being a good person and not being caught. This answer should be kept simple and 100% honest.
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 have never committed a crime. I was raised to be an honest person and to respect other people, their property, and myself."
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 was a troublemaker in my teen years and was pressured into shoplifting at a gas station when I was 15. I was never caught, but I always felt terrible. When I was older, I went back to that gas station and paid them back."
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 have never committed a crime. I have led a sincere life and am proud of this fact. I was raised in a strict home and was lucky enough never to be tempted by drugs or alcohol as a teen."
Krista Wenz has been on thousands of interview panels hiring EMS professionals and firefighters for public and private agencies.
Everyone makes mistakes, and the interviewer wants to see that you own up to any mistakes you made in the past. If you have committed a crime, focus on being honest and transparent. It is embarrassing to admit to a crime, but you have the opportunity to show the interviewer what you learned from that experience and how it led you to a career as a correction officer.
Krista Wenz has been on thousands of interview panels hiring EMS professionals and firefighters for public and private agencies.
If you have committed a crime in the past, avoid saying that you have not. During the background investigation, that crime could show up, and the interviewer will see that you were dishonest with them.
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Anonymous Answer
Unfortunately, I have. Nobody is perfect, but I do learn from my mistakes.
Rachelle's Feedback
This is very honest; however, I like that you do not disclose too much. I suggest rewording the 'nobody is perfect' phrase as it could sound defensive if read in the wrong tone.
"Unfortunately I have not been perfect; however, I have learned from my mistakes. I am happy to be on the straight and narrow and look forward to influencing young offenders to turn their life around."
Anonymous Answer
I have not committed a crime. The closest I've come to committing a crime was when I was 5, and I went to the store with my mother. I wanted a stuffed animal, and she told me no, so I decided to sneak it underneath my coat. When we were ready to leave, I was about to walk out the door with it until the last second, and I took it out from my coat and said, "Whoops, I forgot I had this still."
Rachelle's Feedback
The fact that you remember this story from 7 years old affirms your level of honesty. Great stories like this are what set candidates apart. Nice work!
Anonymous Answer
I know the career that I am going to work for. I always want to stay out of trouble so that I can have a clean background and a healthy lifestyle. I want to be able to apply for the position I am applying for. Therefore, I really pay attention and think before I do things.
Rachelle's Feedback
It's wonderful that you are so aware of your actions. It seems you have paved a clear path for yourself in pursuit of a career within corrections!
Anonymous Answer
No, I've never committed a crime. I grew up in a strict Caribbean household and was taught to always respect myself and others.
Rachelle's Feedback
Solid start! When it came to being taught to respect yourself and others, were there any lessons that stood out for you? I see an excellent opportunity for a quick story from childhood, where you learned a valuable lesson.
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