Tell me about a time it was better to be agreeable in a situation rather than continue the argument.

"I am new to my career as a correction officer, so I often need to remain silent when I am working with more seasoned officers. I understand the importance of stepping down to keep a situation safe or to prevent escalation."

The interviewer would like to know that you are okay with stepping down in a situation when it's required of you or the safest decision to make at the time. It isn't always necessary to be correct, and the interviewer is looking for your ability to let go when needed. Tell the interviewer about a time you did just that and how you feel it helped the situation in the long run.

Focus on a professional scenario rather than a personal one. The interviewer is interested in your conflict resolution skills in the workplace and how you will benefit the organization.

Avoid telling the interviewer that you never back down in an argument. As a correction officer, you must have the skills to remain calm and in control, even if it means backing down from an argument. Sometimes it is best to de-escalate the situation by giving in.

"I found myself in an intense situation with an inmate early on in my career. I could have pushed it further, but I realized that I needed to save my energy for the bigger battles. I chose to de-escalate the situation and walked away. I am happy that I walked away because it helped me build trust with that inmate in the long run."

"One time, an inmate was breaking a minor rule, and I drew his attention to that fact. He grew very frustrated and began shouting. He got very close to me, and the situation escalated. I could've made the situation worse by physically containing the inmate, but instead, I verbally de-escalated the situation by [technique]. I showed the inmate that I had my eye on him and was the one in control. At the same time, I showed him that I respected his dignity, and that made it easier to gain his compliance in the long run."

"Any time you start a new job, you always have to listen to the higher ranking employees, regardless of whether you agree with it or not."

"When I am a new employee, and I am so eager to learn. When I meet and work with more experienced officers, I would like to listen to them based on the seniority they have. I do not want to make a wrong impression or try to be smart, which refrain me from learning and make other people feel unapproachable."

"While working in the Emergency Room during the Covid 19 pandemic, My supervisor told me I had to provide my own face mask. I felt the hospital should provide them. They refused to provide masks, so I just purchased my own since I know there was already a lot going on."

"* I was guarding a prisoner who kept arguing with me that her being in a holding cell is illegal because she is a lawyer, and I had to release her immediately. Her release time was in a few hours, and instead of continuously arguing with her that made her even more agitated, I left it at that and walked away until an RCMP officer released her."

Tell me about a time you showed your superior officer that you are trustworthy and responsible.

"I just completed my training at a local state prison and learned that the best way to show my superior officer that I am trustworthy is to listen to my orders without hesitation and keep my nose clean when it comes to altercations."

The interviewer would like to know if you have a history of being reliable and trustworthy. It can be challenging to speak highly of yourself; however, providing a great example of your trustworthiness and ability to be responsible will set you apart from other candidates.

If you have a letter of recommendation or a past performance review, use your superior officer's words when describing your trustworthiness and responsible nature. That way, you are using another person's words rather than bragging about yourself.

Avoid not providing an example of a time you showed that you are trustworthy and responsible. If you have not worked in law enforcement before and do not have an example from a superior officer, provide an example of a time you showed these traits in another profession or school.

"I have always shown trustworthiness and responsibility throughout my career as a correction officer. I once caught an inmate with a significant amount of drugs. Some correction officers were assisting inmates in smuggling contraband for a financial kickback in that particular prison. I exercised responsibility and reported it immediately."

"One time, I caught an inmate smuggling contraband by hiding objects under a loose tile. The cameras didn't cover this area. The inmate observed that I saw him, approached me, and offered me a substantial bribe to turn a blind eye. I told the inmate that I would think about it and immediately reported the incident to my sergeant."

"I have the trust of my current boss. I've shown him I'm responsible by always showing up for work. I can work on the job site without him and still get the job done in a timely matter."

"I remembered there was the time one of my bosses contact me at 9 pm. My boss texted me and want me to do a little analysis of a student and his behavior pattern. He needed it is by 7 in the morning so he could talk to the parents. Even though it was not during my working hours, I managed to have the report done on time."

"I worked as a cashier while I was in college. While my manager was collecting the draws, I realized a few bills hadn't been put in the register. I picked them up and carried them to her office."

"On my first call to guard, I was shown the bare minimum of what to do and was left alone guarding a prisoner overnight by myself. I accomplished all tasks that were laid out for me and answered any questions that the next shift of officers had for me."

Have you ever faced a company policy you disagreed with but had to enforce anyway?

"I have worked for companies in the past where I did not agree with the policies at all times. I chose to trust that my boss understood the long-term goals better than I did at that time. I plan to bring this attitude with me in my career as a correction officer. I am new to the industry and do not have all of the answers."

The interviewer would like to know if you have difficulty acting on orders you disagree with. Each prison has varying policies, and you may not agree with all of them. Explain to the interviewer how you feel about this type of situation and how you have handled it in the past. Avoid coming across as a disagreeable employee. Focus on the positive!

Focus on your willingness to enforce all of the facility's policies, even when you don't agree with them. Explain that you understand why those policies are in place. You will stand out as an ideal candidate if you show the interviewer that you are an agreeable person and will follow orders.

Avoid saying that you break company policy if you disagree with it. If you do not follow the policies and procedures of the job, the interviewer will decide that you may be a problematic employee who can cause liability to the organization.

"Yes, I have faced policy that I do not agree with. I realize that I do not have to agree with a policy to enforce it. Policies are in place for a reason, and I will abide by them, despite my feelings or understanding of them."

"I've come to understand that the policies aren't my decision and that as a CO, my job is to enforce whatever policies are in place. If I disagree with policies that endanger officer safety, I tell my commanding officer about them. But at the end of the day, there are people higher up the chain of command who have more information than I do and a broader view. I have to trust that they're making the best decisions they can given the constraints they have. No matter what I think, it's my sworn duty to uphold and enforce the laws and regulations that we have on the books."

"No, I have not encountered such a situation, but if I disagreed with a policy, I would enforce it and stand behind it. It is there for a reason, and I can't let my opinion change that."

"Yes, but it's not a part of my job to agree or disagree with established policies. If there are rules in place, they're there for a reason, and it's my job to ensure they're followed."

Have you ever worked in a stressful environment? How did you handle it?

"I don't let stress get me carried away and limit it by focusing on the present moment and what I can control. I have a daily routine that helps me unwind when I leave work. When it's my first day off, I make sure to get plenty of rest and have some fun with my family and friends."

Working as a correction officer is stressful, and the interviewer would like to know that this wouldn't be your first stressful work environment. Reassure the interviewer that you can handle the stress factor of being a correction officer, describing how you manage the stressors of your profession.

Assure the interviewer that you remain calm while focusing on the task at hand. The interviewer wants to see that you are level-headed and will be an asset to their organization during stressful events.

Avoid saying that you have never worked in a stressful environment. Most people have encountered some stress in the workplace, and the interviewer wants to hear that you can effectively manage stressful events.

"I have been a correction officer for five years and am accustomed to working in a stressful environment. Before becoming a correction officer, I worked in the military. I manage my stress by taking care of my own physical and emotional needs when away from the prison. I am active and social outside of work, which helps me handle the stress very well."

"I have worked in various stressful work environments, including my time with the military and my fifteen years as a correction officer. I handle the stress like the seasoned pro that I am! My duties as a correction officer can be tough some days, but I make sure to blow off some steam at the gym on my days off."

"Yes, my current job can be stressful at times. My boss likes to get things done fast and accurately. Sometimes it can be overwhelming. I just take a step back and breathe, and keep a positive attitude."

"When my coworker was sick, and I am the only campus monitor in the school who is in charge of 650 students with 40 classrooms. I am responsible for multiple tasks such as patrolling, data collecting, escorting students, and enforcing security. I have to prioritize tasks such as patrolling and escorting students, delay the data collecting, and focusing on supervising students during recess based on the time-limit of my duties."

"In the military things always changed, and sometimes you never knew what to expect the next day. Although it's stressful, I'm very resilient and put my best foot forward to make the best out of any situation."

"* Yes. I was a detention guard and one time had to guard nine prisoners with one cell being double-bunked. I had to write what each prisoner was doing every fifteen minutes that left me constantly writing for eight hours with a couple of prisoners going in and out of the interview rooms to pay attention to. I stayed focused on my task, which helped me get lost in my work and become more efficient."

Tell me about an experience where you successfully used de-escalation techniques to prevent a physical altercation.

"Because I am new to this career, I do not have a specific example; however, if I were to experience a potential threat like this, I would be sure to follow the regulations and procedures put in place at this facility. Safety is essential for both the officers and inmates, and order must be kept at all times."

The interviewer would like to know more about your de-escalation techniques and your confidence in implementing them. Give an example of a time you led a de-escalation and explain how it was successful. Keep your answer brief but be sure to display that you are comfortable conducting this type of initiative.

Focus on the training and experience that taught you how to de-escalate a situation. If you do not have previous training in de-escalation techniques, describe how you think you would handle the situation if presented.

Avoid saying that you respond in a violent or unprofessional manner. The interviewer is looking for a correction officer who has excellent communication and conflict resolution skills.

"Last month, I had two inmates who were feuding. It came to a head at dinner one evening when the two groups had a lot of extra tension between them. I heard rumors from other inmates that a fight was to start that evening. I was sure to bring on additional officers, and we kept the inmates busy with conversation and a lot of unexpected movement. It worked, as the fight never happened. We broke their routine, which was enough to shake up their plan."

"I have a few techniques when it comes to de-escalating conflict. My current place of employment implemented an eight-step process that I follow - Listen, Acknowledge, Agree, Apologize, Clarification, Choices + Consequences, Sequence Questions, and Suggestibility. This is a method that I am well-versed in and able to train as well."

"I grew up with twin sisters. They would always argue, so I was pretty much their referee. I would break up their fights and take each one off to the side and listen to what their problem was with one another. Then I would find a common ground solution for them both."

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

"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."

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.

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.

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.

"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."

"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."

"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."

"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."

"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."

Why did you leave your last job?

"I left my last job to focus on my bachelor's degree in criminal justice. I worked in construction and wanted to pursue a career as a correction officer. If I gave my two weeks' notice, I could receive my degree in half the time. I left on good terms and am still friends with my former supervisor and coworkers."

The interviewer wants to know your reason for leaving your last job to see if you were fired or laid off or if you gave your notice. If you were fired or laid off, describe why and what you learned from your experience (if terminated). If you gave your notice, the interviewer wants to know why you chose to leave.

If you chose to leave your last job, focus on a positive reason, such as advancing your career or furthering your education. If you were fired, focus on the learning experience. Be sure to highlight the positive rather than the negative reasons for leaving your previous employment.

No matter the reason for leaving your last job, you should avoid speaking poorly of your supervisor or coworkers. Even if you left because you did not like your supervisor or the working conditions were intolerable, if you talk ill of others, it shows the interviewer that you might be challenging to work with and talk about people behind their backs.

"I was let go from my last job due to budget cuts. The prison had to reduce its staff by 15%, and they decided to let go of the newest hires. I was laid off after working there for six months."

"I left my last job to advance my career further. There was not an opportunity to promote as there is within your organization. That is the main reason I applied with your organization as you encourage and offer professional advancement."

How would you rate your performance in this interview so far?

"I am not sure if I have been able to portray myself 100% accurately in this interview, although I am trying my best. If there is anything more that I can clarify for you, I would be happy to do so."

The interviewer would like to know if you are satisfied with your interview performance. If you need to clarify an answer, you can certainly ask to do so! Be sure to show confidence in the areas you know have gone well.

Focus on keeping your answer positive, showing the interviewer that you have confidence in your communication skills. If there is a question you feel you could have answered better, it is okay to say you would like to add more to that question.

It is best to avoid saying that you rate your performance poorly. If you do not have confidence in your ability to communicate with others, the interviewer might have doubts that you would be an effective correction officer.

"I believe that this interview has been quite informative, and I am happy with my performance. Is there anything that I can clarify for you from this conversation?"

"I feel confident about our discussion today and am looking forward to the next steps in the interview process."

"Well, I have never been good at interviews but I feel like the way life has prepared me for a career in corrections has helped me feel more confident."

"I feel like it has been going good so far, but my opinion doesn't matter. The only opinion that matters today is the oral board, and I hope the 4 of you think it's going good."

Are you willing to work long hours, on a variety of different shifts, with limited notice?

"I am willing to work any shifts required of me. I am fully dedicated to growing a successful career as a correction officer and will do what it takes to build a great reputation here."

As a correction officer, you may be required to work sporadic and long shifts. The interviewer asks this question to see if you are flexible with your schedule and willing to be a team player. Assure the interviewer that you are aware of this career requirement. If you are unsure of the schedule, it is okay to ask the interviewer about the schedule requirements of their facility.

You want the interviewer to understand that you are flexible with your schedule and willing to do what is needed for the organization if hired. Focus on your ability to work with their scheduling requirements, even on short notice. If you have a particular day that you cannot work, describe what outside obligation prohibits you from working that day. It is best to be transparent during your interview to avoid any misunderstanding if hired.

Avoid saying that you are not willing to work long hours or a variety of shifts. If you are not flexible with your schedule, the interviewer may pass you over for another candidate who can fulfill their requirements.

"I am aware that long hours and a variety of shifts are par for the course for a correction officer. My schedule will switch from day to night shifts in my current position, and I usually work 12 hours per day. Could you share with me the typical schedule here?"

"As a seasoned correction officer, I am fully aware of the hours required in this line of work. Currently, I am available for most shifts except for Sundays. I coach my son's hockey team, so this day is off-limits to me. Will this work with your expectations?"

"Yes, I'm a firm believer in doing stuff not everybody is willing to do because that's what's going to make the difference between me and someone else."

"Yes, I am willing to do what it takes to achieve my goal. This is going to be my career, and I know I'll have to work hard to be the best officer that I want to become."

"Yes, while working at my old job, we changed from twelve-hour shifts to eight-hour shifts, then to ten-hour shifts, and back to eight-hour shifts within 4four months. You have to be resilient to meet the needs of the position and the company."

"Yes, I'm a firm believer in doing stuff not everybody is willing to do because that's what's going to make the difference from you and someone else."

"As a seasoned security officer that has worked in a correctional setting I am fully aware of the hours required in this line of work, and am willing to work long hours on short notice."

You must be physically fit to be a corrections officer. What have you done to physically train yourself for this position?

"I am in peak physical condition. While attending university, I worked as a personal trainer part-time. You can be sure that I am fully prepared to pass the fitness test."

The interviewer would like to know that you can meet the physical demands required to be a corrections officer. A fitness test will be administered; however, this is an opportunity for you to disclose any concerns you may have regarding the fitness portion of the role. Describe what you have done and will continue to do to keep yourself in shape.

Focus on the training you have done to prepare yourself to work as a corrections officer. Then, describe the workout routine you follow to stay in top physical shape. Be sure to let the interviewer know that staying in shape is essential to performing your job effectively.

Avoid saying you have done nothing to physically prepare yourself for this position. If you do not consider physical fitness a priority, the interviewer will think you lack motivation and may be a liability to the organization if hired.

"I am fully prepared to complete the fitness test. I am in great physical shape. To train for a career in corrections, I have attended CrossFit 5 times per week for the last 12 months. I also run 6 to 15 miles every week."

"I work out regularly and am prepared for any fitness test you require me to take. To stay fit, I work out five days a week with boxing and running. I have also started studying jiu-jitsu."

"I workout regularly, and have maintained my physical standards that were expected of me during my physical. I also take boxing and martial arts classes."

"I grew up playing sports and lifting weights, and I still stay very active. I like to work out and play basketball."

"I grew up playing sports and lifting weights. I still stay very active. I like to workout and play basketball."

"In my current job, I work as a framer building residential homes. I'm always on my feet. I am lifting heavy things all day. Working in the heat and the cold can take a toll on your body and how you perform, but I have gained a high level of endurance."

"I am in martial training three days a week. During my days off, I do conditional exercises like running and lifting weights. Sometimes I attend a boxing class. For my spiritual self, I go to church every Sunday to please my mind. Both activities help me reduce stress, keep me happy, and stay in shape for the job."

What do you like to do in your free time?

"In my free time, I enjoy martial arts, reading true crime novels, and going to my son's hockey games. I also recently started learning to play the guitar, so I like to practice playing on my days off."

The interviewer asks this question to gain insight into your personality and see how you decompress on your days off. Correction officers need to have hobbies or activities that relieve stress since working in the prison system can be quite stressful. It is essential that correction officers take care of themselves mentally and physically, and the interviewer wants to see how you achieve this.

Focus on three or four activities or hobbies you enjoy doing in your free time. Naming various activities gives the interviewer a more well-rounded insight into what inspires and motivates you.

Avoid saying that you enjoy doing something that the interviewer may deem unprofessional or immature. For example, if you say you enjoy getting drunk with your buddies or playing video games all day in your free time, the interviewer may not agree that those are healthy and productive ways to spend your time. It is best to keep those activities to yourself, and instead, tell the interviewer how you like to play a particular instrument, go fishing, exercise, or spend time with your family.

"Since I am indoors for the majority of my work, I enjoy being outside as much as possible on my days off. I enjoy spending time on my boat fishing with my wife and two kids, mountain biking, and kayaking. These activities let me spend quality time with my family."

"In my last job, I was working 50-60 hours per week, so I mostly slept and caught up with chores around the house in my free time. What I enjoy doing, though, is trail running, CrossFit, and going to the firing range. Those activities help me decompress from the stressors at work and energize me for my next shift."

Have you ever used illegal drugs or misused prescription pills?

"I have never used illegal drugs, but I did have a problem with pain pills for a short time. Five years ago, I broke my femur in a motorcycle accident and was prescribed oxycontin for the pain. I realized after two weeks that I was becoming dependent on them and did not like how they made me feel. I spoke with my doctor, and he changed my prescription to a lesser-strength pain pill. After two more weeks, I was weaned off the medication entirely and have never taken another prescription pill since. That experience taught me that I do not like taking any prescription medication and what happened in the past will not happen again in the future."

For obvious reasons, the interviewer wants to hire correction officers who do not use illegal drugs or misuse prescription pills. When they ask if you have ever used or misused drugs, they want to hear that you do not have an issue with drugs and that you will pass the background investigation and drug test. The interviewer may understand if you tried marijuana in the past, but they cannot hire you if you currently use drugs. You must be honest as this information may come up during your background check.

If you have used illegal drugs or misused prescription pills, focus on assuring the interviewer that you are not currently using them. If you have an issue with drugs, it is best to become clean before applying for a position as a correction officer.

Avoid being dishonest with the interviewer if you have had a drug issue in the past. Depending on the organization and how in-depth they are in their background investigation, that information could surface and disqualify you from being offered the position. If you had a problem and are honest about it, the interviewer can decide if their organization can overlook this issue.

"No, I have never used illegal drugs or misused prescription pills. I was brought up in a strict law enforcement family and knew I wanted to work as a correction officer from a young age. Having this goal in mind kept me from ever wanting to try drugs."

"When I was 15 years old, I tried marijuana one time. My family had recently moved, and I had to switch schools. I tried marijuana to fit in with the crowd, but after trying it once, I realized that was not how I wanted to fit in. I have never used any other illegal drug and have never misused prescription medication."

What are your salary expectations?

"I am new to my career as a corrections officer and am looking for a fair range, given my blend of education and training. I understand that the average range for this role in our state is $40-$45k/year. Do you have a particular number in mind?"

Before your interview, research the median salary for the position (and location). You can look at salary reviews on Glassdoor.com or Payscale.com.Make sure you give a salary range, not just a number. Providing a range allows you to negotiate down the road if you are given an offer. However, telling the interviewer you are looking for $50K doesn't leave room for negotiating later on. Also, make sure the lowest number of your range is something you are comfortable with!Another great option is to tell the interviewer what you are currently earning and tell them that you seek a competitive offer. Use your current earnings as an example. Be open and honest. Transparency is the best choice when salary-based questions arise.

Focus on a range that coincides with your experience. The interviewer will expect a higher salary range if you are a seasoned officer. If you are new to this field, you will need to set an appropriate range for new correction officers.

Most job postings will have a salary range that the organization is willing to pay. Avoid selling yourself short and asking for the low end of the range, even if you are a new correction officer. You want to leave room for negotiations. On the other hand, you should avoid asking for a much higher range than what is listed on the job announcement.

"Currently, I earn a base salary of $45,000 per year plus health benefits. I would like to stay in the same range or slightly higher."

"I am currently making $60K per year and look to grow in my career and level of responsibilities. An acceptable salary range for me is $65-$70K/year due to my years of experience. What are you offering for this position?"

"I understand you have to work from the bottom to get to the top. It said on the website $46-63K. I would be happy with the minimal starting out."

"I am new to my career, and I am looking for a fair range like they pose on the website, which is 60- 65k per year. I understand this is the average range right now for our department. Do you have a particular number in mind?"

We conduct early-stage criminal background checks, credit checks, and drug tests on all of our candidates. Is there anything you would like to disclose at this time?

"I have no discrepancies to disclose at this time. If you'd like, I can provide you with additional documentation and identification for your background process."

For obvious reasons, prisons need to be very cautious about who they hire. There is a chance that much of the information you will access could be confidential and dangerous if put into the wrong hands. You will be working with the public and with vulnerable individuals, and the interviewer wants to see if there is anything that may be negative in your background investigation. Assure the interviewer that you are willing to comply with any background check they require and describe anything that might be a red flag to the interviewer.

If you have something to disclose, such as poor credit history or a misdemeanor offense, focus on what happened and what you learned from that experience. Everyone makes mistakes, and the interviewer wants to hear that you learned from your mistake.

Avoid not disclosing something that may show up in your background investigation. The interviewer will find out, and it is better to be honest and transparent in your interview.

"I am happy to comply with any background check required. My record is clean, and I have a strong credit history. I do not participate in drug use, either. You can be assured that if you hire me for this role, I will maintain a clean record."

"My credit is strong, and my criminal background is squeaky clean. Having been a border patrol officer for the past nine years, I have been very careful to color within the lines in all aspects."

"My criminal background is clean. So is my credit. I am also drug-free."

"My criminal background is clean and so is my credit. I'm also drug-free."

"I have nothing to hide. The only thing that you would find is a couple of tickets from my past. I have made mistakes and learned from them."

"I am more than happy to comply to the background check, and I do have one thing on my record I have to disclose. I had a misdemeanor charge for larceny expunged off my record, it was something I do not ever plan on doing again and will maintain a clean record if you hire me."

"I do not have anything with my criminal background check; it is clean "” the same thing as my credit. I am drug-free. If there is any test, I would like to comply."

This concludes our interview. Do you have any questions for me?

"I do have a few questions and appreciate you asking. If hired, what schedule would I be working, and how long is your probationary period?"

The interviewer asks this question to ensure all your questions about the organization and the job role are answered during your interview. The interviewer also wants to see that you have done your research. If you ask a question that could be found by reading the job announcement, visiting their website, or doing internet research, the interviewer will see that you did not adequately do your homework. It is recommended to ask a question or two, so the interviewer will know that you are excited to learn as much as you can about the job position and the organization.

Focus on asking one or two questions about your job duties or the facility where you would be working. Good questions include asking the interviewer what they like most and least about their facility, what the schedule would be, or when they are looking to hire for the position.

Avoid asking questions about the salary or benefits package, how many vacation days you would receive, or how often they give pay raises. When you ask questions about money or benefits, the interviewer feels as if you are only applying to this position for monetary reasons. The interviewer wants to see that you want the job because you are passionate about a career as a correction officer for the right reasons.

"Yes, I do; thank you for asking. When might I expect the results from this interview, and how soon are you looking to hire?"

"Thanks for asking. Yes, I do have a question. If I am chosen to move on to the next step in the hiring process, how long does your background investigation generally take? I only ask because I need to coordinate when to give notice to my current employer if I am offered a position here."

Besides vacation time, how many days did you miss work in the last year?

"I missed five days of work last year after having minor, outpatient surgery. I had spoken with my supervisor before the surgery, and he allowed me to use sick leave to recover."

The interviewer wants to hear about your work attendance and if you miss work often. They want to hire a dependable, punctual, and reliable correction officer that they will not have to worry about calling in sick. Describe the number of days you missed work in the last year and explain the reasons.

Since the interviewer said to exclude vacation days, only focus on days you called in sick. There is no need to describe days you worked a swap (trade) and had someone else cover your shift because you ended up paying that shift back. The interviewer mainly wants to hear that they can count on you to show up for your shifts if hired.

If you had several days that you called off work in the past year, you need to be honest. Avoid saying that you missed fewer days or that you never called in sick. The interviewer will call your references during the hiring process and ask your previous employer/supervisor the same question.

"I did not miss any days of work last year. I am a healthy individual and have not even had a cold in the last five years."

"I missed three days of work last year and had to use sick leave. My daughter was in a vehicle accident and was in the hospital for those three days. I am a single dad and could not leave her there alone. I informed my sergeant of the situation, and he was very understanding."

Our facility performs random drug testing on all personnel twice a year. Do you have an issue with random drug testing?

"Since I do not use drugs or take prescription medicine, I do not have an issue with random drug testing. I encourage it to keep our officers and inmates safe."

If you are serious about being offered the position, it is best not to have an issue with drug testing. The interviewer is transparent with their job requirements for drug testing and wants to ensure you understand this is a requirement. The interviewer would rather find out now if you have an issue with random drug testing before moving forward in the hiring process. For obvious reasons, the interviewer does not want to hire a correction officer who might have a drug test come back positive.

It is best to focus on why you do not have an issue with random drug testing. Assure the interviewer that you do not use drugs, so you do not have a problem proving that through a drug test.

If you want to be considered for the position, avoid saying you have a problem with random drug testing. Some correction officers do not like random testing. It is not because their test will turn up positive; instead, they feel their privacy is being violated or they are being singled out. If you think that way, research the organization's employment drug policy before your interview to see how they provide testing. Many organizations keep the testing private, so other employees do not know who is being tested and when.

"No, I do not have an issue with random drug testing. I have never used drugs, and there is no reason I will not pass every drug test given."

"I do not have a problem with random drug testing since I do not use drugs. The only issue I have is when an organization blatantly pulls officers in to perform the testing, making other officers think they did something wrong. I think random drug testing is needed in the prison system, but only when done discreetly to protect the officer's privacy."

Whether you were caught or not, have you ever committed a crime?

"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."

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.

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.

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.

"I have never committed a crime. I was raised to be an honest person and to respect other people, their property, and myself."

"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."

"Unfortunately, I have. Nobody is perfect, but I do learn from my mistakes."

"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."

"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."

"No, I've never committed a crime. I grew up in a strict Caribbean household and was taught to always respect myself and others."

Competition is stiff for this position. Why should we hire you?

"I'm qualified and passionate about public safety. I am empathetic to those around me, am a team player, and have excellent communication skills. I am excited about contributing to the high level of safety that our citizens have come to know and expect."

The interviewer wants to hear what makes you unique. If you can't think of an answer, ask a few friends or family members what they feel sets you apart from other people. Their observations may help you understand how you are perceived.Perhaps you already know what sets you apart! This could include industry accolades, individual achievements, additional industry-related training, a second language, or your involvement in the community. Don't be afraid to brag about yourself a bit. In an interview, you are your most influential advocate.

Before your interview, review the job announcement to see what qualities the organization looks for in a correction officer. Suppose they describe their ideal candidate as one who has excellent communication skills, empathy, team player, and patience. In that case, focus on those keywords when explaining why they should hire you.

Avoid speaking poorly of other candidates. You do not know the qualities or experience other applicants bring to the table. Instead, focus on describing what you have to offer and how hiring you will benefit the interviewer's organization.

"You should hire me because I am unlike anyone else you have interviewed. I am a competitive achiever and an honest person. I am dedicated to law enforcement and engaged in this career path. I have even committed to taking at least one career development or leadership-related workshop every year. You won't be disappointed when you hire me."

"In addition to meeting all of the requirements for this role, I bring additional skills such as being trilingual and having a dual degree in communications and criminology. I look forward to adding these skills to your already amazing team."

"I feel like my past work experience in public services as a community service leader has prepared me to deal with different cultures and stressful times, and has taught me to have a more commanding presence."

"Yes, competition is very stiff. I've met some of the other candidates, and I was impressed. I believe you should hire me because I'm all in. This is something 100% I know I want to do with my life. I want to grow my career in corrections. I'm a very hard-working person who never takes time off, you can call previous employers to vouch for me."

"I believe with my work experience and skills will be a great addition to the department of corrections, I always look to improve in my profession and am always willing to be the perfect team player for my coworkers."

"I have a great passion for the public sector and a public safety career. I like to help people and encourage them to be better through education, interaction, and hope. Having a degree in criminology is the career that I want to work for in the long term. Making an impact on individuals and make our society better, I am not here to punish people, I am here to make an influence, support, and help people change for the better."

What three qualities would your previous supervisor use to describe you?

"I have not worked in corrections before, but I have a performance review from my previous supervisor where I worked as an EMT. He described me as a patient and compassionate employee with exceptional written and verbal communication skills. He noted that I was always patient with my coworkers and patients and provided empathy and compassion to everyone I came in contact with. He said he never needed me to revise a written report and that I actively listen and communicate clearly."

The interviewer asks what three qualities your previous supervisor would use to describe you to see if you have the traits and characteristics they are looking for in a correction officer. If you review the job announcement before your interview, sometimes organizations will list the desired qualities they are looking for in a candidate. For example, if the job posting says they seek a dependable correction officer who is patient, honest, and a team player with exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, you would choose three of those keywords in your response. Be sure to give examples of why your supervisor used those three words to describe you.

In your response, you want to focus on qualities the organization is looking for in a correction officer. If you have a letter of recommendation or past performance review, you can find the three qualities your previous supervisor used to describe you. If you have a copy of your letter of recommendation or performance review, you can offer it to the interviewer at this point.

Avoid using three qualities that the interviewer might deem unprofessional or inappropriate in this role. For example, if your previous supervisor describes you as a person who is always joking around and pulling pranks or consistently late to work, those would not be the best words to represent you.

"My previous supervisor wrote me a letter of recommendation, and I have a copy if you'd like. My supervisor described me as a dependable, hardworking correction officer with excellent interpersonal skills. She wrote that she could always count on me to show up to my shift on time, work overtime when needed, and maintain a good working relationship with the other officers and inmates."

"I believe my previous supervisor would describe me as an honest employee with a strong work ethic and leadership skills. I was always honest and dependable, and when I say I am going to do something, I follow through. I displayed my strong work ethic and leadership skills by leading by example, working alongside my team, and putting in extra hours when needed."

Where do you see yourself in five years?

"Since I have never worked as a correction officer before, my goal in the next five years is to gain experience as a correction officer with your organization. After I gain experience and feel confident in my role, I will then look to advance my career within your prison system."

It costs a lot of time and money to interview, hire, and train employees. The interviewer wants to know if you see yourself with their organization in five years or if you plan to move onto another facility or change professions. The interviewer also wants to know if you have set professional goals for yourself and what you will do to achieve your goals. Describe where you see yourself in five years and how you plan to get there.

Focus on where you see yourself professionally rather than personally. The interviewer is not interested in hearing about personal goals at this stage of the interview. They only want to hear if you see yourself at their facility and in what capacity.

Avoid saying that you see yourself at another prison unless that one is associated with the one you are applying with. If the interviewer thinks you are using their facility as a stepping stone to move somewhere else, they may be less likely to offer you the position.

"In five years, I see myself as a senior correction officer with your organization. That was one of the reasons I applied to this job since you offer and encourage advancement within. In the next five years, I will be completing my bachelor's degree in criminal justice and plan on enrolling in a leadership course so that I will be qualified for the position."

"In five years, I will have completed my master's degree in criminal justice with a concentration on correctional psychology. Then, I will be prepared to interview for the correctional sergeant position with your organization."

What do you like least about working as a correction officer?

"I have not worked in corrections before, so I am not sure what aspect of the job I will like the least. However, after talking to my friends who work as correction officers, I've noticed that many say they dislike missing holidays and special occasions. They have told me they celebrate those special occasions or holidays on a different day, so they don't miss out. I am already prepared to do the same with my family when hired as a correction officer."

The interviewer asks this question to determine if the thing you like least about working as a correction officer will interfere with you adequately performing your job duties if hired. There are many aspects of the job that you may not like, but you should choose one that most officers and the interviewer can identify with.

Focus on something that many officers can identify with, such as working long hours or constantly having your head on a swivel. Then, end on a positive note by explaining how you work through that aspect of your job, assuring the interviewer that it will not interfere with your role as a correction officer if hired.

Avoid giving the interviewer a reason to believe that you would not be their ideal candidate. If you say that what you like least about working as a correction officer is working around a bunch of 'thugs' or 'murderers,' the interviewer will think you are biased and may not be the best person for the job.

"What I like least about working as a correction officer is the feeling of being outnumbered by the inmates. But, I do not dwell on that aspect of the job because I am well trained and confident in my skills and the skills of the officers I work with."

"In my many years of working as a correction officer, I can tell you my least favorite part of the job is witnessing some of the inhumanities I see inside the prison. It is still amazing to me how people treat each other. I work through this by talking to my husband after every shift to debrief, taking yoga classes to relieve stress, and talking to my pastor weekly. I feel I have done a great job of separating myself from what I see in prison."

What do you like the most about working as a correction officer?

"I am new to this field and have not worked as a correction officer before. I chose this type of work because I want to work in a rehabilitative environment and help reform inmates. I believe that will be what I like most about working in corrections."

The interviewer asks this question to see if your motivation and inspiration to work as a correction officer align with the organization's mission and vision. The interviewer wants to hear that you are genuinely interested in working in a rehabilitative environment, enjoy keeping the public safe from criminals, or love working in a rewarding and challenging field that pushes you every day to perform your best. Describe what you like about working as a correction officer the most. If you are new to the field, describe why you decided to pursue this career and what you think will be the most exciting aspect of your job.

When responding to this question, focus on a positive aspect of your profession. Describe how you like giving back to others, keeping communities safe, or helping inmates reform to become constructive members of society when released.

Avoid saying what you like the most about working as a correction officer is breaking up fights, feeling power over the inmates, or the money and benefits package. If you respond in this manner, the interviewer will think that you are in this profession for the wrong reasons and may pass you over for another candidate.

"What I like most about working as a correction officer is keeping communities safe. I grew up in this community and live here with my family. I want to see the streets rid of crime and criminals behind bars so my children and wife can live and grow in a safe environment."

"What I like the most about working in corrections is the challenge. Every day is different, and you never know what will happen. I like working in an environment that constantly pushes me to work hard and do my best to keep my fellow officers and inmates safe."

Why do you want a position as a correction officer?

"I started my education in Criminology because I initially wanted to become a police officer. When I was in post-secondary studies, I learned more about the career path of a correction officer. I prefer the idea of working with inmates rather than being a street cop."

The interviewer would like to understand why this career path interests you. If you have been a correction officer for many years, this can be a simple answer. If you are new to the career, talk a little about what attracted you to the industry.

When responding to this question, focus on what inspired you to pursue this career. It might be that you had a professor or guidance counselor who encouraged you to pursue this line of work, or maybe you have a friend or relative who is a correction officer. Whatever your reason, the interviewer wants to hear why you are passionate about working as a correction officer.

Avoid giving reasons that may be construed as unprofessional or unethical. For example, you should not say you want to work as a correction officer for the power, for the money or benefits, or to use this position as a stepping stone before applying elsewhere.

"I was attracted to a career as a correction officer for a variety of reasons. My father was a correction officer, and as a child, I recall seeing his pride when he came home in his uniform. His job was to protect. After I left the military, I decided that a career as a correction officer would be the most natural and positive transition for me."

"I have been a correction officer for six years, and I love my job. Every day is a new challenge, and I feel like I am making a difference in the lives of others. I will follow this career path for years to come."

"I believe this would be an amazing opportunity to get into law enforcement. I love everything about it. What excites me the most is that no two days will be the same."

"I want to make a positive impact on people going through one of the worse times of their lives."

"I want to be a correctional guard because I've always had a passion for public services. I have been working in public services for the past three years, and I like helping people as a correctional officer. I can help the community feel safer by helping to rehabilitate inmates to hopefully get them back on track."

"I want to be a correctional guard because I've always had a passion for public services. I've been working in public services the past three years and I like helping people as a correctional officer. I can help the community feel safer by helping in the rehabilitation of inmates to hopefully get them back on track."

"I want to become a correction officer because I believe I have the foundation, from the experience I have gathered, through my work experience as a security officer in multiple settings, to deal with the rigors of being in a correction environment. Also, I believe I have the right skill set (such as communication skills, de-escalation techniques/ being able to work under pressure, and making crucial decisions as a team player) for the position and am confident in utilizing them."

Tell me about yourself.

"I recently received my bachelor's degree in criminal justice and am ready to start my career as a correction officer. My parents and grandfather were in law enforcement, so it's in my blood. I am a very active individual who loves to work out and go to the mountains on the weekend. I feel that my physical activity level on my off time greatly improves my work during the week. I have a lot of energy to offer and am excited to have this opportunity to interview with you."

The interviewer will often ask this question at the beginning of an interview to break the ice and get to know a little more about you than what is on your resume. When an interviewer asks an open-ended question like this, it can be challenging to know where to begin or end!This question haunts many individuals who may accidentally go a little too in-depth into their personal lives. It happens. Keep your reply light and relevant to the job. This is an excellent opportunity to discuss the strengths and qualities you bring. Share how you became interested in this career path and what you enjoy about it.

Focus on keeping your answer brief and concise. The interviewer wants an idea of your personality and what you can bring to the team if hired. It is best to have your response created before your interview to stay on track while keeping your answer short and detailed.

Avoid talking about yourself for five minutes or longer. The interviewer does not need to know your life story; they only want to understand your personality and background.

"I am a motivated and hard-working individual. I have high moral standards and believe all people should be shown respect. I strive to go above and beyond what is expected of me, and I am good at building relationships. I have several years of experience as a correction officer, and I find the job challenging and rewarding. I believe in high expectations and following rules, but I am also personable and approachable. Outside of work, I enjoy playing outside with my two kids and attending all of their sporting events. As a family, we are active in the community and enjoy participating in opportunities to give back. I am excited about taking this next step in my career."

"I have worked in the prison system for the past ten years and am looking for a change. I am a calm and quiet leader with excellent communication skills. Even though I am quiet, I can motivate my team and keep morale high within the prison. On my days off, I enjoy going for long motorcycle rides with my wife and having barbecues at the beach."

"I've worked the last six years for a security company, my responsibilities there shifted, I would be assigned to work psych units where I would watch patients that were of harm to themselves or behavioral issues, I would also patrol the hospital campus in a company vehicle and ensure the security of the compound. My most recent job at a state hospital, I am in the position of therapeutic safety officer. My responsibilities would be to actively monitor the environment and well being of all. Bring patients out to hospital trips/ court trips in a secure manner. And supervise patient while they were being visited by family members or friends."

"I'm a hardworking individual that always aims to overcome any challenge that is put before me. I have experience guarding prisoners. What was just a job to earn extra money got me interested in becoming a correctional officer. I would like to take the experience to the next step and help others."

What makes you angry?

"I am not the type to become angry very often or easily. I become angry when innocent people are hurt or when a total lack of respect is present. With that said, I do not lose control in my anger."

The interviewer needs to make sure that you are not a loose cannon type of personality - especially in this line of work. Talk about things that trigger you, but avoid turning this into a time to complain about the people you work with or your job. You want to show that you are level-headed and mature.

It is best to focus on one or two things that make you angry in the workplace. If you have a list of reasons you become angry, the interviewer will feel that you are easily triggered and may not think you are the best candidate for the position.

Avoid saying certain coworkers or supervisors make you angry. You do not want the interviewer thinking that you are challenging to work with or are not a team player. It is okay to mention a specific trait or quality that makes you angry, such as disrespect, always being late, or poor work ethic.

"The times when I feel anger in the workplace would mainly be when an inmate is purposefully being disrespectful or trying to start a fight. When a situation like this arises, I don't give in to the anger, but I do firmly put the inmate in place."

"I am incredibly level-headed, as my references will attest. If I become angry, it is because someone has been unnecessarily hurt. There is no need for violence and threats, so I will not tolerate it if an inmate is presenting this type of behavior. Of course, I am sure to follow protocol, regardless of my level of anger in the situation."

"I'm a very mellow person. I don't let the small stuff get to me. You have one life; if you're always angry and stressed out, you will not enjoy life much."

"What makes me angry is when someone doesn't show respect; it's something that was instilled in me as a child. This does not in any way stop me from being professional and following protocol at work."

"I'm not a person who gets angry. It's best not to dwell on things that can ruin your day or outlook on situations."

"I am a very easy going person with a high patience level that things like yelling or threats aimed towards me are easily dismissible. Abuse or unnecessary violence makes me upset. If I can deal with the problem, I can put my anger at bay and act calmly."

Do you have a problem with authority?

"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."

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.

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.

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.

"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."

"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."

"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."

"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."

"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."

Do you have a role model or mentor?

"My role model has always been my mother. She has such a level head and sticks to her decisions once made. She taught me everything I know about the importance of discipline and enjoying life."

Having a mentor or role model shows the interviewer that you are open to personal and professional growth. If you do not have a mentor, be prepared to discuss who you would choose as a mentor if you could. A mentor can be a leader, parent, family friend, professor, motivational speaker, or pastor you respect. Maybe you listen to a specific podcast or read a particular author's books for personal development. Whatever you choose, be sure to show the interviewer that you are open to continued growth through mentorship.

People are drawn to specific individuals who have like-minded qualities. When you respond to this question, focus on why you chose this person as a mentor or role model. Describe the attributes that drew you to this person, showing the interviewer that you also possess those qualities.

It is best to avoid saying you do not have a role model or mentor. If you do not have someone in your life that has inspired you, it shows the interviewer that you might not be open to continued growth through mentorship and may be a difficult employee to work with.

"My role model is Tony Robbins. I listen to his podcast every morning because I find him motivating, and I like his tough approach. He's taught me the importance of grabbing life by the horns."

"One of the most significant role models I have had was my supervisor in the state facility for which I was first hired. He took me under his wing and taught me practices that I still implement. He did not bring an ego to work and treated the inmates with empathy and respect as much as possible."

"Yes, I do have a mentor. I met him while playing pick up basketball and we had a lot of similarities. After getting to know him, I found out he was in the law enforcement field, so I started doing volunteer services with him and he has been guiding me."

"My role model is my martial art instructor. He is the one who guides me through my mistakes, no matter how many times I fail. He always encourages me to learn, giving my best shot by seeing the potential in me, and always setting me up for success. He never gives up on me because he believes that I am greater than what I think. He taught me to practice as hard as I can so that when I go to the tournaments, it will be like a regular practice. He guides me to be more proactive in everything I do in life by connecting what I learn in martial and applying in real life."

"* My role model has always been my older brother, who has taught me the meaning of duty and is proud to help offenders in his role as a police officer."

What role do you believe a correction officer plays in preventing contraband in the prison?

"The prevention of contraband in prison is 100% the responsibility of the facility staff. My role as a correction officer will be to ensure that regulations are followed while maintaining the safety of fellow officers and inmates."

A correction officer's role in preventing contraband is essential. You will want to answer this question with some passion. Give some examples of how you avoid contraband in your current role. If you have not worked in corrections before, describe what measures you would take to prevent contraband from entering the prison.

Focus on describing how a correction officer plays a significant role in preventing contraband in prison. You should also describe the role correction officers play in finding and disposing of contraband if it has made it inside.

When responding to this question, avoid saying you do not think a correction officer plays a significant role in preventing contraband in prison. Even though contraband will find a way inside, the correction officer must discover and eliminate illegal items when found.

"I believe that my role as a correction officer is to ensure the safety of everyone in prison, including officers and inmates. By keeping my ears and eyes open to any suspicious activity or conversation, I ensure that drug abuse and violence are prevented within the prison."

"I believe a correction officer plays the most important role in the fight against contraband because we are on the floor and around the inmates more than anyone else working in the prison system. I have been diligent with contraband prevention in my eight-year career and am proud to say that I have personally seized over $500,000 in illicit drugs in the past three years. I have a keen eye for suspicious inmate behavior."

"It plays a tremendous role. Being a corrections officer, you're the last line of defense from contraband getting into the prison. Not only does it put the officers' lives in jeopardy but also the lives of the inmates."

"To enforce the correctional law and regulation. Inmates are in here for a reason; they lose some of their privileges that regular people have. They are here to serve their sentence for the crime they have committed. They should be redeemed, educated, and become a better person. Life in prison should not be enjoyable. Therefore, preventing contraband help keep the inmates safe, other officers safe, and makes sure that the law is enforced and uphold correctly."

"Correction officers are the eyes and ears of the prison. If contraband is permitted inside, it can potentially cause harm to inmates or officers."

"I believe it is a highly essential role that correction officers play in preventing contraband in prison. Your duty is to maintain the safety of the prison by reintegrating the offender populace into society to be a better version of themselves."

Why are you the best suited person for this job?

"I am the best person for this job because I recently completed my correction officer training with glowing references and reviews. I am bilingual in English and Spanish, which you listed as a great asset in your job posting. Most importantly, I have a great deal of integrity and drive to succeed in this industry."

Although it can be difficult to brag about yourself, now is the time! Include unique reasons you are a stand-out candidate. You don't want your answer to be the same as everyone else. Think of the characteristics that are important in this work environment and draw on those keywords. You can also highlight some of the key skills or training that would make you a great correction officer.

If you review the job announcement before your interview, you will see the qualities the organization is looking for in its ideal candidate. Focus on using some of those keywords in your response, showing the interviewer that you have the characteristics they are looking for in a correction officer.

Avoid saying anything negative about the other candidates to make yourself look better. If you speak poorly of others, the interviewer will determine that you may be a challenging employee to work with and will pass you over for another candidate with a stronger moral character.

"In addition to my experience as a correction officer, I also have targeted training from my time in the military. I can teach combat and de-escalation techniques to your junior staff. I am a fantastic coach and mentor."

"I have a lot of experience with verbal de-escalation and am very good at getting inmates to comply, which reduces the likelihood of physical altercations. This technique drastically increases officer safety and maintains order because inmates are more likely to misbehave when they see other inmates being disorderly."

"I have a great commanding presence and good integrity."

"I believe I'm the best suited candidate for this job because of my work experience and the skills that I've acquired because of it. I'm a great communicator, team player, and don't go to work with an ego. My priority is to be the best employee that I can be to ensure a harmonious and efficient shift whenever I work. With safety being the priority. My integrity and discipline is something I believe you won't have to worry about either."

"I believe in integrity and justice. I believe in human interaction and support that can influence people and motivate them to change a little bit. I am physically fit for the job, and I have experience in de-escalating physical altercation. I also have some experience in data analysis, and I love working on data collection and analyze those to make the working environment better for the staff.The usual data I work on is behavioral pattern data and discipline data. For example, in a specific month, how many times an individual makes the same mistake and puts him/her in trouble, what causes him/her to trigger and make that mistake, what can we do to stop the pattern - to help this individual better."

"I may not have experience in law enforcement, but I feel as though the military has molded me well. We live by qualities like loyalty, duty, respect, honesty, and integrity and that's exactly what I would bring to the position."

Tell me about your post-secondary education and how it relates to your career as a corrections officer.

"I do not have a completed degree; however, I am interested in taking some criminal justice-related coursework via online correspondence this year. I understand that not having a degree will affect my pay grade. For that reason, I plan to earn my Bachelor's Degree in Criminal Investigation over the next few years. This, of course, would be in tandem with working full time."

The interviewer would like a more detailed breakdown of your law enforcement training and any other education related to your career in corrections. This is likely listed on your resume; however, this is an invitation to give a more detailed breakdown. Be sure to highlight any awards, scholarships, or individual accolades that you may have received.

If the job announcement says that a particular degree or certification is preferred or required, focus on providing that information to the interviewer. You want to stand out as the best candidate, so be sure to list everything you have done to become a correction officer.

Avoid saying you have a particular degree or took classes in criminal justice if you did not. The interviewer may require you to produce copies of your transcripts or a copy of your degree before offering you the position. If it turns out you were dishonest, the interviewer will disqualify you as a possible candidate.

"I have a Bachelor's Degree in Criminal Justice from the University of Louisville. I am proud to say that I graduated with honors and was even working part-time during those studies."

"I earned my Bachelor's Degree in Criminology eight years ago. I have been working as a correction officer ever since. I feel that my blend of education and experience will provide you the level of expertise that you seek for this position."

"I went to school to become an electrician. That has no relation with becoming a corrections officer. I do plan on going back to school at some point for criminal justice so that I can beef up my resume more."

"I do not have a degree, but I am interested in going back to school to earn an associates degree in criminal justice."

"I earned a Bachelor's Degree in Criminology & Criminal Justice last year. I know about the living conditions and recidivism rate after the inmate got released. And I believe that if somehow I can give people hope, it will eventually motivate them to change to become a better person to provide a positive contribution to the community."

Describe a situation in which you supervised a large group of individuals. What specific steps did you take to ensure that all individuals in your group completed scheduled activities?

"Although I have not yet led a group of people in my role as a correction officer, I am a leader in my church and volunteer community. We hold multiple fundraisers annually, and I have led those initiatives for the past five years. The specifics necessary for a group project include clear communication, consistency, and a strong leader. I provide all of these things and look forward to working my way into a leadership position at your facility."

The interviewer would like to know more about your leadership skills and ability to manage a large group of people. How you answer this question could determine whether or not you are viewed as a correction officer who could grow into a leadership role. Talk about a time you were given the opportunity to lead. Be sure to highlight the successes.

Focus on describing the steps you take to ensure all individuals in your group complete scheduled activities. The interviewer wants to hear how you motivate and inspire others to achieve a common goal.

Avoid saying that you do not have leadership skills or have never led a group. Even if you have never worked in corrections, you can use an example from another job, church, volunteer assignment, or school in your response.

"My supervisor recently asked me to lead the team while he was on vacation. It was my job to manage 15 junior correction officers and ensure they were ready for their shift each day. I spoke to them as a group and to each of them individually every day. I would also speak with them directly about my concerns if anyone fell behind. All-in-all, it was a successful experience, and my supervisor thanked me for a job well done when he returned."

"In my previous role, I managed a team of 25 new correction officers. I led this team by showing respect, setting high but reasonable expectations, and encouraging a collaborative environment where all ideas are welcome. This method worked well, and I had no issues with their performance. The beauty of being a true leader is that you don't need to be in a position of management to exude leadership qualities."

"Starting from the bottom in my current job to now being in a lead position has put me in a situation to lead a bunch of guys to complete tasks while building homes. I make sure each guy understands the job I set for them and how to do it. I will also check on them if a certain task is taking longer than it should, to make sure everything is OK and see if they need an extra hand to get it done."

"My Motor Sergeant was promoted out of my unit while being in the army, and I was automatically put in his place. Although I wasn't confident about what I needed to do or how to be a leader, I operated just as he had until I became comfortable enough to start making changes."

"I was recently involved in helping to pack all of my Grandma's belongings in a cramped moving truck with a tight timeline. My family was inexperienced with the situation and they were not organized. Fortunately, I had experience moving under the same circumstances so I took control of the effort and instructed my family about how to pack boxes and furniture into spots that fit perfectly inside the moving truck to ensure everything fit. We finished on time with extra time to spare."

How do you get along with other correction officers?

"I have not worked in corrections before, but I have always got along well with my coworkers at my previous jobs. I appreciate diversity in the workplace, and I look forward to learning from everyone on your team."

The interviewer wants to gauge if you can maintain healthy relationships in the workplace. Think about what you enjoyed about some of your relationships with past coworkers. Excellent communication, a sense of humor, and support are all great qualities that make coworker relationships healthy and harmonious. If you are new to corrections and have not worked with other officers in the past, explain that to the interviewer and give an example of how you have worked well with your coworkers in your previous job.

The interviewer wants to hear that you will be a team player and work well with others if hired. Focus on your workplace relationships in the past and how you work well with diverse people.

Avoid saying that you do not get along well with your coworkers. If you have had problems with other correction officers or coworkers in the past, the interviewer might think you are the problem and might be challenging to work with.

"I get along great with my fellow officers. I try to maintain a positive attitude and be supportive, whether I am offering to assist someone who is overwhelmed or taking time to listen to someone who is having a bad day."

"After many years as a corrections officer, I've learned that it never helps to bring an ego to work. I am happy to work harmoniously with everyone on the team. My references will also attest to the fact that I am easy to approach and get along with."

"During my agility testing, I got to know one of your correction officers. He was a great guy, telling me what to expect during this interview process and on the actual job. He told me he knows 100% all the other officers he works with have his back 100%. That is something I want to be a part of, and I believe I would fit right in with those guys."

"I have a great sense of humor and know when to be serious as well. Through my experience with different coworkers I have developed very good communication skills and rapport with almost everyone I've meet."

"Respect is the key. Respect your coworker. Do not try to show off and tell people that you are smart. Be humble and willing to learn. Back your teammate up if they are struggling. The mutual benefit is where both parties get better at the job and make the job done with high efficiency. Communication is critical. Focus on the same goal and work together to achieve that goal or to finish the assignment. Put your ego to the side."

"You have to have good relationships and work well with your fellow correction officers. You want to ensure they have your back and you have theirs because in a job like this, anything can happen and you need each other."

Rate your communication skills from 1-10 with proper examples backing your given rating.

"I consider myself to be a strong communicator, always calling upon a mix of written and verbal communications. I tap into interpersonal communications to build strong relationships with others when working in teams. I would rate my skills as a 9 out of 10 since there is always room for improvement."

Being a strong communicator is an essential skill to master. The interviewer wants you to rate your communication skills to determine if you are a qualified candidate for their organization. Maybe you have taken courses in communication and writing or leadership. If so, be sure to include that in your response. Tell the interviewer how you rate your communication abilities and support your answer with a brief example or story.

When responding to this question, focus on giving reasons backing the rating you give yourself. If you have a letter of recommendation or past performance review, you can use that as an example to discuss how your former supervisor described your communication skills.

While you may feel that your communication skills are a 10 out of 10, you should avoid giving yourself that rating. It is best to be humble and acknowledge there is always room for improvement.

"I rate my communication skills as a 9 out of 10 as I will, on occasion, have times when I am not as clear as I would like to be. My supervisor and co-workers will attest to my clear and concise communication skills. Because I am an open leader, my team will let me know if I need to clarify anything."

"I would describe my written communication skills as very strong and would rate myself a 9 out of 10. I have always had a penchant for writing and have taken university courses related to communication, public relations, and report writing."

"As I've gotten more public service experience, I feel like my communication skills keep improving in both nonverbal and verbal situations. I have dealt with patrons that don't speak English, and I have asked somebody else to translate or have them draw it out."

"As I've gotten more public service experience, I feel like my communication skills keep improving in a non-verbal or verbal situation. I have dealt with patrons that don't speak English, and I have used somebody else to translate or have them draw it out."

"I would give my communication skills an 8. That's the best way to understand where someone is at mentally is with communication. I'm a person who cares a lot about how others feel and communicating with them is an important way to find that out."

"I would rate my communication skill as 8/10, I am a strong communicator, and I always double-check with my coworker to make sure that we are on the same pace. I am an active person when communication involved; I want to make sure that I will not mess other people up and also myself, which later requires more time to fix."

"I would rate my communication skills an eight out of ten. When it comes to communicating, I take into account everything even if it's minor. For instance, I make sure my tone and body language are respectful regardless of who I'm speaking with."

Corrections is ever-changing. We seek to hire individuals with a keen interest in this industry. How do you stay up to date on law enforcement related current events?

"While attending school to be a corrections officer, I received a few resources from the professors that I quite enjoy. My favorite one to follow is the National Institute of Corrections, which offers webinars and broadcasts. I also have Google alerts set up so that any changes in the industry are sent straight to my email inbox. Are there any publications you recommend to stay up to date on current events?"

The interviewer would like to confirm that you have a genuine interest in becoming a correction officer. Perhaps you read law-related books, follow particular journals, or subscribe to a blog related to law enforcement. Briefly share with the interviewer how you stay up to date on current events related to corrections or the prison system.

Focus on specific blogs you read, magazines you subscribe to, or courses you take to stay current in your profession. The interviewer would like to hear the methods you use to stay up to date on the latest issues regarding corrections and law enforcement.

Avoid not having resources to stay current on law enforcement issues. If you are new to the industry, explain that to the interviewer and ask what they recommend to stay up to date on current events in law enforcement. Suppose you are an experienced correction officer and do not feel it is necessary to stay up to date on current events. In that case, the interviewer may feel you are not genuinely interested in this profession.

"I am always interested in learning more about this industry and the changes taking place. It's truly fascinating how the law can change, and I like reading about different case studies. Most frequently, I read The Police Journal. There are also a couple of blogs that I follow, including Brian Cain's 'Just a Cop.'"

"My absolute favorite resources are policeone.com and justice.gov. I also have a mentor who I meet with a couple of times a month to catch up and discuss current events. Which are your favorite resources?"

"I follow the county Facebook page. I look every day at the updated list of people who the prison booked that day. I find it a very good teaching tool because it shows me the different violations that are committed in our area."

"I have been following a department page on Facebook to keep myself updated with what is happening right now. Also, besides the department, I follow other Facebook pages to find a better way to do the job based on the scenario I watch. I will look for a mentor at my workplace so that I can learn from his success."

"I stay up to date by following law enforcement social media pages. I pay attention to issues including how they're handled and what the outcome is."

"My sister-in-law is a corrections officer at an institution, and I often ask her about the changes in work and what they are doing to continue to help offenders."

What do you fear will be your potential weaknesses as a correction officer inside our prison?

"I just recently completed my education in criminal justice and am happy with the knowledge that I gained. My training did not cover many technical skills. I would like to have stronger computer skills, so I recently enrolled in a six-week evening course on Excel and Outlook."

When responding to this question, focus on the steps you are taking to improve your weakness. Briefly describe your fault and end your response in a positive light.

Avoid spending a lot of time on your weakness or failing to mention how you plan to improve. The interviewer is most interested in seeing that you identify an area that needs improvement and the steps you are taking to reach your goal.

"I do not fear that my weaknesses would make me a poor fit as a correction officer, but I do know what areas I would benefit from working on. I am working on my ability to completely let the emotions of my day go when I arrive home. This way, I will always come back to work feeling refreshed. I have found that working out immediately after I get home helps me let go of those emotions and puts my head in a better place."

"I'm very good at getting inmates to comply. A lot of the time, I can de-escalate the situation before it gets physical. But I'm not as experienced in dealing with inmates once the situation is escalated to a physical altercation. I'm taking martial arts classes now to learn how to contain the inmate without causing injury."

"I'm not a very skilled typist. I understand that I'll have to use computers when booking inmates. I have been practicing typing faster and accurately at home. That way I can be the best I can be on the job."

"I feel as though my kindness may be taken as a weakness. As long as I'm fair and firm, my kindness can be turned into a strength."

"My weakness is that I always follow the rules in any workplace. I am the type of person who always follows training protocols, and I strictly adhere to rules and procedures. I always focus on what I have been trained to do."

If you saw another correctional officer doing something inappropriate, how would you handle the situation?

"As a correction officer, it is in my best interest to keep my team safe. This includes ensuring that we all act appropriately and according to policy at all times. If I saw another officer doing something inappropriate, I would report it to my superior."

How you answer this question will reveal a lot about your moral character and leadership skills to the interviewer. Discuss how you would handle a situation like this. If this has happened to you in the past, you can use a real-life example.

The interviewer wants insight into your conflict resolution and communication skills. They want to see that you take action and talk to your coworker, but you will also report the inappropriate behavior if it is warranted, such as an illegal activity. Focus your answer on the resolution rather than the problem.

Avoid saying that you would overlook the inappropriate behavior and walk away. If you are not willing to call out a fellow officer for their behavior, the interviewer will determine that you may not be an ideal correction officer for their organization.

"Last month, I witnessed a colleague purposefully engage in an altercation with an inmate. I spoke with the individual off-hours about what I saw. We agreed that it was inappropriate, and the colleague shared with me that she was going through a tough transition in her personal life. We agreed to keep each other accountable for our behavior in the workplace. I believe that everyone wants to be great at their job, so usually, an open conversation is all that is needed. If the situation were illegal or dire, I would report it immediately."

"Through my many years in corrections, I have found that we all make mistakes. We work in a high-stress environment where emotions can run high. If I witness an officer make a mistake, I will approach them personally. I'll let them know that I witnessed the behavior and ask if they felt it was appropriate. I will then offer to lend a hand if they feel like they have lost control of a situation. We must present a united front at all times."

"I would go over to them and communicate the matter. I would try to see where their head was at and let them explain themselves to me. I would then tell them to please not do it again, or if I saw it another time that I would get a superior involved."

"I would tell them that I would have to inform a supervisor if the conduct continued. If it's a situation where I felt it was best to go straight to a supervisor, then I would do so."

"I would address the concern to the individual in a sensible manner and listen to their reasoning with no judgement and show curiosity and consideration for the perspective of the officer. After talking to the officer, I would write a report on it to my supervisor."

"I would take that officer aside and privately let them know that I thought their actions were inappropriate. I would avoid calling them out in front of other peers or inmates."

How would you handle an inmate who constantly yelled at you and said extremely derogatory things to you?

"If an inmate said something extreme to me, I would ignore it. As a corrections officer, I know that my reaction will fuel the fire, and nobody will get anywhere. I try to remain professional and poised in all situations."

The interviewer will learn a lot about your character and workplace personality when you answer this question. As a correction officer, you will encounter inmates who will say anything to get a reaction out of you. Assure the interviewer that you can keep a level head and act professionally in any situation.

It is important that the interviewer understands that you can ignore insults and remain professional. Focus on the fact that you do not take insults or derogatory remarks personally and that you have thick enough skin to work as a correction officer.

Avoid saying that you engage the inmate or respond with derogatory remarks back to them. When you react in that manner, it shows the interviewer that you may be a loose cannon and cause problems within the prison.

"I am accustomed to this type of behavior after working as a correction officer for eight years. When I first began this career, it did bother me, and I would take things personally, but now I let it slide. If disciplinary action needs to be taken, I will follow those protocols; however, I know better than to show any emotional reaction in a situation like that."

"I have had many insults thrown my way in my career and can say that I prefer to choose kindness over an angry reaction. If someone says something rude to me personally, I can let it slide. I will remind them that my job is to protect others from their poor decisions. Keeping a level head is always the better answer, in my opinion."

"Brush it off and don't take it to heart. This is something you have to get used to in this type of environment. There are inmates who will do and say things just to get a reaction. Remain consistent, firm, and fair at all times."

"I would try to find out what causes him to yell at me and find out what's bugging him and try to talk to him."

"I would ignore the inmate. If you engage in acknowledging what they're saying it will only fuel them to keep on doing it."

"I wouldn't pay mind to it, what I've learned in my experience in health care and public service jobs, you see people at their worst most of the time and that's what your getting reciprocated at you. My job is to always stay professional and level-headed so that no one gets hurt including myself."

"It depends on what kind of language the inmate is yelling at me. If it is racist language, there must be some consequences or disciplinary action due to the expected respect we have for each other. Respect is a thing I always do to offer kindness and politeness to the people I provide the service too. If it is a bad language like profanity, cussing, I will let it pass; I do not have to take it personally. Sometimes, people cuss to express their feeling when they are angry or hurt to release stress. If it is natural speech, it must be reduced "” education moment."

How would you address the issue of a subordinate who is consistently late for their shift?

"If I had a subordinate who was consistently late for their shift, I would have a private, one-on-one conversation with them. I would ask my employee why they were consistently late for work and assist them if I could with their issue. Documentation is essential in these situations. If the behavior continued, there would need to be disciplinary action, which I would explain to the employee."

The interviewer wants to see how you would approach this situation to see how well you communicate and to see your leadership, problem-solving, and conflict resolution skills. You can answer this question hypothetically if you have not been a leader before. If you have previously worked as a leader, discuss a time you had to use corrective discipline with an unreliable employee.

When responding to this question, focus on addressing the person privately, asking questions about their reason for being tardy, offering solutions to their problem, and taking disciplinary measures if necessary. You want the interviewer to see that you are a compassionate leader with excellent communication and problem-solving skills.

Avoid saying that you would immediately discipline your subordinate or complain about them to your superior. It is best to handle the situation independently and find out why the employee is consistently tardy.

"I have had subordinates come to work consistently late. We have a system for documentation, which I follow carefully. I also ask them straight out if there is a problem I can assist with. Perhaps they are having a transportation issue, childcare issue, or troubles with sleeping in. You never know another person's struggles, so it's important to ask them in a private setting."

"As a leader, I strongly believe that people do not want to disappoint you. My initial instinct would be to uncover the challenge the employee was facing. Perhaps it's a transportation issue or something in their personal life. I would rather act as a mentor and help them resolve the roadblock causing the tardiness instead of resorting to disciplinary action right away."

"I've had this happen numerous times with my current employer. We had a guy who would always be late for shifts. After giving him a second chance, I told him I would tell the boss if it happened once more. He was still constantly late so I told our boss and he took care of the situation."

"When I was a supervisor for my security job, if I had a subordinate that was late, I would pull them aside and ask them if there was a schedule conflict with there assigned shift, if there wasn't I would warn them to not do it again because it causes issues, if it persisted they would get disciplined."

"I want to find out what my coworker is struggling with, uncover the challenge he/ she facing, or it can be some source of stress from her/his personal life. Provide aid and support to that coworker. My goal is to help with the tardiness, not punish my coworker. I do not mind covering a little bit of extra work, but it happens more than three times, I will report that to the boss."

What would you do if an officer next to you was engaged in a physical fight with an inmate?

"I have never been in a situation like this; however, I feel that the best thing to do would be to call for assistance and attempt to hold the inmate back. What would you suggest in a situation like this?"

The interviewer would like to know that you understand what to do when you see an officer engaged in a physical altercation. Refer to your training manual and corporate policies, and recite those if possible. If you have experienced this situation as a correction officer, describe what you did and the outcome.

If you know the correctional facility's policy regarding physical altercations with inmates, focus your answer on following their policy. If you respond in a manner that aligns with the correctional facility, it will make you stand out more favorably as a candidate.

Avoid saying that you would ignore the situation and walk away or use excessive force on the inmate. If you ignore the problem, it shows the interviewer that you are unreliable and not a team player. If you use excessive force on the inmate, the interviewer will determine that you might have a temper and could be a liability if hired.

"According to my current employment policy, in the event of a physical altercation between an inmate and another officer, I am trained to call code black, ensure all inmates are out of harm's way, and then assist."

"According to my training, when I observe that an inmate is engaged in a physical altercation with an officer, I'm supposed to [actions and procedures] to ensure [an outcome, e.g., the inmate is under control] while maintaining [conditions, e.g., officer and inmate safety]."

"If my coworker got into a fight, I would immediately call for back up and order all inmates to get down on the floor."

"The first thing is to call for backup advice of the situation that you have and then go help your co-workers to restrain the inmate and avoid further aggression against my co-worker and safeguard the life of the inmate."

"First I would radio in for backup quickly. Then I would grab the inmate and hold him until assistance arrived."

"According to my training, I will call for immediate assistance and ensure that other inmates are out of harm's way and assist."

"I will call for a backup and ask the medical unit to be ready. While waiting for the backup, I will try to reduce any instigating behavior from other inmates, dismiss them to their cells as soon as possible, then make sure that the officer next to me is okay. My ultimate goal is to reduce the heat, maintain control, eliminate all potential threats to make sure that everyone is safe, including me. Observe, document and report."

Correctional Officer Interview Questions

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1. Tell me about a time it was better to be agreeable in a situation rather than continue the argument.
2. Tell me about a time you showed your superior officer that you are trustworthy and responsible.
3. Have you ever faced a company policy you disagreed with but had to enforce anyway?
4. Have you ever worked in a stressful environment? How did you handle it?
5. Tell me about an experience where you successfully used de-escalation techniques to prevent a physical altercation.
6. Tell me about a time you went above and beyond your job duties.
7. Why did you leave your last job?
8. How would you rate your performance in this interview so far?
9. Are you willing to work long hours, on a variety of different shifts, with limited notice?
10. You must be physically fit to be a corrections officer. What have you done to physically train yourself for this position?
11. What do you like to do in your free time?
12. Have you ever used illegal drugs or misused prescription pills?
13. What are your salary expectations?
14. We conduct early-stage criminal background checks, credit checks, and drug tests on all of our candidates. Is there anything you would like to disclose at this time?
15. This concludes our interview. Do you have any questions for me?
16. Besides vacation time, how many days did you miss work in the last year?
17. Our facility performs random drug testing on all personnel twice a year. Do you have an issue with random drug testing?
18. Whether you were caught or not, have you ever committed a crime?
19. Competition is stiff for this position. Why should we hire you?
20. What three qualities would your previous supervisor use to describe you?
21. Where do you see yourself in five years?
22. What do you like least about working as a correction officer?
23. What do you like the most about working as a correction officer?
24. Why do you want a position as a correction officer?
25. Tell me about yourself.
26. What makes you angry?
27. Do you have a problem with authority?
28. Do you have a role model or mentor?
29. What role do you believe a correction officer plays in preventing contraband in the prison?
30. Why are you the best suited person for this job?
31. Tell me about your post-secondary education and how it relates to your career as a corrections officer.
32. Describe a situation in which you supervised a large group of individuals. What specific steps did you take to ensure that all individuals in your group completed scheduled activities?
33. How do you get along with other correction officers?
34. Rate your communication skills from 1-10 with proper examples backing your given rating.
35. Corrections is ever-changing. We seek to hire individuals with a keen interest in this industry. How do you stay up to date on law enforcement related current events?
36. What do you fear will be your potential weaknesses as a correction officer inside our prison?
37. If you saw another correctional officer doing something inappropriate, how would you handle the situation?
38. How would you handle an inmate who constantly yelled at you and said extremely derogatory things to you?
39. How would you address the issue of a subordinate who is consistently late for their shift?
40. What would you do if an officer next to you was engaged in a physical fight with an inmate?

Correctional Officer Interview Questions

1. Tell me about a time it was better to be agreeable in a situation rather than continue the argument.

2. Tell me about a time you showed your superior officer that you are trustworthy and responsible.

3. Have you ever faced a company policy you disagreed with but had to enforce anyway?

4. Have you ever worked in a stressful environment? How did you handle it?

5. Tell me about an experience where you successfully used de-escalation techniques to prevent a physical altercation.

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

7. Why did you leave your last job?

8. How would you rate your performance in this interview so far?

9. Are you willing to work long hours, on a variety of different shifts, with limited notice?

10. You must be physically fit to be a corrections officer. What have you done to physically train yourself for this position?

11. What do you like to do in your free time?

12. Have you ever used illegal drugs or misused prescription pills?

13. What are your salary expectations?

14. We conduct early-stage criminal background checks, credit checks, and drug tests on all of our candidates. Is there anything you would like to disclose at this time?

15. This concludes our interview. Do you have any questions for me?

16. Besides vacation time, how many days did you miss work in the last year?

17. Our facility performs random drug testing on all personnel twice a year. Do you have an issue with random drug testing?

18. Whether you were caught or not, have you ever committed a crime?

19. Competition is stiff for this position. Why should we hire you?

20. What three qualities would your previous supervisor use to describe you?

21. Where do you see yourself in five years?

22. What do you like least about working as a correction officer?

23. What do you like the most about working as a correction officer?

24. Why do you want a position as a correction officer?

25. Tell me about yourself.

26. What makes you angry?

27. Do you have a problem with authority?

28. Do you have a role model or mentor?

29. What role do you believe a correction officer plays in preventing contraband in the prison?

30. Why are you the best suited person for this job?

31. Tell me about your post-secondary education and how it relates to your career as a corrections officer.

32. Describe a situation in which you supervised a large group of individuals. What specific steps did you take to ensure that all individuals in your group completed scheduled activities?

33. How do you get along with other correction officers?

34. Rate your communication skills from 1-10 with proper examples backing your given rating.

35. Corrections is ever-changing. We seek to hire individuals with a keen interest in this industry. How do you stay up to date on law enforcement related current events?

36. What do you fear will be your potential weaknesses as a correction officer inside our prison?

37. If you saw another correctional officer doing something inappropriate, how would you handle the situation?

38. How would you handle an inmate who constantly yelled at you and said extremely derogatory things to you?

39. How would you address the issue of a subordinate who is consistently late for their shift?

40. What would you do if an officer next to you was engaged in a physical fight with an inmate?