List of 24 Detective Interview Questions & Answers
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1.
How do you handle stressful situations?
How to Answer
As a Detective, you will be exposed to an incredible amount of stress on the job. Assure the hiring manager that you are able to handle this stress and pressure both gracefully and professionally.
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2.
Are you able to work with minimal supervision?
How to Answer
As a Detective, working unsupervised will be a regular part of your regime. Assure the interviewer that you are able to work productively with minimal supervision.
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3.
What is your interview style as a Detective?
How to Answer
Detectives must possess strong interview skills as this is a very large part of the job. Tell the interviewer how you would define your interview style and why you feel it is effective.
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4.
How are your communication skills with your superiors?
How to Answer
Do you have an issue with authority? Assure the interviewer that you are more than capable of strong and smooth communication with everyone, including your superiors on the job.
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5.
Tell me about a time that you were ordered to work around the clock. Were you able to maintain your speed and wit throughout the entire shift?
How to Answer
Maintaining focus and attention, even when asked to work around the clock, is very important. Assure the interviewer that you are able to do so.
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6.
Tell me about a time when you needed to take on a leadership role. Did you enjoy being a leader?
How to Answer
Are you a natural leader? Do you enjoy leadership and being a mentor? Talk to the interviewer about your capabilities and interest in taking on a bigger role as a leader. This is also a great time to mention any volunteer leadership roles you have taken on.
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7.
How strong are your documentation skills?
How to Answer
Assure the interviewer that you are skilled when it comes to documentation. What have you done to ensure that your documentation skills are on point?
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8.
Why did you choose to pursue a career as a Detective?
How to Answer
You can speak from a bit of a personal angle when answering this question, if you wish. Share with the interviewer what brought you to this career path and how you feel about your choice to become a Detective.
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9.
Are you able to communicate with people from all walks of life?
How to Answer
Communication is key and as a Detective it is really important to display that you are able to clearly communicate with people from all walks of life. Tell the interviewer about your experience with this.
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10.
What are your career goals as a Detective?
How to Answer
As a Detective, you should be focused, decisive, and know what you want. Show the interviewer that you are capable of utilizing these traits and discuss where you are determined to take your career.
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11.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
How to Answer
Discuss with the interviewer what your long term career goals look like, and show your dedication to get there. Be sure to display to the interviewer that you plan to stay in this new role for the longer term,
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12.
How perceptive are you?
How to Answer
As a Detective, it is very important to be highly perceptive by nature. Talk to the hiring manager about your skill level when it comes to perception.
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1 Community Answer
Anonymous Answer
"As a detective, I must observe my immediate surroundings daily. When entering a room, I am aware of my 5 senses which are utilized at times. Smell, hear, touch, see, and taste. I scan a room for objects out of place. Listen to the conversation and take note of pitch in voice or words expected but not said. See breathing as chest rises for deception."
Rachelle's Answer
It sounds as though you are highly perceptive, taking all of your senses into account. If you have a specific example of a time when your approach made a difference in the workplace or while working on a case, this question presents a good opportunity to provide a brief story.
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13.
Do you strive for excellence in everything that you do?
How to Answer
Striving for excellence should be a very important part of being a Police Officer/Detective. Talk to the interviewer about the steps that you take to ensure excellence in everything that you do.
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14.
Are you a trustworthy person?
How to Answer
Are you a person who is easily relied on? Do people consider you trustworthy? How you do see yourself in this light? Tell the hiring manager how you view your level of trustworthiness.
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15.
How do you withstand the ethical dilemmas associated with this unique type of work?
How to Answer
Ethical dilemmas will be frequent throughout your career as a Detective. Assure the interviewer that you are able to handle this type of challenge.
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16.
Have you ever had to be on stress leave or take a leave of absence since beginning your career as a Police Officer / Detective?
How to Answer
Taking a leave of absence is not uncommon in this particular line of work as the stress is high, and the hours are long. Discuss with the interviewer any absences you have taken since the start of your career as an Officer. If you have taken any type of leave, or experienced any type of dismissal, you must be open and honest about it. If there is any supporting documentation that you are permitted to have, bring that documentation with you as well.
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17.
Do you have a good memory and the ability to recall small details?
How to Answer
As a Detective, it is very important that you are able to recall small details. Tell the interviewer about your strategy when it comes to your memory and recollection skills.
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18.
How strong are your interview skills?
How to Answer
As a Detective, you will be asked to interview suspects and victims on a regular basis. Assure the hiring manager that you are capable of this type of task.
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19.
What additional training would you take if you could?
How to Answer
Is there some sort of training or coursework that you would enjoy taking? Talk to the interviewer about any career related training that you would take if you could.
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20.
How flexible is your schedule? Are you able to work overtime, weekends and holidays as needed?
How to Answer
As a detective, you will be required to work a huge variety of hours that include holidays and weekends. Assure the interviewer that you are able to manage, and accept, these expectations.
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21.
While attending post-secondary studies what was your best course? Which course did you struggle with the most?
How to Answer
Take the interviewer through your post-secondary experience. What course did you enjoy most and which did you struggle with? Are these still stronger, and weaker, subjects for you? Talk about how you have overcome the more difficult subjects as well.
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22.
Have you ever had to fire your weapon?
How to Answer
Firing your weapon as an Officer/Detective is quite rare. The interviewer would like to know if you have had to do so in the past. If you have fired your weapon you will likely have supporting documentation. Take that with you to your interview, if possible.
If you have had to fire your weapon: "I have fired my weapon just once in my career. It was during a robbery and the suspect fired his weapon at my partner. I am happy to have you review the case file and all supporting documentation."
If you have not had to fire your weapon: "I have never fired my weapon, I am happy and very thankful to say. If the situation occurred then I would absolutely feel confident in my ability to react appropriately."Answer Example
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23.
How many years did you serve as a Police Officer before being promoted to Detective?
How to Answer
Discuss with the interviewer how your career progressed from Police Officer to a Detective. Be sure to talk about any special accolades and recognition that you achieved along the way.
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24.
Tell me about your physical capabilities. Do you have any injuries or issues that would hinder you on the job?
How to Answer
Being a Detective is a very demanding job and you must be able to show the interviewer that you are able to handle the physical and mental components of the role. Talk about the actions you take to ensure you are in good physical, and mental, shape and discuss any challenges you may have from old or recent injuries/issues.
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