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Top 20 Detective Interview Questions with Full Content
1.
How strong are your documentation skills?
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?
Rachelle's Answer
"My documentation skills are very well honed and I am diligent with ensuring that my documentation work is completed on time. I understand the importance of proper, and detailed, documentation in this line of work."
2.
How do you handle stressful situations?
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.
Rachelle's Answer
"I am highly trained to withstand a lot of stress and pressure on the job. I manage stressful situations by breaking them down into smaller, more manageable issues and scenarios. From there, I find the situations become less overwhelming and easier to manage."
3.
Why did you choose to pursue a career as a Detective?
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.
Rachelle's Answer
"Growing up, my grandfather was a Police Officer and my father was a Detective. I believe that police work is in my blood and it was such a natural choice for me. Even as a child, I knew that I was going to pursue a career as a Detective. I'm very proud of my work and the path that I have taken."
4.
Are you able to communicate with people from all walks of life?
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.
Rachelle's Answer
"I have been highly trained in communication and have no concerns when it comes to communicating with those in all walks of life. The past 7 years I have spent as a Police Officer have taught me a lot about communication and I am confident in my ability to meet people on their level."
5.
Tell me about your physical capabilities. Do you have any injuries or issues that would hinder you on the job?
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.
Rachelle's Answer
"I am capable and fit, both physically, and mentally. I work out at the gym every day and keep myself emotionally healthy through meditation and reading. I have had a knee injury in the past but after surgery and 6 months of physio, I feel great."
6.
How many years did you serve as a Police Officer before being promoted to Detective?
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.
Rachelle's Answer
"I started as a Police Officer 9 years ago and was promoted to Detective after 7 years. I was able to achieve this promotion by committing to additional training and proving my ability as a reliable Officer."
7.
Have you ever had to fire your weapon?
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."
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."
Rachelle's Answer
"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."
8.
While attending post-secondary studies what was your best course? Which course did you struggle with the most?
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.
Rachelle's Answer
"I have a Bachelor's Degree in Criminal Justice from Michigan State University. I would say that the courses I struggled in the most would be the computing classes as I was not strong, in a technical sense, back then. My best course was victimology as I found it to be incredibly interesting and in-depth. It really taught me about strategy and compassion while working with victims of crime. Since graduating, I have taken additional coursework in computers, and a variety of software programs, so I am now confident in my abilities."
9.
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?
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.
Rachelle's Answer
"As a Detective, I have been asked many times to work around the clock. I am able to maintain speed and wit by reminding myself that there are people relying on me to do my best every minute that I am working."
10.
How flexible is your schedule? Are you able to work overtime, weekends and holidays as needed?
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.
Rachelle's Answer
"I am very aware of the intense requirements that come with being a Detective. I am able to meet these requirements and be flexible with my availability."
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More Interview Q&As
Explore expert tips and resources to be more confident in your next interview.
Behavioral
Common
Phone
Tough
Leadership
All Interview Topics
All Career Q&As
Suggested Career
Interview Q&As
Interview Q&As
Continue practicing by visiting these similar question sets
Fire Inspector
Firefighter
Investigator
Paramedic
Security Guard
Accounting
Accounting Clerk
Administrative Officer
Animal Control Workers
Archivist
Bailiff
Bank Teller
Bookkeeper
Border Patrol Officer
Child Care
Correction Officer
Investigator
Law Enforcement
Parole Officer
Taxi Drivers
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