"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."
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.
Are you able to communicate with people from all walks of life?
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"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."
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.
Why did you choose to pursue a career as a Detective?
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"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."
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.
How many years did you serve as a Police Officer before being promoted to Detective?
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"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."
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.
A detective is a law enforcement agent who is responsible for investigating crimes. Some detectives are members of police agencies, while others work with private detective agencies. As part of their job, detectives look for and collect evidence from crime scenes, interview suspects and witnesses, obtain warrants and arrest suspects. They may also prepare cases and testify in court.
The educational requirements vary considerably. Some police stations and private agencies may accept applicants with a high school diploma, while others require a bachelor's or higher degree. All newly inducted detectives are usually required to complete a period of on-the-job training. Detectives must be very perceptive and have a keen eye for detail, and good judgment. Strong leadership skills and physical strength and stamina are also important.
Expect to undergo a rigorous interview. Prospective employers will want to be 100% sure that you are committed to upholding the law and that you have the skills and aptitude that are important in this role. They will ask you questions about your career goals and what motivated you to want to become a detective. To get hired, you must be able to convince the interviewers that you are the right fit for the job. One way to do this is to think in advance about your replies. You can do this by checking out the questions that are commonly asked at detective interviews. These are listed at Mock Questions.