MockQuestions

Detective Mock Interview

To help you prepare for your Detective interview, here are 33 interview questions and answer examples.

Detective was updated by on October 28th, 2023. Learn more here.

Question 1 of 33

Tell me about a time that you were ordered to work around the clock. Were you able to maintain your focus throughout the entire shift?

There are various reasons why a detective might have to work around the clock. One reason is if they are working on a time-sensitive case where every minute counts. Another reason could be if there is a significant breakthrough or lead in the case that requires immediate attention. Additionally, detectives may have to work irregular hours to accommodate the schedules of witnesses or suspects they need to interview.

Maintaining focus and attention is very important, even when asked to work around the clock. Assure the interviewer that you can do so by describing your techniques to maintain clarity and focus when working long hours.

Next Question

33 Detective Interview Questions & Answers

Below is a list of our Detective interview questions. Click on any interview question to view our answer advice and answer examples. You may view six answer examples before our paywall loads. Afterwards, you'll be asked to upgrade to view the rest of our answers.

  • Adaptability

    1. Tell me about a time that you were ordered to work around the clock. Were you able to maintain your focus throughout the entire shift?

  • Adaptability

    2. How flexible is your schedule? Are you able to work overtime, weekends, and holidays as needed?

  • Ask The Interviewer

    3. What questions do you have for me?

  • Career Goals

    4. What are your career goals as a detective?

  • Career Goals

    5. Where do you see yourself in five years?

  • Communication

    6. How are your communication skills with your superiors?

  • Communication

    7. Are you able to communicate with people from all walks of life?

  • Competency

    8. How strong are your documentation skills?

  • Creative Thinking

    9. Can you provide an instance of a case where you had to be innovative to uncover fresh evidence or leads?

  • Critical Thinking

    10. How do you handle situations where the evidence seems to suggest one thing, but your intuition tells you otherwise?

  • Critical Thinking

    11. Have you ever cracked a case that seemed impossible to solve? What approach did you take to finally solve it?

  • Diligence

    12. What steps do you take to stay current with new investigative methods and technologies to enhance your performance as a detective?

  • Direct

    13. We require a background check and drug test during our hiring process. Do you have anything you would like to disclose at this time?

  • Direct

    14. Why are you leaving your current position?

  • Discovery

    15. Are you a trustworthy person?

  • Discovery

    16. How do you maintain a healthy work-life balance?

  • Discovery

    17. While attending your post-secondary studies, what was your best course? Which course did you struggle with the most?

  • Discovery

    18. Detective work can be a physically demanding job. Do you believe you are capable of handling this?

  • Discovery

    19. Why did you choose to pursue a career as a detective?

  • Education

    20. What additional training would you take if you could?

  • Leadership

    21. Tell me about a time when you needed to take on a leadership role. Did you enjoy being a leader?

  • Organizational

    22. How many years did you serve as a law enforcement officer before being promoted to detective?

  • Performance Based

    23. Do you strive for excellence in everything that you do?

  • Role-Specific

    24. How do you maintain impartiality during a criminal investigation?

  • Role-Specific

    25. What is your interview style as a detective?

  • Role-Specific

    26. Have you ever had to fire your weapon?

  • Role-Specific

    27. How strong are your interview skills?

  • Role-Specific

    28. Do you have a good memory and the ability to recall specific details?

  • Role-Specific

    29. Are you able to work with minimal supervision?

  • Role-Specific

    30. How perceptive are you?

  • Situational

    31. How do you withstand the ethical dilemmas associated with this unique type of work?

  • Stress

    32. How do you handle stressful situations?

  • Teamwork

    33. How well do you work with outside agencies when working a case?