Would you describe yourself as a detail-oriented person?

If you have a letter of recommendation or performance review from a previous employer that describes your attention to detail, let the interviewer know when responding to this question. When a former employer or supervisor comments on your attention to detail, it carries more weight than when you describe yourself. If you do not have a letter or performance review, give an example of why you consider yourself a detail-oriented person.

To be considered for the position, you want to avoid saying that you are not detail-oriented. The interviewer does not want to hire a Fire Investigator that may miss the smallest details or whose work may need correcting. If minor details are missed--it could cost the agency money and its reputation.

"Yes, I would describe myself as detail-oriented. I pride myself on my ability to catch even the slightest errors in reports and remember the smallest details when conducting an investigation. My attention to detail has helped me solve many cases that my colleagues could not."