Investigator Mock Interview
Master 40 Investigator interview questions covering case analysis, evidence handling, and investigative methodology.
Question 30 of 40
Do you consider yourself a leader?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Example Answer
Entry Level
Focus Your Answer On
What to Avoid
Community Answers
Rachelle Enns is an interview coach and job search expert. She works with candidates to perform their best in employment, medical, and post-secondary admission interviews.
Investigators often need to take the lead on the job, ensuring that tasks are met with authority and urgency. The interviewer wants to see that you have a natural ability to lead others. Whether you have led a group of 500 or a team of 2, you must display the capability to handle the responsibility of being a leader and mentor. If you have never held a formal leadership role, talk about a time you have unofficially led a group, encouraged your counterparts, or been the face of a project.
Rachelle Enns is an interview coach and job search expert. She works with candidates to perform their best in employment, medical, and post-secondary admission interviews.
"I do see myself as a leader. I currently oversee three junior investigators and some administrative staff. I guide team meetings, disseminate information, monitor performance, approve scheduling, and debrief my team. I have managed people for many years, but I believe that leadership does not always equate to management. I am sure to lead at all times by providing the best model of discretion and work ethic."
Rachelle Enns is an interview coach and job search expert. She works with candidates to perform their best in employment, medical, and post-secondary admission interviews.
"I have qualities that will make me a good leader in the future, once I have more experience in my investigative career. I am a keen listener, and I understand how to look at the big picture without losing momentum with small tasks. I enjoy coaching others and am an advocate for continued learning."
Krista Wenz has been on thousands of interview panels hiring EMS professionals and firefighters for public and private agencies.
Focus on giving examples of your leadership qualities. The interviewer wants to hear what you consider a leader and how you inspire those around you. If you do not have much experience in a leadership role, describe how you look forward to growing into a leadership capacity with on-the-job experience, taking leadership courses, or reading books on developing these qualities.
Krista Wenz has been on thousands of interview panels hiring EMS professionals and firefighters for public and private agencies.
If you do not consider yourself a leader, avoid telling the interviewer that you do not have leadership qualities. Even if you do not feel comfortable as a leader, you will need to strengthen your leadership skills to succeed as a criminal investigator. A better response would be that you are inexperienced as a leader and describe the measures you will take to improve those skills.
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