What skills do you have that will benefit our agency?
The interviewer is hoping to hear that you have skills that align with the job description. Take a look at the job description. What skills are listed in the description? Pick 3-5 skills that are listed in the description that you are good at and simply list them for the interviewer.
Community answers are written by other candidates practicing this set. Reading how others frame the same question is one of the fastest ways to sharpen your own.
Anonymous Answer
As a Deputy Sheriff for over fifteen years and a Zoning Inspector for about ten, I have years of training and experience working with the public and hard to serve offenders. I know it takes intelligence, leadership and hard work to achieve success.
Rachelle's Feedback
You begin to qualify yourself well - good start! Essentially, this question is asking, 'Why should we hire you?' I recommend being even more specific by taking details from the job description and then addressing the ways that you have met those needs in your past roles as Deputy Sheriff and Zoning Inspector. Here is a link to a related guide that we created if you'd like a more detailed explanation: https://www.mockquestions.com/articles/How to Answer: Why Should We Hire You?/
Anonymous Answer
I, unfortunately, have not been given the opportunity to develop skills that would benefit your agency. I have attempted several times to get into law enforcement and corrections without any luck. However, I do believe that if you give me the chance, that I can quickly develop skills from training that will be beneficial to your agency.
Marcie's Feedback
Your last sentence is great because it shows your desire to learn and excel. The beginning of your answer should really be rephrased, however, so it's more positive. You do, in fact, have skills that will benefit the agency - you developed communication and interpersonal skills in college, in addition to the ability to multi-task and work with others. You also have a heart for wanting to help others, specifically criminals, which isn't something everyone has - but you have it! You have a genuine desire to help criminals, which is something you need to strongly emphasize during your interview because it will differentiate you from many of the other candidates. Believe in your abilities!! :)
Unlock all 33 Parole Officer questions
Prepare for scenario-based questions that test your judgment and supervision skills.
Get Started