33 Parole Officer Interview Questions & Answers
1. What do you consider to be your greatest achievement to date?
How to Answer
The interviewer wants to learn more about you. Get ready to brag about yourself! What is the one thing in your life that has been the most meaningful to you? Share this achievement with the interviewer, and explain why it meant so much to you. It can be work related or non-work related, and it should be whatever stands out most in your mind as the greatest thing you have done to date.
Answer Example
"I am the first person in my family to graduate from college. Knowing that I have come this far setting an example for my younger siblings is a great feeling!"
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2. How do you deal with stressful situations?
How to Answer
The interviewer wants to hear that you do not allow stress to get the best of you. Start off by sharing that you recognize your role as a professional is to act professionally at all times. You recognize that stress comes with almost any job, and you understand how to manage it effectively. Next, share what you do to decompress. You might share that you enjoy going to the gym each day. You might share that you play softball after work to relax. Or, you might share that going home to play with your kids allows you to focus your thoughts on something else allowing you to relax.
Answer Example
"Most people crumble under pressure or stress. Not me. I have always considered myself to perform at my best under stress and pressure. In this line of work, that ability comes in handy."
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3. How well do you multi-task?
How to Answer
Multi-tasking is part of the job, and the interviewer wants to hear that multi-tasking does not daunt you. Start out by sharing that you are used to multi-tasking even in everyday life, and you are able to multi-task well. Then, share how you prioritize work. Perhaps you create a to-do list and rank everything in order of importance. Maybe you color code your calendar. Or, you might use an app on your phone to keep you organized. Whatever your chosen method is, share it with the interviewer.
Answer Example
"In this line of work, we can be doing any number of things at the same time. My ability to multitask helps me do this well. I can be managing interviews with clients, court hearings, investigative reporting and a number of counseling sessions at any one given time. It keeps the work we do interesting nonetheless!"
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4. Give me three examples of what would make you leave this job?
How to Answer
The interviewer wants to hear that you will stay with the agency for a long period of time and there are not any minor things that would result in you leaving the role. Think of significant deal breakers when it comes to employment.
Answer Example
"When I commit to a role, I like to stay there as long as possible. It would take something that compromises my values to lead me to leave. Such as learning of a major ethical issue in operations that leadership was supporting. Life happens and I would consider a change if presented with a major family emergency that required my attention. Family always comes first. Lastly, perhaps if I knew that I wasn't making a difference. I want to look back on my life knowing that I spent my days well making a positive impact."
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If I saw that higher-ups were acting in discriminatory or unfair ways
if I saw a fellow co-worker get screwed over by higher-ups"
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5. What kind of writing have you done?
How to Answer
The interviewer wants to learn more about your background.What kind of writing have you done in past parole officer jobs? In school? At other places of employment? Simply share these with the interviewer, and give a high-level overview of what the writing entailed.
Answer Example
"In school, I had to write papers every semester on a variety of topics including everything from general education coursework to specific parole officer related topics. In previous roles, I was responsible for writing casework and investigative reports on criminals returning to the community."
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6. Did you take any psychology courses in college?
How to Answer
Be candid with the interviewer, and share what psychology courses you have taken. Be sure to mention what aspects of the courses you enjoyed and 1 or 2 of your key takeaways.
Answer Example
"Of course! Part of my education included criminal psychology. I took courses to help me understand human behavior and the minds behind people who do bad things."
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7. How will you handle dealing with heavily convicted criminals?
How to Answer
What drove you to become a Parole Officer? What makes you passionate about working with criminals? You may start off by sharing that working with criminals is why you chose to become a parole officer. You might mention that you recognize you have the opportunity to help change someone's life for the better. You may share that you get to be the encourager, the parental guidance, and the disciplinarian when necessary all in an effort to better someone's life. Share what makes you passionate about working in the field.
Answer Example
"I will handle heavily convicted criminals the same way I will handle all people in my work - with the utmost professionalism and genuine care. Each individual is different and I take pride in learning what resonates with each person so I can adapt my communication style to connect with them."
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8. Do you have any role models?
How to Answer
If you have a role model, that's great! Share who this person is, and share why they are a role model for you. Be sure to mention how their leadership impacts your work as a parole officer.
Answer Example
"Aside from my family and friends, my boss during my internship has become one of my professional role models and mentors in pursuing my career as a parole officer. They have given me countless great advice and mentor me in situations that challenge me as a professional in this field. I look up to and respect them very much."
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9. What was your most difficult decision in the last six months?
How to Answer
What decisions have you mulled over in the past six months? What things kept you up at night? These make great examples when answering this question. Start off by sharing what decision you were trying to make, and share why the decision was so challenging for you. If possible, use a work-related or school-based scenario to show the interviewer that you are accustomed to making difficult decisions in these relatable settings.
Answer Example
"One of the most difficult decisions I have made in the past few months was to decide to pursue other work. I am deeply engrained in the processes of criminals in the system where I work and it is a tough decision to uproot that but one I made to continue to challenge myself and achieve my own personal career aspirations."
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10. You must appear in court and speak in front of a judge, what experience do you have speaking in front of a group?
How to Answer
If you are already into your career, you may have already done this, and that's great! Tell the interviewer about your experience by sharing how often you are accustomed to speaking in front of a judge and what types of things you are used to speaking about. If you do not have this experience, that's okay too! Think about those speech courses you took in college, any coaching you have done for sports teams, any presentations you have given for professional organizations, or any clubs that you have led during college. All of these make great examples! Tell the interviewer where you spoke in front of large groups, how often you spoke, and what types of things you have had to speak about.
Answer Example
"One of my strengths is maintaining composure, emotions and behavior in difficult work situations - presenting in front of a court and judge is part of that process. A large part of my work is fact-based and I enjoy communicating those facts in a way that tell a story about a specific individual and their recovery/reentry process."
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11. What would you most like to accomplish if you had this job?
How to Answer
What motivated you to become a parole officer? This makes a great answer to the question. What motivated you to apply for this specific job? This might make another great answer. Knowing that you will serve a community with a high need can be a big driver. Whatever you would most like to accomplish, share it with the interviewer.
Answer Example
"You measure what you manage. For me, it is all about returning criminals to the community with a low reentry rate. I will work hard and smart to integrate criminals back into society with goals of not returning to the lifestyle that put them in the system."
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12. What have you done to improve your communication skills?
How to Answer
Interviewers like to hear that you continually work on improving yourself and being aware of how you communicate. Think about the ways you have improved your communication skills. Remember those college courses in speech? Remember all those grammar exercises you have done? Perhaps you have taken a professional communications seminar. Maybe you have joined Toastmasters. Or, maybe you have taken training on how to have crucial conversations. Simply share the things you have done to improve your communication skills with the interviewer.
Answer Example
"I am constantly seeking to improve communication skills in the workplace and on my own time. I am an avid reader of books involving communication strategies and personal improvement. I watch TED Talks and YouTube videos comprised of what I consider to be some of the very best communicators. Communication is everything and without it, we all fail."
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13. What do you have to offer that your competition in this position cannot?
How to Answer
The interviewer wants to hear the one unique thing that sets you apart from every other candidate who has applied for this position.Interviewers like to hear that you continually work on improving yourself and being aware of how you communicate. Think about the ways you have improved your communication skills. Remember those college courses in speech? Remember all those grammar exercises you have done? Perhaps you have taken a professional communications seminar. Maybe you have joined Toastmasters. Or, maybe you have taken training on how to have crucial conversations. Simply share the things you have done to improve your communication skills with the interviewer.
Answer Example
"Not only do I have the experience and skillsets for this role, I bring a lot of heart to the position, with I personal commitment to always give 150% to my work every day."
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14. Will you help those with minor crimes get back on their feet?
How to Answer
Absolutely! You are looking at a role in the people service industry, and the interviewer wants to hear that you plan to help those with so-called minor crimes. After all, a crime is a crime, and no matter how negligible it may seem compared to others, it still needs to be addressed.
Answer Example
"Of course! Everyone fumbles, big or small, and deserves the right support to get back on track. My dedication as a parole officer is consistent regardless of the volume of crime."
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15. How generous of a person are you? Give me some examples?
How to Answer
We are all generous in different ways. What things come to mind right away? Do you volunteer anywhere? How have you helped other people in the past? How have you helped your family in times of need? Simply share how you have been generous in the past, and share that you feel all people are generous in some way.
Answer Example
"I tend to go above and beyond in my generosity. I care where other people don't. I do not look at things as 'not my job'. I truly seek to give all I have in all situations."
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16. Do you think there should be education in prison to reduce prisoners from returning? Why?
How to Answer
This question is designed to understand your point of view. Every applicant will have their personal stance on this situation, and it is okay to share yours! Simply share if you are or are not an advocate for education in prison to reduce prisoners from returning, and be prepared to justify your response.
Answer Example
"Education is power, no matter where it occurs. It is a great idea to have formal education while serving time for a crime. It can not only help with a declining return rate, but it can equip criminals for life outside of the prison system."
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17. In what areas do you typically have the least amount of patience at work?
How to Answer
The interviewer wants to learn more about what motivates you and what creates barriers for you at work. Think of an area where you struggle with patience that is not a key responsibility of the role. A great answer would be saying that you have no patience for co-workers who are unethical, and you will report them immediately. This shows the interviewer that you care about the workplace environment and that you care about creating an ethical hospitable environment for everyone to work in.
Answer Example
"In our line of work, patience is a must. It takes a lot to break my patience, but I do not have the patience for giving up. Quitting is too easy and I work with people to put in the hard work to overcome challenges."
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18. Why do you want to be a Parole Officer?
How to Answer
The interviewer wants to hear that you are passionate about a career as a parole officer. Take this opportunity to share with the interviewer if a specific life event leads you to a career as a parole officer.
Answer Example
"When I was young, a good friend of mine experienced a life event because of a criminal and I saw first hand how it impacted their lives and the lives of their family. I made the decision then and am carrying it out now to take a career where I could be responsible for monitoring recently released criminal offenders to ensure they are integrating back into life after serving their time. I take great pride in my work and am proud to be interviewing for this opportunity."
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19. Have you ever been convicted of a crime?
How to Answer
Openly share with the interviewer if you have ever been convicted of a crime. Remember, the truth will come out in a background check, so it is vital to share the information up front during an interview. If you have been convicted of a crime, share what level of offense you received (misdemeanor/felony) as well as what you were convicted of.
Answer Example
"I have never been convicted of a crime but I understand the complexities of being involved in a crime and it is part of the reason I enjoy doing what I do so much."
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20. Have you completed any volunteer work in a juvenile facility?
How to Answer
If you have completed volunteer work in a juvenile facility, tell the interviewer which facility you have volunteered at, how long you have volunteered there, and provide a brief overview of the work you have done at that facility. If you have not completed volunteer work in a juvenile facility, simply tell the interviewer that you have not done this or speak to other volunteer work you have done.
Answer Example
"Absolutely! And I have learned a lot in the process. I frequently volunteer in the community and enjoy working with young minds who have fallen off course. I am a big brother in a neighboring town and have volunteered in the recovery process for young juveniles."
21. Do you have a specialized area?
How to Answer
Be open with the interviewer, and share if you have a specialized area that is already established. If you do not have a specialized area, that's okay too! Simply tell the interviewer that you do not have a specialized area. There is a possibility that you are hoping to specialize in a specific area at some point in your career. If that is the case, be sure to tell the interviewer. You may get a great interviewer who will ensure you get help being placed in this specialty, so be sure to share your hopes!
Answer Example
"One of the areas of my work that I like to specialize in and want to continue to develop is the dynamics, impact, and effects of addiction. It is very rewarding to work through recovery with clients, victims, and families."
22. Do you speak a second language fluently?
How to Answer
Speaking a second language fluently is nice for being able to converse with more people, but it is not always essential. Simply share if you speak any other languages fluently as well as what those languages are. Next, share if you have an intermediate level of knowledge of any other languages.
Answer Example
"Yes, I received 8 years of education in Spanish, in addition to English. I speak both languages efficiently in written and oral communications."
23. What was the most valuable thing you learned in your internship?
How to Answer
What is the one thing you learned during your internship that left you with a feeling of conviction? What was the one thing that really surprised you, moved you, or made you thankful you were entering this field? Now is the time to share it! Be sure to explain why you feel this was the most valuable thing you learned.
Answer Example
"My internship experience taught me how to work as a team member, share knowledge and skills, accept, adapt, offer and respond to coaching on performance and skill development needs. These are invaluable skills I learned early in my career that I carry with me today."
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24. Tell me about your experience in your internship?
How to Answer
The interviewer wants to hear that you will talk about your internship positively. Begin by telling the interviewer 3-4 things that you really liked about your internship experience, and discuss how you feel your internship experience helped prepare you for the role you are interviewing for. Be sure to mention that you understand your internship cannot teach you everything, and you look forward to learning more as you begin your career.
Answer Example
"While interning at ABC Facility, I worked with a Parole Officer who I consider to be a great mentor to this day. She taught me how to follow best practices in assessing the personal needs of adult offenders and in determining treatment plans in a way that I could not have learned in a book. This internship taught me how to work as a team member, share knowledge and skills, accept, adapt, offer and respond to coaching on performance and skill development needs."
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25. How would you rate your education?
How to Answer
The interviewer is hoping you will talk positively about your education just as you would talk positively about your future employer. Now is a great time to highlight the things that you really liked about your education. Start off by telling the interviewer that your education was valuable, and you recognize that you will still need additional training when you enter the field. Next, share the things that you really liked about receiving your education which you felt were valuable.
Answer Example
"My formal education was extremely helpful in understanding the work I wanted to get into. Education, to me, is an ongoing process and I am constantly learning new trade strategies to be a better professional while developing personally."
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26. What did you learn about being a Parole Officer in college?
How to Answer
This question is designed to gain an understanding of your perspective of the job you have applied to. During your college career, you likely had a few key takeaways. What things were you told that impacted you? Did you hear any special presentations that left you with important information about the field? What things tugged at your heartstrings? These are all great things to mention when you hear this question. Be ready to share 3-4 key takeaways that you had from college that helped prepare you for this career.
Answer Example
"While receiving my Bachelor's degree, I learned valuable knowledge from the corrections, criminal justice, counseling, social work or related fields. I learned theories and strategies for effective probation/parole supervision, corrections, social service counseling and case management capacity, This has equipped me with the knowledge and know how to perform this role above and beyond your expectations."
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27. Which is more important to you, money or satisfaction?
How to Answer
Interviewers understand that satisfaction is a greater motivator than money, and they want to hear that you are more interested in satisfaction because it shows you are seeking a long-term career instead of just a paycheck. You might say, 'Satisfaction is more important. Waking up each day knowing that I get to go to a job I enjoy is much more motivating than a paycheck is.'
Answer Example
"People like to feel valued and appreciated and make money. I am no different. The reason I do my work goes beyond satisfaction or income. While both are equally important to me, and should be well balanced, my work is a responsibility or calling I feel I have to serve the community."
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28. You will be in constant communication with our criminals, what type of experience do you have communicating with this class of people?
How to Answer
Be candid with the interviewer and share your experience. This will provide the interviewer with a good idea of what type of training you should be provided after you are offered the job to ensure you are set up for success in the role. Be sure to discuss any past work experience, volunteer experience, or internship experience communicating with criminals in your response.
Answer Example
"I love people, especially the fun of communicating with individuals from varying backgrounds and classes. In this work, you form and maintain strong collaborative alliances with clients, families, staff, community partners, victims, and the public. This is the best part! I take pride in building collaborative and effective relationships with people including offenders, court and law enforcement personnel, and the general public."
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29. What skills do you have that will benefit our agency?
How to Answer
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.
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30. What kind of preparation did you do for this interview?
How to Answer
Be honest! Share that you practiced answering sample interview questions, read the company website, and reviewed the job description again before arriving. If you researched the agency on LinkedIn or other social media websites, be sure to mention this as well.
Answer Example
"I have been very excited about this meeting as your organization is the leader in this community. I do my research and I read a lot about your organization, the mission it carries out and the people it serves, in preparation for this interview. I like how you take an approach to utilize social media, despite the industry, to educate the public about criminal statistics and mental health."
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31. What honors have you received in your life?
How to Answer
The interviewer wants to learn more about who you are as a person and what you have accomplished. No honor is too small to mention. Take the opportunity to boast about yourself. Start off by sharing any professional recognition or awards you have received. You may include special opportunities you have received as well such as being a part of a start-up team. Next, mention any honors you received while in school that made a positive impact on your life. Simply share the honors you received, and explain why they were meaningful to you.
Answer Example
"I have had a lot of fun receiving honors in my life and professional career so far! While receiving my education, I developed a reputation in the debate club and received many honors. I have been awarded certificates of honors for investigative casework done in criminal court work and have been recognized by communities for positive transition rates of previous serving criminals into the community."
32. What do you know about our law enforcement agency?
How to Answer
With any job interview, it is crucial to understand the organization you are applying to. Understand their rules, what the mission of the organization is, what daily activities they generally do. Know some interesting statistics about the company, like who started it, and what year it was started. Visit their website, and study the organization.
Answer Example
"Your organization serves an important role in keeping our community safe. You work to prevent the recurrence of crime among adult offenders by supervising them and connecting them with the resources they need to change problem behavior. It is impressive that you supervise approximately 3,600 offenders using a range of evidence-based strategies while working in partnership with the Courts, law enforcement, and the state Board of Parole and Post-Prison Supervision."
33. What do you know about the position?
How to Answer
We recommend that you review the job description online before arriving for your interview. Come prepared to provide an overview of the position based on the job description by stating 5-6 key duties that the job will entail.
Answer Example
"This role plays a critical part of this integration of criminal offenders after serving their conviction time. It involves interviewing, counseling and guiding clients through an important time in their lives. Our effectiveness can determine whether or not criminals reenter the system or carry on an active, contributing life in their local communities. It is something I look forward to taking part of."
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