Shake hands with all panel members. A proper hand shake should be firm with the web of each hand meeting. Lean forward slightly to imply your eagerness to meet. Make eye contract throughout the interview. It suggests confidence and honesty. If possible, address the panel members by their title and last name.
When you present yourself, be honest, credible and confident, but not arrogant.
If the oral interview questions are given to you to read, use them! Read the questions to yourself; make reference to the sheet to make sure you do not miss an element of the question. Clarify anything you do not understand; then answer each question by taking ownership of the position. The best method of answering the question is to respond by repeating part of the question, give an example to show you understand and relate your experience. For example: What did you do to prepare for this job? You might respond by saying, “What I did to prepare for this job was extensive. I attended a class that would prepare me for a public safety career. I attended the agency’s Citizen’s Academy. I completed three ride alongs on different shifts with officers. Doing this gave me a perspective on how to prepare, how the different departments within the agency work together and how calls are handled by officers.”
