Expert: Chris Wagoner - 8/25/2008

Question
QUESTION: Hello Commander, I would like to apply to the FHP, however I have a couple of questions. I was unable to find a decent paying job after searching and searching and was unemployed for about 3+years,I fell into a self-pity depressed poor excuse of a life state of mind. And, I have a discharged bankruptcy on my credit report now. I worked at my last job for 5yrs. and the job before that I worked there 4yrs. I have just now returned back to work. I have never been arrested,never done any drugs and I do not drink or smoke. I have a few speeding tickets on my driving record, the last one I got was about 7-8 years ago. I have never had any car accidents. I did steal a few items from Wal-Mart when I was around 18yrs. old, but I did not get caught. Please tell me what I need to do and if you think the FHP will hire me.

My second question is, Do you think the FHP would desire to hire someone with just an AA degree or have a greater desire to hire someone who is a certified PO from CFCC in Ocala? Thanks Commander!!

ANSWER: Hi Danny,

Your credit will not help you, you did not say how long ago it was but the longer the better. I have to say that from what you told me, they will not place you ate the top of the list, but I do not think you have any disqualifiers.

This is from FHP's web site: HOW IMPORTANT IS MY CREDIT STATUS?
Very important! Before applying, please make arrangements with all creditors with whom you have overdue accounts to pay the balance in full. If any accounts are with a collection agency, please rectify the situation before submitting the application. Also, provide all documentation regarding the repayment arrangements when you submit your supplemental application.

I think you stand a fairly good chance. Of course you have a better chance when you are already certified. Have you looked at the FHP FAQ?
http://www.flhsmv.gov/fhp/Career/fhpfaqs.htm

http://www.flhsmv.gov/fhp/Career/Requirements.htm

Those will help you.

Good luck...be well...

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hello Commander, My bankruptcy was fully discharged 2-3 years ago. Is there anything that I can do to increase my chances of getting hired by the FHP? How bad do you think my 3+ years of unemployment will hurt me? I am really worried about how to explain why I was unemployed for so long during the interview process. What do I say? Thank You again for all your help.

Answer
Hi again Danny,

Well the first thing I can think of is to raise your credit score. Work on getting it as high as you can in the time you have. Here is a web site that gives tips on how to do that:

http://articles.moneycentral.msn.com/Banking/YourCreditRating/BeefUpYourCreditSc

I don't think your unemployment will hurt you if you do not tell them you felt depressed during that time. Tell them you were looking for the a career and not just a job and could not find one you wanted to spend 20-30 years at and thats when you gravitated to law enforcement. Thats really what you were saying to me in what you said right?? Right ? Get it?? :)

Danny your OK, you just need to make sure you tell them that you wanted a career. We are a profession that needs long time, career people. You learn everyday on this job, and each call teaches you something that you can use on the next call. It builds a mental library of what to do and how to do it. You were just looking for a career not a job and thought that law enforcement would be a good way of having a career for life. Its a great career and one that builds the person as much as the person builds it.

Be well Danny and you will do just fine.