Expert: Chris Wagoner - 11/3/2011

Question
QUESTION: What can a person do to raise the probability that he/she will even be granted an interiew?  In other words, do some things trump others on the application?  

If a department does not look favorably on let's say a previous job record, if that person has stellar credit, great references from those employers he/she worked with, and great refernces with neighbors, can some of the positive things move an application up to the front so to speak where the applicant would at least get as far as the polygraph, initial interview, etc?

I'm thinking that if the person(s) who view the black/white printed application is having a bad day, that they can dismiss that applicant altogether without affording them the opportunity to advance through the hiring process.

So, are ALL applicants given a fair shake?  Does each applicant get that opportunity if they meet such and such requirements, or are some just "passed over" as they search for the ideal candidate?

Thank you much.  I know the process can be somewhat subjective, right?  Just wanting some input ;)

Regards

ANSWER: Good Afternoon Kevin,

The larger the agency the more likely you are to be given a fair look. The smaller the agency, sometimes (not all the time or even most of the time) people know people and things can be who you know not what you know. But that is not always the case.

Things that make you stand out are community service, internships at Federal and State or Local Law enforcement agencies, degrees, military service and training. Most (all that I have worked with in this area) have a point type of system they assign to certain things. You get points for certain things and they add them up and if you make a certain cut off score you get an interview, if you don't then they pass you over or give you a not interested letter.

I just had two recruits who both had College degrees and both did internships, they got hired before the academy was actually over because of the internships and contacts they made that way.

Community Service always helps. But Military service will also get you more points, so there are several things you can do to get your application noticed.

The larger the agency, the more likely they are to look everything over carefully (more openings) to get as many people as they can into the process.

Hope that helps explain it a bit.

Check out this page - http://sites.google.com/site/flaleohelp/home/disqualifiers---be-honest-withyours





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

QUESTION: It helped to some measure, yes.

I guess a follow up question may be needed, and certainly a face/face conversation would better address the question(s) and help me to clarify what it is I am asking as well.

Let me dive a little deeper if I may.  I'm not into tossing names around, but if an applicant knew someone in the department, does that carry any weight if they were to mention the name when an application was submitted?  

I'm guessing that trying to follow up once an application has been submitted is pretty much worthless?  I imagine they would just reply, "You will get a response by such and such date one way or the other".

Would listing some acquaintances as references be better than a solid friend?  We both know a friend will give a favorable reply to anything asked about an applicant, and so would an acquaintance, but are they looking for the "life long" friend for you to list, or someone who might know you but casually, yet who could/would speak favorably of your character as they know you?

I'm guessing if they do NOT proceed with the hiring process that they don't necessarily tell you why...correct?  I mean, it could be a combination of several things and the "overall" application?  Do they collect a large quantity of applicants and pull from that pool as to who they want to move forward with the process...you know, kind of cull the applicants ahead of time?

If an individual is turned down, is that information all privy and will not be passed to another local agency?  Would it do any good to pursue the career with another local agency/department at that point?

Thx much...I may have some follow up beyond your next reply :)

Answer
Hey Kevin,

Let me try to answer your questions one at a time and maybe we can walk through some of this. :)


Q: Let me dive a little deeper if I may.  I'm not into tossing names around, but if an applicant knew someone in the department, does that carry any weight if they were to mention the name when an application was submitted?  


A: This will make no difference and if anything may get you labeled as a "name dropper". This is not a good tactic.


Q: I'm guessing that trying to follow up once an application has been submitted is pretty much worthless?  I imagine they would just reply, "You will get a response by such and such date one way or the other".

A: Actually no. Follow-up every few weeks is ok, daily is looked at as being a pest. The agency will call you when they have soemthing or need somethign from you. But not hearing from them for a few weeks it is perfectly OK to call and ask the BI how yoru application is doing and do they need any additional information.


Q: Would listing some acquaintances as references be better than a solid friend?  We both know a friend will give a favorable reply to anything asked about an applicant, and so would an acquaintance, but are they looking for the "life long" friend for you to list, or someone who might know you but casually, yet who could/would speak favorably of your character as they know you?

A: would suggest people that know yo well. Thats what the BI wants. They don't want people that don't know you very well or have not gotten to know your personality. BI's are looking for traits that are red flags or issues.

Q: I'm guessing if they do NOT proceed with the hiring process that they don't necessarily tell you why...correct?  I mean, it could be a combination of several things and the "overall" application?  Do they collect a large quantity of applicants and pull from that pool as to who they want to move forward with the process...you know, kind of cull the applicants ahead of time?

A: Well this is up to the agency and many who woudl not normally tell you, will if you ask for clarification. Which I recommend if you are not selected. As that can help you improve for the next try. So its an agency issue and you can ask and sometimes get a response.

Q: If an individual is turned down, is that information all privy and will not be passed to another local agency?  Would it do any good to pursue the career with another local agency/department at that point?

A: Agencies do share information on applicants if they are within the same area. ANd some don't again its an agency specific thing. Most do not. Some do. If the applicant has a major problem and is flagged by an agency they are sometimes then shared among local agencies.

Hope that helps..