Expert: Chris Wagoner - 1/11/2012

Question
QUESTION: Hi. I have interviewed twice so far and have not passed the interview. The first one I was under extreme family stress and apparently came off like a basket case. The second one I felt good about and I bombed it. They did not tell me why. I don't know how to answer the question How do you handle stress? can you help me answer this. I said that I go by the serenity prayer and when I can I go fishing....

Thank you

ANSWER: Hi Crystal,

Read this:

http://sites.google.com/site/flaleohelp/home/-4-the-dreaded-police-oral-board

Then is you still have questions, let me know and I will try to be more specific.

Good luck..

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

QUESTION: Commander Wagoner,
Sir I read the article but I cannot find the answer to the question "How do you handle stress?" thank you very much for the link though it was insightful. Thank you sir.

Crystal

ANSWER: Good afternoon Crystal,

in dealing with the stress you need to realize that law enforcement in general is an extremely stressful occupation. You will need to find some form of outlet for your stress and a way of calming yourself prior to the oral interview that works for you. Stress relieving methods are varied and wide, and many are tailored to the individual.

I personally deal with stress by playing with my son on video games or taking hikes through our state parks in Florida. But then again that's not for everyone.

If you're looking for something specific to relieve the stress just prior to an oral Arab you that is not something that can be picked up from a website or even a form like this, you would more want to look at websites that deal with stress relief and the ability to handle stress.

Again remember the law enforcement is inherently stressful. And if doing an oral interview is stressful and causes you this much anxiety then you may want to revisit the idea that law enforcement is an area where you may be interested in. Law enforcement officers are required to put stress and anxiety aside, and be able to handle stressful and even sometimes life-threatening situations without anxiety or stress interfering with their performance.

I would suggest researching stress relief and trying out several different methods until you find one that works for you, and then once you do give that one a try before your next oral interview. The webpage that I gave you has some very helpful tips on how to perform during the oral interview and how to answer some of the questions.

I hope this answers your question more along the lines of the stress related topic.

Be well, research, and stay safe.

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

QUESTION: I think I asked this wrong. The interview did not stress me out. My father and I had a bad argument in which he called me everything in the book and said he wished I got the job and got shot in the head and told my kids this kind of garbage and my oldest had to see a shrink for it. He tried to get me to divorce my husband and accused my grandma of killing my grandpa which she did not do. When I went in for the interview days later I tried to hide it and the interview board took it as my being stressed because of the interview. I talked to the chief and he said I should have went to him and told him prior to the interview. I understand I blew it but what is hanging me up is the answer to this question. For stress relief I play with my kids, go fishing, go to the mall and more to just walk around, clean house, and listen to music. To me, these seem like cheesy answers and I don't know if these answers are acceptable. I know the stresses of the job. I worked as a civilian in intake and records for five years. I am married and have three kids and graduated from college gold chord so I can handle stress. Are these answers acceptable to a board?

Answer
Good evening Crystal,

Now that I understand your questions better your question answers were fine. I'll see any problems with them. They should be acceptable to the board and not much of a problem.

You do have a lot going on in your life right now and you may wish to take some time to sit back and reflect and try to relax before you go on your next oral interview as they can in and of themselves be stressful.

Good luck and hope you make it in the future.