Expert: Loren Stevens - 1/3/2006

Question
I have made it past the initial interview, and was invited back for a second interview.  The first was pretty standard, "tell us about youreslf", strengths and weaknesses, and even a couple of scenario based questions. While I have three years of experience on the job, I have never gone through more than one round of interviews.  I have no idea what to expect. I really want this position, and don't want to fail.  Can you shed any light on what to expect?

Thank you for your time and help.

Terrence

Answer
T,
Well, you wouldn't have been invited back if they weren't interested. Ergo, just keep up what you did on the initial oral.
They may want more detail on a variety of subjects. They PROBABLY won't ask you questions that you are not expected to know, eg., police science specific.
I would guess, that they want to delve deeper into your character, decision making or cognative reasoning, your comittment to a career, rather than a stepping stone "job."
Make eye contact, listen to the question, be succinct and answer with clarity. DON'T BLUFF! If you don't know an answer, say you don't know, but that you'll find out the answer at your earliest opportunity. That illustrates a positive out of a negative.
If you don't understand the question, say so. They'll reword it, or clarify.
Be aware of non verbal communication issues, but don't be artificial about your manner.
They may want to know your other interests, or if higher education is on your radar.
They may want to know if you are "loose cannon" potential, that could cause them heartburn later.
You want to convey reasoned logic, calmness, a team player, and that you embrace the law and a body of rules, consistent with organizational order and discipline.
Be honest, and give it your best shot. Go in there rested, well groomed, respectful, and articulate.
I think you'll do fine. Don't sweat that which is not in your control.
The "7 P's" only goes so far. ( proper-prior-planning-prevents-piss-poor-performance)You can't do better than your best, nor can you get inside the board's heads.
They just may ask you what your intentions are if you are not selected. Be prepared for that question.
You may say that you would then appreciate candor from the board, on their perceptions of you , so you could work on improvement, and that you'd be interested in trying again....or something like that.
Relax, collect your thoughts........and kick-ass! (figuratively speaking)
Good Luck,
loren