I found a job opening, what do I do now?
Let’s say you find an opening on the community’s web page. There will normally be a job announcement with a description including the functions and duties that are expected of position. Salary and benefits are normally included as well. Qualifications are listed and are important to read and understand. If you do not meet the qualifications then you may not be able to be hired for the position. For example, if the qualifications call for a BS degree and you have no college degree, you would not qualify. If you were to continue through the process you would not get the position. This would be time and effort wasted. Be sure to read and understand the entire job announcement, job description and qualifications. When you have questions, call the hiring authority and ask your questions to an authorized person such as a recruiter of staff member. The only certain answer that will be correct is the one provided to you by the representative of that agency. You can go on the Internet or ask friends all you want, the correct and final say comes from the agency.
The job announcement will have instruction on how to apply or it will refer you to a person of contact to start the application process. The announcement should also have a closing date. This is a deadline for all applications to be in. Do not wait until the last day to get the application in. I would suggest sending in the initial packet as soon as you are able.
The announcement may also state when the testing date(s) are scheduled as well as where the testing will take place. This is important. Be sure to have a system of planning you future closing dates and testing dates. If you are applying for multiple agencies, you will need to keep track of your schedule in a very efficient manner.
As you progress in different departments you will need to make sure your calendar is clear for testing, interviews and appointments. You may have two of more departments testing at the same time. You will need to weigh the odds for which one you will attend.
When you decide to apply, fill out the requested paperwork in your handwriting. Fill out what they ask for and ensure that it is complete, neat, and legible. The excuse that your dog ate the application will not get you further in the process.
Initially, the application may consist of a simple, generic style application so the employer can get a snapshot of who you are. These applications usually include your name and contact information, recent employers information, education, military service, and sometimes a release for information. That is for a background to be completed in the future.
Fill out the application and include a resume and cover letter. It is my suggestion to include the resume and cover letter as it will show initiative and give a further example of your maturity. It can also give a neat and clean snapshot of your career or schooling. If the instructions state to not include a resume or cover letter, then follow the instructions.
Let’s say you find an opening on the community’s web page. There will normally be a job announcement with a description including the functions and duties that are expected of position. Salary and benefits are normally included as well. Qualifications are listed and are important to read and understand. If you do not meet the qualifications then you may not be able to be hired for the position. For example, if the qualifications call for a BS degree and you have no college degree, you would not qualify. If you were to continue through the process you would not get the position. This would be time and effort wasted. Be sure to read and understand the entire job announcement, job description and qualifications. When you have questions, call the hiring authority and ask your questions to an authorized person such as a recruiter of staff member. The only certain answer that will be correct is the one provided to you by the representative of that agency. You can go on the Internet or ask friends all you want, the correct and final say comes from the agency.
The job announcement will have instruction on how to apply or it will refer you to a person of contact to start the application process. The announcement should also have a closing date. This is a deadline for all applications to be in. Do not wait until the last day to get the application in. I would suggest sending in the initial packet as soon as you are able.
The announcement may also state when the testing date(s) are scheduled as well as where the testing will take place. This is important. Be sure to have a system of planning you future closing dates and testing dates. If you are applying for multiple agencies, you will need to keep track of your schedule in a very efficient manner.
As you progress in different departments you will need to make sure your calendar is clear for testing, interviews and appointments. You may have two of more departments testing at the same time. You will need to weigh the odds for which one you will attend.
When you decide to apply, fill out the requested paperwork in your handwriting. Fill out what they ask for and ensure that it is complete, neat, and legible. The excuse that your dog ate the application will not get you further in the process.
Initially, the application may consist of a simple, generic style application so the employer can get a snapshot of who you are. These applications usually include your name and contact information, recent employers information, education, military service, and sometimes a release for information. That is for a background to be completed in the future.
Fill out the application and include a resume and cover letter. It is my suggestion to include the resume and cover letter as it will show initiative and give a further example of your maturity. It can also give a neat and clean snapshot of your career or schooling. If the instructions state to not include a resume or cover letter, then follow the instructions.
Remember, your application is the first contact you will have with a prospective employer. Spelling, grammar and neatness will set the tone for the rest of the process. It may give you that slight edge over another applicant when there are so many applying for the position. Don't crash on the first impression. I can say from expereince that those appliations that are unreadable will be placed further down the list. ALWAYS put your best effort forward!
I will continue on soon, so be sure to check back.
Hey buddy. Awesome blog. I followed you to this blog from Officer.com. Glad to see people are helping to get interested LEO's into the service.
ReplyDeleteI had a quick question. In your opinion, what is the best experience you can have prior to becoming a LEO? For instance, when you were the Chief of Police, and helping to decide who to accept as a Cadet, what background experience and prior work experience would set them above the bar from other applicants?
Thanks in advance
Devin,
ReplyDeleteEach department will have different criteria for their attention getters. Every department has a style or their own and the administration will seek out the personality that they feel is best for their department mission. Some departments seek community oriented persons, others seek performers, yet others a combination.
Education. It is very important to have a well rounded education and a good grade point average will help also. I have seen applicants get hired who had absolutely no law enforcement experience at all but their educational history is excellent.
They showed flexibility and will to learn. Law enforcement is a constantly evolving career and training is ever present. Boiling this down I would say that working successfully with people and the ability to be confident and take charge.
I don't think that there is any one thing that will set you beyond others. But explorer, volunteer service, working with the public will always give a slight edge. A two year degree will help; BS degree will be a big seller as well.
I would say to look at the department that your seek to work for and learn as much about their philosophy to their mission and community.
TIP: Look at the department web site and read through it from top to bottom. You will be able to see what they say in print. Also, look through the local newspapers for articles on the police department. Again, you will learn a lot about their mission and what they are about.
Hope this helped.
Mark
Thank you, sir. That did indeed help. Right now, I believe I am on the right path. I work both in Corrections at the County level and take classes part-time through the State University, so hopefully I can get a jump start.
ReplyDeleteDevin