4. Found One? What to do now?

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.

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.

2. So You Want a Job As A Police Officer?

So you are thinking about a job as a police officer, deputy sheriff, or any job in the law enforcement field. There are many people that have an interest in the law enforcement profession. In these tough economic times the law enforcement profession affords a stable job with good benefits and a steady income. After all, police officers are always in need.

You have taken one of the first steps to beginning your police career just by opening this blog and reading. This blog will contain a lot of information, some will pertain to your situation and some may not. You may already know some of the information presented and may gain a different perspective from another’s experiences.

Obtaining a job in law enforcement is not a quick and easy task. There is a process that each agency must follow, some are longer than others, but all have a process to be followed. This is why it takes time to complete the process. Patience in the employment endeavor is a must.

The intention for creating this blog is to provide a person who has an interest in entering the law enforcement profession with guidance in how to prepare, approach, and to be successful in his or her journey. This will be done through examples from both sides of the hiring process. The information provided will be for graduating high school students, college students, those looking to switch careers and anyone interested in a law enforcement position. There are no guarantees of employment or any one method that will assure a job offer and this blog is written to illustrate suggestions and advice that may assist you.

In order to explain the process of obtaining a position with a law enforcement agency one needs to understand the basic concept of the hiring process. I will explain the process I am familiar with in regards to local municipalities. There are different agencies with differing jurisdictions. Sheriff’s departments, municipal police agencies, town marshals, state parks, state police, state highway patrol and other agencies exist. Most all have their unique hiring process. The federal system and some state hiring systems will differ. Most of the information provided though will be sufficient to give you with the basic knowledge to be prepared for your hiring process.


So be prepared to obtain information that may help you gain an edge in the law enforcement employment process.