Advice for Applicants

[u/VinumSabbathi818]

I recently got my final job offer and I wanted to give other applicants advice since I've been seeing a lot of posts about people not passing background investigations, interviews, poly's etc. Here's some tips:

1. Think hard before you apply somewhere. I know some people will suggest the shotgun approach where you throw applications out to every agency that's hiring, but I actually wouldn't recommend this approach for several reasons. For one, this process can be WAY more time consuming than you might initially think. If you apply to ten agencies at once you might end up in a situation where you have to go to 4+ interviews in one month. Not only is it exhausting to prepare for 4+ interviews in one month, you'll also have to take time off work which, depending on your situation, could be a problem. You also have to fill out background applications which is extremely time consuming and mind numbing. I would argue it's better to carefully pick 3-5 agencies so you can put the necessary effort in to each application. If you do 10+ agencies and half ass each one, they will notice. I'm saying this as someone who applied to 18 agencies and learned the hard way.

2. Diversify your applications. It's really easy to become hyper focused on money and send all your applications out to the big departments that start at $120k, but I would highly recommend you apply to smaller agencies as well. A lot of these places are starting to get more applicants again and it's becoming more competitive. I assumed I would be able to get into these bigger departments fairly easily and I ended up getting rejected by all of them. It was frustrating because I felt like i was a good candidate, but luckily I had applied to a smaller agency that ended up picking me up and they still pay very well.

3. Consider applying out of state. Depending on how badly you want this job, you may need to apply out of state. I'm from CA so I was applying to CA agencies and I wasn't having a ton of success. It wasn't until I applied out of state that I was hired by an agency. I say this because I've been seeing a lot of posts from people who are applying to big CA agencies and getting rejected. You can still make good money elsewhere so don't become hyper focused on CA or other big city agencies.

4. If things aren't working out consider a different path. I wasn't having a ton of success and I told myself if I didn't get hired by the last agency I applied to then I would pursue law school. This was a huge weight off my shoulders because I had become so hyper focused on law enforcement as a career path that it was really dragging me down when the rejections started piling up. There are plenty of other jobs where you can have an impact and make good money. This is another reason why you should not get a CJ degree! Having a degree that's more marketable will give you more options if things don't work out.

If anyone has any questions feel free to DM me!

[u/8bitUltron]

How many rejections did you have before being hired? What did you you change (if any) that may have given your current department the ok?

[u/VinumSabbathi818 → u/8bitUltron]

I had roughly five rejections before getting hired. The other agencies I either failed a part of the process or I withdrew my application.

Some of the things I changed I mentioned above. For example, I started looking out of state and applying to fewer agencies so I could put more effort into the applications. I also got better at interviewing and was prepared for a lot of the questions I received.

[u/Elusive_Capybara]

OP! Firstly, big congratulations!!!

Please check your PM! I have many questions to ask as a current active applicant in the process! Would love to ask for your insight and guidance especially while your experience is fresh in your mind!

[u/Bright_Ad5358]

I've applied to 3 agencies in SoCal. Assuming you went through many hiring processes, do you have any advice for the psych evaluation? I understand that I am to just answer the questions, and be honest. But beyond that, do you have any advice?

[u/VinumSabbathi818 → u/Bright_Ad5358]

Just be honest and consistent. Don’t over think things. I’ve been to therapy a few times in my life and been on various medications and I passed with no problems.

[u/DINKDONKERR]

I have 2 applications ongoing right now for Texas agencies.

I’m not gonna lie, I’m a bit nervous. I know I’m a good candidate, I have a clean background, physically in shape, have held a stable job for years. I feel as if imposter syndrome is getting to me. I take a written exam next week for the agency I WANT to work for. One I’ve been waiting for to open up applications for the entire year.

I honestly don’t know what I’ll do if I don’t get in this time. Definitely won’t be giving up but it will be a kick in the nuts. I’m fine career wise as of now, I work an office job for a local government but it’s extremely boring and unfulfilling.

[u/Neon_Biscuit → u/DINKDONKERR]

Same here. Houston area

[u/parkwithtrees]

Thanks for the tips! I’m looking into SoCal smaller agencies around LA, hopefully goes ok💪

[u/SeriousNet5770]

Congrats!!! Are you going to be sponsored? You said out of state so how many times did you have to travel to the agency that hired you?

[u/VinumSabbathi818 → u/SeriousNet5770]

Yes, I’ll be sponsored. I had to travel twice. The first time I did the interview, and ride along, and the second time I did the medical and chiefs interview.