After completing, and successfully passing, all other steps in the hiring process, the final phase is the pre-hire interview. Although this portion can vary from department to department, this step normally consists of an interview between the candidate and the department’s Chief of Police, Commissioner or Sheriff.

The interview normally lasts anywhere from twenty minutes to an hour, depending on the questions asked, answers given and any other conversation that may take place during the interview.

The Pre-hire interview is generally more relaxed and informal than the Oral Boards. The questions usually are more focused towards a “Getting-to-know-you” forum versus the “What would you do” questions asked during the Oral Board. However, questions relating to what the candidate has to offer and how he can benefit the department are asked during this portion.

Although it may vary from one department to the next, most Pre-hire interviews adhere to the “Rule of Three”. The Rule of Three is normally defined as for every single position open in the department, the top three candidates will be interviewed for the position.

After interviewing the top candidates for the position, the Chief, Sheriff, Commissioner or his/her designee will make a final determination on which candidate gets the position.

For information on preparing for the Pre-hire Interview, please visit the Tips section of this website.