Preparing for interview

Try and keep your answer to about five minutes (if you can). Describe your strengths first and then give the interviewer some of the highlights of your life and career so far. Be positive about the skills and experience you have gained. Keep in mind the position you're being interviewed for and the company culture.

• I'm a people person. I really enjoy meeting and working with a lot of different people.
• I'm efficient and highly organised, meaning I'm always as productive as possible.
• I enjoy problems and coming up with solutions.
• I thoroughly enjoyed my last position and it really helped develop my people management skills.

Prepare two or three specific examples if you can, making sure they're relevant to the position you're applying for.

• I was dealing with an emotionally charged situation which was...... This presented a challenge in that I needed to; understand the situation, remain calm under pressure, support my colleagues and protect the public. So I took the action of....... These skills would be useful within this role because.....

Don't be afraid to admit to mistakes. Everyone makes them, it's just what you did as a result that matters. Here you need to turn a negative situation into a positive one.

• The most important thing I learned is persistence. Not to give up too soon, because the solution is probably right in front of me.
• I have learned to give everyone a second chance, because first impressions can often be misleading.

The quick answer is nothing. You loved it. Don't be too negative about your last job. Instead, use this as an opportunity to talk about yourself and what you're looking for in this new role.

• I enjoyed the people I worked with. It was a fun and friendly atmosphere, similar to the one you have here. I actually looked forward to going to work every day.
• I am looking forward to a role with more regular hours, rather than shifts.

This question is usually asked to see if you're a team player and how you handle difficult situations.

• I worked closely with a colleague, who for the most part, always carried their fair share of the workload. On a particular case their involvement was minimal and I had to pick extra work as a result, which I don't mind doing, but was very out of character for this person. I knew I needed to address this situation with them, but decided to wait until after the investigation. I'm glad I did, because I learned they'd been going through a very tough time in their personal life and they appreciated my willingness to go the extra mile at that time. As a result, our ability to work well together significantly increased.

Perhaps one of the most dreaded interview questions. But one that with some preparation can make you stand out from the other applicants.

Be honest and avoid the clichéd answers like being a workaholic - you won't score any points with that one. Instead try turning a negative into a positive.

• I always work with a sense of urgency - this shows you will perform well to deadlines.
• I have to double-check everything before I can be sure a job's been done properly - which shows you have a need for everything to be done perfectly.

Alternatively, you could show the interviewer how you have overcome your weaknesses.

• In the past I took on an additional task that could have been delegated to someone else. I would never miss a deadline, so it meant I had to work longer hours to get it all done. This showed me the importance prioritising my workload and delegating jobs that can be done by someone else when needed.

This is your chance to highlight how well your strengths directly match you to the job you're applying for.

• My time management skills are excellent and I'm organised, efficient and take pride in excelling at my work.
• I pride myself on my people skills and my ability to resolve what could be difficult situations.

With this question the interviewer is looking to see if you're a good fit for the role and the organisation. Try to avoid saying that you're motivated by money or benefits.

• The desire to do a good job. I want to excel and be successful in my role, both for me and for the business I work for.
• I have always wanted to ensure the public get the best service I can provide. It is important to me that I've done the best I can do and that I've done contributed towards ensuring the public have a positive experience of the Police.

This question is looking to see if you work well with others.

• I was in the Olympic policing task force which involved working with officers from different forces as well as private security firms.
• During my Police career I have worked with many third parties including Social Services, Crown Prosecution Service, Ambulance and Fire Services. Whilst we all had different duties to perform it was important that we could work well together and to our strengths to get the best outcome for the public.

The interviewer needs to know that you're the right person for the job and that you're going to fit in well. Where you can, back up your answer with facts and use the research you have done on the company.

• I read on your website that you have recently signed a contract with (xxx) and I feel this will offer great scope and the chance to grow with the company.
• I want to work for a company where I can use the skills I have developed during my time with the Police Service.
• I like what your company does and the values you stand for.

Yes you do. You want to make sure that this is the right job and company for you. Prepare your questions in advance, so you don't feel on the spot.

• How would you describe a typical day/week in this position?
• What is the company's management style.
• Who does this position report to? If I'm offered the job, can I meet them?
• How many people work in the department?
• What are the prospects for growth and advancement?
• If I'm offered the job, how soon would you like me to start?
• When can I expect to hear from you?
• Are there any other questions I can answer for you?