I just took the el segundo oral interview and boy did i....?

Question

bombed it. I felt like a complete jackass, i was only in there for like ten minutes and i know the orals take about 30 to 40. Some of the questions they ask were simple but hard. they didn't ask me scenerio questions, but i totally failed. For example, they asked me "when have you ever had to make a hard decision in your life, and what made it hard? how did you overcome this obstacle? How would i answer it if I never had to make a serious hard decision? I'm 23, so i haven't really experience a lot compare to some of the applicants. They also asked, "name a time when you dodged a bullet, and you were glad to get out of that situation? now that you reflect back what do you feel? i never made stupid choices so most questions don't apply to me. any help, sorry for long post

Answer 1

The first time I took my Oral(i was 21) I also bombed it. The second time around I nailed it and I actually got really far through the process. Didn't survive the medical portion but I am sure you will do better than me.

Answer 2

You may not have enough life experience to become a police officer yet.  It's okay to fail an oral board exam.  A lot of times there is no right or wrong answer.  They need to see your thought process and enthusiasm.  

Make sure you always research the department before you go to your next interview.  Also, if they allow ride-alongs you should do that too.  That is great experience and hopefully you will be placed with an officer that can give your valuable tips on passing the oral board.  

Also make sure that you have a decent suit and tie that is conservative.  If you don't understand the question right away, ask.  Also, if you need time to process your thoughts before answering, tell them that.  You don't want to just blurt out any answer just for the sake of answering the question.  The board understands this is a very stressful situation.  

Answer 3

Just answer truthfully... If anything, make up a really good story, that's what a lot of people do in these situations, and always make yourself come out on top in the stories. It works everytime