1.

Tell me about yourself

The interviewer doesn’t want to know if you’re a cat person. Talk briefly about your
achievements to date.

2. Why do you want to work for us?

A little research and you’ll be able to talk compellingly about the business and how
you can impact on it.

3. Give an example of where you've been able to

use your leadership skills
Even if you’re not in a management role, you must cite an example where you took
the reins. See ‘competency based questions’ for more info.

4. What are your strengths and weaknesses?

Talk about strengths that satisfy the selection criteria and allude to weaknesses
irrelevant to the role.

5. Where do you see yourself in five years?

Research the company structure to pitch your aspirations more realistically than ‘I
want to be on the board by then.’

6. What is your greatest achievement?

Use the selection criteria to identify which of your achievements called for skills the
interviewer is interested in.
7. Why should we hire you?
Describe the skills and experience you’ve gained that qualify you to fulfill the duties
listed on the job description.

8. Are you a team player?

You need to provide examples to back up your emphatic ‘yes’.

9. What are your salary expectations?

Check out Michael Page’s salary surveys to find out what you’re worth in the current
market.

10. Do you have any questions for us?

Use this opportunity to build rapport, referring back to a key point in the interview
and developing it.

 Do you come to work just to work, or do you like to socialize along the way?

 What inspires you to work in this industry?

 Tell me about a time when you felt like a hero at work.

 Tell me about a time when a job or company felt like a bad fit for your
personality and why.

 Tell me about a time when you were part of a team that was fun to work with.
How did you balance productivity and fun with your co-workers?

 Tell me about the most unique company event or outing you’ve ever
participated in. What made it so unique and did you have fun?
1. Why do you want to work as a correctional officer?
2. How would you handle the aggression and confrontation you
are likely to face at this kind of job?
3. Can you handle yourself physically when called upon to do
so?
4. How would you describe the typical workday of a
correctional officer?
5. How would you handle the stress of working as a
correctional officer?
6. Working as a correctional officer requires you to maintain
constant awareness of your environment and attention to
detail. Tell me about a time you were able to use your
observational skills to resolve or prevent a problem.
7. One of the key duties for a correctional officer is to keep the
peace among inmates who are having issues. Tell me about
a time you successfully used conflict resolution skills.
8. How would you maintain professional boundaries if an
inmate started to befriend you or ask for favors?
9. How would you respond if you saw another correctional
officer harassing an inmate?
10. What steps would you take if an inmate disobeyed a
direct order?
11. Many inmates have mental health issues that impact
their behavior and communication abilities. Do you have any
experience working with people with mental illness?
12. How would you rate your ability to stay calm when
being provoked?
 13. Describe the strategies you would use to ensure
different areas of the correctional facility were secure.
14. What is the appropriate protocol for reporting and
documenting suspicious behavior from inmates?
15. Correctional officers may witness crimes, violence and
harassment on the job. Are you able to regulate your
emotions to do your job effectively?
16. What would you do if you noticed missing supplies from
an inmate worksite?

Why do you want to work as a correctional officer?

Answer: Correctional facilities are designed to rehabilitate
offenders, and every officer on staff should be on board with that
mission. The candidate should not be interested in the profession in
order to punish criminal offenders or to have power or control over
others. They should seek to promote and facilitate peace, tranquility
and order in the facility. A personal connection to the criminal justice
system can also be helpful.

What to look for in an answer:

A rehabilitative philosophy of corrections



 The ability to treat everyone with humanity, dignity and

respect
 A sense of honor, duty and justice

What to look for in an answer:

 A rehabilitative philosophy of corrections

 The ability to treat everyone with humanity, dignity and
respect
  A sense of honor, duty and justice

Q:

How would you handle the aggression and confrontation you are likely to face at this kind of

job?
Answer: Correctional officers protect not only the prison, its staff
and the public but the inmates as well. You want to know that the
applicant has experience in diffusing volatile situations. A good
answer will tell you that the best way to deal with aggression is to do
everything possible to prevent it from arising. Treating inmates with
respect and humanity can help avert hostile behavior, and they
should be able to explain how they’ve remained calm in challenging
situations in the past. The ability to know when to ask for help is also
essential.

What to look for in an answer:

 Ability to remain calm in the face of confrontation

 Awareness of protocol and the value of sticking to it
 Willingness to seek help when needed

Can you handle yourself physically when called upon to do so?

Answer: Sometimes, a correctional officer will have to break up an
altercation or restrain and subdue a violent inmate. The person you
hire must be capable of handling a physical altercation without
harming the inmate or themselves. The candidate must also convey
confidence in their strength and physical ability.
 What to look for in an answer:

 A confident demeanor
 Physical fitness and strength
 Experience in defensive combat and diffusing conflict
How would you describe the typical workday of a correctional officer?
Answer:Not unlike military service, work in a correctional facility is
defined by routine. A correctional officer must, therefore, be
punctual, disciplined and able to stick to a schedule and thrive on
structure. The best correctional officers are well-suited to such
conditions and are not prone to boredom or restlessness from
monotony.

What to look for in an answer

 Punctuality and discipline

 The ability to thrive in a routine
 Alertness and focus

How would you handle the stress of working as a correctional officer?

Answer:You don’t want to hire a correctional officer who will only
last one or two years before quitting from burnout. The job can be
stressful even under the best of conditions, and the officers on your
team can’t take that tension home with them. Hearing how a
candidate deals with difficulty and manages their feelings can give
you confidence in that person’s staying power on your team.

What to look for in an answer:

  Healthy, proactive stress-management skills
 The ability to leave work at work
 A calm and even-keeled disposition

Working as a correctional officer requires you to maintain constant awareness of your

environment and attention to detail. Tell me about a time you were able to use your

observational skills to resolve or prevent a problem.

Answer

Because correctional officers are in charge of overseeing inmates

and regulating their behavior, it is essential for them to stay alert
to warning signs of possible issues. Good correctional officers are
able to identify potential conflicts before they happen by
observing the actions of inmates. This question allows the
interviewer to learn about each candidate's perception abilities
and knowledge of behavior patterns.

Successful answers may include:

 Awareness of their surroundings

 Solution-oriented behavior
 Initiative when responding to warning signs

Possible interview questions you may face

* For in-detail analysis and sample answers to the questions, please check the link at the end of this
article.

 Can you tell me something about yourself? Try to stay relevant, speak about your
working experience (or skills and career choice if you happen to have no experience),
 and mention one or two hobbies. Do not elaborate on individual things–they will ask if
they want to know more. Keep it simple at this point.

 Why do you want to work as a correctional officer? Our real motives (decent salary,
early retirement, or basically a need to have any job and support our family) are not
always the reasons we should refer to in an interview. Show them that there is
something more, something that will actually make you happy (or at least satisfied) in
this job–such as finding a meaningful purpose, doing something for the community,
etc.

 What do you want to achieve on this position? You can focus on small everyday
achievements—which are possible in any job. To such belong: having good
relationship with your colleagues, doing your job with the highest level of
responsibility, trying to be a role model for someone, etc.

 Have you ever been to prison? Try to focus on positive experience, and of
understanding how these facilities work–with their daily regiment, shift patterns, strong
rules of discipline, etc.

 Can you tell me something more about your working experience? Try to talk
mostly about relevant experience, and if you have no experience, explain clearly why
you made your mind to apply for a job in a detention facility.

 Have you ever worked with inmates? Stay calm while answering the question. Even
if you have a bad experience, talk about it in a calm voice. They shouldn’t notice a
trace of anger or hate in your voice.On the other hand, if you have a positive
experience, talk about it with enthusiasm.

 Describe an average inmate. Try to be positive in your characteristic of an inmate.

But you can definitely add features like ‘unpredictable’ or ‘egocentric’ to your
characteristic. Avoid any racist comments, such as pointing to a certain skin color.

 How do you imagine your daily job? Discipline, discipline, and discipline. Show
them that you expect to work hard, and to be always on guard. Job description should
help you to understand how your typical day will look like. Show them that you expect
to be busy, and follow the rules.

 What motivates you? Though most people apply for this job because it pays well, you
should look for other motives. Helping the sentenced to get back on track, or utilizing
your strengths in prison, to do an excellent job, are some good alternatives for an
answer.

 Are you afraid of any person or situation? In no way should you be afraid, but at the
same time, you should understand the dangers the job represents, and clearly explain
them in an interview.

 Have you even been in a fight with someone? Better say not, and if you were, stress
that it was a self-defense, or that you were defending someone who was attacked.
  We have rules for everything here. Tell me about the time you found it difficult to
follow the rule. Actually there are rules in every company, in every employment. The
key is to stress that you understand the importance of rules in detention facilities, and
will follow the orders of your superiors, regardless of whether you like them or not.

 Imagine you saw four prisoners beating fifth in the corridor. What action would
you take?
 Question: How would you handle overseeing 100+ inmates by
yourself?
Question Overview: Correctional officers are often assigned
to oversee large numbers of inmates by themselves. The best
candidates are able to handle the responsibility without
becoming overwhelmed or disorganized. They should be able
to describe how they would handle the situation, and they
should be able to tell you how they would keep track of
everything that's going on.
Sample Answer: I'd make sure I was in control of the situation
and knew exactly what was going on at all times. I'd make sure
I knew where every inmate was at all times.
What the interviewer is looking for:
o - The ability to manage a large number of inmates

o - The ability to keep track of everything that's going on

o - A sense of organization

 Question: What would you do if (name a scenario)?

Question Overview: You want to know how the candidate
would react in a crisis situation. You want to know that they
can think on their feet and make the right decision in a
moment of high stress. You want to know that they are not
prone to panic or rash action.
Sample Answer: I would follow protocol and call for backup if
necessary. I would try to de-escalate the situation if possible.
What the interviewer is looking for:
 o - The ability to remain calm and think clearly
o - The ability to make the right decision
o - The ability to follow protocol

 Question: Would you shoot an inmate if you had to?

Question Overview: This is a difficult question to answer, but
it's important that you know how the candidate would
respond. You want to hear that they would only use deadly
force if they had no other choice, and that they would be able
to live with themselves if they had to take a life.
Sample Answer: I would only use deadly force if I had no
other choice. I would have to live with myself if I didn't.
What the interviewer is looking for:
o - An understanding of the law and the ability to apply it

o - The ability to make a split-second decision

o - A willingness to accept responsibility for their actions

 Question: What does a prison guard do?

Question Overview: The candidate should be able to explain
the basic duties of a correctional officer. They should be able
to tell you what they do on a typical day, how they handle the
inmates and what they do to maintain order in the facility.
Sample Answer: Every day is different. I might be escorting an
inmate to medical or court, or I might be helping with a
lockdown. I always make sure the inmates are safe and secure.
What the interviewer is looking for:
o - The ability to explain the duties of a correctional officer

o - A basic knowledge of the facility's operations

o - A sense of the inmate's daily routine

 Question: Tell me about your self.
Question Overview: This is a broad question that can cover a
lot of ground. You want to know that the candidate is honest,
responsible and mature. They should be able to tell you about
their education, work history and personal interests. You
should also be able to get a sense of their personality, values
and goals.
Sample Answer: I'm a college graduate with a degree in
criminal justice. I've worked at three different facilities in the
past five years. I like to read and go hiking on the weekends.
What the interviewer is looking for:
o - Honesty

o - Responsibility

o - Maturity

o - A sense of humor

 Question: Why do you want to be a correctional officer?

Question Overview: This is a simple question that can reveal a
lot about the candidate. You want to know that they are not
just looking for a job, but that they are passionate about the
work they will be doing.
Sample Answer: I want to help people who are in trouble. I
want to make sure they get back on the right track.
What the interviewer is looking for:
o - A sense of duty

o - A desire to help others

o - A sense of honor

o - duty and justice

 Question: Why do you want to work for us?
Question Overview: You want to hire someone who is excited
about the opportunity to work for your team. The candidate
should be enthusiastic about the work and the mission of the
facility.
Sample Answer: I've heard good things about your facility,
and I'm really excited to work for you.
What the interviewer is looking for:
o - A genuine interest in the mission of the facility

o - A desire to work with a specific team or supervisor

 Question: What would you do if you found that one of your

coworkers was bringing drugs into the facility?
Question Overview: The best correctional officers are not only
aware of the rules and regulations of the facility, they are also
aware of the rules and regulations of their profession. They
know that bringing drugs into a correctional facility is a serious
offense and would not hesitate to report it to the appropriate
authorities.
Sample Answer: I'd turn them in. It's not worth losing my job
over.
What the interviewer is looking for:
o - A sense of duty and honor

o - The ability to follow rules and regulations

o - The ability to report misconduct without fear or favor

 Question: What would you do if there is a fight in the

dormitory?
 Question Overview: A correctional officer must be able to
respond to any situation that arises in the facility, even if it's
not part of the job description. The best candidates will be able
to tell you what they would do in a given situation and why.
Sample Answer: I would break it up as quickly and safely as
possible. I'd try to get everyone involved to calm down and
then call for backup if needed.
What the interviewer is looking for:
o - A willingness to take responsibility for the safety of

others
o - A sense of duty and honor

o - The ability to remain calm under pressure

 Question: How do you handle stressful situations?

Question Overview: Correctional officers are often the first
responders to an emergency situation, and they must be able
to remain calm and collected in the face of danger. They
should also be able to explain how they've handled stressful
situations in the past and what they did to remain calm.
Sample Answer: I've never been in a situation where I felt like
I couldn't handle it. I've always been able to keep my cool and
think about what I need to do.
What the interviewer is looking for:
o - Ability to remain calm in the face of danger

o - Ability to remain calm in the face of conflict

o - Ability to remain calm in the face of uncertainty

 Question: What would you do if a prisoner was attacking an

officer?
 Question Overview: You want to know that the candidate will
defend the other officer and that they will not hesitate to do
so. They should also be able to explain how they would handle
the situation without escalating it.
Sample Answer: I would try to calm the inmate down and get
him to stop attacking the officer. If that didn't work, I'd use
proper restraint techniques.
What the interviewer is looking for:
o - A willingness to defend fellow officers

o - A desire to de-escalate the situation

o - A knowledge of proper restraint techniques

 Question: How can you be an effective corrections officer?

Question Overview: The best correctional officers are those
who have a genuine desire to help people. They are not there
to punish inmates or to have power over them, but to
rehabilitate them and facilitate their return to society. A good
answer will show that the candidate is motivated by a desire to
help others.
Sample Answer: I want to be a corrections officer because I
want to help people. I want to see them get out of there in one
piece and, hopefully, as a better person for the experience.
What the interviewer is looking for:
o - A genuine desire to help people

o - A rehabilitative philosophy of corrections

o - The ability to treat everyone with humanity

o - dignity and respect

 Question: How do you feel about working 12 hours shifts?

 Question Overview: The job of a correctional officer is not a
9-to-5 job. Officers may be called upon to work long shifts,
weekends and holidays. The best candidates will be able to
explain how they've handled this kind of schedule in the past
and will be able to tell you how they plan to handle it in the
future.
Sample Answer: I've worked 12-hour shifts before, and I'm
used to them. I'm a night owl, so I don't mind working at night.
What the interviewer is looking for:
o - A willingness to work long hours

o - An ability to work weekends and holidays

o - A history of punctuality

 Question: Why do you want to be part of the FLDOC team?

Question Overview: You want to know that the candidate is
not only capable of doing the job but also wants to do it. This
isn't a job for everyone, and you want to know that the person
you hire will be happy in their work and committed to the
mission of the department.
Sample Answer: I want to help people who have made
mistakes in their lives. I want to help them get back on track
and become productive members of society.
What the interviewer is looking for:
o - A genuine interest in the mission of corrections

o - A desire to help people

o - A sense of duty and honor

 Question: Tell me about a time you had to work with a difficult

co-worker, how did you overcome working with that co-
worker?
 Question Overview: The best correctional officers are able to
work with everyone on the team. They can get along with their
peers and supervisors and are not prone to interpersonal
conflict. The best answer will tell you that the candidate has a
history of working well with others and is able to resolve
conflicts without escalating them.
Sample Answer: I had a co-worker who was always late and
didn't do their share of the work. I talked to them about it and
we worked out a schedule that worked for both of us.
What the interviewer is looking for:
o - Ability to get along with others

o - Willingness to resolve conflicts peacefully

o - A history of working well with others

 Question: What are your strengths and weaknesses?

Question Overview: This is a classic interview question that
gives you insight into the candidate's self-awareness and
maturity. A good answer will be honest and will show that the
candidate is aware of their own strengths and weaknesses.
Sample Answer: I'm a hard worker, but I'm also a
perfectionist. I can get frustrated when things don't go my way.
What the interviewer is looking for:
o - Honesty

o - Self-awareness

o - Maturity

 Question: Would you be comfortable working with individuals

who have committed very serious crimes?
Question Overview: Working in a correctional facility can be
emotionally taxing. The officers must be able to separate the
 inmates from their crimes and treat them with respect and
humanity. The best candidates will have experience working
with people who have committed serious crimes and will be
able to explain how they were able to do so.
Sample Answer: I've worked with people who have committed
serious crimes before, and I was able to treat them like human
beings. I think it's important to remember that they're still
people, even if they've done terrible things.
What the interviewer is looking for:
o - A rehabilitative philosophy of corrections

o - The ability to treat everyone with humanity

o - dignity and respect

o - A sense of honor

o - duty and justice

 Question: Why do you think we should hire you?

Question Overview: You want to hire a correctional officer
who is confident in their abilities and eager to work for you.
The candidate should be able to explain why they are the best
person for the job and how they will contribute to the team.
Sample Answer: I'm a hard worker and I'm always on time.
I've been told that I'm good at diffusing tense situations, and
I'm always willing to learn new things.
What the interviewer is looking for:
o - A strong work ethic

o - A desire to contribute to the team

o - A sense of duty and honor