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UntilTheEnd · Mar 9, 2011, 06:05 PM

Hi there, I want to become a police officer and I was just wondering what qualifications will make me more of a stand out candidate?

There is a section on the application that says list other qualifications but yet I can't find what to put on there besides the fact that I have my first aid certification.

Here is a little background about me. Im constantly seeking volunteer opportunities, I know 3 languages (english, french, chinese), I'm taking up a martial art, full time student at university about to graduate, and for my part time job I am a security guard.

Basically I'm not sure what to put on that "other qualification" section. All the stuff I mentioned above already goes under other sections of the application. I would be willing to take up new stuff in order to make me a better candidate but I don't know what.

What do you think? THanks :)

Fr_Chuck · Mar 9, 2011, 06:18 PM

"taking up" martial arts ? Are you a white belt or a black belt,
a lower belt will not have a lot of value, and of course at a police academy you will learn the moves they require

The 3 languages is most certainly great, depending on where you are. Spanish would be a much better second language unless you live in a french or chincese community

your college degree will look great.

Next how many departments are you applying to, if you want a police position, try 10 or more departments

UntilTheEnd · Mar 9, 2011, 08:21 PM

Oh hi, I'm actually taking up krav maga as a martial art and I live in Canada so french is like one of the national language but don't know how useful it is, and here I don't think they like people applying everywhere, that just looks bad at least that's what they said at the info session they said which is ridiculous because that doesn't leave the applicatants much room to maneuver so I don't know.

Fr_Chuck · Mar 9, 2011, 08:26 PM

Not sure there, but here there are about 100 to 200 applications for any one open position, so if you don't apply for many openings, you don't stand much of a chance for a position. And you may have to move to get a good position

Wondergirl · Mar 9, 2011, 08:31 PM

Do you have people skills? Patience? Any special knowledge, say, of CPR or guns or street drugs or forensics?

UntilTheEnd · Mar 9, 2011, 08:36 PM

Yah it makes sense to apply to a lot of places but I don't know that's what they said at the info session.

Hi wondergirl, well I guess I have people skills, I've been working security and customer service for around 3 years now and I got my cpr certifications that's about it.

When I see "other qualifications" I think they mean some kind of licensing or something so I'm not sure of people skills and patience work? But I don't know.

Wondergirl · Mar 9, 2011, 09:06 PM

Originally Posted by UntilTheEnd

When i see "other qualifications" i think they mean some kind of licensing or something so im not sure of people skills and patience work? but i dont know.

I've helped people with resumes for years. "Other qualifications" to me means "other skills and abilities" -- typing/keyboarding, computer hardware/software knowledge, possess effective interpersonal and communication skills, quickly comprehend new methods and procedures, work well independently as well as in team environments, possess very strong problem-solving skills.