Resources for protective services officer applicants

This tutorial explains in detail what’s involved in the Numeracy Component to help applicants better prepare.

This tutorial explains in detail what’s involved in the Abstract Reasoning component to help applicants better prepare.

This tutorial explains in detail what’s involved in the Literacy Skills component to help applicants better prepare.

This tutorial explains in detail what’s involved in the Summary Writing Component to help applicants better prepare.

This tutorial explains in detail what’s involved in the Extended Writing Component to help applicants better prepare.

This tutorial explains in detail what’s involved in the Oral Communication component to help applicants better prepare.

This tutorial explains in detail what’s involved in the Digital Literacy component to help applicants better prepare.

Applicants can prepare for behavioural interviews by:

• brainstorming past experiences that demonstrate strengths applicable to the protective services officer position – think about communications skills, conflict negotiation, teamwork and leadership
• drawing from past experiences that are relevant to the position where you achieved a positive result from a negative situation
• researching and having an understanding of current affairs within Victoria such as current issues facing Victoria Police and the community
• thinking about your motivation for applying for the role
• selecting the best examples from your list of past experiences
• structuring responses to possible questions based on the above elements
• performing mock interviews and role-playing.

When formulating possible responses for a behavioural interview, applicants may like to consider using the STAR approach. This approach refers to:

• Situation – explaining the situation in which the experience occurred
• Task – the task you were required to complete
• Actions – the action or actions you took in the experience
• Result – the outcome or outcomes of the experience.

On the day

• dress appropriately for the interview – office attire is recommended
• arrive 15 minutes early - allow plenty of time for travel and to find the venue. We are based on the Ground Floor of 311 Spencer Street, Docklands
• bring any supporting documents that are required.

There will be two employees of Victoria Police conducting your panel interview. During the interview:

• try and stay calm and relaxed, practice breathing exercises
• introduce yourself to the interview panel members
• allow the interviewer to finish talking before you answer the question. If you don't understand a question, ask the interviewer to repeat or rephrase it
• think about your answer first — there's no need to rush
• show interest and enthusiasm when responding to questions and answer concisely.

The panel will give you an opportunity to ask any final questions.

Note: when asked scenario-based questions applicants are not expected to have any knowledge of police powers, policy or procedure – use your common sense, decision making and verbal communication skills.

Your interview will run for approximately 40-50 minutes.