| The California Highway Patrol (CHP) Qualifications | | | | mentally and smile! |
| Appraisal Panel Interview (QAP) is often the most | | | | The QAP format consists of you providing |
| dreaded event in the gauntlet of tests undertaken | | | | answers to questions posed by the interview |
| to become a CHP cadet. This face-to-face ordeal | | | | panel members. These questions will range from |
| can be easily controlled and successfully | | | | direct queries about your background, education, |
| completed with solid preparation and common | | | | experience, and skills to hypothetical questions |
| sense. | | | | that require you to make judgment responses. No |
| Keep in mind, first of all, that the time spent in | | | | two interviews are alike, yet every interview has |
| this grueling hot seat is usually only around 30-45 | | | | the same goal: to appraise your worthiness as a |
| minutes - about the same amount of time it | | | | CHP cadet applicant. |
| would take to make a positive impression on any | | | | You can make the best of this opportunity by |
| new employer, prospective mate, or new in-laws. | | | | keeping some simple things in mind: |
| This interview is a very small amount of your | | | | |
| time, but carries a very important impact to your | | | | 1. Keep your attention level high - remain focused |
| life. | | | | on the current question. |
| Preparation is the key to a successful QAP | | | | 2. Project a confident, attentive demeanor - sit up |
| experience, so let's explore some of the options | | | | straight, but move or gesture if it feels |
| that can be used to get you primed and ready. | | | | appropriate or allows you to relax and look more |
| - Research the duties and qualifications of a CHP | | | | natural. |
| officer | | | | 3. Listen carefully - respond when you are asked |
| - Talk with your CHP recruiter | | | | a question, but allow yourself a few moments to |
| - Set up or become involved in scheduled practice | | | | collect your thoughts, if necessary. |
| interviews | | | | 4. Let the interview panel direct things - they are |
| - Study the CHP Cadet Bulletin (CHP 179D) | | | | your guides through this event, let them show |
| - Review the CHP official website | | | | the way forward. |
| - Talk with current CHP officers | | | | 5. Use verbal clarity - say what you mean using |
| - Participate in an approved ride-a-long with a CHP | | | | accepted terms and phrases - slang and habitual |
| officer | | | | phrases ("you know", "like", "uh-huh") show a lack |
| - Commit your application (STD 678) to memory | | | | of concentration and poor communication skills. |
| The last point may seem extreme, but consider | | | | 6. Keep your answers brief and to the point - |
| that this document is what your interview panel | | | | extraneous details distract from the important |
| members will be reviewing prior to your interview | | | | issue: You being an asset to the CHP. |
| and may use as a springboard to begin their | | | | 7. Be gracious - opportunities earned can be |
| questions. | | | | destroyed if disrespected - if an error in |
| The QAP follows a standardized format and | | | | judgment is pointed out, accept it, and move on |
| should be treated as a formal interview. This | | | | without argument. |
| means your demeanor, dress, and behavior should | | | | Your interview will usually close with an offer for |
| show respect. You have earned this opportunity | | | | you to make a closing statement. This is your |
| to present yourself and showcase your abilities | | | | moment to shine and you should have this |
| and qualifications - your respect should be a | | | | "speech" so clearly in your mind from practicing it, |
| reflection of the work you have done to get | | | | that it will come across naturally. Be friendly, but |
| here. | | | | earnest. Your intent is obvious, you want to be a |
| Follow a few common sense rules the day of | | | | CHP cadet - make sure your sincerity comes |
| your interview: | | | | across from the heart and not as a robotic |
| - Get a good night's sleep the night before | | | | regurgitation. |
| - Eat lightly or at least 2 hours before your | | | | It is appropriate to shake hands with your |
| interview | | | | interview panel members at the close of your |
| - Wear conservative business attire with tailored, | | | | interview. |
| clean lines | | | | Do not close your interview by asking when you |
| - Bring your photo ID | | | | will be notified of the results of your interview. |
| - Arrive at least 15 minutes before your | | | | Applicants are notified by mail 4-5 weeks following |
| scheduled interview time | | | | their interview. |
| - Ask for the panel members names and the | | | | Walk into your QAP interview solidly prepared and |
| correct pronunciation | | | | you will walk out with confidence, pride, and a |
| - Sit down and relax - review your background | | | | feeling of true success. |