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The Call May Come at any Time – Be Prepared For Your FBI Interview

Even though the FBI seems to be behind in the hiring process – be sure that you are getting ready for when they do call.

Received Recently From FBI Coaching Clients
8/23, 9/23

“I believe what helped the most was preparing for “Why the FBI”, being tough when editing the stories and helping me flush out my personal feelings in the stories of “how did you feel”, as well as the last session where you asked me questions and I identified which factor they lined up with.”

“Just wanted to let you know that I Passed! Thanks for all your helpful tips and words of encouragement. I really sat down and worked on incorporating more of “me” into the stories, which as you know was very hard for me. I like to keep things business and to the point. I also tried to RELAX!” 

“I could not have succeeded if it was not for your guidance and preparation for the interview.

As I entered the interview room, I felt like a million pounds were lifted off my shoulders by telling myself that I would be talking to law enforcement about law enforcement. I believe I started the interview with a solid performance and stayed determined to stay calm, but I also showed passion in my voice for the job that I love doing.

I was doing good until one of the interviewers told me we had just finished with question 5 and had 28 minutes left. I never missed a beat or got nervous after being told that.

Working with you made me comfortable enough that two of the stories I used were not ones I had written down or even worked on. During these stories, I felt like you provided me with the correct way to articulate them in a manner that was not only professional but also showed great working skills.”

*I had my phase 2 interview today. Initially, I felt great about it, but going back I wish I would have used more of a variety of experiences for my stories. I will keep you updated once I find out if I passed!

  • I received an email this morning with my Phase 2 results- I PASSED!!!
    I am ecstatic! Thank you so much for helping me achieve this goal!!

In the end, it was a fun interview and I was totally myself. I think you would have been proud.

– I finally got it! Relax – be yourself.

If you are waiting for the call, consider interview coaching specifically for FBI and Law Enforcement. Get started now and be prepared for that call!

Contact me for a free consultation: https://fbiinterviewcoach.com/contact.php

FBI Coaching Feedback – 2020

“My interview went pretty terribly. I was calm cool and confident right up until I actually sat down in front of them, the recorder turned on, and Question 1 was asked.

I became so nervous I literally FORGOT to give my 5 points. Just left them out completely!

I was kicking myself for it the entire time.

 And then at the end, when I could’ve taken the opportunity to do a quick summary of my 5 points to wrap up, I again forgot, and instead said thank you and quickly left.

I kicked myself for it again when I got about halfway down the hallway. 

I’d say about half of my stories actually matched up to the questions they were asking me.

And based on their facial expressions, they were confused.

But I just gave them a story. It didn’t fit perfectly and it wasn’t exactly what they asked for but it was a story and it demonstrated a factor.  

Additionally, I spilled an entire pitcher of water mid-interview. That’s right. Not a few drops. Not the cup. The entire pitcher of water. (There was a complication with a button. Who puts a button on a pitcher of water anyway?!).

So needless to say, there were a few tears on the way home as I coped with the loss. “

From The Coach  –

Carole Martin, The Interview Coach

YOU POOR THING – HOW COULD EVERYTHING HAVE GONE WRONG?

BUT…

“today, to my complete and utter shock, I got the email that

 I passed!

There were a hundred things I would’ve said differently and done differently but all the work we did together did miracles.

Everything I was able to get across to them was due to our preparation.

 We did so much work on my stories not even my HORRENDOUS nerves were enough to derail me. That says quite a lot. 

I do wish I was able to relax a bit more and show them my true self, but through the stories they seem to have understood exactly who I am. For that, I truly thank you. You helped me shape my stories to accurately and appropriately depict me in my best light. 

I can’t possibly thank you enough for your immense help. 

—————————————————

From The Coach —

I can’t believe it. GOOD FOR YOU.

Remember, I kept telling you it wasn’t about the story or what you did – it was your “EQ” emotional intelligence.

You rolled with the punches, and kept on going – talk about “ADAPTING.”

I AM SO PROUD OF YOU!

YOUR ANSWERS TO BEHAVIORAL QUESTIONS – STORIES

One of the secrets of passing Phase II is to make your stories – interesting – as though you were telling them to a friend.

I think a former client says it best about the “story” responses to “behavioral questions.”

Marine Captain –

I think the biggest impact for me personally was getting in the habit of talking about my thought process/feelings, not just reciting a string of events.

Forcing me to write down all my stories also really helped with recall (I didn’t have to pause more than a couple seconds to answer any of the questions).

Interviewing for the FBI and Federal Agencies is NOT your everyday interview

Received from someone who DID NOT pass Phase II –

“I DIDN’T PASS PHASE II AND I WAS THE MOST QUALIFIED PERSON IN THE ROOM.”  (Very upset)

This is a very different interview. If you want to pass, you must be prepared to let them know

YOU the person – not the qualifications of the person.

The interviewers are BLIND – they know nothing about you.

It is your job to let them know you — THE PERSON.

The interviewers are not only looking for “qualified people” – they are looking for “special people” to be SPECIAL AGENTS.

I get calls from 2nd timers all the time – they didn’t pass the first time around. I ask them –

“DID THEY GET TO KNOW YOU — THE PERSON?’

Not one person ever said YES!

———————-

THIS IS NOT YOUR EVERYDAY INTERVIEW – PREPARATION IS KEY!

This is from a Second-time around candidate who I coached.

Carole,
I passed my second try at Phase 2, and I know it was your coaching that made the difference. I walked in my first time over a year ago with confidence that my prior job experience was more than enough and failed. I walked in this time, humble but ready to share more of myself and be genuine, and as you already knew, that made all the difference.

I gave them as much as I could in my first question to include my five points in case I didn’t have an opportunity later; as it turns out that was a very good move. I definitely had to morph almost all my answers. Only one question did I have to pull a story that I had not previously prepared.

Again thank you.

———————-
MORE SUCCESS STORIES AND ADVICE FROM THOSE WHO PASSED

Hi Carole,

I hope all is well. I just wanted to let you know that I received the email today stating that I had passed Phase II. I want to thank you for all of your help as I would have had a difficult time getting through that panel interview without you.

It just goes to show it doesn’t matter what your background is ( me being just a sales guy).

Just some things to touch on for your next candidates that I took away from you.

Be yourself!!! do your best to let them know who you are was great advice, try and speak to them as if u were telling a story to your buddy…professionally obviously.

Use details which I actually think I lacked on when speaking.

Also its ok to be nervous just go slow and think about your responses.

I found myself rushing through and had to catch myself and slow down.

Morphing was a huge factor as well, I caught myself doing it at least twice and thinking in my head wow this is a morph haha. Overall just another step closer to my goal, still not there yet and still have some work to do but its a good step. Thanks again.

————-

I got the green light today that I passed PH II! Thanks for the help over the past 2 weeks. I finished the interview in about 45 minutes which was way faster than I expected. I had a response for every question and morphed a few answers to fit them. Many of my stories were interchangeable between the competencies so I just picked the best one I felt was right. I also told a story that occurred just the day prior (on the flight) which helped show them truly the kind of person I am with strangers and my ability to draw from life experiences, big or small. 

I do feel that I could have spent more time telling them about myself but I had rushed through this part because I wanted to make sure I had enough time to answer all the questions. My advice, is take your time and make sure they have a good idea of your personal life and family. It wasn’t the perfect interview but I was able to get my humor in and got some consistent laughs and smiles out of them. This goes a long way and sets the tone for the rest of the interview so break the ice early. If you’re not naturally funny then don’t force it…I am at sparing moments so it worked well for the interview. They did seem genuinely interested in the stories I told. I had a few follow up questions after some stories which seemed to be more for their personal interest.

Overall, it was a pretty relaxed interview and I was able to show the type of person I am and what I have to offer through my stories and experiences. Thanks again and I’m one step closer to my dreams.

WOMEN RULE THIS MONTH!

PHASE II – FBI Interview

KUDOS – KUDOS – KUDOS  — PASSED – PASSED – PASSED

APRIL/MAY

WOMEN RULE THIS MONTH

5/09/19

Out of the 4 people that I know that applied and made it to this phase I was the only one who passed to the next. Thank you so much for working with me. I used most of my stories, there was only one question that I couldn’t figure out what factor they were looking for so I morphed the story a bit and actually ended up combining two factors. It was such a great experience. At the beginning of our session, you told me that you weren’t sure how the feel of the interview would go and you suspect that the person can encourage a different atmosphere. I completely agree with this. The other two applicants from Oklahoma said they were nervous and that the interviewers were very cold – no smiles, no eye contact, nothing. 

I went in and the first thing I did was made a casual joke about the hotel room we were interviewing in. I received immediate smiles and they talked to me like I was a colleague. Relaxing at the beginning of the interview set the cadence for the rest of the interview. I even had some time to ask them questions at the end of the interview such as where they were from, if there were as nervous as I was and the most rewarding thing about their positions. 

I think my strongest part was my “why” section. They were extremely engaging with me between taking notes. I got some head nods and even a solid smile.

Again, thank you for your help. I don’t think I would have passed if I wasn’t as prepared as I was. 

*****

Listening to the audio of our sessions, incorporating your feedback into my stories, and rehearsing my stories were vital to my success.  Your framework of listening to the question, identifying the factor, and morphing a story worked flawlessly.  I learned how to open up and show “Kelly Ann” to the three agents a week ago.      

Once again, thank you so much for your guidance and support.  I highly recommend your coaching services and enjoyed your book, too.

***** 

PURCHASED – SELF-PREP

So very happy. Thank you for your guidance. Preparation of stories is the key. Luckily I had a whole bank of them to pull from. Can’t stress enough how important it was to be yourself and be personable with the agents as well.

(INCLUDED ONE STORY CRITIQUE AND A BRIEF CHAT WITH ME)

*****

5/13/19

I would like to inform you that I PASSED!!! 

I couldn’t have done it without you! Your help in prepping me, explaining to me the process, and telling me to be myself was crucial in being prepared and confident! But you didn’t just tell me! You were able to remind me who I am and what I should tell them!

I made them laugh multiple times and they smiled and wrote down when I corrected myself when I said girls instead of women. They seemed pleased. 

Anyway, thank you again! I would recommend you to other candidates in a heartbeat!

I PASSED!!! The interview went really well. I kinda fudged my five points but eventually got everything out that I needed to. And then the question responses just came so naturally. I morphed some and some I had the perfect stories for (I think writing about 30 of them helped!). I topped it off with a variation of the moose story and I think that was icing on the cake. I just kept thinking “chill the eff out and be yourself”. And when I left the room, I thought, “I nailed that”. Anyway, I could not have done it without you and your guidance!! Thank you thank you!!! Second time’s the charm for sure 🙂

————-

I just wanted to inform you that I passed my interview! I was very nervous but happy that I passed on my first try!

Thank you so much for all your help. It was very, very helpful! I learned so much from you and will use those tips for the future. 

I will most certainly recommend you to anyone applying to the FBI. Only I would recommend they don’t wait a few days before the interview date to get started =)

First Quarter of 2019

It’s looking like Law Enforcement is alive and well – business is picking up.

I am seeing an increase in women clients – keep coming ladies!

FBI IS BUSY AND SCHEDULING INTERVIEWS

KUDOS AND RESULTS FOR DECEMBER/JANUARY/FEBRUARY INTERVIEWS

Left over from 2018


2ND TIMER

I passed my second try at Phase 2, and I know it was your coaching that made the difference. I walked in my first time over a year ago with confidence that my prior job experience was more than enough and failed. I walked in this time, humble but ready to share more of myself and be genuine, and as you already knew, that made all the difference.

I gave them as much as I could in my first question to include my five points in case I didn’t have an opportunity later; as it turns out that was a very good move. I definitely had to morph almost all my answers. Only one question did I have to pull a story that I had not previously prepared.

Again thank you.

——-

From Puerto Rico

Last Thursday I received notice of passing phase 2. I have to say that I followed everything we talked about in the sessions. I kept it simple with the factors. The day of the interview, I went in feeling very comfortable. The panel was friendly and that really helped.

Absolutely everything we covered that I was expecting. I was able to answer all questions without any problems. I was talking the whole time and they were writing at the same time so that was good. At the end I had to your morphing technique a couple of times.

The interview finished and I walked out feeling great. Two of the guys that were came out of the interview and weren’t feeling the same.

I thank you for your service. It really made the difference in my performance.

——-

2019

Female

I wanted to thank you so much for your help in preparing for the phase 2 examination- your coaching made me feel prepared for the examination and I really believe it is one of the reasons I passed! Thanks so much!

——-

First Timer

Just wanted to follow up with you.  I found out last night (exactly a week after my interview) that I passed! Honestly I was a bit unsure of myself after I left (I was the first one done – it only took 37 minutes).  Honestly that interview was one of the most challenging things I have ever done and I don’t think I would have passed without your help.  I was prepared for the questions and only had to skip one to come back to it at the end.  The agents had their heads down writing most of the time – as soon as they stopped and looked up at me I just picked another Factor from the list to bring into the story and they got right back to taking notes. Thank you so much for helping me!

One thing – With the way they broke down the questions the agents said I should keep stories to 4 to 5 minutes.  I think mine (2-3 min) were done a bit too quickly. 

—–

Female

The interviewers were so professional and nice that I was put to ease pretty quick. I had a story for every question but one ! And weirdly enough I kept forgetting the question ! I would hear the question, determine the competency, tell my story that spoke to that competency, and them scramble to tie it back to the original question!  So I felt like a complete mess but it must have gone better than I felt, I am so thrilled, thank you for your help! 

—–

MALE

So I got my results back from my phase 2 testing and…..I passed! I just wanted to thank you for all your help. I can honestly say that the interview would be next to impossible to pass without proper preparation.

I did get a lot of reactions from them, laughs, smiles etc so I feel like I came across really genuine which may have compensated for my forgetting to tell them about my personal life. “Show don’t tell” was also something I believe really helped me, I actually caught one of them staring at me a few times very interested in what I was saying, when she realized she wasn’t writing she very quickly switched back to being head down haha.

I will keep passing your info along to others I come in contact with that are attempting to get FED LAW jobs. Thank you again!

—–

Female

I passed phase 2.  WOOT WOOT!!  And honestly, it’s all because of you.  My biggest challenge was to relax, just like you predicted.  BUT, I was able to take some deep breathes and remember that the agents are just regular people and it was up to me to prove myself. 

I answered every question without hesitation and did not pass on any questions.  Why – because I was able to instantly figure out the value they were seeking and had a story ready. 

I did use your morphing technique on quite a few questions and because of your coaching, it was smooth and instant.  

I had a “runners high” post interview because I knew I gave it my all.  

I can’t thank you enough for your guidance throughout this process.  It was a life lesson that will help me in the future. 

In my humble opinion, I think you have the right to charge more.  I would pay double for what you did for me. 

I will keep you posted on my final outcome.  Next step, background and then lie detector.  If all goes well, Quantico!  YIPEE!!

Thanks again for everything.  For future applicant’s my advice would be to really focus on team/group experiences in all aspects of their life. 

—–

MALE

  Carole, simply… Thank you

U.S. Department of Justice

Federal Bureau of Investigation

This is what I received today –

Washington, D.C.  20535

Special Agent Phase II

Congratulations, you achieved a passing score on the Special Agent Selection Process (SASP) Phase II.  Under the current SASP, your scores will never expire.  You have clearly differentiated yourself, and the FBI encourages your continued participation in the recruiting process.

—–

FEMALE

I passed!

I just got the email today. It’s been exactly two weeks. I can’t thank you enough for your training. Holy cow were you right about how useful morphing would be, and also having two stories per factor. But MORE importantly – at least with MY interview – the 5 points about myself and “Why you want to be an agent” training was extremely valuable. Having those two things (slightly) memorized gave me a lot o confidence.

 I also took your advice about BEING MYSELF. Two of the agents smiled during some of my stories, and one even chuckled. I got stuck on 1-2 questions, but I morphed the heck out of my stories. Those stories weren’t exactly perfect but they were good enough.

It was not a perfect interview – i did get nervous and I did get stuck for a few seconds here and there – but I would urge everyone sitting for this interview to just show confidence…even if they have to FAKE IT. Your advice to just give them a story when I get stuck could be more true. Just GIVE A STORY. 

Thank you again. Definitely worth the investment. Hands down.

—–

FEMALE

! I want to thank you for your guidance, encouragement, and “tough love” on my writing samples and verbal practice sessions.

I am so excited for this next chapter of my professional life.

With gratitude.

—–

MALE (SENT FROM QUANTICO)

Carole,

This is massively delayed but I wanted to let you know I got the offer and have been at Quantico for the last few weeks. There were some delays (as expected), but I made it. I couldn’t have gotten this far without your help too so thank you again!

Interview Tips – (straight from the FBI website)

  • Be yourself
  • The evaluators will be taking notes during the interview to assist them in documenting the results. Do not let this distract you.
  • Provide detailed information when answering the interview questions. Do not be modest in your responses. To provide the best examples of your skills and abilities, draw from all of your life’s experiences (not just the most recent ones).
  • Remember that the interview panel knows no information about you beyond your name.
  • Keep your answers concise and specific—answers that are too lengthy will detract from your ability to complete the interview within the required timeframe.
  • Do not make assumptions about what the evaluators are seeking. The interview instructions are straightforward. There are no “trick” questions.
  • Study your resume and be able to speak about how your experiences match with the Special Agent Core Competencies.

ONE OF SEVERAL QUOTES FROM CLIENTS TELLING ME HOW IMPORTANT IT IS

TO BE YOURSELF

The best piece of advice you gave me for our work together was to be myself for the interview.  “These people need to know they can be in a car with you for 8 hours,” was your exact quote.

In my eyes an interview will never go perfect so I went in with a nothing to lose attitude since at the end of the day I still had a job.  Being a likable person during the interview makes the interviewer work extra hard for you because they can see you as their partner.  They might take the extra minute to think about how they can check a box off for you to succeed instead of just overlooking that you might have missed a topic.

Making people smile and laugh always goes a long ways.  I brought myself to the interview, with confidence, and held a conversation with my work partners is all.