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Mistakes NYPD Candidates Make During The Hiring Process…

Kevin Sheerin and his experienced legal team are here to provide aspiring law enforcement professionals with the insights and strategies they need to succeed in fulfilling their dreams of becoming an NYPD Police Officer. Kevin has more than 21 years of experience helping candidates navigate the challenges of the NYPD hiring process. This post will enlighten NYPD Candidates about the many mistakes that are made during the application process and how they can avoid them. If you are in the process of applying to the NYPD or are planning to apply, then this post is a must read, as these missteps can delay your progress, jeopardize your candidacy or even lead to disqualification. However, with the proper preparation and mindset you can overcome these challenges and stay on track in order to achieve your goal.

Mistake Number One:  Not being honest on your application. Let’s dive right in with the first and perhaps most critical mistake – not being completely honest on your application during the hiring process. The NYPD conducts thorough background checks which include looking into your work history, criminal history, financial history, school history, educational history and more. If there are any inconsistencies or omissions in your application, it will raise red flags that can lead to your disqualification. For example, failing to disclose a past arrest or summons, even if you think it is minor or was expunged is a major issue, as well as leaving gaps in your history, or not disclosing your unemployment history, or misrepresenting your education or not mentioning financial issues like defaults, bankruptcies or collections. The truth is, your application will be considered in a more favorable light if you are up front about your past, as any inconsistencies that are discovered will only hurt you. Your own transparency is key. You should be honest, and if you are unsure about how to present something then you should seek guidance before submitting your application.

Mistake Number Two:  Poor preparation for the psychological evaluation. Another crucial mistake Candidates make is failing to properly prepare for the psychological evaluation. This is a critical step in the hiring process designed to assess your emotional and mental fitness for the demands of the job. Many candidates assume they can wing it, but that is a huge mistake. Here are a few of the common pitfalls – providing inconsistent answers on the written exam, not understanding how to approach open ended questions during the oral evaluation, overthinking or trying to give the right answers instead of being authentic. Preparation is crucial. Make sure you understand the purpose of the exam and take it seriously. If you have already taken the exam and feel it did not go well, do not panic. Disqualifications can often be successfully appealed with the right support.

Mistake Number Three:  Ignoring financial or legal issues. Another major mistake Candidates make is neglecting to disclose financial or legal matters in their background. The NYPD looks closely at these areas because they reflect on your reliability and decision making skills. Here are some examples of what they look for – outstanding debt, unpaid taxes, poor credit history, past arrests (even if the charges were dropped in court), civil lawsuits or restraining orders. If you have any of these issues in your background, be proactive and address them up front, before they become a problem. For example, you should work on resolving your debt issues and obtain all documentation which shows legal matters were resolved. If these issues should come up during the hiring process, having an explanation ready can make a big difference.

Mistake Number Four:  Lack of preparation for the oral interview. The oral interview is another area where candidates often falter. This is your chance to make a strong impression and demonstrate your suitability for the job. This is where candidates go wrong. Showing up unprepared and unable to clearly articulate why you want to join the NYPD or failing to demonstrate knowledge about the department’s missions, values, and challenges or being too casual, or overly rehearsed for their responses or not knowing or presenting accurate information about where you went to school or when you went to school or how your grades were or if you were on academic probation, are all crucial errors that can hurt your chances. You must know all of your jobs, including your start and end dates and why you left. To avoid these mistakes, you should spend time thinking about your past and have all of your relevant documents together. You may want to create a timeline or grid that you can study so you will readily know all of the schools you attended and all of the jobs you have had, so that you are able to respond properly.

Mistake Number Five: Missing deadlines or failing to follow instructions. This mistake is one of the easiest to avoid, but surprisingly quite common, as Candidates often miss deadlines or fail to correctly follow instructions. The NYPD hiring process has strict deadlines for submitting paperwork, scheduling evaluations, and responding to requests. If you miss any deadline or submit incomplete documentation, it can delay your application or even disqualify you outright, so pay close attention to every detail, double check your paperwork and keep track of deadlines. If you are unsure about the documents you need to submit, do not hesitate to reach out to Kevin for clarification. You should also  check your spelling and grammar on all of your documentation.

Mistake Number Six:  Not seeking help when you need it. The final mistake Candidates make is trying to do it all on your own. The NYPD hiring process is complex, and even the most qualified Candidates can encounter obstacles. Whether it is a disqualification notice, a challenging interview or uncertainty about your background, you do not have to face it alone. Seeking guidance from an experienced attorney or mentor can help make all the difference. Kevin has helped countless Candidates overcome challenges in the hiring process whether it is appealing a disqualification or addressing any other issues before they escalate into something insurmountable. Remember, if you want this to be your career and your future, do not let pride or fear stop you from getting the support you need.

To recap, the biggest mistakes NYPD candidates make during the application process are: 1- Not being honest on their application, 2- Poor preparation for the psychological evaluation, 3- Ignoring financial or legal issues, 4- Lack of preparation (ie: not doing their homework) before the oral psychological interview, 5- Missing deadlines or failing to follow instructions, and 6- Not seeking help when needed.

Avoiding these missteps can keep your dream of becoming an NYPD officer on track. If you have already made some of these mistakes DO NOT PANIC. There are steps you can take to recover. If you need guidance in any part of the process from preparing for evaluations to appealing a disqualification, Kevin is here to help. Feel free to reach out to Kevin or visit his website for more resources.

For further information, you can tune in to Kevin’s New York civil service law attorney podcast. And, don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review if you find his episodes helpful.  Remember, stay focused, stay prepared and never give up on your dreams.

If you failed your NYPD Psychological Evaluation or have been disqualified for any reason and would like to schedule a free consultation, feel free to contact Kevin Sheerin at 516.248.0040.

Email: kevin@sheerinlaw.com

Website: www.sheerinlaw.com

Blog: civilservice.sheerinlaw.com

Podcast: www.newyorkcivilservicelawattorneypodcast.com

-Mistakes NYPD Candidates Make During The Hiring Process