Victoria Police Telephone Interview

What is the Victoria Police Telephone Interview for Applicants?

In January of 2015 Victoria Police introduced a new step in the application process, the Telephone Screening Assessment, or, “the telephone interview”. This step is mandatory for police and protective services officers who have successfully completed their written entrance exam, but, have not yet had their comprehensive background checks completed.

Applicants will only be invited to attend fitness testing if they pass the telephone interview.

A Positive Step For Victoria Police and For Applicants 

Under the previous application system, some applicants spent 12 months negotiating their way through a very comprehensive process, only to discover at the selection panel interview that they were not suitable for a position and subsequently had their applications cancelled. The new system now means that the Victoria Police Recruiting Services Branch is able to screen applicants at an earlier stage of the process and identify applicants who may not be suitable.  This saves both the organisation and the applicant the time and effort of completing an application with no benefit.

How is the Telephone Interview Different From The Selection Panel Interview?

The obvious difference is the telephone interview is conducted via telephone rather than face to face, which is the case with the Selection Panel Interview. The telephone interview focusses more on you, your current circumstances and the reasons why you want to join Victoria Police. As well as why you feel you would be a good fit for the organisation and more specifically the role of a Police Officer or Protective Services Officer, depending on the position you’ve applied for.

You might be asked to give one or two examples of different experiences you’ve had which you believe provides evidence of your ability to perform the role you’re applying for. You may even be asked to explain how you would respond to certain situations you might have to deal with as a Police Officer or PSO.

I’m sure it’s no surprise that you might have to demonstrate you’ve done some research and that you understand Victoria Police as an organisation. More specifically, you would be wise to demonstrate you have a good understanding of what will be expected of you in the role you’ve applied for.

No different to applying for any other job, Victoria Police will want to see potential in you and it’s your job to show it to them!

Of course, your communication skills will need to be strong. Clear, concise and logical answers will stand you in good stead.

The Selection Panel Interview is not conducted via the telephone, rather you will (normally) attend the Victoria Police Recruiting office for a face-to-face panel interview with two experienced personnel from Victoria Police.

This interview is much more about you providing good quality evidence, well delivered, that can provide the organisation with reassurance and confidence that you possess the qualities and attributes required (key performance indicators) for the position and that you have a good aptitude for the role. In the selection panel interview, you will be required to provide several life experience examples. These answers carry a lot of weight so make them good ones!

Preparation is Key

Like anything, good preparation makes all the difference.

I wish you all the best with your dream of joining Victoria Police.

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