A
female
age
36-40,
anonymous
writes:I just posted another question about work place drama with a coworker but wanted to ask this separately as it isn't directly connected and didn't want the last question to be too long. Well problems with work has had me looking for a new job. I applied to be a communications officer or 911/police dispatcher in my area. I take the Criticall computer test in a couple weeks. I have a couple questions regarding the position.For the test, how hard is it and what do I have to expect? I know it deals with a lot of multitasking questions but I can't find any explains of the test online and would like to know somewhat what to expect and how difficult it is.Also, the position had some weird hours. 10pm-8am or a rotating shift between 8am-4pm and 4pm to 12am. Currently I work just part time and am able to see my husband a lot. I am worried such a drastic change in shift and much more hours will affect our relationship negatively. I really hope and would love if I could hear from someone who either knows a police dispatcher or has done the job themselves to tell me a little more about what to expect and how the hours take a toll. As of right now I don't have a lot of confidence in getting the job as it has a lot of requirements including the computer test (I am not sure I will even pass this), lie detector, psych evaluation, then the interview. It's the most serious job I have ever applied for, I have only worked in retail or food service my whole life. I don't know why I feel like I won't get it but I am thinking chances are unlikely that I will. And I don't want to be stuck in sales or especially my job right now forever. So any advice please?
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reader, anonymous, writes (29 August 2012): This is verified as being by the original poster of the questionActually anonymous you are incorrect, it is a job that requires no experience. I know the gist of the job as anyone does, I answer emergency calls and dispatch the appropriate service. Think of it like a police man. When applying to be a cop you don't need to have been a cop before, but you can't possibly have the experience of being a cop from any other job than being a cop. Anyone can apply to be a cop. That's why they have computerized tests, physical tests and psych evaluations before putting you into an academy. If you already have law enforcement experience then you would not be put through such rigorous testing. You would request a transfer and maybe do an interview.
For this job it is the same. No experience in the field necessary, all you need to do to apply is never have been involved with drugs and give your social security number. That is why they have many levels of testing, the first being a computerized test to see if you even have the capability of doing the job. If i had experience with this position I would not need to do the testing, just an interview and hired on. You cannot possibly have experience with this job without having worked an identical job as a police dispatcher somewhere else. This is the point of testing, lie detectors and psych evals. If this were a retail or any other job you would have a point. I have researched the test itself but little is given out about it besides that it is about multitaking and hours long. That is why I wanted to ask if anyone on this site has taken it themselves to give me a better idea of how hard it will really be and if there is any way to prepare.
I plan to practice data entry while talking on the phone to simulate multitasking, lol. We will see how the actual test goes in a couple weeks.
A
male
reader, anonymous, writes (28 August 2012): If you are not familiar with a job, then you should not be applying or testing for it. Potential employers frown upon those with such little knowledge and preparaion as you have demonstrated.
Educate yourself, learn the answers of the questions you're asking on your own, then and only then will you know if it's a potential good fit.
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