Jon,

I'd recommend applying to Halton first. It's your first choice and there's a chance you'll get it first time. I know you think it's a very small chance, but you're very intelligent, well-educated, in excellent shape, proficient in self-defense, and you have some experience in security already. Still not a sure thing, but probably more of a chance than you think.

Basically, I wouldn't try to game the system. That way in an interview you'll be able to speak truthfully and forcefully about why you're applying (e.g., "Halton has always been my first choice, etc."). That kind of directness and honesty comes across, and those are key qualities for someone applying to be in law enforcement.

Also, when they inevitably ask you what you will do if you don't get the position, then you can answer truthfully that you would prefer to re-apply to Halton after the waiting period, but that you really want to begin your career in law enforcement and will apply to other forces in order to get started. Shows determination, flexibility, and the ability to focus on a larger goal.

Regarding interview tips, I'm not sure where you're at as far as interview experience, but I can tell you what looks good from the other side.

- Provide complete and cogent answers, but know when to stop. Given the adrenaline in an interview, it's easy to go on and on. Don't.

- Make a point of listening to the interviewer. Don't ever cut them off, even if you know what they're going to say.

- Be serious in your attitude of applying for the job, but don't be afraid to show a bit of appropriate humor (nothing racial, sexual, political, or religious). Let them know you're not a total stiff, but that this career is still very important to you.

- If you have any direct experience with Canadian law enforcement (family, friends, acquaintances in the force, and encounter with a recruiter at a job faire, working with the police in your current position, etc.), be sure to share how that had a formative experience on your decision to become a police officer. Any positive exposure to actual police is a plus.

- Let them know that this you want to become a police officer for important personal reasons (e.g., to help people, to prevent crime, etc.) and not just pecuniary ones (e.g., decent pay, good job security, benefits, etc.).

- If there is more than one interviewer, make sure to address them all. Make lots of eye contact.

- Don't be afraid to ask them some relevant questions as well. In fact have a few in mind before you go on the interview. Shows curiosity and engagement. Ideal to ask when they finish up with the "Do you have any questions?" line.

- When it's done, thank them each by name (you did remember their names, right?), shake their hands firmly, encourage them to contact you if they have any further questions, and then take your leave.

- Most importantly, you want to exude an attitude that says "I would really like to work for you and I am quite qualified to do the job, but if I don't get this particular job, it's not the end of the world." Determination; not desperation.

Feel free to ask me more specific questions or for clarification of these points. I know there's more, but that's all I can think of at the moment.

Best of luck.

Chris

D' oH

Forgot the biggie.

What is it about you that makes you more desirable (for work) then the other candidates. e.g. languages (huge points), education (some points), ethnic background (some points), computer skills (small points); self-discipline and commitment (big points)

Keep in mind that the others will have the same basics, unless you have truly exceptional physical attributes, that is not the area to concentrate on, BUT if you do have an Olympic medal, or some way of showing self-discipline then show it off.

The shift work is a bi#%h, and they do not want showing up on time for 4:00 AM to even be an issue. A single mention of being able to handle shifts is worthwhile, but don’t push it.

Be really clear about selling yourself.

This helped me a LOT: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1418040002/103-9490305-7747805

"Discipline? I've sat here, listening to you asking me these inane goddam questions without killing you yet. How's that for fucking discipline?"

Then sit back, put your feet on his desk, and light a cigar with absolute impunity, secure in the knowledge that one way or another, you will be intimately familiar with the Canadian justice system in the very near future.

Remember not to confess to any crimes during the interview.