Once an applicant successfully completes the Physical Agility Evaluation portion of the hiring process, the hiring unit reviews the applicant's file which includes the written test score, physical agility evaluation and the personal history questionaire. The hiring unit selects the most qualified applicant's to move forward for an Oral Board Interview. This is a formal interview with three (3) employees of the Tempe Police Department. Panel members may or may not be sworn police officers, members of the Hiring Detail, or supervisory personnel. The oral board is a structured interview with pre-determined questions that are asked of each applicant. Applicant responses to each of the questions are recorded and later evaluated along with their verbal communication skills.  This and other factors determine whether or not they possess the skills, knowledge and abilities necessary to become a Tempe Police Officer. The Oral Board Interview will last forty-five (45) minutes and the applicant will be notified of their status before they leave. Business attire is suggested for the interview.

Tips for success on the Oral Board Interview:

• Be on time.  Allow plenty of time to park, pass through security, and check in with the receptionist in the lobby.

• Dress appropriately.  This is a formal interview and business attire is suggested.

• Be yourself.  Try to relax and answer the questions as completely as possible.  Base your answers on personal experiences, skills sets, and knowledge.

• Know what a police officer does.  Talk to police officers and do research.

• Speak clearly and manager your time.  Be confident and articulate.  Do not assume that the panel understands.  The panel is restricted to consider only the information you provide in the interview.  It is your responsibility to keep track of and properly manage time.  It is also your responsibility to allow adequate time for each response.