Practice prompts based on occupational tasks
These Applyace practice prompts use O*NET tasks for detectives and criminal investigators. They are not reported employer questions. If you have not done a task, explain your approach and learning needs instead of inventing experience.
1. Prepare reports that detail investigation findings.
Describe a real example of this task. What was your responsibility, and what happened?
2. Obtain and verify evidence by interviewing and observing suspects and witnesses or by analyzing records.
How did you decide which approach or tools to use? Explain the tradeoffs.
3. Preserve, process, and analyze items of evidence obtained from crime scenes and suspects, placing them in proper containers and destroying evidence no longer needed.
What could go wrong during this task? Describe how you would check your work.
4. Obtain facts or statements from complainants, witnesses, and accused persons and record interviews, using recording device.
Explain a time you coordinated this work with someone else. How did you communicate?
5. Record progress of investigation, maintain informational files on suspects, and submit reports to commanding officer or magistrate to authorize warrants.
How would you handle an unfamiliar part of this task? Identify what you would need to learn.
6. Analyze completed police reports to determine what additional information and investigative work is needed.
What evidence would show this task was completed successfully?
Free worksheet · no account needed
Practice one answer with your own evidence
Pick an occupational task, then outline a real example. This is practice, not a prediction of an employer’s questions.
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Prepare reports that detail investigation findings.
Your draft
Your draft will appear here as you add your own evidence.
Complete all three fields, then review your wording for accuracy. Leaving fields blank never generates fictional achievements.
Questions to ask the interviewer
- Which of these occupational tasks takes the most time on your team?
- How do you measure success in the first three months?
- Which tools, training and support are available for this role?
Ready to plan your search?
Start with detectives and criminal investigators as your target. You can change your role in the quiz and tell us your location and work preferences.