Become an RCMP officer: Complete a suitability assessment interview

Attribute Evaluation Interview

A careful analysis of the functions and duties of an RCMP constable was carried out to identify the qualities required to do this job well. The Attribute Evaluation questions were developed based on this analysis. The goal of the interview is to determine if you possess the qualities that have been identified as necessary to perform successfully as an RCMP constable. The Attribute Evaluation utilizes behavioural type questions. Behavioural questions focus on gathering examples of how you performed in different situations in the past. These questions are fairly general so that applicants from a wide variety of backgrounds can relate to and describe pertinent experiences.

The Attribute Evaluation assesses four competencies (qualities) considered essential to perform successfully as an RCMP constable. The goal of this portion of the Suitability Interview is to determine to what extent you possess these competencies. Each competency is defined below:

• Problem solving: Systematically analyzes and breaks down problems, risks, opportunities and issues into component parts. Identifies appropriate solutions and makes timely decisions and actions. Understands cause-and-effect chains and relationships.
• Teamwork: Achieves common goals by working cooperatively with others and developing a positive work climate. Acts to facilitate the operation of teams of which they are a member.
• Communication: Effectively receives and conveys ideas and information in a way that increases the understanding of the target audience. Can communicate effectively and interactively with others.
• Self-control and composure: Keeps emotions under control and restrains negative actions when provoked or faced with opposition or hostility from others, or when working under increasing levels of stress. Maintains stamina and concentration under continuing stress. Refrains from acting on strong emotions such as anger. Is able to stay effective when faced with heavy or long-term stresses or challenges.

Behavioural questions

Behavioural questions focus on how you handled various situations in your past. Understanding how you handled these situations will help give a sense of what you might do in the future. When providing answers to behavioural questions, it's important to use specific examples instead of speaking in general terms.

Here is an example of a behavioural type of question (not an actual question from the Attribute Evaluation):

• People often have to persevere to overcome obstacles. Please tell me about a time when you had to face such a situation.

When you respond to behavioural questions, you'll need use the STAR technique, as it provides a reliable structure to help you organize your thoughts. There are four steps to answering questions using the STAR technique:

(S) Situation

Describe the situation in which the event took place.

(T) Task

Describe the task you were asked to complete. If there was a particular problem or issue you were trying to solve, describe it here.

(A) Action

Explain what action you took to complete the task and/or solve the problem.

(R) Results

Explain the result of your actions. For example, explain if your actions resulted in completing a task, resolving a conflict, improving a situation, etc. Try to focus on how your actions resulted in a success.

The Regular Member Applicant Questionnaire interview

The RCMP uses the Regular Member Applicant Questionnaire interview to get to know you better. It helps to determine if there are actions or behaviors from your past that could prevent you from becoming an RCMP police officer.

Complete various background checks

Your employers (previous and current) and references will be contacted as part of the background check. It will contribute to verifying your honesty.