Being a correctional officer can be one of the greatest career choices you make since it has more job security than other careers. Not to mention the benefits and financial stability this line of work provides. Applying for this job includes jumping some hoops, and one of them is passing the selection phase. To pass through this phase, you have to prove that you’ve got what it takes. Here are the qualities and skills the instructors will be expecting from you.
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What does it take to be a good correctional officer?
Being a correctional officer takes much more than just knowing how to avoid using excessive force and how to control riots. Your mental state and cognitive abilities also come into question, and that is why there are some relative aptitude tests you have to go through. What qualities and skills are expected from you when writing the correctional officer exam?
Good observational skills
One of the most important skills that the aptitude test assesses is your overall observational skills. As a correctional officer, it is important to spot trends and recall them to avoid any malicious activity that might be going on around the facility. At the same time, observational skills can help you spot a problem before it escalates, and possibly some inmates lose their lives.
Interpersonal communication
Interpersonal communication skills are very important amongst a correctional officer’s qualities. You should be able to read emotions and try to simmer down any riled-up inmates to prevent turf wars from escalating. Amongst the correctional officer exam questions, some try to assess your interpersonal communication skills. Conflict resolution being one of the skills they assess.
Balanced point of view
As much as many people would like to be heavy-handed prison wardens and correctional officers, this may not be the best way. The main aim of a correctional facility is rehabilitation and not punishment. Therefore, you need to have a balanced point of view and use your discernment in dealing with the inmates.
Hardworking attitude
It goes without saying that working hard is one of the key attributes the department expects from candidate correctional officers. You need to have the first in, last out mentality and a positive outlook on the job. Coming to love the job will reflect on the efforts you invest in at work.
Getting started on building a career as a correctional officer
The journey to being a correctional officer is not simple and straightforward because some background checks, fitness exams, and other selection criteria need to be satisfied before. There might be a lot you need to do from your end to make yourself available for this vacancy. What should you do to get started on building a career as a correctional officer?
Do the correctional officer exact
The first step you need to take to pursue being a correctional officer is doing the aptitude test to see if you’re fit for the job. This examination tries to assess your reasoning abilities and cognitive abilities. When doing this examination, give it your all and read each question carefully before answering because they may be trick questions.
Improve your fitness
Improving your fitness is also very important because, at the academy, there are many drills that will be conducted. Being fit beforehand can help reduce the chances of quitting at the academy due to the going getting tough. Fitness is a key element in being a correctional officer, and you should have a positive outlook on this as well.
Get further training in this field
There are many different courses that you can take at a personal level that can help to prepare for this industry. For example, you can do riot control drills with private institutions and get certified. On the other hand, there are options for firearm competency, which comes in handy in crowd dispersal using non-lethal rounds.
Job hunt for any vacancies
Job hunting is the hardest part of trying to become a correctional officer. Once you have done some of the courses in a personal capacity and done the correctional officer’s exam, start looking for work. Use any referrals you get and check local online job sites. Most importantly, check out the careers page of the department of correctional services within your state.
