911 Dispatcher Interview What To Know

How can you become an emergency dispatcher? That is a question that many are asking in this job market. Emergency dispatcher interview what to know. I figured I would write this article since many people are looking to become an emergency dispatcher but might not know a few things that may disqualify them or hamper their chances of becoming a dispatcher.

Any hard illegal drugs- If you once smoke a little marijuana and you want to become a emergency dispatcher you are still in the clear. If you have participated in any activities involving harder drugs you could automatically be disqualified. This will depend on the particular state you are interviewing in. If you lie about it and fail a polygraph you will not get the job. Some drugs will still keep you in the job loop but many will disqualify you. For example PCP or angel dust will more than likely send you packing. The reason being if you did it once you may do it again and they cannot risk you coming into work on drugs. Especially when you have peoples lives at stake.

Lying- If you lie that is an automatic dis qualifier. You will be asked to fill out a form and you must be completely honestly. It will ask you to list neighbors, where you have lived, what drugs you have done and other very personal information. You then will be investigated, so if you are applying for a dispatcher job in California and you lived in Arizona four years ago they are going to send an investigator to Arizona to try and dig up some dirt, this investigation takes months.

Failing a polygraph- Whether you are telling the truth or not failing a polygraph will not go over well in getting hired.

Failing typing test- Depending on your state you will have to type at least 45 words a minute with minimal mistakes. Typing is a crucial skill since you will be typing everything callers tell you. If you are a slow typer then you will not get a job as a 911 Dispatcher. So take a typing class or practice until you are ready.

Failing the aptitude test- You will be given an aptitude test that will see how you problem solve, listen and how well you think on your feet. In California the score must be a ninety percent to move on to the next step of the interview process. You can't really practice for this test it is all common sense and problem solving. Keeping this in mind you will be better ready to land the job as a dispatcher.