“Why do you want to be a CBP officer?” is a common interview question.
During a job interview, it’s common for the interviewer to ask you about your motivations. In order to determine your suitability for the position and understand your motivations, the interviewer may ask you about why you want to work with CBP. Understanding the reasons behind the interviewer’s questions and organizing your response in advance will help you succeed in the interview.
In order to assist you, this page outlines how to react to the interview question “Why do you want to be a CBP officer?” and offers samples of potential answers.
What is the job of a CBP agent?
A Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agent is in charge of protecting the US border. A CBP agent typically works at a port of entry into the US, such as an airport, harbor, location that processes shipments, or border crossing. The police perform cargo inspections, provide security, uphold immigration laws, and work with other law enforcement agencies on national security-related issues.
A CBP officer normally has a four-year bachelor’s degree or at least three years of experience. Candidates must also pass a polygraph test, a background check, a physical fitness test, and an interview with active CBP agents.
Why do you want to work for CBP, employers frequently enquire.
Your motivations are made clear by your response to questions like “Why do you want to be a CBP officer?” Interviewers want to know more about your personality in addition to whether you have the abilities needed for the job.
You have the opportunity to discuss your motivations and the reasons why you are passionate about this particular area when you are asked questions of this nature. To work as a CBP officer, you must swear to support American law. If you have experience in law enforcement or are motivated by patriotic ideals, you may be able to persuade an employer that you are the best person for the job.
How should you react when asked “Why do you want to be a CBP officer?”
You can take the following actions to prepare for this interview:
1. Conduct job research
A CBP officer is in charge of several duties. Before the interview, make an attempt to completely appreciate the job’s needs. Researching the roles played by CBP within the broader framework of law enforcement as well as the differences between a CBP officer and a border patrol agent will help you understand more. Your ability to concisely describe the responsibilities of CBP will help you reply to this and other questions throughout the interview.
2. Display patriotism.
A CBP officer works for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security specifically. The interviewers would anticipate your level of patriotism and interest in serving your country. This specific service looks after the nation’s borders, upholds the law, provides border security, and inspects commodities at entrance points. It is assumed that one loves and feels obligated to their country.
3. Speak to the mission
The duty of a CBP officer is to uphold secure borders in order to safeguard the nation. A federal organization called Homeland Security was created in the wake of 9/11 with the specific goal of coordinating national security activities. Expressing enthusiasm for this goal, border security, and immigration law enforcement may be helpful.
Justification for desire to work for CBP
If someone asked you about your professional decision, you might respond as follows:
1.A good example is defending the U.S. Constitution.
“I love my country and I want to defend it. The American Constitution gives us a number of liberties, some of which should be safeguarded. To contribute to the security of our nation, it would mean a lot to me if I could help uphold the law and preserve secure borders. My sense of duty to serve my country has always been strong, and this is one way I can do it. Having served in the military, I have come to identify with those who defend our liberties from both domestic and foreign threats, and I would welcome the opportunity to do the same.”
2.The importance of secure borders and immigration laws, for instance
“I want to play a part in upholding the laws in our nation. Despite the fact that I am in favor of legal immigration, illegal immigration compromises our nation’s security. I think that people who want to come to the United States should go through the proper channels and that it is dangerous for both their safety and the security of our nation to try to enter the country illegally. In addition to preventing illegal immigration, our borders also need to be secure. Every American is at risk from various forms of illegal immigration and customs evasion, therefore I want to do my part to keep everyone safe.”
Example 3: An ex-serviceman who want to continue serving the nation
“I decided to voluntarily join the military out of a desire to serve my country. After my service, I had planned to work in law enforcement, but I think CBP is a better fit for me. I believe it is important to continue serving my nation, and I completely support CBP’s mission.
I served and protected my nation while I was abroad, and now I’m carrying out that duty by guarding the borders. I also realize that since civilian law enforcement is involved in this case, it is critical to diffuse any potential conflict, keep composure, and uphold everyone’s legal rights. I believe my experience in the military helped to prepare me for high-stress situations.”
Example 4: Serve as a police officer
“I’ve always wanted to work with CBP, despite the fact that I have a lot of experience in law enforcement. I believe that safeguarding America’s borders is essential and required. I’m qualified for this position because of my law enforcement background. I understand how to uphold the law while safeguarding the rights of citizens. I’ve been trained on how to use force, when to use it, and how to diffuse difficult circumstances. I believe that my background in civilian law enforcement would be extremely beneficial to the CBP.”
