Been lurking here for some time but thought I would drop a line on here to record my progress through the Specials application process.
I attended the Friday Open Evening in August in order to collect my application form. Unfortunately, my first effort at the paper-sift was sent back requesting another go at the Diversity question, which I did and was called for Interview & Assessment on Saturday just gone.
Although nerve-wracking, it was also very enjoyable. I'm pretty sure I was the oldest there, but I think in some ways, that probably counted in my favour in terms of the life experience I can bring.
I sat my PIRT first, which I have to say, I found quite easy. I completed all the tests with time to spare, aside from the "spot the difference", where I had to leave a few questions. The practice test made me realise I was being a bit to blasé about it, so paid way too much attention and ran out of time. The main test I was worried about was Maths, but feel pretty confident about the results on that.
As I was the last one to be called for interview, I spent most of the day chatting to the Special Sergeant and Special Constable who were looking after us. It was great to get first-hand experience from people who were doing it. Unfortunately, at our intial open day there were no Special Constables there to chat with, so this was a great opportunity.
Interview went well, I think. Unfortunately got a bit unstuck on the basis that the questions asked were phrased slightly differently to how I'd prepared, so there was a fair amount of thinking on my feet in order to answer them exactly as was posed. But hopefully all went well.
So - two weeks to go, until I find out whether I'm through or not!
