Don’t Skip Psych Interview Prep (Part 2)
Don't Skip Psych Interview Prep (Part 2)
At Cognitive Results, we’ve worked with candidates preparing for OACP, CBSA, RCMP, and SIGMA testing since 2005. While many put significant effort into written exams or physical testing, there’s one critical step that often gets overlooked—the psychological interview. We advocate that you thoroughly preparation for this - we advocate that you don't skip psych interview prep! Do not leave it to chance or "just be yourself" - you will fail. In fact, we recently heard from a client who did just that, despite him being a client - he just decided to see how it went. He failed.
Skipping proper preparation for the psych interview is one of the biggest mistakes candidates make, and unfortunately, it can cost them the job.
Latest Testimonials:
HIRED! "I used Cognitive Results for preparation in my police hiring process. All the material for ETHOS was very helpful in order to prepare for the exam. Gillian was an amazing instructor her feedback was very genuine and provided great helpful tips. Her feedback was very informative. I highly recommend using Cognitive Results if you want to succeed in your police application process." April 19, 2025
"Hi Gillian, I am a returning client that has used this service for years. Thanks to this program I passed the written test for XXX, was hired, and now I want to make a career change. I've passed the interview for XXX and now I'm waiting for the psych." April 8, 2025
"Thanks it went very well waiting on next steps. No surprises. Thank you so much. (Coaching client West coast service interview.)" March 20, 2025
"Hi Gillian, I wanted to thank you officially for all of your help through the XXX police process (West Coast service). The ETHOS program was so thorough and raised my confidence. I landed an interview that you helped me prepare for with your excellent coaching. The coaching helped me with my delivery and answers but, more importantly, got me thinking and talking in the right ways to project my accurate answers with confidence. I can't recommend you enough! Thank you so much!" March 12, 2025
"Hi Gillian, I have some great news to share. I was successful in the interview for CBSA and will be moving to the next steps of the selection process. I had my interview Friday and I found out today. Thank you again for all your teaching they were extremely informative. I also passed along your website to ... I will continue to pass along your site to anyone I meet that can utilize the information. I don’t know when I’ll be doing the psych part yet but I will be studying." March 5, 2025
HIRED! "Thank you for all of your help and support through this process! To recap I received my offer with XXX two weeks ago for the March intake at OPC. I know that all of the studying I did on your website has also prepared me for the next stage. Everything you teach is accurate and well worth the investment. I am glad I found you and got all of the guidance I needed along the way, including coaching. I will be recommending you in the future to other police applicants - you are the best!" February 16, 2025
"Thank you so much, I really appreciate your help and support. I have passed the (CBSA) exam with a good score. Sample exams were really helpful! (Client will be using the Interview Program and Coaching next.)" January 27, 2025
"Cognitive Results and Gillian were very helpful with the application process. The interview prep helped tremendously, having the video teaching along with the modules complement each other extremely well. The one-on-one coaching sessions were very helpful. Gillian took her time and I found the one-on-one coaching sessions prepared me well for my interview. Thank you again for all your help! " January 26, 2025
HIRED! "Thank you! You've been the most help! I couldn't have done any of this without you. I'm so happy I reached out via email for help. (Client is all the way through and waiting for final papers to sign. Client had coaching for the interview and for the psych interview.)" January 7, 2025
What Is the Psych Interview, Really?
We have in-depth blog posts on the Psych Interview, as well as more information on the Program Page, but to recap, the psych interview isn’t just a casual conversation—it’s a structured, professional assessment. A licensed psychologist is evaluating whether you’re emotionally stable, mature, consistent, and well-suited for law enforcement work.
Your resume, test scores, and appearance might be excellent—but if your answers in the psych interview raise red flags, you may be declined. Consistency will be checked throughout the process, and preparing for your MMPI or PF16 is all part of our Interview Program as well.
Why Candidates Skip Prep (And Why That’s a Problem)
We’ve seen many clients purchase our full interview program, which includes psych prep—but never touch that section. Some assume, “I know myself. I’ll be fine.” Others feel too pressed for time.
Unfortunately, this kind of thinking leads to real consequences:
- Rambling, inconsistent answers that make you seem disorganized
- Overexplaining or coming across as defensive
- Surprise disqualifications, with no clear feedback from the psychologist
- General tone issues
- Past issues
What the Psych Interview Is Really Assessing
- Emotional Regulation – Can you stay calm under pressure?
- Self-Awareness – Do you understand your strengths and limitations?
- Judgment – Are you making thoughtful, balanced decisions?
- Consistency – Do your answers line up with your background, tests, and application?
It’s not about giving the “right” answer—it’s about showing that you are mentally and emotionally prepared for the demands of the role.
Real Talk: You Can Fail This Stage
Even strong candidates with excellent test results and glowing resumes have been disqualified at this point—simply because they didn’t prepare.
The psych interview can be the most subjective and misunderstood part of the process. But it’s also one of the most important. And skipping prep isn’t worth the risk.
How Cognitive Results Helps You Prepare
We’ve coached thousands of applicants since 2005, and we know how to help you prepare in a way that feels calm, structured, and authentic.
Here’s how we support you:
- In-depth psych interview preparation as part of our Interview Program
- Practice questions and strategies to help you stay grounded
- Tips on managing anxiety and answering confidently
- Guidance on tone, boundaries, and focus
You’ll go into your interview knowing what to expect—and how to present your best self.
Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late
Use our Interview Program to start preparing for all stages of your process—including the psych interview.
Don’t let this critical step be the reason you don’t move forward.
You’ve worked hard to get this far. Don’t let the one step you thought was “easy” be the one that stops you.
Psych interview preparation matters. Start early, prepare well, and go in with clarity and confidence.
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