Panel Interview

[Mongo]

I've done a few panel interviews and have had good success in them, but am obviously still playing "The waiting game". I've really had problems with one questions though.....

"What makes you a better candidate than the rest of the applicants?"

Now I've thought I'd done a pretty good job of stressing my strong points in these interviews, but what type of answer is too far? Basically what should I not say to look like a jackass or self-consumed f-er? I'm just looking for people who have experience from the other side of the interview to give me some guidance. Stories are more than welcome.

Thanks.

[jkh206@hotmail.com]

some things off the bat that may make you a better applicant is having a college degree or being within a year of completion...a lot of law enforcement agencies want to see their officers educated (not that those w/o college degrees are not as good as or lower) and also if you have any experience or belong to any volunteer organizations such as a volunteer fire department or ambulance squad...you can get a lot of training and certifications and that looks good on your resume...any kind of volunteer work and anything that you do with your community looks very good...Community Policing or C-Pop as I have heard it called is up and coming and officers are becoming more proactive instead of reactive...good luck..John