FBI Special Agent Test

1. Most burglars that break into homes are out for cash, jewellery, and electronics. Many are driven by addiction, looking for a quick buck. A few, however, break-in with the intention of hurting the residing families. Although most burglars would be deterred by signs that people are at home – such as noises, music being played or the lights left on – some might assume no one is home and break in anyway, even if they are wrong. Others just don’t care.
From the information given above, it can be validly concluded that:
A. Most people who are out for cash, jewellery and electronics are burglars.
B. A lot of people who break into houses have the intention to hurt the residents of the house.
C. Some burglars don’t actually break into homes, yet are still interested in jewellery.
D. Not playing music or not leaving the lights on could attract unwanted attention from burglars.
E. A few people driven by addiction and looking for quick money are actually burglars.

Correct Answer:E

Answer Explanation:

According to the passage, many burglars are driven by addiction, looking for a quick buck [in the logical formulation: (burglars + addiction + quick buck)*many]. Thus, it can be inferred from the amount specified that there are some burglars who are driven by this. Also, there is no logical fallacy in the transposing of both sentence parts, i.e., a few people driven by addiction and looking for quick money are actually burglars [in the logical formulation: (addiction + quick buck + burglars)*many].
Answer (A): According to the passage, most burglars that break into homes are out for cash, jewellery, and electronics [in the logical formulation: (burglars + out for cash, jewellery and electronics)*most]. When an amount is specified, the transposed statement cannot be inferred, as in answer (A), which states that most people who are out for cash, jewellery and electronics are burglars (out for cash, jewellery, and electronics + burglars)*most. Thus, answer (A) is incorrect.
Answer (B): According to the passage, a few burglars break into homes with the intention of hurting the residing families [in the logical format: (burglars + hurt)*a few]. Thus, answer (B) cannot be inferred, as it states that a lot of people break into homes with the intention of hurting the residing families [in the logical format: (people + hurt)*a lot]. The amount specified in answer (B) does not fit the premise (only the opposite conclusion can be inferred – see logical principle “many-some”).
Answer (C): According to answer (C), some burglars do not actually break into homes, yet are still interested in jewellery [in the logical format: (burglars + not breaking in + jewellery)*some]. While this could be true, this information is not supported in the text, as information is only given about burglars who do break into homes.
Answer (D): Although the passage states noises and lights deter most burglars from breaking in (in the logical format: noises and lights ➞ deter burglars), no information is given of what happens when the lights are out and music is not being played. Thus, the opposite notion presented in answer (D) is not supported (in the logical formulation: no noises and no lights ➞ no deterring of burglars).

2. You are doing a performance evaluation for Janet, one of your team supervisors. Which of the following should you avoid doing during the review?
A. Examining her ability to manage time and resources
B. Keeping your negative feedback as general as possible
C. Asking her about her own career goals
D. Talking about how she responds to your authority as a manager

Correct Answer: B

Answer Explanation:

Core competency: encouraging employees’ development
Secondary competencies: supervising performance, effective communication
This is a question about employees’ training and development, as well as your need to supervise their performance. More specifically, the question discusses appropriate and effective ways to provide feedback. The question asks what you should avoid.

3. Identify the missing symbol following the logical sequence of the matrix.
Exam1 1

Correct Answer: 4

Answer Explanation:

Across the rows, each frame is the mirror image of the frame preceding it.
In order to find the answer choice, find the mirror image of the bottom-middle frame.
Alternatively, as you move across the rows and down the columns, the frames switch colors. Blue square change to white squares and vice versa.
Answer choice 4 is, therefore, the correct answer.

4. When was a time when you had to make a difficult ethical decision?

Correct Answer: In my previous job, I found signs of misconduct that put me in a difficult ethical decision. I had to weigh up the possible implications of reporting these behaviours against the potential damage that failing to do so could cause to the company. I ultimately decided to report to my supervisor and remained true to my ethical beliefs and company values throughout the process. This experience reinforced my belief in honesty and integrity and strengthened my decision-making skills.

Notes:

When answering this question, it is important to provide a specific example of a situation where you had to weigh multiple options and consider the potential consequences of each one.
Explain the decision you made and why you made it, as well as the outcome and any lessons you learned.
It is also important to show how your decision aligns with the FBI’s values and ethical standards.
Avoid vague/generalized answers without a specific example, answering without clearly explaining your decision-making, and forgoing the outcome and lessons you learned from the experience.

5. Describe a situation that required your conflict resolution skills.

Correct Answer:In a previous role, I encountered a situation where two team members had a disagreement regarding the direction of a project. The conflict was impacting team morale and hindering progress. I initiated one-on-one discussions with each team member to understand their perspectives and concerns. Then, I facilitated a team meeting where both individuals were able to express their viewpoints in a constructive manner. Through active listening and mediation, we were able to find common ground and reach a compromise that satisfied both parties. This experience reinforced the importance of effective communication and empathy in resolving conflicts, and it ultimately strengthened the team’s cohesion and productivity.

Notes:

As with the previous question, it is important to provide a specific example. Also make sure to explain the steps you took to resolve the conflict, including specific details about what you did, what happened, and what you learned. We recommend the STAR Method for almost any type of question in an interview. For this question specifically, it is important to show your ability to remain neutral and find a solution that is best for all parties involved.

6. How do you handle stress?

Correct Answer:One way I deal with stress is through effective time management. In my previous job, we were faced with an urgent project with a very tight schedule. I made a detailed plan and prioritised the most important tasks. I also learnt to stay calm under pressure and encouraged team members to work together to tackle challenges. This positive attitude and effective time management helped us to complete the project successfully and I learnt how to work efficiently under pressure.

Notes:

Other than providing examples, reasoning, outcomes and what you learned, answering this question is all about showing your own methods of handling stress, which you will surely need to do as an FBI Special Agent. Explain specific strategies you use including management, organization, exercise, or mindfulness, and explain how they help you manage your stress and work under it efficiently.

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