17 CBP Officer Interview Questions and Answers

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers are responsible for enforcing over 400 laws and regulations related to trade, travel, and immigration. They work at airports, seaports, and land border crossings to screen people and goods entering or leaving the country.

Do you have what it takes to be a CBP officer? Before you can find out, you’ll need to go through the interview process. This guide will help you prepare for the questions you’ll likely be asked.

Are you comfortable working long hours on your feet?

This question is a way for the interviewer to assess your ability to work in law enforcement. It’s important that you are honest about your answer, but also show that you can be flexible and adaptable.

Example: “I am comfortable working long hours on my feet as part of this job. However, I understand that there will be times when I need to sit down or take a break. In those situations, I’m willing to do so if it means getting through my shift and doing my job well. I know that sometimes we have to sacrifice our comfort for the greater good.”

What are some of the most important skills for a CBP officer to have?

This question is an opportunity to show the interviewer that you have a strong understanding of what it takes to be successful in this role. When answering, consider highlighting some of the skills listed on the job description and explaining why they are important for CBP officers.

Example: “The most important skill for a CBP officer is communication. This position requires me to interact with many different people from all over the world, so I need to be able to communicate effectively in both written and spoken English. Another important skill is problem-solving because there are often unique situations that require creative solutions. Finally, I think attention to detail is another essential skill as we are responsible for inspecting goods coming into the country.”

How would you handle a situation where you suspected someone of smuggling?

This question can help the interviewer assess your ability to use critical thinking skills and apply them in a fast-paced environment. Use examples from past experiences where you used your problem-solving skills to identify suspicious activity and take appropriate action.

Example: “In my last role as a CBP officer, I was on patrol when I noticed a man who looked like he was smuggling something under his shirt. When I approached him for questioning, he became nervous and started sweating. He claimed that he wasn’t doing anything wrong but couldn’t provide any proof of what he was carrying. I asked him to empty out his pockets, which revealed several small bags of marijuana. I arrested him for possession.”

What is your experience with using law enforcement databases?

This question can help the interviewer determine your experience with using law enforcement databases and how you might use them in your role as a CBP officer. If you have relevant experience, share what database you used and describe how you used it to access information about people or goods entering the country.

Example: “In my last position, I was responsible for maintaining our department’s database of all incoming shipments that came through our port. This included checking the database to ensure each shipment had the proper documentation before allowing it into the country. I also regularly checked the database to ensure no shipments were missing required documents.”

Provide an example of a time when you used good judgment in your work.

This question can help the interviewer assess your decision-making skills and ability to use common sense. When answering this question, it can be helpful to describe a specific situation in which you used good judgment to make an informed choice that benefited yourself or others.

Example: “In my current role as a CBP officer, I often have to make decisions about whether to allow certain people into secure areas of airports. For example, if I see someone who looks like they are under the age of 18 but is trying to enter a restricted area without their parent, I will ask for identification to ensure that no one is using another person’s credentials. If the person doesn’t have ID, I will call security to escort them out of the airport.”

If you could change one thing about the way the Customs and Border Protection Agency operates, what would it be?

This question is a way for the interviewer to assess your ability to work within an established system and offer constructive feedback. Your answer should show that you are willing to take on challenges, but also respect authority.

Example: “I would change the fact that CBP officers have no control over their schedules. I understand why this policy exists, but it can be challenging when there’s little flexibility in our work hours. For example, if I had children at home, I would like to know my schedule far enough in advance so that I could arrange childcare. This would allow me to plan ahead and ensure that I am able to fulfill my duties as a CBP officer.”

What would you do if you saw a colleague engaging in misconduct?

This question is a way for the interviewer to assess your integrity and commitment to upholding the law. Your answer should show that you value honesty, fairness and compliance with regulations.

Example: “If I saw a colleague engaging in misconduct, I would report it immediately. As an officer of the law, I take my responsibility to uphold the law seriously. If I were to see someone breaking the rules or laws, I would want to ensure they are held accountable. In this situation, I would also make sure to document what I witnessed so there is evidence if needed.”

How well do you handle stress?

This question is often asked to determine how well you can handle the stress of working in law enforcement. It’s important for officers to be able to manage their emotions and remain calm under pressure, so employers want to make sure you have these skills. In your answer, explain what strategies you use to stay calm when faced with stressful situations.

Example: “I am a very organized person, which helps me keep my stress levels low. I also try to avoid multitasking because it makes me feel stressed. Instead, I focus on one task at a time, which allows me to complete each task thoroughly. Another way I reduce stress is by exercising regularly. This helps me release any built-up tension and anxiety.”

Do you have any questions for me about the position?

This question is your opportunity to show the interviewer that you have done your research and are genuinely interested in the job. It’s also a chance for you to learn more about what it would be like to work at this position. When preparing for this question, make sure to read through the job description thoroughly so you can ask questions related to the responsibilities of the role.

Example: “I am very excited about this opportunity to join CBP as an officer. I noticed from the job listing that there are opportunities for advancement within the department. I was wondering if you could tell me more about how someone advances their career with CBP.”

When did you first become interested in law enforcement?

This question can help the interviewer get to know you better and understand why you want to work for CBP. It also helps them determine if your career choice aligns with their agency’s mission. When answering this question, it can be helpful to mention a specific event or person that inspired you to pursue law enforcement as a career.

Example: “Ever since I was young, I’ve always been fascinated by police officers and other first responders. My uncle is a police officer in my hometown, and he would take me on ride-alongs when I was younger. He showed me how much fun being a police officer could be while still doing important work. That experience made me realize that I wanted to do something similar.”

We want to encourage employees to share their ideas for improving the agency’s processes. If you had to suggest one improvement to the way we conduct inspections, what would it be?

This question is an opportunity to show your knowledge of the agency and how you can improve its processes. You should research the types of inspections CBP conducts, as well as any recent changes in policy or procedures.

Example: “I would suggest that we implement a new technology for conducting vehicle inspections at ports of entry. Currently, officers use handheld devices to scan vehicles for contraband, but these are time-consuming and require physical contact with the vehicle. I think it would be more efficient if we used non-contact RFID readers to scan vehicles from a distance. This would allow us to conduct more thorough inspections while also reducing wait times for travelers.”

Describe your experience with using firearms.

The U.S. Customs and Border Protection requires all officers to be proficient with firearms, so the interviewer will likely ask you this question to determine your experience level. To answer this question effectively, describe any previous training or certifications you have in using a firearm. If you haven’t used one before, explain why you’re qualified for the position despite not having experience.

Example: “I’ve been shooting since I was a teenager, so I’m very comfortable handling a gun. In high school, I took a hunter safety course that taught me how to handle a gun safely and shoot accurately. After graduation, I joined my local shooting club where I learned advanced techniques like target identification and reloading.”

What makes you the best candidate for this position?

This question is an opportunity to show the interviewer that you have researched the position and understand what skills are most important for success. You can answer this question by highlighting your relevant experience, education or other qualifications.

Example: “I am a highly motivated individual with excellent communication skills. I also have extensive knowledge of federal laws and regulations, which makes me well-suited for this role. In my previous job as a security guard at a local museum, I was responsible for enforcing rules and ensuring the safety of visitors. This role required me to be vigilant and observant while interacting with people from all walks of life. These skills make me a good fit for this position.”

Which other government agencies do you have experience working with?

This question can help the interviewer determine your ability to work with other agencies and departments. It can also show them that you have experience working in a team environment. When answering this question, it can be helpful to mention any government agencies or departments that are similar to CBP.

Example: “I worked as an investigator for my city’s police department for five years before I applied here. During that time, I worked closely with the FBI on several cases where we needed their expertise. I also regularly collaborated with local law enforcement officers who were investigating crimes along the border.”

What do you think is the most important aspect of customs and border protection?

This question is an opportunity to show your knowledge of the role and how you can contribute. Your answer should include a brief description of what customs and border protection does, why it’s important and how you would apply this knowledge in your work as a CBP officer.

Example: “I think the most important aspect of customs and border protection is keeping our country safe from threats. I know that my job as a CBP officer will be to protect our borders from illegal activity and keep people who pose a threat out of the country. This is something I take seriously and am committed to doing well.”

How often do you see illegal activity on the job?

This question can help the interviewer understand how often you encounter illegal activity and what your experience is with it. It can also give them insight into whether or not you have any personal opinions about illegal activity, which could be important to CBP’s mission. When answering this question, try to focus on the facts of your experiences rather than your own feelings about illegal activity.

Example: “In my time as a CBP officer, I’ve seen many instances of people trying to smuggle drugs across the border. However, I’ve never actually caught anyone in the act of smuggling drugs. Most of the time, we find out that someone has been smuggling drugs after they’ve already crossed the border. We then detain them and confiscate their vehicle.”

There is a nationwide shortage of customs and border protection officers. How would you convince someone without a law enforcement or military background to apply for this position?

This question is an opportunity to show your passion for the position and how you can convince others to apply. You may want to highlight some of the benefits of working as a customs and border protection officer, such as job security, excellent pay and opportunities for advancement.

Example: “I would tell them that this is one of the most rewarding careers out there. I have always wanted to work in law enforcement, but I also love traveling. This position allows me to do both while helping people. It’s also a stable career with great benefits and plenty of room for growth.”