Firefighter Interview Preparation Guide

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I have always appreciated and admired those who put their lives on the line to protect our communities. My interest really piqued in firefighting however after I witnessed a post-crash rescue. I heard the calling as I watched the first response team pull the civilians to safety and out of harms way. It was then I knew that this is what I was meant to do.

I'm a very energetic and well-rounded person who can follow instructions well. I am a good communicator and quite a team player. At the last department I was with I initiated medic classes for the firefighters who were interested in learning first-aid techniques. Because it was such a success, the entire department is in the process of getting certifications for all members in different areas of response medical aid.

My last boss taught me the importance of time management - he didn't pull any punches, and was extremely driven. His no-nonsense attitude pushed me to work harder, and to meet goals I never even thought were possible.

I've learned a lot from my current role, but now I'm looking for a new challenge, to broaden my horizons and to gain new skill-sets - all of which, I see the potential for in this job.

In seven years I'd like to have an even better understanding of fire and rescue. Also, I really enjoy being the first to a scene. I work very well under pressure. Ultimately, I'd like to be in a commander-type position, where I can use my organizational skills and industry knowledge to benefit the people working with me, and those we are there to help.

I've been a firefighter for the past five years - my boss has said time and time again that without me, the department wouldn't function so well. I've also taken the time to educate myself on some of the non-standard techniques used in first response. I can react quickly in hectic situations, and can handle the responsibilities of a leadership role. What's good enough for most people is never really good enough for me.

When I was in college, I took an art class to supplement my curriculum. I didn't take it very seriously, and assumed that, compared to my Engineering classes, it would be a walk in the park. My failing grades at midterm showed me otherwise. I'd even jeopardized my scholarship status. I knew I had to get my act together. I spent the rest of the semester making up for it, ended up getting a decent grade in the class. I learned that no matter what I'm doing, I should strive to do it to the best of my ability. Otherwise, it's not worth doing at all.

I've always been motivated by the challenge - in my last role, I was responsible for training our new recruits and having a 100% success rate in passing scores. I know that this job is very fast-paced and I'm more than up for the challenge. In fact, I thrive on it.

This would be the first question asked in any interview. Therefore, it is important that you give a proper reply to the question regarding your education. You should have all the documents and certificates pertaining to your education and/or training, although time may not allow the interviewer to review all of them.

Do not be overly dramatic or emotional in your response, although a bit of excitement it in line. Give your honest reasons. For example, speak about your desire to help others and keep the community safe. If some experience with firefighters or some article or story inspired you, relate it briefly. Of course, for many it is the dream of their childhood; this should be mentioned in passing.

Fire prevention, education programs in schools and for groups, and of course rescue of people, pets, and household goods are the main thrust of the firefighter's tasks.

The fire department is one of the most important institutions in a society. With the fire department in place, fires can be prevented, minimized, and lives can be saved.

Saving human life is the primary goal. A firefighter must stay fit - firefighters exercise daily. Ability to work with a team, follow orders without fail, bravery, quick thinking and acting, calmness in emergency are all essential qualities.

Even people who answer this question positively can still be part of the firefighting force, as there are education programs, and desk job. Discuss your limitations with the interviewer.

► Give an example of a mistake you made. What did you learn from that mistake?
► How do you cope with stressful situations in general?
► Present a situation requiring efficient teamwork. What would have happened had the group not worked as a team?
► Do you have any volunteering experience? How did this experience impact your desire to be a firefighter?
► Give an example of a situation when you helped someone. Did you ever save a life?
► Do you have an example of a situation wherein you followed strict rules to complete a task, perhaps against your initial judgment?
► IN your previous employment, have you ever initiated improvement in work methods or suggested higher standards?
► Can you give an example of a situation wherein you worked outside of your job profile to solve a problem?

► Please prioritize the following in order of importance to you: Career, Family, Friends?
► Suppression, Prevention and Public Education, rank them in order of importance in the Fire Service and explain your reasoning?
► Describe a difficult decision that you've had to make in your life. What were the circumstances and what was your decision? Would you make the same decision again?
► Tell us about a conflict you've had with a co-worker or supervisor. What actions did you take to resolve this conflict? What did you learn from it? What would you do differently if the same situation arose again?
► Tell us about a mistake you've made in your past and what you learned from that mistake?
► What have you done to prepare for this interview?
► What have you done to prepare for a career in the fire service? What have you done to prepare for a career with the _______ fire department?

► Where do you see yourself in 5 years? 10 years?
► Why do you want to be a firefighter?
► Why do you want to be a firefighter for the City of _______?
► What is the most appealing aspect of being a firefighter?
► What is the least appealing aspect of being a firefighter?
► What do you consider to be your strongest asset? your weakest?
► Why would you be a good firefighter?
► Give an example in which you had to work as part of a team in order to achieve a common goal?

► What is the advantage of working in teams?
► Why is teamwork so important in the fire service?
► How do you and your family feel about you working 24 (or 48) hour shifts?
► What makes you think you would be able to deal with the stresses of being a firefighter?
► How have you prepared yourself to remain calm and react effectively at emergency scenes?
► Give an example of a time which you were faced with an emergency situation.
► Explain the circumstances and your actions?

► What kinds of personal conflicts/problems might arise in a firehouse and what could you do to minimize such problems?
► What personality traits do you possess that make you feel you would be a good firefighter?
► If hired what would you give to our department?
► What are some of the important traits a firefighter must possess?
► What is the most important trait a firefighter must possess?
► How could you help maintain good relations around the firehouse?
► What is a typical daily routine in a firehouse?
► What will you do with your spare time while on duty?

► What duties does a firefighter perform?
► What is the most essential duty a firefighter performs?
► What type of person would you find it most difficult to work with?
► Would you ever disobey an order?
► When would you disobey an order?
► What do you know about the city of ________?
► What do you know about the organizational structure of the ____ Fire Department?

► What are your hobbies and/or interests?
► Define harassment/sexual harassment?
► What would you do if you were witness to someone being sexually harassed/harassed?
► Have you ever been directly or indirectly or known someone who was involved in a sexual harassment/harassment dispute? What were the circumstances?
► Honesty and Integrity, define them and why are they important in the fire service?
► Pride and Loyalty, define them and why are they important in the fire service?
► What are the advantages and disadvantages of similar groups vs. diverse groups of people when working as a team?

► What do you think the future holds for the fire service?
► Where do you see the fire service going (how do you see it changing) in the next 5-10 years?
► If we were to contact your present or former employer, what would be one negative point they might raise about you?
► Are you currently on any other fire department eligibility list?
► What would you do if we offered you a position, and then soon after, you were offered a position with a bigger and better paying department, why would you stay?
► As part of the hiring process we will be doing an extensive background investigation. Is there anything in your past that you would like to discuss or explain to this panel?

This is an important point when the employers look at your CV before an interview as they can have a general evaluation about your abilities. They will assess whether your previous training courses or education are suitable for the job they offer or not. Therefore, training or education can become a critical element in recruitment process, and in the same case, it is the element that decides whether you pass the first round of interview or not.

To become a firefighter, your profile shall be checked carefully if you have got trained qualifications and skills in firefighting? Working in a group and in case you haven‟t been trained before, you can influence other persons as well as expose others to risks. Therefore, it is important to answer properly and honestly about your previous training and education courses in the interview. And you also need to have relevant documents or certificates. They can be used to prove that you have been trained before; however, it is not necessary to show them in a short- time interview and if the interviewers don't ask.

In an interview, please bear in your mind that a firefighter's responsibilities are different from other jobs. And this is crucial because this social job will ensure the safety of everyone and community. If an unfortunate fire happens, a firefighter is not only the savior but also the person who is responsible for the safety and even lives of other persons and properties on the site.