Fire Service Interview Coaching – Careers In Firefighting

You’ve Made it to the Interview – What Next?

It’s a long and rigorous process but you’ve managed to make it through to the Fire Brigade’s selection interview stage – congratulations! but what’s next? After all your hard work, this is the time to shine. Success at this point will most likely see you achieving your dream to become a fire fighter.

As with all the other stages you’ve passed, this part is also very competitive and requires preparation.
First and foremost, you should understand the role of a fire fighter and be able to articulate why you want it. You will most likely be asked some general questions such as:

  • Why do you want to be a fire fighter?
  • What do you know about the role of fire fighters?
  • Why are you looking to change jobs or why do you want to leave your current role?
  • Why should we give you this job?
  • You can listen to a podcast here where our coaches go in-depth on how to prepare for the interview

Preparing Responses to These Questions

Will help you feel more confident at the interview. While fire fighters are obviously responsible for the all important role of saving lives and protecting property in the event of fires, the role involves a whole lot more.

Think about your reasons for applying and list them so you can quickly and concisely respond – don’t forget to include all aspects of the role – not just fighting fires. You should research the organisation and make sure you are clear on what you can contribute and how you think you’ll succeed.

One suggestion from previously successful candidates is to visit a fire station or attend an open day and talk to fire fighters with various levels of experience including long term employees and new recruits familiar with the current application process.

Alternatively, you could go one step further and investigate work experience opportunities. If you can visit a city and suburban station, this will provide an understanding of the diversity between stations. Your efforts here will have a two pronged benefit at the interview stage – by providing a good understanding of what goes on at a fire station and an opportunity to talk about your visits during your interview (showing initiative and proactiveness which are two key attributes for fire fighters).

During Fire Fighter Interviews

you will often be asked ‘behavioural based interview questions’. These questions are used by recruiters to predict future performance based on how you behaved in a similar situation in the past. It’s very important to understand that the interviewer wants specific examples that demonstrate how you behaved in the past – not hypothetical answers on how you think you’d respond or behave in the future. To prepare, think about real-life examples from your past work or personal life. Some competencies fire fighters might need include:

  • Teamwork
  • Communication
  • Interpersonal skills
  • Ability to conduct training
  • Ability to get along with different people
  • Proactive approach
  • Conflict resolution
  • Working in adverse conditions
  • Problem Solving

The best way to prepare for behavioural interview questions is by using the STAR technique which stands for:

  • Situation – What was the circumstance, situation or setting?
  • Task – What was your role?
  • Action – What did you do and how did you do it?
  • Result – What was the outcome and, if possible, how does it relate to the fire fighting position?

Think About Your Examples

Then write down dot points next to each of the STAR points to formulate a response you feel comfortable talking through. Don’t scrimp on detail but make sure you are concise and specific. You can use examples where the outcome wasn’t ideal so long as you explain how you learnt from it for next time. I have created an online answer builder in my membership portal to make this much easier

The fire fighting recruitment process is tough and chances don’t come around very often, so it’s important to be highly prepared. We have vast experience coaching people successfully through the interview process.

If you have an upcoming interview, they can assist you prepare, practise and perform to help you stand out from other applicants and make a great first impression.

During the session you will receive help preparing responses to typical fire fighting interview questions, learn strategies to overcome your nerves and get feedback on your interview skills in a mock interview.

Sessions can be run over the phone or face to face in various locations across Australia.

If you are interested in customised advice and support specifically tailored to the fire fighting interview process, please check out the Fire Service Interview Coaching  in the Membership + Coaching  package email me.

Cheers,

Brent


P.S. Whenever you’re ready… here are 4 ways we can help you Get The Edge over the competition

1. Get my FREE Training – “How to Become Firefighter without wasting time”

I conduct a free training where I show you the proven roadmap on how to become a firefighter without wasting time and money. – Click Here

2. Join our Firefighter Recruitment Training page

It’s our new Facebook community where smart, aspiring firefighters learn how to get the edge and land in the top 5% — Click here

3. Join our Membership Implementation Program

Get access to all courses and software, LIVE Q&A group, access to the industry’s best aptitude and interview coaches. — Get into the Top 5% of Applicants – Click Here

4. Work with Me and the team, privately

If you’d like to work directly with me and the team to give yourself the best chance for your upcoming recruitment campaign, let us know a little about your situation to see if we are a good fit for each other – Click Here

 

Brent C

After becoming a Firefighter, I developed a massive interest in the Fire Services Recruitment and Selection Processes. I've been in the fire service working since 2007 to learn everything about how Fire Services Recruitment works. I've tested and refined proven methods to help people get the edge over the competition. Today, over 300 of my former students are living their Firefighter dream.

FREE TRAINING: Become a Firefighter Without Wasting Years of Your Life!

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