34 Fire Inspector Interview Questions & Answers
Below is a list of our Fire Inspector interview questions. Click on any interview question to view our answer advice and answer examples. You may view six answer examples before our paywall loads. Afterwards, you'll be asked to upgrade to view the rest of our answers.
1. Are you experienced in testing fire safety equipment?
How to Answer
The interviewer wants to see what experience you have and if you are qualified for the job. Most inspectors are experienced in testing fire safety equipment, either from working in the fire service prior to becoming an inspector or through the inspector certification. Describe your experience and give examples of what equipment you have tested.
Written by Krista Wenz on May 27th, 2021
Answer Example
"Yes, I am experienced in testing fire safety equipment. As a firefighter, we would do business inspections and inspect their extinguishers, and test their commercial hoods, sprinkler systems, and smoke detectors. As an inspector, I do the same, but on a more advanced level. With both jobs combined, I have 25 years of experience testing fire safety equipment."
Written by Krista Wenz on May 27th, 2021
2. Have you ever led a team or investigation? Tell me about that experience.
How to Answer
The interviewer is looking at your leadership skills. Describe an investigation or a time you lead a team and how it made you feel. It might be that you were a fire captain and had to lead your crew at a structure fire or vehicle accident, or it could be that you led an arson investigation. If you have never led a team or investigation before, say that you have not. But, use an example from the past where you supervised employees or were the captain of a sports team.
Written by Krista Wenz on May 27th, 2021
Answer Example
"I have led many teams during my time as a fire captain. I was in charge of how any medical call, vehicle accident, or structure fire went, and I relied on my crew to do the best job they could. We did a lot of training at the station, so my crew knew beforehand what was expected at every call. Since they knew their jobs so well, it was easy to lead them and know they would do a great job. I thoroughly enjoyed my time as a fire captain."
Written by Krista Wenz on May 27th, 2021
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3. Have you ever had an issue with a manager or supervisor? How did you resolve the situation?
How to Answer
The interviewer wants to hear how you work with authority figures and how you resolve conflict. Explain a time when you had an issue with a superior and how you resolved the conflict. Be sure not to call your supervisor names or use any other derogatory terms, giving the impression that you are difficult to work with. Turn a negative situation into a positive one.
Written by Krista Wenz on May 27th, 2021
Answer Example
"I once had an issue with a supervisor when working as a probationary firefighter. My battalion chief had asked me to write an incident report after the engine I was working on was struck by a car while we were on a call. I was the only witness, and he needed it for his report. I completed the report and put it in his in-basket on his desk since he was on a call. An hour later, he returned and he called me into his office and started yelling at me for not doing the report. He told me that I would not pass probation if I could not follow orders and continued berating me for about five minutes. When he was done yelling at me, I told him I had completed the report and put it in his in-basket. He looked, and there it was. He then said that I should have just left it on his desk, and he dismissed me from the room. I went and made a fresh pot of coffee and took a cup to the chief, along with some cookies a firefighter's wife had made. He gave me a big smile and said he was sorry but then told me never to let it happen again. It actually turned into a funny situation."
Written by Krista Wenz on May 27th, 2021
4. Do you have any formal training from a fire academy?
How to Answer
Most fire inspectors have some firefighting experience before becoming inspectors, which usually involves a fire academy. If you have attended a fire academy, describe where you received your training. If you have taught at an academy, be sure to include that, too. The interviewer is looking to see how much knowledge and experience you have in the fire service. If you do not have formal training from a fire academy, let them know and describe the fire inspector training you have.
Written by Krista Wenz on May 27th, 2021
Answer Example
"Yes, I have formal training after attending two fire academies. My first academy was at (name the college or facility) after deciding I wanted to work as a firefighter. I felt it would increase my chances of getting hired with a larger department. One year after graduating from the academy, I was hired by (name department) and was required to attend their academy before becoming a probationary firefighter. I have also worked as a Drill Instructor for the same department teaching two, six month long academies."
Written by Krista Wenz on May 27th, 2021
5. Do you have experience working with insurance claims?
How to Answer
This is either a yes or no question, and your experience depends on where you have worked before. If you do have experience working with insurance claims, describe how much experience you have. If you do not have experience, explain that you don't have experience, but you are willing to learn.
Written by Krista Wenz on May 27th, 2021
Answer Example
"I do not have experience working with insurance claims. The department I previously worked for did not handle insurance claims. But, I learn quickly and am willing to learn how to process claims or work with business and home-owners to assist them with claims."
Written by Krista Wenz on May 27th, 2021
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6. If given the choice, would you rather work on the insurance side or investigatory side of fire inspection?
How to Answer
Different departments will have either an insurance side, investigatory side, or both. Explain which appeals to you most and why. A good answer is to incorporate both sides of fire inspection, so it shows that you are willing to handle any given assignment.
Written by Krista Wenz on May 27th, 2021
Answer Example
"If given a choice, I prefer the investigatory side of fire inspecting most. I find it more appealing and intriguing than insurance claims. But, I have worked on both sides in the past and will certainly continue working claims if they assigned to me."
Written by Krista Wenz on May 27th, 2021
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7. What is the most bizarre case you have ever inspected?
How to Answer
The interviewer wants to hear what you consider bizarre and how you handled the case. When working on an unusual case, you need critical-thinking skills and need to work well under pressure. Describe the bizarre case and what resulted from it.
Written by Krista Wenz on May 27th, 2021
Answer Example
"The most bizarre case I have ever inspected was an apartment building that had a new sprinkler system put in. The building inspector called me to assist with the inspection of the system before the occupants could return. While inspecting one of the apartments, I heard a noise coming from behind a cabinet in the kitchen. It was strange because all of the occupants were out of the building. I opened the cupboard and saw a piece of wood that looked like it had been cut out of the back of the cabinet but wasn't placed in the hole correctly. I pulled the wood out and saw a face staring back at me. Apparently, there was a secret room behind the cupboard where a person was living. She had access from outside of the building and used the hole in the cupboard to enter the occupant's kitchen and eat their food."
Written by Krista Wenz on May 27th, 2021
8. Many of your inspections will require you to read a building blueprint. How well versed are you in reading blueprints?
How to Answer
Many inspectors are taught to read blueprints while receiving their fire inspector certification. Others take courses specifically on reading blueprints. Describe your experience and how comfortable you are with reading blueprints. If you are not well versed in reading them, explain what you are doing to improve in that area.
Written by Krista Wenz on May 27th, 2021
Answer Example
"I have ten years of experience reading blueprints, and consider myself very well versed in reading them. In addition to learning about blueprints during my fire inspector training, I have also taken two semesters of architecture and drafting where we had to draw up blueprints. I have an excellent understanding of how they work."
Written by Krista Wenz on May 27th, 2021
9. How knowledgeable are you in building fire code regulations?
How to Answer
Being knowledgeable in building fire code regulations is a key part of a fire inspector's job. While inspectors are not expected to remember every code word for word, they need to know where to reference the code. Describe your experience with fire code regulations and where you would reference the codes if needed.
Written by Krista Wenz on May 27th, 2021
Answer Example
"During the past five years working as an inspector, I have become quite familiar with the fire codes. It is impossible to remember every obscure regulation, so I carry several books in my car that cover the NFPA fire codes, the local building codes, and the fire codes that my state enforces. Most of the normal, everyday codes I have memorized, but I also have an app on my computer that I can show the customer what the code reads if there is a question."
Written by Krista Wenz on May 27th, 2021
10. Do you work better independently or as part of a team?
How to Answer
A fire inspector can work independently or as part of a team. It is good to be flexible and show that you are a team player. Explain to the interviewer how you can work by yourself and with others. It shows you are well-rounded and easy to work with.
Written by Krista Wenz on May 27th, 2021
Answer Example
"Being in the fire service, I have learned the importance of working as a team to get a job done. But, there are situations, especially as an inspector, where I work independently. Each situation varies, but I believe I work well by myself and as part of a team. I enjoy the different aspects that each offers."
Written by Krista Wenz on May 27th, 2021
11. Do you feel that it is important to wear proper PPE on the job?
How to Answer
For your safety, proper PPE is required on the job when inspecting anything that presents a hazard to your health. Employers can be held liable if their employees do not wear the PPE that is provided to them. An employer will not want to hire someone that they feel would be a liability. You need to explain why PPE is important and why you will wear it when appropriate.
Written by Krista Wenz on May 27th, 2021
Answer Example
"I feel it is imperative to wear the proper PPE when indicated. I certainly do not want to endanger my life or those around me by not wearing the proper equipment. Whenever I am in a situation that can present a hazard to my health, I don the necessary protective equipment."
Written by Krista Wenz on May 27th, 2021
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12. Have you ever been a volunteer firefighter?
How to Answer
Many fire inspectors started as volunteer firefighters to gain experience and knowledge and see if a fire service career is for them. However, not every jurisdiction has volunteer departments, so not everyone is afforded the opportunity. There is no correct answer to this question; the interviewer is only looking at your past experience.
Written by Krista Wenz on May 27th, 2021
Answer Example
"I did work as a volunteer firefighter when first starting my career. I had graduated from the fire academy, but it took five years of testing all over the state to get hired by a paid department. In the meantime, I worked as a volunteer to gain experience and improve my skills. After I got hired by a department, I continued as a volunteer for two more years to assist with their training."
Written by Krista Wenz on May 27th, 2021
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13. Would you be comfortable training others in fire prevention techniques?
How to Answer
A large part of a fire inspector's job is to help educate the public in fire prevention techniques. When an interviewer asks this question, they want to see that you will be the right person for the position. An inspector needs to have leadership and teaching skills to be successful at their job. Explain how you feel comfortable training others in fire prevention techniques and give a few examples of what you like most. Describe any past or present instructor positions you have held, if any.
Written by Krista Wenz on May 27th, 2021
Answer Example
"I feel very comfortable training others in fire prevention techniques. I am confident in my training and skills and like sharing my fire prevention knowledge with others. Besides training business and homeowners fire prevention techniques as an inspector, I also work part-time as an adjunct instructor at the fire academy, training new fire recruits. I get called in when they want me to teach inspection techniques, including fire extinguishers, kitchen fire suppression systems, and sprinkler systems."
Written by Krista Wenz on May 27th, 2021
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14. Do you have a current certification from the National Fire Protection Association?
How to Answer
Each department or agency has different requirements regarding its fire inspector's certification. Usually, the NFPA certification is an advanced level of training and is not always required by an agency or department unless the fire inspector is advancing to a higher level. The interviewer is looking at your credentials and how much professional development you have done through your career. If you do have your NFPA certification, they want to see that you have maintained current certification and renewals.
Written by Krista Wenz on May 27th, 2021
Answer Example
"I do have a current certification from the National Fire Protection Association. I have had the certification for four years and renewed it last year. I also have the annual fee deducted from my account automatically."
Written by Krista Wenz on May 27th, 2021
15. What programs and systems are you most experienced in?
How to Answer
Every day it seems, there is new technology being introduced to many industries, including the fire service. There are software programs and apps that are designed specifically for fire inspectors. Other programs may not be designed entirely for inspectors but are useful tools to be experienced in. There are various types of systems inspectors need to understand, like fire suppression systems in commercial kitchens and sprinkler systems. The interviewer is looking to see how up-to-date you are with technology and what systems and programs you are comfortable and familiar with.
Written by Krista Wenz on May 27th, 2021
Answer Example
"I am most experienced with computer programs such as CAD, Microsoft Office, and fire prevention inspection software. The systems I have the most experience with are sprinkler systems, fire extinguishers, and smoke and CO2 detectors."
Written by Krista Wenz on May 27th, 2021
16. As a fire inspector, attention to detail is incredibly important. How do you ensure that your attention is kept on the job?
How to Answer
Fire inspectors need to remain focused, so no detail is overlooked. Many inspectors have a good, methodical process for each inspection they do, so nothing is overlooked. Explain how you perform your inspections to ensure that you will not be distracted and miss an important detail.
Written by Krista Wenz on May 27th, 2021
Answer Example
"I pride myself on my attention to detail. I have a methodical process I follow for each inspection to ensure no details are overlooked. I use software that outlines each item I am looking for in an inspection, and if there is something unique about the place I am inspecting, I take notes and add it to my report."
Written by Krista Wenz on May 27th, 2021
17. Being a fire inspector requires strong documentation skills. How would you rate yourself?
How to Answer
Having strong documentation skills is essential as a fire inspector. Every detail needs to be documented for future reference if you end up in court. Without proper documentation, you cannot prove that something was said or done. Describe to the interviewer how you rate your documentation skills and why you gave yourself that rating. If you feel you have poor documentation skills, you do not necessarily want to tell that to the interviewer, but you should have a plan to improve your skills.
Written by Krista Wenz on May 27th, 2021
Answer Example
"I feel that my documentation skills have improved over the years of being an inspector. I would rate my skills a 10 out of 10 now, partly due to advanced technology and the ease of using inspection apps to document my inspections. I understand the importance of keeping excellent records and documenting everything that I do and say. I have never had to go to court over a case, but I want to be prepared if I get called in. "
Written by Krista Wenz on May 27th, 2021
18. In your opinion, what are three strengths a good fire inspector must have?
How to Answer
Fire inspectors have many strengths. The ability to provide excellent customer service, patience, attention to detail, work ethic, problem-solving and critical thinking skills are to name a few. Name three strengths you feel make a good fire inspector and explain why those three strengths are important.
Written by Krista Wenz on May 27th, 2021
Answer Example
"I believe that to be a good fire inspector, you need to have many strengths. The top three would be to provide excellent customer service, have attention to detail, and have patience. As an inspector, customer service is key as we are in the public eye and are there to inform, inspect, and keep citizens safe. Attention to detail is important as inspectors are looking for obvious and hidden hazards. Inspectors need to have patience, since some property owners may not be happy they are there, and they need to be able to explain what their job is while diffusing the situation."
Written by Krista Wenz on May 27th, 2021
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19. Walk me through your resume, highlighting all of your inspection-related experience.
How to Answer
This is a great time to sell yourself, based on your experience and knowledge. Start with inspector-related jobs you had before becoming an inspector, such as firefighting, arson investigation, or workplace safety officer. If you do not have experience as a fire inspector, highlight training you have completed and certifications you have received. List any volunteer experience if applicable.
Written by Krista Wenz on May 27th, 2021
Answer Example
"I worked for 15 years as a firefighter doing monthly building inspections as part of my job description. I have worked as a fire inspector for the past three years and am also an instructor at the Fire Academy teaching fire inspection procedures. I have been teaching for the past two years at the academy and have implemented a program where recruits can shadow me on inspection calls."
Written by Krista Wenz on May 27th, 2021
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20. What are your salary expectations?
How to Answer
Try to avoid directly answering the question, but show that you are willing to negotiate. Often, you will know the salary that is budgeted for the position before you apply, and you can answer with that number or a range in which you would like it to be. If you do not know the salary, you do not want to undercut yourself or propose a higher salary than their budget.
Written by Krista Wenz on May 27th, 2021
Answer Example
"My salary expectations are based on my qualifications and experience. I would be happy to know the salary you propose, and I'm sure we can come to a mutual agreement."
Written by Krista Wenz on May 27th, 2021
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You can also ask the interviewer to share what the range is for the role.
It may be more appropriate to provide a specific number when you're discussing the details of the position or when you receive an offer.
21. What are the biggest lessons you have learned as a fire inspector so far?
How to Answer
There are many lessons to be learned in fire inspection. One example is how people will be dishonest with inspectors to save money on doing something correctly, or they are concerned with getting a fine. Other examples are improved technology, increased prevention measures and public awareness, and enhanced sprinkler systems. Give two or three examples.
Written by Krista Wenz on May 27th, 2021
Answer Example
"One of the biggest lessons I have learned as a fire inspector is that not everyone is truthful. They might be trying to avoid a fine or save money by doing something that is not up to code. I feel that it is my job to educate the public and put them at ease when I arrive for an inspection. I explain why I do my job and that my only concern is for them, their business, and the rest of the public. I try to educate rather than enforce, even though I do that when necessary. Another lesson I have learned is that technology is advancing quickly in the fire service. I subscribe to magazines and attend conferences to keep up with the latest advancements."
Written by Krista Wenz on May 27th, 2021
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22. Tell me about an assignment that was too difficult for you as a fire inspector. How did you resolve the issue?
How to Answer
The interviewer wants to see your critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Explain a situation that was overwhelming or difficult for you as an inspector and how you solved the issue. You may not have had an assignment that was too difficult or overwhelming. If so, describe how you would handle an assignment that proved difficult.
Written by Krista Wenz on May 27th, 2021
Answer Example
"I have not experienced an assignment that was too difficult. I tend to break down each assignment into smaller tasks until it is complete. If I encountered an assignment that was overwhelming to me, I would seek assistance from my peers."
Written by Krista Wenz on May 27th, 2021
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23. Why are you leaving your current role?
How to Answer
When answering this question, you want to avoid talking about leaving for a higher-paying job, better benefits, or because you did not enjoy working with your supervisor. Keep your answer upbeat and positive. Talk about wanting to work for the agency you are interviewing with and why they are your first choice. Or, it may be that you want to work closer to home and avoid a long commute.
Written by Krista Wenz on May 27th, 2021
Answer Example
"I am prepared to leave my current role because my first choice of places to work as an inspector has always been with your agency. I like how progressive and diverse your agency is. When I first became an inspector, you were not hiring, so I applied for a position where I currently work. I live in this community and want to be able to help the citizens where I live."
Written by Krista Wenz on May 27th, 2021
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24. Why do you think you are the best fire inspector for us?
How to Answer
This is a great opportunity to talk about your knowledge and experience. Explain the traits and qualities that you possess that will make you the best inspector for the department or agency interviewing you. Describe how the department will benefit if they hire you for the job.
Written by Krista Wenz on May 27th, 2021
Answer Example
"I believe I am the best fire inspector for your department because I have over 30 years of experience in this field. I bring my knowledge and expertise to your department, along with my work ethic and exemplary customer service skills. Not only am I an inspector, but an educator, too. My philosophy is that the public needs to be educated to avoid fire hazards and to stay safe. That is what I do daily, and I have always had wonderful feedback from the public."
Written by Krista Wenz on May 27th, 2021
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25. What are your short-term goals as a fire inspector?
How to Answer
The interviewer is looking to see how motivated you are with professional development. They want to see what motivates you and what you see in your future as an inspector. In this profession, it is good to be constantly learning and improving as technology is quickly advancing.
Written by Krista Wenz on May 27th, 2021
Answer Example
"My short-term goals as an inspector are to take a class on the newest sprinkler systems that the city is implementing. I want to understand how the systems work and would like to be part of the implementation when the city has the budget. I am also enrolled in a course that is teaching the latest building codes and will complete the course in the next six months."
Written by Krista Wenz on May 27th, 2021
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26. What is your biggest area for improvement? What are you doing to work on that?
How to Answer
The interviewer is looking to see that you are humble enough to realize you have room for improvement. It may be that you spend too much time with small talk with business owners and cannot complete inspections quickly yet efficiently. Or, you may not understand a certain part of your job very well, such as reading blueprints. Explain that you understand you have an area that could be improved and describe the measures you are taking to fix it.
Written by Krista Wenz on May 27th, 2021
Answer Example
"The biggest area that I can improve is my ability to read complex blueprints. I have no problem understanding residential blueprints, but the commercial plans are more difficult for me. I have a meeting this week with a county building inspector who agreed to spend some time educating me on commercial plans. In the meantime, I have several sets of plans at home, and I have been looking over them every night and researching anything I do not understand."
Written by Krista Wenz on May 27th, 2021
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27. Why did you choose to pursue a career as a fire inspector?
How to Answer
The interviewer wants to see what your passion and motivation were to become a fire inspector. It might be that you were a firefighter and enjoyed doing business inspections, or you may have had a fire at your house and realized the importance of having safe buildings free from fire hazards. Show the interviewer that you have a passion for the job, whatever that may be.
Written by Krista Wenz on May 27th, 2021
Answer Example
"Before becoming a fire inspector, I worked as a captain for a metropolitan fire district. Part of my duties was to do weekly business inspections. My crew and I often found fire hazards that could have been detrimental to the customers, employees, and to the business itself. I decided I wanted to switch careers and become an inspector so I could help prevent more businesses from having fires as a result of their hazards."
Written by Krista Wenz on May 27th, 2021
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28. What is your greatest career-related failure, and what did you learn from it?
How to Answer
The interviewer is looking for an inspector who can admit they have experienced failure in their career and learned something from that experience. Describe a career-related failure, and turn it into a positive experience with the lessons that you learned. Explain how that failure changed your perspective and how it improved you as a person.
Written by Krista Wenz on May 27th, 2021
Answer Example
"My greatest career-related failure was not passing a fire technology course the first time I took it. I had become complacent and thought my experience as a firefighter would guarantee that I would pass the course. I did not study as hard as I should have, and I failed. I learned that I should never become complacent in a profession and that I need to be constantly learning. I studied very hard before retaking the course, and I received a 98% grade. That was the last course I needed to pass before receiving my associate's degree."
Written by Krista Wenz on May 27th, 2021
29. When were you most satisfied in your job?
How to Answer
The interviewer is looking to see what makes you feel a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction. Your answer shows a lot about your personality and what is important to you. Think back to an experience where you helped someone with a positive outcome.
Written by Krista Wenz on May 27th, 2021
Answer Example
"I felt most satisfied in my job when I helped deliver a baby during a fire inspection. I was inspecting a restaurant, and one of the servers rushed back into the kitchen where I was inspecting extinguishers and said a lady was in the restroom having a baby, and she needed help. I called dispatch, requested an ambulance, and asked the server to bring me some clean towels and tablecloths. When I went into the restroom, a lady was on the ground, and the baby was crowning. I placed a tablecloth under the mother's hips, and after a few pushes, the baby was in my hands. I dried the baby off, and she started crying. That was the most satisfying sound I have ever heard."
Written by Krista Wenz on May 27th, 2021
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30. If you could have changed anything about your last inspection position, what would that have been?
How to Answer
To answer this question, avoid using examples like you wish the pay was higher or you disagreed with your supervisor. Some examples could be that the commute was too long, the department was small and you wanted to work for a larger department, or there were staffing issues. Try to keep a positive note when answering this question.
Written by Krista Wenz on May 27th, 2021
Answer Example
"I really enjoyed my last inspector position, but if I could change anything, it would have been to have more inspectors to share the workload. The department I worked for had a small budget and could not afford more inspectors. This created a challenge, as we were backlogged for months trying to keep up with inspections. I felt being understaffed was detrimental to the safety of the community."
Written by Krista Wenz on May 27th, 2021
31. Describe a time when you did not get along with a coworker.
How to Answer
The interviewer wants to hear about your conflict resolution skills and if you are a team player. They also want to gauge how well you work in a stressful situation. It is important to remain calm during times of conflict and peacefully come to a resolution. Describe a time that you did not get along with a coworker and how you handled the situation.
Written by Krista Wenz on May 27th, 2021
Answer Example
"When I was working as a firefighter, my partner did not like to help check the engine and our equipment at the beginning of the shift. He would sit and drink coffee, then go work out. We had gone through the academy together, so we had the same seniority. I asked him several times if he could help check the rig out, and he always snapped at me and told me that he was busy. I asked him to coffee the morning after our shift, and I expressed my frustration about the lack of help. We had a call the morning before, and I had not had enough time to check everything out. When we arrived on the call, our portable oxygen was empty. It put a lot of stress on me. I explained how I was feeling, and I asked him if he could start helping in the mornings, and then we could have coffee and work out together. He told me he was sorry, he did not realize the stress it was putting on me. He also explained how he was having marital problems and had not been feeling motivated lately. After that, he started helping me, and I was able to help him work through his marital problems. We never had an issue again."
Written by Krista Wenz on May 27th, 2021
32. What motivates you to do a great job as a fire inspector?
How to Answer
The interviewer wants to see how passionate you are as an inspector. They want an inspector who is motivated to do a great job and enjoys their profession while working with the community. Describe two or three things that always motivate you to do your best.
Written by Krista Wenz on May 27th, 2021
Answer Example
"There are many things that motivate me to do a great job as a fire inspector. The most important reason I am motivated as an inspector is that I get to work in the community I grew up in. I can provide a service that helps keep the citizens safe. I am also motivated by educating the community about fire safety and fire hazards. I love seeing young kids in fire safety classes I taught become involved in the fire service. To me, that is a sign that I have had an impact on them, and it makes me want to continue doing a great job."
Written by Krista Wenz on May 27th, 2021
33. Tell me about your post-secondary education.
How to Answer
Most fire inspectors are required to have post-secondary education to become an inspector. The interviewer wants to hear about your credentials and if you have the necessary qualifications to work for their department. Describe any degrees, certifications, and licenses you have. If you are enrolled in any courses or are attending classes now, let the interviewer know. You will gain points for continuing your education past the minimum requirements and show your motivation for professional development.
Written by Krista Wenz on May 27th, 2021
Answer Example
"After graduating high school, I went to EMT school and received my EMT certification. I then received my associate's degree in Fire Science while going through a fire academy where I received certifications in Hazardous Materials, Emergency Vehicle Operations, Swiftwater Rescue, High Rise Operations, and Vehicle Extrication. I spent the next two years working towards my bachelor's degree in Fire Safety Administration and volunteering for my local fire department. After receiving my bachelor's degree, I decided I wanted to work as a fire inspector and received my Certified Fire Inspector 1 and Certified Building Plans Examiner certifications through NFPA. I am currently looking into master's programs in fire science."
Written by Krista Wenz on May 27th, 2021
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34. If you could not be a fire inspector, what career path would you choose?
How to Answer
It is hard for people who are passionate about their careers to think about choosing a different career path. But, most people are intrigued by another similar or completely different profession. It could be that you want to teach others about something related to the fire service, or you might be intrigued by working as a building inspector or architect. Or you may dream of owning bed and breakfast or working on a ranch. The interviewer wants to see what interests you besides working as an inspector.
Written by Krista Wenz on May 27th, 2021
Answer Example
"It is hard for me to think of being anything other than a fire inspector because I enjoy the job so much. But, if I had to choose a different career path, I think I am most intrigued by crime scenes. I could see myself working as a crime scene investigator. It amazes me how they can find the smallest pieces of evidence which can help solve the crime."
Written by Krista Wenz on May 27th, 2021
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