How to Answer: Besides the risk of death, what do you consider the least appealing part of being a Firefighter?
Advice and answer examples written specifically for a Firefighter job interview.
17. Besides the risk of death, what do you consider the least appealing part of being a Firefighter?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
As with any profession, there are unappealing aspects of working as a Firefighter. A Firefighter may have to witness death, deal with blood and vomit, rescue severely injured victims from a house fire, and perform CPR on infants and children. Those are only a few aspects of the job that are unappealing, but Firefighters understand it is part of the job and work through it.
The interviewer wants to hear what you have identified as the least appealing part of the profession and how you work past it. They want to understand that you have the stomach for this job and remain calm during stressful situations. There could be other aspects that are unappealing, too. You might find it difficult to miss holidays due to the world schedule or to be up all night running calls.
However you answer, assure the interviewer that your least favorite part of the job will not keep you from performing your job successfully. For example, if you say you consider the least appealing part of being a Firefighter is fighting fires, the interviewer will think you may not be cut out for this profession.
Describe your least favorite part of being a Firefighter, and then end on a positive note. If you cannot think of the least appealing aspect of this career, think of something that might create a hardship, such as being away from your family for extended periods. Then, explain how you face that challenge.
Written by Krista Wenz on January 12th, 2022
What to Avoid
Avoid naming something essential to the profession. For example, if you say the most unappealing aspect of working as a Firefighter is running medical calls, the interviewer may pass you over for another candidate. Fire departments typically run more medical calls than fire-related calls, so Firefighters must understand this aspect of the profession before they accept the job.
You should also avoid saying that the least appealing part of being a Firefighter is going through a fire academy or working through a chain of command. Firefighters must go through training to perform this job and continue training throughout their careers.
Being a para-military organization means you will work through a chain of command. It is similar to being in the military. You report to a company officer, and they report to higher-ranking officials. If you do not enjoy working in this structure, the interviewer will feel you are not a good fit for their department.
Written by Krista Wenz on January 12th, 2022
1st Answer Example
"I think the least appealing part of being a Firefighter is missing certain holidays and celebrations with my family. I have discussed this with my family, and we decided if I am working on a holiday or birthday, we will celebrate the day before. That way, we can all be together."
Written by Krista Wenz on January 12th, 2022
2nd Answer Example
"The least appealing part of working as a Firefighter is when I have to work mandatory overtime when I have made plans for the day. What I have learned from having this happen several times is not to make plans for my day off. That way, I am not bothered by working overtime since I have no plans. Honestly, there are so many appealing parts of this profession that it was hard to choose what is unappealing."
Written by Krista Wenz on January 12th, 2022
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