Firefighter Mock Interview
Practice 35 Firefighter interview questions covering situational scenarios, physical fitness, and emergency response judgment.
Question 28 of 35
Do you consider yourself a team player?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Example Answer
What to Avoid
Example Answer 2
Community Answers
Krista Wenz has been on thousands of interview panels hiring EMS professionals and firefighters for public and private agencies.
A team player is defined by Merriam-Webster dictionary as someone who cares more about helping a group or team to succeed than about their individual success. Firefighting is a team effort, and everyone on the crew needs to work together as a cohesive unit to achieve a common goal. Six qualities that make an excellent team player include a positive attitude, a commitment to the team, flexibility, collaboration, accountability, and understanding your role on the team.
The interviewer wants to hear that you consider yourself a team player and work well with others. Even if you do not have experience working as a Firefighter, you may have experience working with a team at a previous job or when participating in team sports.
Explain that you are a team player and provide your experience, including military time, involvement in team sports, coaching experience, or working as a volunteer firefighter or EMT.
Krista Wenz has been on thousands of interview panels hiring EMS professionals and firefighters for public and private agencies.
"I consider myself a team player. I have been involved in team sports since I was 12 years old, playing baseball and football through college. After I graduated college, I was hired for three seasons on a hotshot crew, where we worked very closely together fighting wildland fires across the country. On the weekends, I volunteer with our local volunteer fire department, teaching them wildland firefighting tactics and strategies."
Krista Wenz has been on thousands of interview panels hiring EMS professionals and firefighters for public and private agencies.
The interviewer wants to hear that you consider yourself a team player and work well with others. They do not want to hire a Firefighter who prefers working independently or does not enjoy collaborating with a team. If you do not consider yourself a team player, the fire service will not be a good fit. If you say that you do not consider yourself a team player or that you can work somewhat well with a team, the interviewer will have doubts about hiring you. When there is one person on a team that is not a team player, the dynamics of the group change and the team cannot operate as efficiently.
Give an example of how you are a team player and enjoy working with others to achieve a common goal. Explain that you enjoy working with a team and learning new skills and experiences from your team members.
Krista Wenz has been on thousands of interview panels hiring EMS professionals and firefighters for public and private agencies.
"Yes, I consider myself a team player and enjoy working closely with others. When I work with a team, I learn new skills and gain knowledge from those around me. I like how a team of people with diverse backgrounds and skills can collaborate to achieve a common goal. I have worked as an EMT for three years, and I could not do my job alone. It takes a team to work in this industry, and that is one of the aspects of my job I love the most."
Write Your Answer
0 - Character Count
Anonymous Answer
I would definitely consider myself a team player. I have always loved being friendly and kind towards others, as well as being part of a team in any situation. Whether it be playing in sports or any type of game, conducting a group presentation, being part of a crew or shift for a job, I've always enjoyed associating with others. There has always been a rewarding feeling when one member of your team succeeds. And even if the team doesn't win or complete the task, it's always good to look back on the situation everyone went through and try to improve the next time.
Amanda's Feedback
Affirming that you're a team player is the right way to answer this question. I appreciate the enthusiasm for connecting with people that I see in your answer. Being personable and positive are great characteristics for those that work in teams. Consider enhancing this answer further by sharing what kind of role you tend to take on within a team such as that of a formal leader, creative problem solver, encourager, logical analyst, or a supportive member who leads by example. It's also important to communicate that you value teamwork for its ability to help you achieve organizational goals and that you value what each person offers as part of the team.
Anonymous Answer
I think being a team player is a trait of mine because I have played team sports and coached golf leagues for kids with special needs, and now I work in a department that requires everyone to work together to get the maintenance requirements done for the facility we are in. Being a firefighter requires teamwork because you are in an environment where communication and situational awareness are key. and you have to have good teamwork amongst yourselves in order for the job to get done.
Amanda's Feedback
Well done! This is a strong answer because it shows you have a history of being a strong team player. It also demonstrates that you understand how vital a collaborative spirit is to keeping your team and others safe as a firefighter.
Unlock All 35 Firefighter Questions
Prepare for oral boards with answers that demonstrate your commitment to public safety.
Get StartedJump to Question