This concludes our interview. Do you have any questions for me?

"Yes, I do; thank you for asking. After this interview, what is the next step, and when might I expect to hear back from you?"

The interviewer will often ask this question at the end of the interview to ensure all of your questions are answered. They want to see if you have questions about the position, their department, or your job duties if hired. It is best to ask a question or two to show that you are eager to know all you can about the job.Ask questions that were not answered when researching the department. After reviewing what you have learned about the position, your job duties, and the department, you can determine what questions you still have. Some examples of good questions to ask include asking the interviewer what they like most about the department, the work schedule, what training is provided, and when they would like to fill the position.It is also recommended to thank the interviewer for asking this question before asking your questions. After they have answered your questions, it is best to thank the interviewer for their time. Thanking the interviewer shows respect and will earn you points. If there is more than one interviewer, be sure to thank all of them for their time.

Avoid saying you do not have any questions. Interviewers expect to answer questions, and it shows them you are excited to learn all you can about the department and the job position. You should also avoid asking questions easily found by researching the department. For example, you should not ask how many fire stations they have, how many employees, or the service area they cover. If you ask questions like that, it shows you were not diligent in your research.You should also avoid asking about the pay, benefits, amount of sick leave, or how vacation time is accrued. Human Resources will answer those questions when they offer you the job and are often listed on the job announcement. If you ask these questions, it shows the interviewer you might be interested in the Firefighter position for the wrong reasons. If they think you want to be a Firefighter for monetary reasons, they might question your integrity and pass you over for another candidate.

"Thank you for asking this question. I do have one question for you. I did not see anything in the job announcement that talked about training. If hired, would I go through a fire academy?"

"I do have some questions for you. 1: I had seen your department provides scheduled training, and I was wondering what types of training will we be performing. 2: In regards to the training program, I was wondering if there is any extra training we can take for more certifications? 3: Could you tell me what you like about the fire department, as well as the town/city? 4: For firefighters who have suffered physical, mental, or emotional trauma, does the department provide any services to help manage these issues?"

"Yes, I do have two questions for you. Does the fire department encourage their firefighters to further their education through courses offered at the fire academy? What community outreach programs does the fire department participate in?"

Our department performs random drug testing on all employees twice a year or if they are involved in an accident. Do you have an issue with submitting to drug tests when asked?

"No, I do not have an issue with random drug testing. I do not take drugs or prescription medicine, so nothing will show up during a drug test."

Every fire department has different policies and procedures regarding drug testing. Most departments will require a pre-employment drug test to screen their applicants before offering them a position and perform drug tests at the employees' annual physical. Other departments may perform random drug tests, or they may test if an employee has been involved in an accident or is injured to rule out being under the influence.The interviewer wants to ensure you will not have an issue with their policy if hired. If this is a requirement for the job, most departments will have the employee sign and acknowledge they accept this term in their contract.The interviewer wants to hear that having random drug testing will not be an issue for you before offering you the position. They need to ensure their employees are drug-free since the Firefighter position involves working with the public and being around patients' prescription medications, illicit drugs and paraphernalia, and narcotics on Advanced Life Support units. If you do not take drugs and having random testing performed will not be an issue, tell the interviewer precisely that. If you have an issue with drug testing, be honest and tell the interviewer why. However, if you do have a problem with being tested, the interviewer will most likely conclude the interview without a possibility of offering you the job.

When responding to this question, avoid telling the interviewer that you do not have an issue with drug testing and that nothing will show up in your test if you take drugs. The interviewer will find out if you have a drug problem, and you will be fired from the department.If you have a drug problem, you should seek help before applying to any department. Since this position involves the safety of the public, yourself, and your crew, the interviewer will not want to hire someone who will be a liability to the department.Since marijuana is legal in many jurisdictions with a medicinal marijuana prescription from a doctor, some departments may choose to overlook an employee who tests positive for marijuana. If you use marijuana for medicinal purposes, be honest with the interviewer, and assure them that you only use it off-duty. The interviewer can then decide if that will be an issue for their department.

"No, I do not have a problem submitting to random drug tests. I do need to tell you, though, that I have a prescription for a medicinal marijuana tincture. My doctor prescribed this to help me sleep since I have insomnia. I only use it as needed, about three or four times a month. I do not like taking sleep medication and have found the tincture works quite well. If hired, I will not use it when I am on duty, and it will not affect my ability to perform my job. If the department has a problem with me using the tincture, I can consult with my doctor and see if she can provide an alternative."

"I do not have any issue with submitting a drug test of any sort. I take prescription medication for my ADHD, but that's all."

We require all Firefighters to have and maintain a current Basic Life Support (BLS) for Healthcare Providers CPR certificate. Are you currently certified as a BLS Healthcare Provider?

"Yes, I took the BLS for Healthcare Provider course five years ago during my EMT training. I was certified through the American Heart Association and will renew next September. I have alerts on my phone that remind me when I am up for renewal on all of my certifications and continuing education units, so I do not need to worry about my certificates expiring."

Most fire departments require their Firefighters to have BLS for Healthcare Providers certification and maintain their certification throughout employment. If this is a requirement of the department you are interviewing with, it should be listed under job requirements in the job announcement, and you should be aware of this requirement before your interview.The BLS course is designed for first responders and healthcare professionals who need to understand how to perform CPR, use an automatic external defibrillator (AED), and perform basic life support measures. The interviewer asks this question to determine if you meet their minimum requirements to work as a Firefighter. The certification is valid for two years, and it is your responsibility to keep your certification current.If you made it to the interview, you most likely have your certification and other requirements. The interviewer wants to hear that your certificate is current before moving on in the testing process.Tell the interviewer where you received your BLS for Healthcare Provider certification, how long you have been certified, and when your certificate is up for renewal. Mention that you stay on top of your certificates by putting the expiration date in your calendar or setting up alerts to remind you when your certification needs to be renewed.

Avoid not having your BLS for Healthcare certification if it is a job requirement for this position. If you do not have the required credentials to work as a Firefighter, the interviewer will pass you over for a qualified candidate. Read the job announcement closely before applying to any Firefighter position. Every department is different in its requirements, and you want to ensure you meet those requirements before your interview.Avoid saying your card is current if it is not. The interviewer will need copies of all required documents, and you do not want to be caught being dishonest. If there has been a lapse in your certification, be sure to recertify before your interview. If you have not received BLS certification, you will need to take a course to meet the department's minimum requirements.If you do not have the BLS for Healthcare Provider certification or your card is not current, be honest with the interviewer and tell them your plan to recertify or enroll in a course. However, if having this certification is a job requirement, you should take a class or recertify before your interview. The interviewer wants to hire a Firefighter who is responsible, organized, and who has read the job announcement completely.

"No, I do not have the BLS for Healthcare Provider certification at this time. I was certified in CPR seven years ago through The Red Cross when I was a girl scout and have maintained that certification. I saw on the job announcement that the BLS for Healthcare Provider certification is required for this position, and I have signed up for a course. I could not find a class that started before this interview, but in two weeks, I will have my certification and will renew it every two years."

Our department requires a pre-employment criminal background check. Is there anything from your background that would give us reason not to hire you?

"No, there is nothing that will show up on my background check. I am an honest, law-abiding citizen and do not have a criminal history."

Most fire departments do a pre-employment background check to ensure they hire Firefighters who do not have a criminal history. Firefighters work with the public and must be honest and trustworthy. The department also wants to know that they can trust you with your coworkers' and the department's property.Some departments might hire Firefighters with a criminal background if the offense was minor, while others will not hire anyone with a mark on their record. Typically, it will be mentioned in the job announcement what the department's policy is regarding criminal history.The interviewer also wants to determine how honest you are. It takes a strong person to admit to criminal history, and most people are embarrassed to do so. If you have something that will show up during a background check, be straightforward with the interviewer. Describe the offense, what charges were brought against you, what the penalty was, and what you learned from that experience.

If you have a criminal background, avoid being dishonest with the interviewer about it. They will find out during your background check, and they will not hire you if you were dishonest during the interview. If you were not truthful in the interview, they would determine that you cannot be trusted.If you have something that will show up during the background check, avoid blaming anyone else. The interviewer wants to hear that you own up to your mistakes and take credit for the error.When someone admits they did something wrong, it shows integrity. If the department is willing to overlook an offense, they want to hire a Firefighter who has morals and is honest about their past faults. When you explain what happened and what you learned from the experience, the interviewer might decide that you made a bad choice but have learned from your mistake.

"I am not sure if it will be an issue, but I do have a class C misdemeanor offense on my record. Three years ago, I was arrested for having an open container while riding in my brother's car as a passenger. I spent the night in jail and was given a fine of $1,000. After I was arrested, I stopped drinking and have been sober for three years. That was a learning experience that I never want to repeat, and I hope it will not keep you from considering me for this position."

"There is nothing in my background that would affect my chances of being hired."

What can you tell me about our fire department's ALS program?

"Your ALS program was implemented in 1995 when there was a housing boom. The Fire Chief decided more stations needed to be built to serve the growing community and that ALS services were necessary. The department currently has 15 ambulances with at least one Paramedic and one EMT staffing each, and a grant was written for two additional units to be purchased. Twenty engine companies and three truck companies are ALS, with medical emergencies making up 70% of all calls. Your department has three EMS Captains, a Registered Nurse in charge of quality assurance, and one Deputy Chief in charge of EMS operations."

Before interviewing for a Firefighter position, it is imperative to research the department you have applied to. Interviewers want to see how serious you are about working for their department and what you have learned about their operations. For this particular question, describe as much as you can about their Advanced Life Support (ALS) program, including how many ambulances they have, how many ALS engine and truck companies, how many Paramedics, when the department implemented the program, how many EMS captains and chiefs, how many medical calls they run per year, etc. Since fire departments run many medical calls, a lot of departments have an ALS program to provide optimal service to the community. The position you are interviewing for may have you working on an ambulance or an ALS engine or truck. The interviewer wants to see that you have done your homework before the interview and know about the services they offer.Be sure to include any medical training you have in your response.

The interviewer wants to see that you have done your research, so avoid not doing any. If you know very little about their ALS program, it shows the interviewer that you may not be that interested in working for their department.Some Firefighters interview at multiple departments since the profession is so competitive. The interviewer wants to see that even if you are interviewing at various departments, you took the time to learn all about their department. If you are testing at multiple departments, take the time before your interview to review what this department offers to the community.Most fire departments are very proud of their ALS programs and the services they provide. Show the interviewer that you are also impressed by their ALS program and are excited to be a part of it if hired.

"Your ALS program was launched in 2013 as a pathway for EMTs and Paramedics working for the local ambulance company to become Firefighter Paramedics. Currently, your department operates 28 ALS ambulances, four reserve ambulances, and 45 ALS engine and truck companies which run 80% of the calls for service received every year. You employ over 480 Paramedics and 95 EMTs to staff these units and also have a bike medic team for special events."

Would you be willing to raise money outside of work for the fire department?

"Yes, I am willing to volunteer to raise money for the department. I know how tight budgets can be and that we need to do what is necessary to raise money for new equipment. I have volunteered many times over the past two years with my volunteer fire department holding fundraisers. We were able to raise $150,000 for extrication equipment that we didn't have. It is a gratifying experience seeing the community come together in our support."

Fire departments often hold fundraisers and other events to raise money for the department. Firefighters are asked to volunteer their time for the good of the department. The interviewer wants to see your dedication to the fire department and your willingness to serve the community. Fundraisers could include crab feeds, barbecues, 'fill the boot' drives, and volunteering at burn camps. While these are not mandatory for most departments, if you tell the interviewer that you would not be willing to raise money outside of work, the interviewer will think you are an unreliable and unmotivated employee and may pass you over for another candidate.Most Firefighters are willing to help the community and the department however needed. The interviewer wants to see that you are enthusiastic about serving the community. Explain that you are willing to raise money for the department in your free time. If you have experience volunteering with other departments, use those experiences as examples. If you do not have Firefighter experience and have not participated in fundraisers for other departments, describe any other volunteer work you have done.

If you do not want to help the department on your days off, the interviewer will question your dedication to your profession. When responding to this question, avoid saying that you would not be willing to volunteer on your days off or that you would not participate in any fundraising activities unless you were paid. If you are only willing to help if you are paid, the interviewer will feel that your heart is not in the right place to be a Firefighter.Whether a Firefighter is on duty, off-duty, or retired, they are always a Firefighter. The interviewer wants to hear that you are willing to help the community and your department outside of work, showing that you have strong morals, ethics, and a willingness to serve.You should also avoid saying that you have no volunteer experience. Most Firefighters have volunteered in some capacity, whether as a volunteer Firefighter, sports coach, assisting with the Special Olympics, or working a First Aid station during a local marathon. If you have zero volunteer experience before working with fire departments, it would be a good idea to find a way to volunteer in your community.

"Yes, I would be happy to raise money for the department on my days off. I am particularly interested in raising money with the 'fill the boot' drive and have participated with my local volunteer department for the past three years. It's always fun to see how excited the community is to help and meet community members while raising money. I have also participated in two crab feeds and a chili cookoff to raise money for the fire department to buy new turnouts, and those were also very fun and successful."

"I would be very willing to raise money for the department outside of work. Volunteering is a great way to associate with the public and gain experience/skills in helping them, as well as give the department a good reputation for the town/city to see. It also provides extra money for the department to buy more/better equipment and extra training in different specializations of firefighting."

"I will wholeheartedly donate my free time to raise money for the fire department. I have strayed away from doing so now that I am older and have a family, but up until I was 18 I would volunteer my time at food drives, with special needs children, United Way, and church-organized dinners for families in need. Donating my time has always been something that I have enjoyed doing."

Knowing the area you serve is very important. Would you inspect newly constructed buildings (to learn the layout), on your own time?

"Yes, I would inspect newly constructed buildings on my day off. I would be interested in learning the layout once I had permission from the contractor or owner. I would then explain what I discovered to my superior on my next shift and ask if we could inspect as a crew so we all could learn the layout and be prepared in an emergency."

The answer you give reflects how serious you are about being a Firefighter and how dedicated to your profession you are. The interviewer wants to see that you are curious about new construction and are motivated to inspect buildings in your area on your days off. While it is typically not a job requirement to do so, showing that you are willing to do this shows you are a motivated person and do not mind putting in the time to be the best Firefighter you can be. Candidates who show dedication to the job are generally the ones who get hired.The interviewer also wants to hear that you will inspect these buildings respectfully and with permission from the developer, home or business owner, or the contractor. You do not want to trespass and have the interviewer think you would be a liability to the department if hired.Explain why knowing the area you serve is important and how you, the public, and your crew can benefit from these off-duty inspections. Describe how you would be interested in learning the layout of the newly constructed buildings in your free time and how you would ask permission before doing so.

You should not give a negative response. If you are not willing to do fire department-related tasks in your free time, the interviewer may think you lack motivation and dedication to your profession. If you can, it is even better to turn it into something you can talk your supervisor into doing as a crew while at work. You can explain to the interviewer that you are willing to inspect newly constructed buildings on your days off, but you think the entire crew can benefit from these inspections.When you respond in this manner, it shows that you have critical thinking and leadership skills. You show the interviewer that you understand the importance of the crew knowing the layout and not just you, and you have no problem mentioning this to your superior so they can determine if it would benefit the team.

"Yes, I have no problem inspecting newly constructed buildings in my free time. I do that now as a volunteer Firefighter. My community is growing due to the population increase, and new commercial and residential buildings are frequently being built. I always introduce myself to the developer or contractor on the job site and ask if I can inspect the layout, so my crew and I know what we're getting into if we ever respond to their address for a call."

"I would definitely inspect newly constructed buildings (as long as I'm allowed to of course) to learn the layout. Knowing the layout of any building is important for finding points of entrance/egress, understanding what kind of sprinkler system is used in the facility, and also knowing of any certain materials or chemicals being stored."

Tell me a little bit about your Firefighter training.

"I received my EMT certification three months ago and am now enrolled in a fire academy. I have been in the academy for three months and have been taught the fundamentals of firefighting, vehicle extrication, hazardous materials, swift-water rescue, and high-angle rescue. Last week, we had our first controlled burn, and I worked the nozzle for fire suppression on an interior attack and rescued two victims during our interior search."

The interviewer wants to know what fire classes you have taken, degrees earned, certifications received, volunteer work, and if you have attended a fire academy.Be specific in your response and mention any specialized courses you have taken, such as Confined Space Rescue, Hazardous Materials, Swift-Water Rescue, or Emergency Vehicle Operations Course. You can also describe any classes you have signed up for and when you will be taking them.If you attended a fire academy, describe what you were taught. Your instructors may have educated you on vehicle extrication, swift-water rescue, high-angle rescue, Hazardous Materials incidents, and mass casualty incidents. If you participated in live-fire drills, be sure to include that in your response.The more firefighting training and experience you have, the better. Highlight any experience you may have with firefighting, such as attending a fire academy or working as a volunteer Firefighter. If you have experience as a Firefighter, describe how many years of experience you have and with what department(s).

When responding to this question, avoid telling the interviewer that you do not have any Firefighter training and hope to get trained by their department. While some departments may not require any previous training and will train you when hired, most departments want to hire Firefighters with some training.If you made it to the interview, you must meet the department's requirements. Be thorough in your response, outlining all of your certifications and specialized training.If you do not have any previous Firefighter training, explain that, while you have no formal training, you plan to enroll or are enrolled in firefighting classes or the fire academy. Showing that you have a plan and have taken the initiative to become trained as a Firefighter will look favorable to the interviewer.

"I graduated two months ago from a six-month fire academy, where I received my Firefighter 1 certification. I was taught fire behavior, the fundamentals of firefighting, search and rescue, CPR and AED use, vehicle extrication, swift-water, and trench rescue, and the Incident Command System. I have participated in three live-fire drills and was placed in different positions for each. I have been on the nozzle for fire suppression, ventilated a roof, and performed a rescue of a downed Firefighter. Also, I am currently enrolled in an EMT class and will graduate next month."

"I am currently enrolled at Honolulu Community College and I major in Fire Science. I also work with Kela Hanson in his Fire explorer program that exposes youth to Firefighting."

"My firefighter training first began with joining the volunteer fire department in my hometown at the age of 16 years old. We had training every first and third Tuesday of the month and on my first one, we simulated a motor vehicle collision with two trapped casualties. After that night of training, I knew I for sure wanted to become a firefighter someday. I continued to train and go to emergency calls for 6 years and in between that time, I had taken some courses with the Provincial Volunteer Firefighters Association and went to Lakeland College for Emergency Services Technology. My time at Lakeland was one of the best times of my life without a doubt. Our class consisted of 31 students and everyone was friends with each other within the first month. The training we were given there was amazing as well as providing us with our IFSAC and Pro Board Certificates through both theoretical learning and practical hands-on learning. I'll never forget my time there and the lessons taught for both fire fighting, and life lessons, and teaching me more about who I am and want to become as well. During the last month of my time learning from Lakeland, we all had gone on a month-long practicum with participating departments, and I had done my practicum with the Medicine Hat Fire Department consisting of a total of 160 hours. The experience I had gained with the Medicine Hat Fire Department had taught me valuable lessons in the fire service, shown me what I had excelled at, and needed to work on while in this service."

How have you prepared yourself to remain calm and react effectively at emergency scenes?

"I have prepared myself to remain calm and effective at emergency scenes by doing a ride-along with the local fire department once a week for the past six months. They let me take vital signs, administer first aid, console family members, and control traffic for vehicle accidents. Working with Firefighters has taught me the importance of remaining calm in stressful situations."

Interviewers are looking for steps that you have taken to prepare yourself for this stressful position. They are also looking for a Firefighter who can manage their emotions during a crisis. While it is hard to prepare yourself to remain calm and react effectively to every type of emergency, there are steps you can take to see if this is the right career path for you. For example, you can do a ride-along with a fire department, volunteer for a local fire department, or visit fire stations and ask the Firefighters how they remain calm and effective during emergencies. You could also talk with other emergency services professionals such as 911 Dispatchers, EMTs, and Paramedics to see what advice they have for you.Describe measures you have taken to remain calm and effective when working at an emergency scene. Mention anyone you have talked to for advice, ride-alongs you have done, or EMT, CPR, or First Aid classes you have taken. The interviewer wants to hear that you have prepared yourself to work as an emergency first responder.

Avoid saying that you have done nothing to prepare yourself to remain calm and react effectively to emergencies. Working as a Firefighter is mentally and physically challenging. The interviewer wants to hear that you understand this aspect of the job and have prepared yourself.If you have not prepared yourself before your interview, describe how you plan to learn to remain calm and react at emergency scenes. However, it is best if you have done some preparation before your interview.Taking proactive measures shows the interviewer that you have planned to prepare yourself for this type of work. Firefighters must plan for all kinds of emergencies and remain calm while doing so. The interviewer wants to see that you have the mental fortitude to work in this profession.

"I have prepared myself to remain calm and effective at emergency scenes in several ways. I have volunteered at my local hospital for the past two years, working in the emergency department. I assist patients to the triage area when they come in, clean trauma rooms, and help patients with blankets, ice water or call family members when needed. Seeing how the hospital staff works and remains calm during emergencies has helped me do the same. One nurse I shadow told me when he feels anxious during an emergency, he takes a deep breath and remains focused on what needs to be done. I use his advice and find it helps me stay calm, too. In addition to my volunteer work, I am enrolled in an EMT class to learn how to handle all types of emergencies."

"For preparation in regards to remaining calm at emergency scenes, I joined the Maple Creek Fire Department to gain experience in both firefighting/rescue tasks and to practice remaining calm at an emergency scene. After my first fire call, I understood the value of remaining calm so I don't contribute to the chaos of an emergency scene. If need be and the conditions allow it, I will take a deep breath to calm my mind and become more able to look at the situation more clearly."

What are your personal hobbies?

"When I am not working, I enjoy many outdoor activities. I love kayaking, mountain biking, and camping with my family. Also, I realized I needed some type of creative outlet and have recently started painting with acrylics."

Firefighting is a stressful career, and it is good for employees to have a way to decompress. This question gives the interviewer insight into how you like to spend your time off. Some examples of personal hobbies include reading, writing, hunting, gardening, dirt bike riding, fishing, camping, or working in your shop building things.Your answer also lets the interviewer know if you will be a good fit for their department and have some of the same interests as other Firefighters. There is no wrong answer to this question. However, many Firefighters enjoy the same extracurricular activities, so most likely, your hobbies align with others in the department.Studies have shown that when coworkers have similar interests, employee morale is higher and productivity increases. So, interviewers like to hire employees who will get along with their coworkers and be happy in the workplace. When coworkers have similar hobbies, they have more to talk about. That is especially important in the fire service because Firefighters spend so much time with their crew.Describe three or four hobbies you like to participate in when not at work. Your answer does not need to be a long one, but you can expand on one or two of those activities if you wish.

It is best to answer with hobbies that show the interviewer that you know how to decompress. For example, if your hobby is racing cars, but you crash every time you compete and have to spend a lot of money fixing your car, that ends up being a stressful hobby. However, if you can decompress racing cars and it does not cause you to stress, then, by all means, list that as one of your hobbies.You should also avoid listing hobbies that the interviewer may deem unprofessional or unethical for a Firefighter. Even though your hobbies are enjoyed on your days off, you are still a Firefighter and will represent their department if hired.For example, you might enjoy spending your off days with a few friends visiting an adult entertainment club or getting drunk on the golf course. While that is your personal choice, if you tell the interviewer, they may be put off and think it is unprofessional of a Firefighter. If that is what you enjoy doing on your days off, you might want to reword your answer to be more work-appropriate.

"My hobbies are gardening, woodworking, and playing frisbee golf with my son. I recently completed building a 4,000 square foot garden, as my family and I want to be more self-sufficient. I also have a woodshop and enjoy building raised planters and furniture. My son got me into frisbee golf recently, and I'm hooked. We have a course near our house and play about three times a week."

"My personal hobbies include playing many kinds of sports, as well as watch sports, playing/listening to music, reading, working out, cooking, hiking, and camping. I am also currently learning Spanish. In the future, I'd like to try doing water sports, as well as skydiving, bungee jumping, cliff swinging/cliff diving, and travel to many different countries around the world."

"When not at work, I enjoy doing a lot of things but the things I enjoy the most would have to be kayaking when I can, playing board games with my daughter, video games, collecting Lego sets, and remodeling our house."

What is your greatest strength as a Firefighter?

"My greatest strength as a Firefighter is my strong work ethic. I was taught at a young age to work hard, do tasks that need to be done before being told, and help others when they need assistance with something. I have been commended on my work ethic in past performance reviews, describing me as someone who is always early to work, stays late when needed, does tasks without being told, and helps coworkers when needed."

Firefighters have many strengths, and you might think the interviewer wants to see what your greatest strength is pertaining to firefighting. However, the interviewer is more interested in your soft skills and how your greatest strength benefits you on the job.Soft skills are defined as non-technical skills that show how you work and interact with others. Soft skills include communication skills, empathy, compassion, problem-solving skills, interpersonal skills, and conflict resolution. These non-technical skills can be applied in any profession.If you review the job announcement, you will see the qualities the department is looking for in its ideal candidate. Describe to the interviewer your most significant strength, using an example of that strength in action.

Avoid describing a strength that the interviewer is not necessarily looking for in a Firefighter candidate. If you review the job announcement, look for keywords describing their ideal candidate and use one of those keywords in your response. For example, if the job posting says they are looking for a trustworthy, dependable Firefighter who has a strong work ethic and excellent communication skills, choose one of those as your greatest strength.If you say your most significant strength is your ability to type 100 words per minute, that may be acceptable for an administrative position, but not necessarily for a Firefighter position. If you use a keyword the interviewer posted in the job announcement, you will stand out as a strong candidate.You should also avoid being unprepared to answer this question. Some people feel as if they are bragging about themselves when asked about their greatest strength. However, this is the time to sell yourself about your most remarkable attribute that will benefit the department if hired.

"As a Firefighter, I believe my greatest strength is my communication skills. I am patient, actively listen to whoever I am speaking with without interrupting, and communicate that I understand what they are saying. When working with patients, I like them to know that I listened and understood what they said. I can effectively communicate with the public, my coworkers, and supervisors in both written and verbal form."

"My greatest strength as a firefighter would come down to three features about myself: my strong work ethic, my ability to keep a calm and clear mind in stressful situations, and my ambition to learn as much as possible. My strong work ethic and ambition to learn will most certainly help me succeed in both emergency scenes on call as well as in training courses or keeping sharp with my knowledge. With how well I can keep a clear mind, I can stay calm in emergency scenes as well as stay professional in situations between the public or other coworkers."

What can you contribute to this fire department?

"I can contribute my extensive emergency medical knowledge after working as a Paramedic for the past seven years. I have also worked as an EMT and Paramedic Instructor and would like to teach continuing education classes to the department. My other interests are to hold community CPR and AED classes to educate the citizens about the importance of early and effective CPR."

Interviewers are looking for Firefighters who are team players with desirable traits who will become valuable assets to the department. They want to know what skills, knowledge, and experience you can contribute to the department that will be a benefit.Before your interview, make a list of the strengths, experience, and certifications or degrees you have obtained. Then, review the job announcement and look for keywords the department used in their job requirements, which you will then use in your response.For example, suppose the department states they are looking for a Firefighter with 3+ years of experience who has a strong work ethic, is honest, dependable, and works well on a team. You would then use those keywords to show you have the skills and experience the interviewer is looking for in a Firefighter.Describe your positive attributes that will benefit the department, highlighting particular skills or knowledge that could enhance the fire department if hired. Suppose the job announcement says the department prefers their candidate to be certified in Hazardous Materials, Emergency Vehicle Operations, and Heavy Rescue training. If you have any of those certifications, you want to ensure the interviewer is aware.

If you do not have any prior firefighting experience, you may feel you do not have much to contribute to the department. However, even if the interviewer is looking for someone with experience, you still have a lot to offer. Avoid saying you do not have anything to contribute to the department.Fire departments look for Firefighters who have passion, determination, and a positive attitude. Those qualities are more important than previous firefighting experience because the department can train you to do your job. But the department cannot teach you to be passionate or to have a positive attitude.If you do not have prior experience and are unsure how you will benefit the department, make a list of your soft skills and use them in your response. For example, you may have strong leadership, interpersonal, and problem-solving skills, which are all positive attributes for a Firefighter to possess.

"If hired, I will contribute my public speaking skills to diverse groups of people. I am interested in teaching about fire prevention in schools and community centers and have spoken to many large and small groups in the past. I am bilingual and speak fluent Spanish, so I can help with community outreach in the Latin communities."

Where do you see yourself in five years with this department?

"My goals with this department are first, to get hired. I want to work at a busy station to be exposed to a high volume of calls and gain experience. In three years, I would like to take the promotional test to become the apparatus operator of a truck company. I believe I will feel comfortable enough with my skills in five years and would like to apply to become a captain."

Interviewers are looking to see what motivates and inspires you to achieve professional goals. They want to know that you are career-oriented, ambitious, and committed to a future with their department. It costs fire departments a lot of money to interview, hire, and train their employees. They want to see that you are looking for a career with their department and that they are not a stepping stone for you.Your goals might be to be a member of an elite team in the department, promote ranks, work in the training division, or become a Paramedic and work on an advanced life support unit. When you outline your goals, the interviewer gains insight into your personality and dedication to the department.If you see yourself in five years as a Firefighter with their department, that is fine. Not everyone wants to promote to a higher rank and is happy retiring as a Firefighter. If that is you, describe how you see yourself in five years as a Firefighter with their department with five years of experience, learning all you can about the job. Describe any specialty certifications you would like to receive to make yourself the most knowledgeable Firefighter you can be.Describe your five-year career goals, explaining why you have set those goals and how you will achieve them with their department.

Avoid saying you do not believe in setting goals for yourself. When a person does not make short and long-term goals for themselves, it shows the interviewer that they lack motivation.Even if you have not thought about where you see yourself in five years with the department, avoid saying you have not thought that far ahead. You want the interviewer to know that you are a motivated and driven employee. Instead, say that your five-year career goals with the department are first to get hired, gain experience, and learn about the different opportunities for advancement within the department.You should also avoid a simple answer, such as 'In five years, I see myself as a Firefighter with your department.' Elaborate and show the interviewer that you set goals for yourself and have planned your career. When a person has goals and sets intentions, they generally will achieve what they put their mind to.

"In five years, I see myself as the EMS Coordinator for your department. I have worked as a Firefighter Paramedic for the past ten years and will bring my knowledge and experience to your department. I want to promote to EMS Coordinator because I love sharing my medical knowledge with others and enjoy teaching emergency medicine to new and current Firefighters."

"In five years, I would like to be on track to obtain my lieutenant's bars, as well as be part of the high angle rescue team, and part of the ice water rescue team as well."

In what area could you improve as a Firefighter?

"I believe there is room for improvement in any profession. I feel I can improve as a Firefighter by becoming more confident when performing roof operations. The only experience I have is limited to what I learned in the academy. I have enrolled in a Truck Company Operations course that I will be attending next month. It is a three-week intensive course mainly focused on roof operations. I am also taking classes in fire safety management and will have my bachelor's degree next year."

In any profession, there is room for improvement. Interviewers want to know your goals and the measures you take to achieve them. The interviewer wants to hear that you are humble enough to identify an area that needs improvement and motivated enough to do it.As a Firefighter, you may feel you could improve on roof operations, understanding how the engine's pumps operate, pulling hose or catching a hydrant more quickly, or using vehicle extrication equipment more efficiently. You most likely learned how to perform all of those tasks in the fire academy but might need more hands-on experience doing so.You may feel confident in your skills as a Firefighter but have other areas where you could improve that are not directly related to firefighting. For example, you may not have much experience in public speaking and feel nervous when giving a demonstration to the community or speaking at a public school about fire prevention. In that case, you could enroll in a class on public speaking or join a group like Toastmasters to develop those skills. Describe an area you would like to improve and explain the steps you are taking to do that.

Mention an area of improvement that will not cause the interviewer to believe that you are not a good Firefighter. For example, suppose you say you want to improve getting over your fear of heights or feelings of claustrophobia when searching for victims in a structure fire. In that case, the interviewer might feel those will be difficult for you to overcome and may look for another candidate.You want to avoid saying you have no area you need to improve, making the interviewer think you are arrogant or cocky. Everyone has a weakness, and when a person identifies their faults and has a goal to improve, it shows the interviewer that you are self-aware and motivated to make that weakness a strength.When responding to this question, mention the area of improvement but do not dwell on it. Describe the measures you are taking to improve, ending positively.

"As a Firefighter, I feel there is always room for improvement. I need to work on my confidence when using vehicle extrication equipment. I had limited experience using the equipment in the fire academy since we had such a large class. I signed up for a course on vehicle extrication through a rescue training company covering small vehicles and large trucks, buses, and trains. The course starts next week and continues for three days. After completing the course, I will receive certification in vehicle extrication, and I am sure I will feel more comfortable in my skills."

"I feel I would most certainly like to improve on my skills with the public. I feel comfortable talking with the public as a firefighter, or even outside of the service when I'm not on duty. I love making friends as much as possible in fact. My only concern with the public would be in situations on scene and learning how to perform tasks in an emergency situation while trying to keep the public people as calm as possible or helping someone who is maybe impaired or not in the right state of mind. I would also like to improve in my teaching and instructing abilities for times when I'm training a course for other firefighters or the public citizens of the community."

Why did you want to become a Firefighter?

"I want to become a Firefighter because I witnessed a horrible motorcycle accident in front of my house when I was sixteen years old. Two people died, and I had never witnessed anything like that. The fire department showed up, and I admired how professional they were in making the scene safe so no one else would get hurt. They were very comforting and supportive and wanted to ensure I was not physically injured. That was the day I decided I wanted to work as a Firefighter."

Think about a specific time in your life when you discovered you wanted to be a Firefighter. It could be that you want to be part of a team, you witnessed an accident and admired how the Firefighters worked under pressure, or you might have a personal experience in which a Firefighter helped you or a family member. If you are pursuing a career as a Firefighter because a friend or relative is in the fire service, describe what that means to you. The interviewer will see that firefighting is important to you and may pay more attention to your answer. They will also understand that you may be more familiar with the firefighting schedule and what the job entails. There are a lot of candidates vying for coveted firefighting positions, and you want the interviewer to remember you. Give your reason for pursuing this career and explain why it means so much to you. Be enthusiastic and energetic in your response so the interviewer can see your passion and desire to work as a Firefighter.

Interviewers are looking for something personal. They don't want to hear you simply say 'I want to help people.' Most individuals wishing to become Firefighters want to help people, so avoid giving this generic response.You should also avoid saying that you want to work as a Firefighter for the pay and benefits, the consecutive days off, or to drive with lights and siren. When you respond with any of these answers, the interviewer will think your heart is not in the right place and that you are pursuing this career for the wrong reasons.The interviewer must feel your passion for this profession and see that your motives and values align with those of the department. Before your interview, make a list of reasons you decided to pursue a career in the fire service. Narrow the list to your top reason a career as a Firefighter is so important to you. Once you know your driving factor, it will be easier to explain to the interviewer.

"I am pursuing a career as a Firefighter because my father and grandfather were Firefighters. Since I was a little girl, I would visit my father at the firehouse, have dinner with him and his crew, and ride on the engine. He and his crew would come to my school and give talks, and I remember being so proud that he was my dad. All the kids looked up to me because my dad was a Firefighter, and I thought it was the most exciting profession. One day, my mom and I were leaving the firehouse to go home, and we saw a house on fire. That was before cell phones, so my mom quickly drove back to the station and told my father. We headed back to the house fire, and my mom started yelling to see if anyone was inside. The neighbors said an older man had not exited the building. My dad and his crew pulled up and ended up pulling the man from the fire. He was severely injured and did not survive, but I remember watching him at work, and that is when I knew I wanted to follow in his footsteps."

"My passion for firefighting started when I was 16 years old and just trying to figure out what I wanted to do with my life. Going through all the options of every possible career I could join, firefighting became the best choice in regards to a stable career with benefits and a comfortable rate of pay and just typical necessities I was looking for, as well as just wanting to have an awesome job where you look cool and get all the girls. But as I kept pursuing this career, I fell in love with it more and more each time I learned something new about it. The practical work that requires me to stay physically fit was something I always valued in life and was a big reason for wanting to join the fire service. Shift work was also a system I wanted to be doing as opposed to having an 8 am-5 pm weekday. The brotherhood/sisterhood culture that is a huge part of what I love about the service and being part of a team that looks out for one another. The training and information I would learn and want to continue learning are some of the most interesting and life-changing knowledge I could ever need and want. Really and truly, I could go on about what I love about firefighting until I've said every single thing about the service."

Why do you want to work for this city's fire department?

"I want to work for this department because it provides service to a community of over three million people in the area where I grew up. My goal is to go to paramedic school, and I like that your department provides ALS services. I am also interested in working with the swift-water rescue team at Station 6. I did a ride-along with the crew at Station 6 and witnessed a water rescue during the time I spent with them. They encouraged me to apply for this position and had nothing but great things to say about the department. This is the only department I have applied to because I want to serve the community where I grew up."

Interviewers want to see how much you know about their department and the community it serves. They want to hear the reasons you chose to apply to their fire department and what makes it unique from others. Now is an excellent time to show the interviewer that you have done your homework and learned all you could about their department.Do extensive research on the department before your interview. Find out who the Fire Chief is, how many stations they have, how many employees, what area they serve, awards and recognition received, specialized teams they operate, and their mission and vision statement.If you can, it is best to visit a few fire stations, take a tour, meet the fire department members, and ask why they enjoy working for this particular department. If the department allows, sign up for a ride-along and see how they operate. The more you know about the department, the better.Describe three to five reasons this particular department appeals to you. In addition, highlight any time you have spent on ride-alongs, visiting the stations, and talking to the crews. When you show you have put extra effort into learning about the department, the interviewer will see how motivated you are to work for their department.

Avoid saying you do not know much about the department but decided to apply because they are hiring. When a person does not know much about the department they applied to, it shows the interviewer that they have not done their research and are not enthusiastic about working for this particular department.Interviewers want to hire Firefighters who are passionate about working for their department. They want employees who take pride in the department and positively represent the department when interacting with the public. If you do not know anything about their organization, it shows the interviewer that you may be an unreliable and disinterested employee.Most firefighting positions have too few openings for the number of applicants that apply. You need to stand out from the others. If the other applicants tell the interviewer everything they know about the department and you cannot, the interviewer will pass you over for another candidate.

"I want to work for this department because of your excellent reputation in the community and the high call volume you run. I like how progressive and diverse your department is and that you offer and encourage advancement within your organization. I want to gain experience as a Firefighter and cannot do that as quickly at a smaller department with a lower call volume. I want to work on the Urban Search and Rescue Team, and your department is one of a few in the state who offer that opportunity."

"I just simply want to serve and protect my community. Nothing feels better than saving lives."

"The department's statement to protect the property, environment, and lives while serving the community with compassion and commitment is something that strikes a chord with me. As a child, I grew up seeing the department in parades and other events but as I've grown older and can actually appreciate what a firefighter is in this city means, it makes me want to serve my community on a closer and more personalized basis."

Besides the risk of death, what do you consider the least appealing part of being a Firefighter?

"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."

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.

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.

"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."

"The only thing that is the least appealing is not spending time during the holidays with my family. But, as a firefighter things like spending time with loved ones will have to be put aside for the community."

"The least appealing part of the fire service for me is the possibility of getting Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder after a bad call. Like many types of mental issues, it's hard for people who don't have the same issue to understand what your going through or what you need to help yourself cope with it. However, the fire service knows of these struggles and understands that people need help to be able to manage these problems, between the service providing therapies and the brotherhood/sisterhood culture firefighters have for one another that can give the most support that anyone would need. This aspect of the service will always be a scary thought for me personally, but at the same time, it's also not a for sure thing to have to happen."

Have you, or anyone you know, lost their home in a fire?

"I have never lost a home in a fire. Unfortunately, my grandparents lost part of their home when their attic caught fire. But, the Firefighters did an incredible job of containing the fire and were able to salvage most of my grandparent's family heirlooms. I was fifteen when it happened. I remember my grandparents living with us for a month while they rebuilt their home, and my grandma was very sad. It was after they were able to move back into their house was my grandma happy again."

The interviewer is looking to see if you have direct experience with a loss and can show empathy for someone else's misfortune. The interviewer wants to know if that experience was a motivating factor for you to pursue a career in the fire service.When a Firefighter has a direct connection with the loss of a home or a loved one's home, it often carries over into their career, and they are more empathetic to others experiencing a similar loss. The interviewer can gain a lot of information about you and your personality by asking this question.If you have experienced loss due to a fire, describe the circumstances and the outcome. If you have never experienced such a loss, explain that you, fortunately, have not experienced that type of devastation, but you are sympathetic to those who do.

Avoid saying that you have experienced such a loss if you have not. The interviewer will not give you extra points for saying you or someone you know lost a home in a fire. They just want to see if you have that experience.Also, avoid giving a simple yes or no to this question. The interviewer wants you to elaborate on your experience so they can determine if you have a sympathetic and compassionate nature.Focus on the question, and do not ramble about seeing a fire on the news or in your neighborhood. The question asks if you or someone you know lost their home in a fire. The interviewer is looking to see that you paid attention to the question and appropriately answered it.

"No, fortunately, I have never known anyone who has lost their home in a fire. I can imagine that would be a devastating and scary thing to experience, and I feel so bad when that happens to someone."

"I have not known anyone who has lost their fire in a home. That feeling must be very devastating."

"Personally, I have never lost my home in a fire or any fire-related situation. However, living in a small-town environment where everyone knows everyone, I've known many people who have lost their homes due to it burning from a fire. One of my best friends and his family lost their home due to a fire in the middle of the night when we were 14 years old. We weren't as close back then as we currently are, but despite that, it was still a hard time for the family and it had shown me how hard the loss of a home can be and the tragedy it brings along with it."

"When I was about 14 years old a member of our church lost their home to a fire. It was tough to see/hear about since I was friends with their children and they had lost the home they grew up in. It is heartbreaking to see someone lose something that was important to them in the blink of an eye but we came together as a community and got them what they needed to get through that tough time until insurance came through."

What is the most important trait a Firefighter must possess?

"I believe the most important trait a Firefighter must possess is honesty. The public puts their trust in Firefighters. They enter people's homes for medical emergencies, are close to patients and their valuables in vehicle accidents, and are responsible for individuals' personal property after a house fire. They work closely with their crew, living at the fire station while on duty. Everyone needs to be able to trust the people they work and live with."

The answer to this question will show the interviewer what qualities you find most important in a Firefighter. Pick one trait that is important to you and expand on it. The traits that interviewers are looking for in a Firefighter are honesty, integrity, morality, ethics, teamwork, and compassion. There is no wrong answer. Just be sure to explain why this particular trait is important to you.If you are unfamiliar with the qualities that make a great Firefighter, do an internet search and find what fire departments are looking for in their ideal Firefighter.For example, a Firefighter job opening may have the following requirements: high moral character, strong work ethic, team player, excellent verbal and written communication skills, integrity, and positive attitude. Choose the trait you most agree with, use one of them in your response, and include the reason you chose this trait.

When responding to this question, avoid describing a trait that is not consistent with the role of a Firefighter. If you choose a trait inconsistent with the role of a Firefighter, the interviewer will think you do not understand what Firefighters do.For example, if you say that Firefighters must work independently, it shows that you do not understand that Firefighters are part of a crew and work as a team. While Firefighters work independently at times, that is not the norm.Show the interviewer that you understand the qualities a Firefighter must possess by choosing the one that you think is the most important. When you answer with the trait you believe is the most essential, show the interviewer that you also have that quality.

"I think Firefighters must possess many traits to work in the fire service. The most important trait a Firefighter must possess is a strong work ethic. Firefighting is hard work, and one must have an attitude of dedication and determination toward their job. When someone has a strong work ethic, they believe in the importance of their job and feel hard work is vital to maintaining moral character. I feel that a strong work ethic is essential for Firefighters to possess since the community and their crew relies on them every day."

"The most important trait a firefighter must poses is honesty. Teamwork strives for honesty and if no one trusts one another there will be no team."

"I believe one of the most important traits of a firefighter, if not the most important, would be reliability. Whether it comes to the other members of the fire crew or the public, they need to be able to rely on you and put their trusting your abilities as a firefighter. Firefighters need to be reliable to one another to make sure that they will keep each other safe in life-threatening situations (conducting search and rescue in burning/deteriorating buildings, conducting high-angle rescue operations, performing wildland firefighting weather monitoring, etc.) as well as making sure that each firefighter has proper working equipment for future emergency scenes, and being able to teach one another the proper information and methods in training courses. The public also needs to rely on firefighters in the same aspects of keeping them safe in life-threatening situations and teaching them how to stay safe in everyday life or even preparing the next generation of upcoming individuals for their future lives."

"Firefighters need to have many traits, but I think the most important would have to be uncommon courage. I think it's the most important because it takes a special kind of person to risk their life by running into a burning building and risking their lives every time they show up for work for someone that they don't know."

What have you done to prepare for a career in the fire service?

"I volunteer with my local fire department and participate in their weekly drills. In the year that I have been a volunteer, I have been a Firefighter on three structure fires and multiple vehicle accidents and medical calls. I received my EMT certification two months ago and have been working as an EMT for AMR since then. I have enrolled in a Hazardous Materials course, which I start next week. Also, I work out three to four times a week, concentrating on strength and endurance activities."

This is a common question, as the interviewer wants to see what steps you have taken to prepare for this position. Highlight the steps you have taken succinctly. Start with the first steps you took to the most recent. If you have not done much to prepare, explain what you have done and plan to do.You could include visiting fire departments and talking to the crew about becoming a Firefighter, internet research you have done, firefighting books you have read, or firefighting videos you have watched. Be sure to include everything you have done to prepare for this career, including the physical activity you participate in to stay in shape.The interviewer mainly wants to hear about volunteer work you have done with a fire department, fire science classes you have taken or are enrolled in, CPR, EMT, and First Aid classes you have completed, and any ride-alongs you have participated in. If you have completed a fire academy and taken your Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT) test, be sure to highlight those achievements in your response.It is better to have a long answer than a short one. The more you have done to prepare, the better. The interviewer will be more likely to hire a candidate who has invested time and energy into preparing for a career in the fire service than one who has done little to prepare.

Avoid talking about things you have done that do not relate to firefighting. The interviewer only wants to hear about steps you have taken to prepare for your career in the fire service. If you have not done much to prepare, you can include past jobs or classes you have taken that can apply to the fire service, such as customer service jobs or mathematical or engineering courses. Customer service jobs apply to the fire service since you will be providing customer service to the community you are in contact with. Mathematical or engineering courses also apply to the fire service because you will be using those skills daily in your job.However, if you have adequately prepared for a career in the fire service, you do not need to include the customer service jobs or math or engineering courses in your response. The interviewer is primarily interested in the steps you have taken to prepare for a career in the fire service.

"To prepare for a career in the fire service, I became a certified EMT, I have my BLS HealthCare Responder certification, and I have one year left before receiving my associate's degree in Fire Science. I completed a fire academy and successfully passed the CPAT test. Also, I work out daily and follow a training program consisting of strength and cardiovascular training. I have a friend who works for your department and have done 15 ride-alongs in the past year to gain more knowledge of how your department operates."

"I have prepared for a career in the fire service through a multitude of experiences throughout my life. In 2013, I graduated from Radford University with a bachelor's degree in Business Marketing. Graduating from college helped teach me commitment and time management skills, the importance of responsibility and accountability, and gave me an understanding of the relationship between choices, decision making, and consequences. In addition, I have prepared by serving as a volunteer firefighter in __________. Serving as a volunteer firefighter gave me some insight into the demands and expectations of the fire service, provided real-life exposure to trauma, death, and difficult calls, as well as allowed me to experience the camaraderie and family bond that is formed. From 2017 to 2021 I served in an infantry unit in the United States Marine Corps. Serving in the Marine Corps allowed me to mature and grow as a leader and a team player. The Marine Corps also strengthened my sense of discipline and attention to detail. Furthermore, the Marine Corps enhanced my understanding of sacrifice and selfless service. In September of 2021, I was honorably discharged from the USMC and immediately enrolled at Red Rocks Community College, specifically in the EMT Academy. In December of 2021, I received my NREMT and Colorado State EMT licenses. In October of 2021, I met with ______ from Station 28 and he allowed me to come to the station and get hands-on with their equipment in order to prepare for my CPAT, which I passed a few weeks later. He also put me in touch with _______ from station 23 and in November of 2021, I was able to do a ride-along with Station 23 Tower c-shift. Currently, I am employed by _________ as a full-time EMT and am also enrolled in the ________ and Hazmat Operations Academy, which is held at West Metro Fire Training Center snd taught by ________."

"To prepare for a fire service career, I joined the _________ Volunteer Fire Department and worked with them for 6 years to obtain experience, learn how to stay calm in an emergency situation, and learn how to manage the public. After that, I had gone to Lakeland College to study Emergency Services Technology and pursue firefighting. From Lakeland, I have also received many certificates that include the IFSAC and Pro Board Seals. Throughout all that time, I have also been working out and training to keep physically fit for emergency calls that require moving/holding heavy objects and to be able to keep good cardiovascular endurance. I plan to continue keeping fit and also obtain more certificates and training to keep preparing myself for more situations."

What makes a great Firefighter?

"There are many aspects to firefighting that make someone great in their field. Continuing education and training consistently improve a Firefighter's skills. I think it is important to strive to be better constantly. I also strongly believe that empathy and compassion make a great Firefighter. We see individuals on their worst days, and we must be capable of putting ourselves in their shoes, trying to experience how they are feeling."

The interviewer wants to see what qualities you think makes someone a great Firefighter. You most likely possess the same characteristics that you identify in your answer, so the interviewer can get a glimpse at the type of employee you will be.Some of the traits fire departments look for in their Firefighters are honesty, integrity, strong work ethic, team player, excellent communication, compassion, and empathy. The interviewer wants to determine if you have the notable characteristics of a Firefighter and if you would be the best person to hire.If you review job openings for Firefighters, you will see many companies use the same keywords in their job requirements. Before your interview, review the job announcement for this position to see what qualities the department is looking for in a candidate. Then, choose three or four of those traits and explain why those qualities make a great Firefighter. If one of the qualities is honesty, you can explain that honesty makes a great Firefighter because the public and crew trust them to do the right thing.

A great Firefighter is not simply one who uses the firefighting skills and knowledge they possess. While that is important, Firefighters must have soft skills that make the community trust them. They must have integrity, morals, interpersonal skills, sympathy, and excellent communication with the public and their crew. You should mention these soft skills in your response.You should also avoid answering with a few characteristics that make a great Firefighter without expanding on the reasons why. For example, you should not say that experience and compassion make a great Firefighter and leave it at that. Instead, explain that great Firefighters must have training and experience responding to different types of emergencies. Firefighters are working with people experiencing crises, and they must show respect and empathy during these situations.

"I believe great Firefighters are honest, have a strong work ethic, are dependable, and have excellent interpersonal skills. Firefighters must be honest because their crew and the public rely on them and put their trust in them. They must work hard in the worst conditions and never give up. Excellent interpersonal skills are essential because they need to actively listen, be patient, communicate well, and use their problem-solving skills. In addition to these soft skills, years of experience, training, and being mentored by senior Firefighters make a great Firefighter."

"A great firefighter needs to be reliable, trustworthy, physically fit, kind, understanding, and ambitious. They must also be able to be critical thinkers, have a hard work ethic, and have a good knowledge of firefighting sciences, strategies, and tactics."

What makes you passionate about being a Firefighter?

"I am passionate about working as a Firefighter because I had an experience when I was ten years old where my school bus was involved in an accident. The front of the bus caught on fire, and we had to evacuate through the roof. The driver was badly injured, and the kids were crying and screaming. The fire department came and put out the fire while helping thirty of us safely escape. The Firefighters were calm and worked together as a team to help us. They were professional and did a great job of making the situation less scary. Ever since then, I have wanted to become a part of that team and help others in an emergency."

The interviewer asks this question to understand what inspires and motivates you to go to work each day. They want to know that you are passionate about being a Firefighter for the right reasons to determine if you will be a good fit for their department.There could be many reasons you are passionate about your career. It could be that you desire to give back to the community, enjoy the camaraderie of working with a team, or love working in a job that is different and challenging every day. Or, you may enjoy working in a profession that requires attention to detail, a strong work ethic, and problem-solving skills. When responding to this question, the interviewer will gain insight into your personality and characteristics that makes you a great Firefighter.Choose one or two reasons you are passionate about being a Firefighter. When you answer this question, be sure your passion is evident to the interviewers.

Avoid answering in a way that makes the interviewer think you are in this profession for the wrong reasons. For example, if you say that you are passionate about being a Firefighter because of the pay, the days off, or because you like being labeled a 'hero,' the interviewer will think your heart is not in the right place.Fire departments want to hire Firefighters who are passionate about giving back to the community, learning new things, and being part of a team that works together to achieve a common goal. If you are only interested in your days off or the paycheck and benefits you receive, the interviewer will likely pass you over for another candidate who is genuinely passionate about their profession.You should also avoid not having a prepared answer. If you cannot give the interviewer a solid answer to what makes you passionate about your career, they will feel that you lack the motivation they are looking for in a Firefighter.

"I am passionate about being a Firefighter because this profession offers me the opportunity to utilize my skills. I enjoy working in a challenging environment, communicating with the public, and working with a like-minded team helping those in need. I grew up in the foster care system and never felt like I had a real family. Working as a Firefighter offers me the opportunity to give back to my community while working with a crew who has become my family. I cannot think of another profession I would rather be in."

"Serving and protecting my community makes me passionate about being a firefighter."

"My passion for firefighting came from how all the attributes, aspects, virtues, and values of the service coincided with everything I wanted and valued in life initially. Being a firefighter, you need to be reliable, trustworthy, honest, kind, compassionate, ambitious and have a strong work ethic. All of these are values I hold dear to myself. Being part of a team is also something I’ve always admired and always wanted to be part of as well. I also love the different situations and events being in the fire service brings each day."

"I have been passionate about becoming a firefighter ever since I was young. It first started when I would volunteer with my family at a toy drive for impoverished families and occasionally the fire department would volunteer as well or bring toys as a donation. I've also volunteered with Special Olympics and there was always some fire department there doing an event or helping. I have always admired how firefighters are there for their community no matter what and I want to be a part of that. As I've grown older I love the sense of community in the department and I want to play a key role in keeping the community safe as well as providing fire safety education to the community."

Being a Firefighter is more than just facing risks; you have to be cautious and smart. Do you consider yourself to be cautious and smart when dealing with intense situations?

"I consider myself to be cautious and smart, but more than anything, I consider myself to have common sense. I approach risky situations with situational awareness. I like to know what is happening around me. Even if I am at the grocery store, I like to know where the emergency exits are in case of fire or another type of emergency. I always have a backup plan."

Firefighters need to be cautious and intelligent since they work in all types of emergencies and need to keep a level head. Firefighters are responsible not only for their own safety but also for the safety of their crew and the public. The interviewer wants to hire a Firefighter who is not afraid to take risks but is also intelligent and cautious while doing so. They want someone who does not fear placing themselves in harm's way but takes safety precautions to protect themselves and others. If you are the type of Firefighter who does not believe in wearing your SCBA while fighting a fire, the interviewer will believe you to be a liability to the department and pass you over for a more safety-conscious individual.Fire departments train their personnel to analyze and evaluate risky situations. They teach their Firefighters to assess the scene for hazards and proceed with caution once the scene is deemed safe. They also train to retreat when a situation becomes too unsafe to keep their personnel from becoming injured or killed.Explain how you assess and analyze risks. Describe a time you cautiously and intelligently handled a risky situation. If you do not have a story to share, explain what you would do in a dangerous situation.

When responding to this question, you avoid giving the interviewer reason to believe that you would be a liability if hired. If you say that you just let your instincts kick in and hope for the best when faced with an intense situation, the interviewer will think you do not analyze and evaluate the risks and could cause harm to yourself or others.Instead, convey that you are a safety-minded Firefighter who is willing to take risks. The interviewer should understand that you take appropriate safety measures to protect yourself, your crew, and the community while performing a dangerous job.There are many laws and regulations in place to keep employees from being injured or killed on the job. If a Firefighter is hurt while on duty, the fire department is responsible for that injury. The interviewer wants to hear that you are not reckless and will be a good employee if hired.

"Yes, I consider myself intelligent and cautious when working in intense situations. I have worked as a Paramedic for the past seven years and have been involved in dangerous situations many times. I always approach a scene with caution and analyze the scene to determine if it is safe to enter and know when to retreat if it becomes unsafe. For example, my unit was dispatched to an unknown medical emergency in an alley behind a restaurant last month. Law enforcement was not dispatched due to the nature of the call. When I arrived on the scene, there was a violent patient who a bystander said was on PCP, and he was attacking a woman. My partner and I didn't have the training needed to apprehend this person, so we retreated and called for law enforcement. Once the officers had the person in custody, we could enter and treat the patient. It is difficult to witness someone being attacked, but I did not want my partner and myself to become victims, too."

"I do believe I am cautious and smart in intense situations. In situations that others find intense or highly stressed, I usually keep a calm and clear mind in the heat of the moment so I can think of a solution to the problem. By keeping a clear, calm mind, I can think of an answer that will solve the issue and keep everyone safe, but also stay cautious to the point where I don't endanger myself either."

If you saw a coworker taking advantage of the fire department, stealing, etc., what would you do?

"If I saw a coworker stealing something from the department, I would approach them and ask them what they are doing and give them a chance to explain. If I felt as if they were not truthful in their response, I would report them to my immediate supervisor."

Firefighters protect life and property and are held to high standards. One of the traits of being a Firefighter is honesty. If a coworker is stealing or somehow taking advantage of the fire department in another way, that person cannot be trusted with the public and their property. An interviewer will want to see if you have the integrity to stand up to a coworker and help the department maintain its professional standards.Each fire department has policies and procedures that may include what to do if you witness a coworker taking advantage of the department. First, you must follow the department's guidelines in this event. If your department does not have such policies, the interviewer will rely on your morals and ethics to do what is right.The interviewer wants to hear that you will talk to your coworker to determine if they are taking advantage of the department before concluding they are acting inappropriately. You should not automatically assume they are taking advantage of the department without asking questions first. If you do not have a resolution after speaking with your coworker, you should follow the chain of command to voice your concerns. Describe what you would do in this situation, using an example from a previous job if you have one.

The interviewer does not want to hear that you would ignore the situation or angrily confront your coworker. If you ignore the problem, it shows that you do not wish to become involved and that you might not have the department's best interests in mind.If you angrily confront your coworker, it shows the interviewer that you need to work on your communication and conflict resolution skills. If you immediately jump to conclusions that your coworker is taking advantage of the department, you are not giving them a chance to explain what they are doing.How you respond also gives the interviewer insight into your leadership skills and standing up for what is right. Having the department's best interests in mind shows the interviewer that you are a loyal and dedicated employee.

"I had this happen recently in my volunteer department. I saw a coworker taking a chainsaw off the apparatus and putting it in the back of their truck before leaving their shift. I asked them what they were doing with the chainsaw, and I was told they had a tree they needed to remove on their property, and they were going to borrow the saw for a few hours. I asked if they had permission from our Captain, which they did not. I explained that if we needed the chainsaw on a call, we would be without it and that they needed to speak with the Captain about borrowing it. After speaking with the Captain, my coworker put the saw back on the rig because the Captain denied their request."

"If I saw a coworker taking advantage of the fire department, I would try and talk to them in a private setting. If their explanation seemed truthful, I would ask him to not do it again. However, if I catch him a second time I would tell my supervisor or whoever is in charge."

"I would first talk to the coworker and try and resolve the issue by telling them to stop. I believe that a problem or issue can usually be solved in a calm and professional discussion with anyone. If the situation keeps occurring or the individual stealing or causing the issues continues to do so, then I would go to my higher-ranking officer and tell them what the situation is and see if he can help with resolving the issue."

"If I saw a co-worker stealing something I would first make sure that I actually saw them steal something. If I was certain they stole something I would pull them to the side and ask them about it privately. If I feel like they were being untruthful or if they actually did steal something I would inform my immediate superior."

How would you handle a citizen that criticized the fire department to you?

"If I were in the middle of running a call, I would tell the citizen I would be happy to speak with them after the call. I would ask the citizen what they are unhappy about and listen to what they have to say. Then, I would explain why the fire department has the policies that we do. If I could not appease the citizen, I would refer them to my immediate supervisor."

Firefighters are in the public eye and need to maintain a professional appearance at all times. Some citizens become emotionally charged and critical of those in public service. The interviewer is looking for a Firefighter who can be calm when faced with a stressful situation or an angry citizen.If confronted with a citizen criticizing the fire department while you are on a call, it is best to ask the citizen to wait until you are done with the call. If a citizen criticizes the department while grocery shopping or washing your rig at the station, you can stop what you are doing and talk to the person.The interviewer wants to hear that you take the time to listen to the person's complaint and take appropriate measures to rectify the situation. Sometimes, it's just a matter of answering questions or acknowledging the citizen's criticism. If there is no resolution to the problem, the interviewer wants to hear that you follow the chain of command and ask your immediate supervisor to speak with them.Describe how you would handle this situation while remaining calm and professional. If you have experience as a Firefighter and this has happened to you, explain the situation and how you resolved it. If you have never worked as a Firefighter, describe a similar situation from a previous job and how you handled it.

There are several things you should avoid when answering this question. First, you must avoid ignoring the citizen. When you ignore someone who has a complaint as a public servant, the person will become more critical of the department and can file a complaint, go to a local news agency, or write a letter to the editor of the local newspaper. The interviewer wants to hear that you would not let it get to this point and resolve the issue immediately.More importantly, you must avoid becoming angry or hostile with the citizen or resorting to calling them names. Firefighters must be calm and respond professionally in all situations, and the interviewer wants to determine if that is how you would react if hired.Unless your department's policies state differently, you should also avoid immediately referring the citizen to your superior. Firefighters must have excellent communication skills and speak with those they come in contact with. If you immediately deflect any criticism to your immediate supervisor, it shows you may not be confident in your communication skills.

"I had this happen to me last month while grocery shopping with my volunteer department. My crew and I had split up to get our dinner supplies more quickly, and a citizen approached me. In a loud voice, he said he did not appreciate the fire department using his taxpayer dollars for the Firefighters to shop and that he was going to write a letter to the editor to expose the department. After he was done speaking, I calmly asked him if I could explain how the fire department operates, and he agreed. I explained that we are volunteer Firefighters and do not receive any pay and that the department does not pay for our meals. We pitch in out of our pocket to pay for our food. He had no idea how the department operated, and he apologized for not being well informed. Instead of writing a letter to the editor complaining about the department, he wrote a letter about how he and his friends always thought they paid for the Firefighters' meals and wages and were surprised to learn that their fire department was a volunteer department. In his letter, he expressed outrage that the Firefighters had to pay for their meals, and he felt the community should be more supportive. I was pleasantly surprised at the outcome and how he changed his tune after being better informed."

"If someone were to criticize the department to me, I would ask them in a calm and professional manner to elaborate on the situation to me and ask their reason as to why they feel this way. If they bring up a reason or way we could improve, then I would bring up the suggestion to the department. If their reasoning is false or if they misinterpreted something, I would explain it to them properly."

"How I respond to them would be determined by the circumstance that I was in. For example, If I am out in public not working a call and a citizen comes up to me voicing their opinion I would listen to them carefully and try to answer their concerns to the best of my ability, and if I cannot answer their questions I would give them a way to contact my next ranking co-worker, whether that be a business card or a work phone. If we are working a call and a citizen starts complaining to me I would ask them if they can stand off to the side and I will answer their concerns when I get the chance, and then give the proper way to get their answer if I cannot answer it for them."

If you are asked to perform a task that you are unfamiliar with, how do you respond?

"If I am unfamiliar or uncomfortable performing a task, I let the person know. I would tell them that I would find a crew member to teach me how to perform that task safely. I would then train on that task until I felt confident in performing it. I am not afraid to ask for help because if I do something incorrectly, it could hurt me, my crew, or a member of the community."

Becoming a great Firefighter requires constantly learning new skills. There are many things a Firefighter may be asked to do that they are not familiar or comfortable with. The interviewer wants to know if you are willing to ask for help. If a Firefighter performs a task they are unfamiliar or uncomfortable with, it could put them, their crew, and the public in danger.You might have been taught to perform a task differently than what is being asked of you, and you should not be embarrassed or afraid to say you are unfamiliar with the way the person assigning the task is asking. You might have never been taught how to perform a particular task. The interviewer wants to hear that you are self-aware and realize when you need clarification or assistance with an assignment. If you do not ask for clarification, you may do the task incorrectly. For example, if you are asked to use a tool you have not trained with, you might use it incorrectly and cause harm to yourself or others or damage the tool.If you have been given an assignment in the past that you were unfamiliar with, use that example in your response. If you have not encountered this situation before, let the interviewer know that you are not afraid to ask for help. They want to hear that you will not be a liability to their department if hired.

Avoid saying that you would perform the task to the best of your ability without asking for help or clarification on how to do the job. The interviewer does not want a Firefighter who will stumble through an assignment and possibly perform it incorrectly.While there are some things you need to figure out as you go when working as a Firefighter, if you are assigned a task and do not know how to do it, you will be doing a disservice to your crew and the community you serve. If you do not tell the person assigning the task that you do not know how to do it, you and others may become injured or killed.

"If I were asked to do something that I did not know how to do, I would tell the person giving me the assignment that I do not know how to perform that task. I would ask if they could show me how the task should be done. Once I was given instructions, I would not need assistance with that task in the future. I learn quickly, and once I know how to do something, I do not forget. I do not have a problem asking for help or clarification with an assignment because I know if I performed that task incorrectly, it could harm someone."

"If I was asked to perform a task that I am unfamiliar with, I would be honest with the person that assigned me the task that I do not know how to perform the task at hand. I would ask if they could show me and then I would make it a focus to practice that task over and over. I do not view asking for help as a weakness, because failure to do so could get somebody seriously injured or killed."

"If I was asked to perform a task that I was unfamiliar with, I would ask for help. The last thing I would want to do is do the task wrong because of my ego."

"I would let the person know that I am unfamiliar with this task and request guidance. I would also ask that after I complete the task I could review it with the individual to ensure that it was done properly. I would then make a note to continue to practice the task until I am proficient."

"I would tell the higher ranking firefighter or more experienced firefighter that I am unfamiliar with the task and ask them to either show me how to do it, or see if someone familiar with the task could do it instead because if I tried to conduct the task with no experience or understanding of how to complete it, I could either hurt myself, a member of my crew, or a patient."

"If I am asked to perform a task that I am unfamiliar with I will ask for help from someone that has done that task before or ask for instruction on how to do said task. I don't want to do a task that I'm uncomfortable with when I could be putting someone's life at risk, whether that be a co-worker or a passerby. When we have downtime I would continue to work on the task so I can perform it more confidently."

Two company officers give you conflicting orders on the scene of a structure fire. How would you respond?

"If I was in the middle of performing a job the first officer gave me and was asked to do something different, I would tell the second officer what my assignment was. If they don't assign that task to someone else, I would let the first officer know that I had a new assignment and ask what they want me to do. The most important thing is to communicate with both officers."

Communication is critical on the fireground. If you have orders to perform a specific task and are given different orders, you need to let the officer know what assignment you were first issued. Usually, they will assign another Firefighter the job. If they do not, communicate to the first officer your new assignment and have them decide which needs to be done first.There is a chain of command in the fire service that needs to be followed. Some Firefighters think if a company officer with a higher rank gives an order on the scene of a structure fire, that order needs to be followed regardless of what orders a lower-ranking officer has given you. However, the higher-ranking officer needs to be told what assignment you were first issued.For example, suppose your fire Captain or Lieutenant assigns you to fire suppression. While on your way to suppress the fire, a Battalion Chief orders you to throw a ladder to the roof and perform ventilation. If you followed the Chief's orders without telling them you had another assignment, the fire would not be suppressed.The interviewer wants to hear that you have excellent communication skills and do not have a problem speaking up when given conflicting orders. Describe how you would communicate to the officers to see what assignment should be done first.

When responding to this question, avoid saying you would not speak up and perform the task given by the highest-ranking officer. If you do not communicate with the officer, there will be chaos on the fireground, and specific jobs will not be completed.The company officer giving you conflicting orders may not know you were given another assignment. When you communicate with them, they can decide to assign the task to someone else or contact the other officer to determine what task should be performed first.Communication is essential on any call, not just structure fires. Suppose you were on the scene of a vehicle accident and were assigned patient care by one officer, but five minutes later, another officer gives you an order to perform vehicle extrication. If you do not tell the second officer another officer assigned you patient care, that patient will be left unattended.

"If I was given conflicting orders on a structure fire or another emergency call, I would communicate with the officer assigning me the second task. I would tell them what assignment the first officer gave me and ask what they would like me to do. Most likely, the second officer was not aware I had already been assigned a job."

"If I was given conflicting orders on the scene of a structure fire, I would let the officer that assigned me the second task know what my current assignment was, who ordered it, and ask what he or she wants me to do? If he instructs me to carry out his order, I would quickly let the 1st officer know what my new assignment was, who it came from, and then complete the task at hand. The most important aspect of this scenario is effective communication to prevent unnecessary chaos at the scene."

"If two company officers gave me conflicting orders I would first tell the second officer of my previous order. I would try my best to figure out a way to mediate the situation, in hopes of finding another person that can help with the task."

"I would let the second officer know what the initial order I was given was and leave it up to the officer to confirm which task I should complete."

"In this situation, if I were performing a task given to me by one officer, and a second officer comes to me with a different task, I would tell the second officer about the task the first officer assigned me. Depending on the task at hand, the second officer should then either find someone else for their task or assign another firefighter to conduct my current task. If my task is reassigned, we must let the first officer know what has changed. This way, both tasks should be completed, and everyone should know what is going on."

"If I am working a scene and my lieutenant gives me the order to go grab a bag off of the truck and on my way there, the Battalion Chief asks me to do something else, I would inform them that my Lieutenant had asked me to grab this bag for them first but I am 100 percent willing to do whatever task he may ask of me after I give the lieutenant the bag."

What would you do if you witnessed a coworker treating another coworker poorly?

"I would respond differently depending on the rank of my coworker. If a captain or chief were treating another Firefighter poorly, I would not immediately interfere. I would speak with my coworker in private and see if they wanted to share the problem and ask if I could help. If I witnessed a Firefighter treating another Firefighter poorly, I would step in and ask why they are mistreating this person. We are supposed to be a family, a team, and we do not treat our coworkers like this."

Your answer to this question will show the interviewer how you respond to inappropriate behavior and your willingness to stand up for others. However, the question does not specifically state the rank of the coworker. Respond in a way that does not interfere with the department's chain of command.Also, as a Firefighter, you will witness patients being mistreated by family members and caretakers. If you are willing to stand up for a coworker, you most likely will stand up for those who cannot defend themselves. The interviewer wants to hear about your conflict resolution and problem-solving skills, which are essential skills for Firefighters.There may be different ways to respond to this question depending on the circumstances. It is best to evaluate the situation and determine if the coworker is actually treating the other poorly or simply joking with the other coworker. There is a level of joking in the fire service, especially with rookie Firefighters. What you may construe as a coworker being treated poorly might only be good-natured fun.It is best to understand the entire situation before interfering, preferably speaking to both parties separately. You also need to follow the department's standard operating procedures regarding the mistreatment of employees. Explain what you would do if you witnessed a coworker treating another poorly, using an example of how you responded if this is something you have seen in the past.

Avoid saying you would ignore the situation or join the coworker treating the other poorly. If you ignore the problem, it shows the interviewer that you avoid conflict and do not have good conflict resolution skills. The department does not want to hire a Firefighter that is meek and backs down when faced with an uncomfortable situation.Firefighters are faced with conflict daily, and they need to be able to problem-solve. When you step in to mitigate the situation, you show the interviewer that you have strong leadership skills. When coworkers treat each other poorly, it decreases employee morale and creates a hostile workplace. By interfering and helping to solve the problem, it keeps morale high and hostility low. Firefighters work closely together and build a family with their coworkers. The interviewer wants to hear that you will be a good fit for the team. If you join the coworker that is treating the other poorly, it shows the interviewer you are a bully and not someone they want in their department.

"If I witnessed a coworker treating another poorly, I would watch and listen to determine if they were joking around or not. I know it is common for Firefighters to joke around with each other. If I decided that they were not joking around, I would ask to speak with them privately. I would ask each of them if there was a problem and help resolve the issue. I would reiterate that Firefighters are better than that, and we need to work together as a team and not belittle each other."

"If I had seen another coworker being treated poorly, I'd walk over and ask what's going on and try to help them resolve the issue by finding maybe a compromise or telling the worker bullying the other worker to stop. If the behavior continued afterward, I'd go to my supervisor, explain the situation, and ask for assistance in helping to resolve the problem."

"If I witness a coworker treating another coworker poorly I would first listen to see if they're actually belittling each other or if they are just messing around. If I felt that they were starting to go too far I would interject myself and diffuse the situation and ask to not make it so personal. We are there to work and be a team, not to belittle each other."

What was the biggest mistake you made at your previous employment? What did you learn from it?

"The biggest mistake I made at my previous employment was accepting a supervisory position after six months on the job. I was the youngest employee, and I had not earned my peers' respect. I honestly did not know what I was doing, and it showed. After one week, I requested a meeting with my supervisor and asked if I could return to my previous position to gain more experience. He was understanding and allowed me to return to my previous position. After that, I took an effective leadership course and read books on managing others. Two years later, I applied for the supervisory position and was promoted. I felt much more confident in my role and earned my coworkers' respect."

Interviewers ask this question because they want to see you hold yourself accountable for mistakes instead of making excuses. They want to know if you learn from your mistakes and use that experience to improve. This question also shows if you are humble enough to acknowledge you have made a mistake. The mistake should be related to the fire service unless you have no prior firefighting experience. In that case, use an example from a different industry.When you admit and acknowledge a mistake, it shows the interviewer that you have integrity, morals, and ethics. It is easy to cover up a mistake, but it takes a stronger person to admit their error. You will inevitably make mistakes in the fire service, like pulling the wrong size hose on a fire or forgetting to put your gear on the fire apparatus at the beginning of the shift. It is admitting and recovering from the mistake that is the most important.The interviewer wants to hear of a mistake you have made, how you handled the error, how you recovered from the mistake, and what you learned from it. Describe the mistake, explain how you realized what you had done, and turn it into a positive experience.

Avoid saying that you have never made a mistake. Everyone makes mistakes, and the interviewer will feel that you are being dishonest in your response. They will also think that you are the type of person who cannot admit when they are wrong, which is not a good quality for a Firefighter.You should also avoid describing a mistake that would make the interviewer think you are not a good Firefighter or would be a liability to the department if hired. For example, if your biggest mistake was misusing extrication equipment and you caused debilitating injury to a patient, the interviewer may pass you over for another candidate.

"The biggest mistake I made at my previous job was forgetting to show up for a shift trade. I had agreed to cover one of my coworker's shifts a month prior and did not put it on my calendar. I was taking my son to preschool and got a call from the Captain asking where I was. I was confused and told him I was taking my son to school and that it was my day off. He informed me that there was a signed shift trade form on his desk, and I was supposed to be at the station covering the shift. I apologized and told him I would be a the station in 20 minutes. I learned from that mistake to always put shift trades on my calendar immediately and check my calendar daily. I never had that happen again after making that error."

How do you resolve a conflict with a coworker or supervisor?

"I resolve conflicts with a coworker or supervisor by speaking directly with them. I ask if I can speak with them privately and explain the problem in a non-confrontational manner. I ask them if they understand where I'm coming from and if they agree there is a problem. I then ask how we can fix the issue and try to come to a mutual agreement."

Conflict-resolution, problem-solving, and excellent communication are fundamental skills to have as a Firefighter. There will be times you may not agree with a coworker or supervisor, and you must be able to handle conflict peacefully so that both parties are satisfied with the result. As a Firefighter, you may face a partner who does not pull their weight, a relief who calls in sick or constantly shows up late, or personalities that clash. Firefighters work long hours with their crew and often describe their coworkers as family, so there will inevitably be conflict at times.There is a chain of command in the fire service, so interviewers will want to see an attempt to resolve any conflict with coworkers before going to a supervisor. If your dispute is with your supervisor, you should handle the issue the same way you would with a coworker. It is best to ask the person you have the conflict with to speak privately, discuss the problem, and come up with a solution that satisfies both parties. If the issue is not resolved with a coworker, you can ask your supervisor to get involved and mediate the situation. If there is no resolution with your supervisor, you can request to go up the chain of command and speak with someone of a higher rank. Describe to the interviewer how you can be a team player and resolve disputes within the workplace using the techniques suggested.

When responding to this question, avoid saying that you would ignore the conflict and hope it goes away. Conflict never goes away until the issue is resolved, and others around you notice the tension between the people having a dispute. Underlying tension makes others uncomfortable and decreases employee morale.You should also avoid saying that you get angry or walk away when there is conflict. The interviewer wants to hear that you can remain calm and talk with the person and that you are mature enough to contain your anger and not run away when there is a dispute. Overall, the interviewer wants to hear that you can resolve conflict with others in a calm, mature manner. Firefighters must have good communication, problem-solving, and conflict resolution skills.

"Whether there is a conflict with a supervisor or coworker, I handle it the same way. As soon as the conflict happens, I ask them to have a private conversation so others are not involved. I calmly describe the problem in a non-accusatory way and ask if they see there is an issue. Once we both agree there is an issue, I ask how to resolve the problem. I explain that I do not want to have a conflict with them, and I want us to both get along."

"My method to resolve a conflict with a coworker or supervisor would be to simply talk to them about it. If you talk to others in a clear, professional manner about any conflict you can clear up any possible miscommunication either of you has, as well as it could help both parties understand the perspective each one has and why this decision or result had come to pass. It also helps each worker come to a resolution."

What type of person would you find most difficult to work with?

"I find the most difficult person to work with is one who does not have a strong work ethic. Those with no work ethic are typically late to work, do not pull their weight, and make it harder on the rest of the crew. They do not seem to understand how their actions, or lack of, affect their coworkers. When I must work with people who lack work ethic, I lead by example and hope my work ethic rubs off on them."

Usually, the type of person you find the most difficult to work with is the opposite of the type of employee you are. If you find it challenging to work with a lazy person, you most likely have a lot of energy. If it is difficult to work with someone negative, you are likely a positive person. This question is also asked to see how well you work with diverse groups of people. You will be working closely with your crew, and you may have some coworkers who have different political and religious beliefs. You will also serve the public, who will have different beliefs and customs than you. The interviewer wants to determine that you can work with many different people and get along well with others. Describe the type of individual you find challenging to work with and explain how you manage to work with that type of person.

The interviewer does not want to hear that you find it hard to work with people you disagree with. Some people find it hard to work with people who have a different political or religious view, but Firefighters should not discuss those views in the firehouse. Some departments even have it written in their Manual of Operations that sexual, political, or religious topics are not to be discussed while on duty.If you have difficulty working with individuals you disagree with, the interviewer will think you are a challenging person to be around and may pass you over for a friendlier candidate. Assure the interviewer that, while you may find it challenging to work with a particular type of person, you are mature enough to work well with anyone.Avoid saying that you find it challenging to work with someone with physical or mental disabilities, as it shows you are not compassionate. Firefighters must be compassionate people and not judge others on something out of their control. Firefighters see patients daily who have disabilities, so they must be sympathetic.Choose a trait that you find challenging to work with and make sure it is not a quality the interviewer is looking for in a Firefighter. For example, you do not want to say you find it challenging to work with people who are always cheerful and happy when that is a desirable trait to possess as a Firefighter.

"I believe the most challenging people to work with are those who talk about people behind their back. Talking behind others' backs is immature and childish and can ruin a person's reputation. I do not feel those people are trustworthy, and I do not think they should be in the fire service. I like working with people I can trust and who are mature enough to say something to a person if they have an issue with them. If I am working with someone who talks about others behind their back, I tell them they should speak directly with the person they have a conflict with."

"The most difficult person who I would find it hardest to work with would be someone who doesn't like to work as a team."

"I feel the most difficult type of person to work with would be someone who is both careless and negative. When working with someone careless with any type of work, they won't take pride in their work and perform tasks to the best of their ability or have no ambition to work hard and do what's expected of them or necessary for the tasks. When working with someone who is negative, they complain about many aspects of the job, career, or occupation and that can usually lead to a toxic work environment between coworkers or the worker and the public."

"I would find someone who thinks they are always right to be the most difficult to work with. I don't want to surround myself with someone who is unwilling to admit they were wrong or learn from their mistakes. As a firefighter, you all work as one to accomplish a common goal and someone who is unwilling to accept that they are wrong is detrimental to the team aspect. At a fire scene, I believe this could get someone killed."

Do you consider yourself a team player?

"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."

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.

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.

"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."

"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."

"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."

How well do you get along with other people?

"I get along with other people very well. In my current position as the manager of Starbucks, it is my job to get along with my employees and the customers. If there is an issue with either one, I can diffuse the situation and ensure that the customer and employee are happy. All of my employee reviews from my supervisor have been exemplary, and I have been recognized as the employee of the month four times in the two years I have worked for Starbucks."

This question highlights your people skills and personality. In the fire service, it is crucial to get along with your coworkers and the community you serve. Interviewers want to see that you are a pleasant, friendly person and not a problem employee. Fire departments want to hire Firefighters that are not difficult to manage. If you do not get along with other people, the department will receive complaints from the community, which makes the department look bad. The interviewer wants to hear that you will not be a challenging employee if hired.Explain how you work well with others, how others view your personality, and any awards or recommendations you have received for working well with others. Suppose you have a letter of recommendation or performance review from a previous employer that highlights your ability to work well with others. In that case, you can also mention that in your response.

Avoid saying that you do not get along with other people. If you are a challenging person to be around, the interviewer will pass you over for a candidate who interacts well with others.If you have had problems with coworkers, supervisors, or customers in the past, you may have to work on your people skills. However, if you mention the problems you have had in the past, it will raise a red flag, and the interviewer will question your interpersonal skills.Think of past jobs where you got along well with your coworkers, and use that experience to demonstrate how you get along with others. You do not need a lengthy explanation, just enough to convince the interviewer that you will be an easy employee to work with if hired.

"I have been called a people person by previous managers because of my ability to get along with everyone I come in contact with. I have worked in customer service jobs for five years and enjoy interacting with the public and have never had a complaint from a customer, coworker, or manager."

"I feel I can get along with people very well. Honestly, I think I can count on one hand how many people I haven't gotten along with. My attitude towards being kind and positive definitely affects that aspect of life because it helps people become comfortable with being who they are around me, and it shows that I could maybe even be a good friend to people. Even in situations where I'm not fond of someone other they are not fond of me, I will always believe in being professional with them so it doesn't affect other people's relationships with others, or affect the environment with anyone in the workplace."

"I get along with anyone and everyone. My interpersonal skills are something that I am very proud of. In my current place of work, I deal with contractors on a weekly basis and have a good relationship with my vendors."

Do you enjoy working with other people?

"I do enjoy working with people. I have been working as an EMT for the past three years, and serving my community brings me great pleasure. I like the diversity of the people I encounter, and I love being part of a team when working with my partner and other first responders."

Firefighting involves working with a crew and the public. This question allows you to show what type of people skills you have and if you would be capable of working around the public and in the firehouse. Your answer also shows the interviewer that you are a team player and will be a good fit for their department.Firefighters typically enjoy working with other people since it is a public service job. If you enjoy working alone more than with others, this profession may not be the right one for you.Give examples of work you have done that involved working with people, whether in customer service, retail, or public service. To show how you work well on a team, provide examples of team sports you have participated in or volunteer work.

Avoid saying you do not enjoy working with others or that you do not particularly like people. This profession is high-profile, and the interviewer wants to know that you will work well with your crew and the community. If you do not work well with the public, there could be complaints from the community, and the department would look bad.The interviewer wants to see that you will provide excellent customer service and be a team player. You will be working with challenging people in this line of work, and the interviewer wants to determine that you have the personality to work with diverse groups of people.You will encounter individuals who have a medical emergency, have been in an accident, or lost their house in a fire. You must not display any anger or aggression, as these individuals are experiencing the worst day of their life. If you enjoy working with people, it is easier to accept difficult situations while maintaining your professionalism.

"Yes, I enjoy working with other people very much. I have always had jobs in customer service and enjoy making people happy. Since I was young, I have also been involved in team sports and enjoy the camaraderie of working with a team. That is one of the main reasons I became a Firefighter. I enjoy helping my community while working with my crew to achieve a common goal."

"I love working with other people. It makes any kind of job, career, or occupation better whenever you have a coworker you get along with real well, and can make the work fun. Even if I run into a coworker that doesn't totally see eye to eye with me, it gives me the opportunity to practice resolving issues and to perform professionalism as well. I also enjoy it when I get to learn new knowledge or methods that other coworkers know already."

"I love working with other people! Working with other people provides a sense of comradery and instills a greater sense of what teamwork really means. At my current place of work, I work with a multitude of people ranging from CEO's to maintenance. Working with other people has been ingrained in me since I was a kid and volunteered with United Way."

Besides fire, what risks are there when fighting a fully involved residential structure fire?

"There are many risks when fighting a fully involved structure fire. There is a risk when searching for victims. It is easy to get turned around or lost in dark, unfamiliar surroundings. There are risks of rollovers, flashovers, and backdrafts. That is why I think it is crucial to be educated and trained to recognize the signs of each. Another danger is structural collapse. The interior crews risk having the roof or structure fall in on them, while the ventilation crews risk falling off or through the roof."

The interviewer wants to see what type of fire education you have and how you identify firefighting risks. If you have taken any fire science classes, attended a fire academy, or volunteered as a firefighter, you will know the dangers of fighting a residential structure fire. Besides fire, other risks include toxic smoke, electrical hazards, natural gas, falling through the roof during ventilation, running out of air or having your face mask ripped off, falling through the floor during fire suppression, having the building collapse, or becoming lost during search operations.There are other risks related to fire behavior as well. There are backdrafts, flashovers, and rollovers (or flameovers). The interviewer wants to hear that you can identify fire behavior and predict what may happen when you observe this behavior. Understanding fire behavior is essential to keeping you and your crew safe when fighting structure fires.Be sure to highlight four or five hazards associated with fighting a fully-involved structure fire, showing the interviewer that you have the education and experience they are looking for in a Firefighter. If you do not have experience as a Firefighter, you can read up on the hazards, which will show you have researched the profession and are eager to learn all you can about firefighting.

Avoid giving one example of a risk associated with fighting a fully involved residential structure fire or saying that you do not know of other dangers besides the fire. If you only give one example or say you do not know of additional risks, it shows the interviewer you have not researched what the job entails.There are many risks involved when fighting a fully involved structure fire. In addition to the dangers mentioned in the answer advice 'Why the Interviewer Asks This Question,' there are other dangers such as falling off a ladder, injuring yourself while rescuing a victim, additional exposures that can catch fire, explosions from gas lines or ammunition stored in the home, and downed power lines. There are so many hazards that if you say you do not know of additional risks involved with fighting a fully involved structure fire, the interviewer will question your interest in this profession.

"There are numerous risks when fighting a fully involved residential structure fire. Besides the fire, toxic smoke can kill victims, fire behavior that poses a danger to Firefighters such as backdrafts, rollovers, and flashovers, disorientation when searching for victims, and structural collapse. There is also the risk of electrocution, explosions, burns, and running out of air or having the facemask being torn away from the Firefighter's face."

"Besides fire, structural collapse can occur because of the fire deteriorating load-bearing walls, as well as deteriorating second-story floors causing furniture to fall. A secondary fire may also occur if an ember gets blown to a different area of the domestic area, if radiant heat causes nearby structures to ignite, or cause a wildland fire in rural areas. Miscellaneous chemicals inside the structure could become hazardous if presented with heat as well and cause chemical reactions harmful to firefighters."

Firefighter Interview Questions

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1. This concludes our interview. Do you have any questions for me?
2. Our department performs random drug testing on all employees twice a year or if they are involved in an accident. Do you have an issue with submitting to drug tests when asked?
3. We require all Firefighters to have and maintain a current Basic Life Support (BLS) for Healthcare Providers CPR certificate. Are you currently certified as a BLS Healthcare Provider?
4. Our department requires a pre-employment criminal background check. Is there anything from your background that would give us reason not to hire you?
5. What can you tell me about our fire department's ALS program?
6. Would you be willing to raise money outside of work for the fire department?
7. Knowing the area you serve is very important. Would you inspect newly constructed buildings (to learn the layout), on your own time?
8. Tell me a little bit about your Firefighter training.
9. How have you prepared yourself to remain calm and react effectively at emergency scenes?
10. What are your personal hobbies?
11. What is your greatest strength as a Firefighter?
12. What can you contribute to this fire department?
13. Where do you see yourself in five years with this department?
14. In what area could you improve as a Firefighter?
15. Why did you want to become a Firefighter?
16. Why do you want to work for this city's fire department?
17. Besides the risk of death, what do you consider the least appealing part of being a Firefighter?
18. Have you, or anyone you know, lost their home in a fire?
19. What is the most important trait a Firefighter must possess?
20. What have you done to prepare for a career in the fire service?
21. What makes a great Firefighter?
22. What makes you passionate about being a Firefighter?
23. Being a Firefighter is more than just facing risks; you have to be cautious and smart. Do you consider yourself to be cautious and smart when dealing with intense situations?
24. If you saw a coworker taking advantage of the fire department, stealing, etc., what would you do?
25. How would you handle a citizen that criticized the fire department to you?
26. If you are asked to perform a task that you are unfamiliar with, how do you respond?
27. Two company officers give you conflicting orders on the scene of a structure fire. How would you respond?
28. What would you do if you witnessed a coworker treating another coworker poorly?
29. What was the biggest mistake you made at your previous employment? What did you learn from it?
30. How do you resolve a conflict with a coworker or supervisor?
31. What type of person would you find most difficult to work with?
32. Do you consider yourself a team player?
33. How well do you get along with other people?
34. Do you enjoy working with other people?
35. Besides fire, what risks are there when fighting a fully involved residential structure fire?

Firefighter Interview Questions

1. This concludes our interview. Do you have any questions for me?

2. Our department performs random drug testing on all employees twice a year or if they are involved in an accident. Do you have an issue with submitting to drug tests when asked?

3. We require all Firefighters to have and maintain a current Basic Life Support (BLS) for Healthcare Providers CPR certificate. Are you currently certified as a BLS Healthcare Provider?

4. Our department requires a pre-employment criminal background check. Is there anything from your background that would give us reason not to hire you?

5. What can you tell me about our fire department's ALS program?

6. Would you be willing to raise money outside of work for the fire department?

7. Knowing the area you serve is very important. Would you inspect newly constructed buildings (to learn the layout), on your own time?

8. Tell me a little bit about your Firefighter training.

9. How have you prepared yourself to remain calm and react effectively at emergency scenes?

10. What are your personal hobbies?

11. What is your greatest strength as a Firefighter?

12. What can you contribute to this fire department?

13. Where do you see yourself in five years with this department?

14. In what area could you improve as a Firefighter?

15. Why did you want to become a Firefighter?

16. Why do you want to work for this city's fire department?

17. Besides the risk of death, what do you consider the least appealing part of being a Firefighter?

18. Have you, or anyone you know, lost their home in a fire?

19. What is the most important trait a Firefighter must possess?

20. What have you done to prepare for a career in the fire service?

21. What makes a great Firefighter?

22. What makes you passionate about being a Firefighter?

23. Being a Firefighter is more than just facing risks; you have to be cautious and smart. Do you consider yourself to be cautious and smart when dealing with intense situations?

24. If you saw a coworker taking advantage of the fire department, stealing, etc., what would you do?

25. How would you handle a citizen that criticized the fire department to you?

26. If you are asked to perform a task that you are unfamiliar with, how do you respond?

27. Two company officers give you conflicting orders on the scene of a structure fire. How would you respond?

28. What would you do if you witnessed a coworker treating another coworker poorly?

29. What was the biggest mistake you made at your previous employment? What did you learn from it?

30. How do you resolve a conflict with a coworker or supervisor?

31. What type of person would you find most difficult to work with?

32. Do you consider yourself a team player?

33. How well do you get along with other people?

34. Do you enjoy working with other people?

35. Besides fire, what risks are there when fighting a fully involved residential structure fire?