Calling all Fire Fighters

I know there are some fire fighters here on TW and wanted to get a few tips. I have just applied to the Medicine Hat fire dept. Just wondering if you guys have any interview tips. I applied a few years ago and I would like to be more prepared for the interview this time around.

 

Well first things first. Hopefully you know your sh--! Be yourself and try to be as confident as you can. I know it sounds kind of girly but talk from your heart and how you feel about the profession. Firefighting is by-far your normal 9-5 job. Now what position are you applying for? Basic FF, Captain?

 

Nick what are the requirements for hire.....Fire school cert?

 

learn about the dept. if u go in there and ramble on for 10 min about the dept" how many firefighters, capt's. chiefs, avg calls etc" they love that, shows that u really did some homework and want to be there. dont freeze up. and always refer to the chain of command for the questions that apply

 

Be prepared to answer questions like 'Tell us of a time you motivated someone to do their best'. And remember the STAR format (Situation, Task, Action, Result).

 

Thanks for the replys. I have a three year fire science and technoligy diploma with my NFPA 1001, 600, and tons of live fire training. So I would like to think I know my stuff (although I am still hittin the books again). I also have 6 years forest fire experiece and have been running my own crew for the past few years so I also have lots of experience with the Incident command system. Working with the MNR has given me good expereince working under stressful situations, long shifts, working closely with a crew and given me lots of leadership and team building skills. So with all of that said, I think the hardest thing for me will be selling myself and setting myself apart from the rest in the cheifs interview. The physical test and technical interview should go fairly smooth. So what are some other examples of questions I might see? thanks again guys.

 

Nick,it sounds like you have all the qualifications they could be looking for,now as you say it's time to sell yourself.....I know that in recent years,the Canadian Fire service is seeing something it hasn't seen ever before-Migration.When I started 21 years ago,people VERY rarely left their Department.In my first 5 years,3 guys left the job.One because he got hurt and decided it wasn't for him,one for personal reasons and the third because his Father had a very successful business that he had the opportunity to run......In the last 15 years we've lost over a dozen members.Most of them have been people from other Cities who used their experience on our job to apply back to their home towns.Historically,Departments always only accepted applications from residents of the City they served but now because the world is getting smaller and smaller,and you can't discriminate against someone based on residency.

My point is that the people who interview you want to believe that the MHFD is where you want to be,and that after they invest a ton of training and money in you,you're not going to bail when you get the chance.They want to develop career employees who are going to be good to the job,stay and raise a family and become part of the community.Emphasize any Volunteer involvement(coaching,community service) that you have been involved in,once again,these folks are looking for quality people as well as Firefighters.

Just my $.02....Good luck,it's the best job in the World.