| The fire service is a very, very competitive field. | | | | Next, dress for success. You don't need a thousand |
| Candidates must do everything within their power to | | | | dollar suit but if you have a tie, wear it. No jeans. Public |
| make a lasting first impression in an interview. This | | | | servants such as firefighters are constantly in the eye |
| article will provide essential tips and guidelines for | | | | of the public, so be clean-shaven and well groomed. |
| anyone who's preparing for a fire service interview. | | | | Appearance is the first thing they will look at. |
| Here are some general guidelines to follow: | | | | When you walk into the interview room, greet |
| First, candidates need to prepare themselves mentally. | | | | everyone with a smile and be polite and courteous. |
| Walking into an interview unprepared will undoubtedly | | | | Show enthusiasm. Tell them that you are excited to be |
| show. If you are nervous, relax. If you have obtained | | | | there and thank them for the opportunity. Right off the |
| an interview from a fire department, it means that | | | | bat, this will impress them as well. They are wanting to |
| you've done something right already. Perhaps you | | | | see some attributes in you that are customer service |
| scored well on the written portion. Regardless of the | | | | oriented. |
| reason for being there, you have to genuinely believe in | | | | Take a few deep breaths as they begin the interview |
| yourself. Fire departments want to see confidence. So, | | | | and again, relax. This is your dream chance. Believe in |
| the first step in interview preparation is to mentally | | | | yourself. Listen carefully to each question and pause |
| prepare. Visualize yourself being in the interview long | | | | briefly before answering. Be sure that you make good |
| before the day comes. Imagine yourself confidently | | | | eye contact with the interviewer(s) as you answer |
| answering their questions. This is key. You have to | | | | and try not to ramble. Concise, relevant answers are |
| believe that you are the BEST candidate for the | | | | key here. |
| position. | | | | As the interview wraps up, there are a few things to |
| Another pre-interview step is to thoroughly research | | | | remember. Again, thank the interviewers for the |
| the department that is interviewing you. Know how | | | | opportunity and shake each of their hands. Smile. Be |
| many personnel they have, how many stations, what | | | | friendly and sincere. You've worked hard to get to this |
| type of emergencies they respond to. How big is there | | | | point and your positive attitude as you leave allows for |
| response area? Are they staffed by full-time | | | | one final chance to impress upon them. |
| firefighters or are they a combination department? | | | | In summary, dress professional, do your homework |
| Don't know? Find out. Do your homework here. It is | | | | before hand and radiate positive, genuine interest in the |
| paramount that you have some background on the | | | | fire service. Effectively mastering these tips should |
| department you desire to work for. They will be | | | | ensure a quality interview and place you high on the |
| impressed. | | | | candidate list. Good luck. It's a great career! |