Here are a few things you’ll want to do to put yourself in a good position to attain any job you apply for, whether in the field of EMS or the Fire Service:
The application
When you are made aware of an application period that is open, don’t delay. Pick up the application as soon as possible, fill it out, and turn it in.
When you pick up an application, it’s not necessary to be in a suit, however, you don’t want to arrive in shorts and sandals either. Business casual attire is suitable: dress slacks, dress shoes, polo shirt or long-sleeved shirt tucked into your pants. Have a clean shave and avoid chewing gum. Remember, there is a chance you could run into someone who will be seated across from you on your interview panel in the near future. You want to create a good first impression.
If you call the business, agency or fire department on the phone – introduce yourself, give the reason you are calling, and be brief. Address everyone you talk to with “Sir” or “Ma’am”.
Make sure the application is either typed or completed on the computer. Many applications are now in PDF or Word format, so this can be done fairly easily. If a computer is not available, your local library will typically have a typewriter with which you can complete all necessary fields.
If at all possible, include a resume with your application. This is an easy and quick way for anyone reviewing it to get a sense of what you are all about, without having to sift through a stack of papers. Sometimes an application will state specifically that you are NOT to submit a resume, so make sure you read the small print and/or check with someone before attaching this to your application.
The test
Dress appropriately
When you interviewing for a job, show up in a suit (male) or conservative dress and blouse (female). Wear a white shirt and a tie that doesn’t have radical colors or designs. Make sure everything has been dry cleaned and pressed. Polish your shoes, make sure you have a fresh clean shave. Keep the make-up to a minimum, and keep all but the most basic jewelry at home. Remember, this is not a fashion show.
It may seem a little bit over the top to dress in your Sunday-best for the written test, but remember that you are there to pass the test AND make a good impression with the department/organization/agency. It’s not uncommon for Chief officers to show up to the written test, or anyone else who may sit across from you in your oral interview. Wouldn’t you like to be the person who looks like this job is important to you? By showing up in jeans and a t-shirt, you could be sending the wrong message to those around you.
What’s on the test?
Typically a written exam will test the candidate on their reading comprehension, their writing skills, their memory, some basic math & basic problem solving. Think of the written exam as similar to the S.A.T. – only a lot shorter.
There are a number of outstanding books that detail exactly the kind of questions you can expect on the written test, and we’ve provided you links to purchase them on our Resources page. Do yourself a favor and buy these books now, and spend the time acclimating yourself with the typical questions you can expect during an entry-level interview.
Study manuals
You may be given a study manual after you submit your application – in that case the department you are testing with has specific things they are looking for. Don’t just blow off the study guide – you should know that stuff cold by the time you walk through the door for the real test. There is no excuse – they have outlined what they expect you to know.
Time Management
Written exams are often timed and can have very strict rules, such as not starting your exam until you are instructed to do so. Don’t be the person who gets disqualified for starting early, or for trying to sneak in one last answer! Once the exam has started, keep an eye on the clock and practice good time management – any questions left unanswered will be marked wrong.
One technique for time management is to blow through the questions that you know very well, leaving the more difficult (and time consuming) problems for the end of the test period. If you notice yourself getting short on time, you can make educated guesses on the material you don’t know as well.
Whenever you leave a written test, get in the habit of going straight to your car and jotting down the questions you remember, and/or the questions you had trouble answering. This will help you focus your study efforts moving forward and will serve as good material to glance over before your next written exam.
The interview
Bring a copy of your application, along with copies of your resume.
You want to have enough copies of your resume for everyone on the interview panel, so always bring between 5-8 copies. You can put this paperwork in a professional folder of some kind (no bright colors) and either place it on your lap, or alongside you on the ground once you are seated.
When you enter the room, introduce yourself to each panelist
Make sure to shake their hand firmly while looking them in the eye. Wait to be asked to take a seat – don’t sit down before the panel does, unless you are invited to so.
Once seated, ask if you may provide the interview panel with your resume.
They may or may not have seen the one you attached to your application and this is a good way for them to get a quick sense of who you are and your background/qualifications.
Follow the basic rules of common courtesy during the interview:
Wait for the question to be stated in full (don’t cut anyone off), answer the question with a thoughtful response while taking time to look each panelist in the eye.
Once the interview is complete
Shake each panelist’s hand, thank them for this opportunity and leave the premises. Don’t use the time after your interview to hang out in the front office, or gossip with other people you know who may be interviewing at the same time.
Other advice
When you create a resume, make sure you are familiar with everything that you include so that you can speak about it easily and at length if/when you are asked. It makes no sense to include something on your resume unless it is related to the job you are applying for and is something that is meaningful enough to remember.
When possible, arrange for a panel of friends or professionals you may know in a given field to conduct a mock interview. This allows to you “practice how you play” and go though each stage of the interview as if you were really there – from entering the room and introducing yourself to fielding questions and concluding the interview professionally.
Firefighter testing process
There are 5 general phases that must be completed when testing for the job of Firefighter or Firefighter/Medic. The following will give you an idea of what to expect.
1. Job opening/Application process
Usually the application period for a given job has an opening or closing date. Some departments do accept applications year round, but only test when there are spots to fill. If a department does not have an open application period, you may be able to submit an interest card.
Be sure to follow all directions outlined on the application – by not including vital information, not submitting required certificates or identification you may be disqualified from the process before you even begin.
2. Physical Agility Test (PAT)
The PAT determines if applicants have the physical skills and strength to perform the daily duties of a firefighter. The PAT is usually a timed event, but it may be pass/fail as well.
A typical PAT would include: charged hose drag, ladder carry, simulated rescue (dummy drag), forcible entry, carrying a simulated extrication tool and a hose bundle raise.
You may be required to pass the PAT while wearing turnouts (the bulky protective clothing Firefighters wear into a fire) and an SCBA (Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus).
3. Interview(s)
This has been outlined in some detail above, but with respect to the interview process within a Fire Department, you can expect 1-3 separate interviews.
The interview panels may consist of Division Chiefs, Captains, Firefighters or a representative from the Human Resources department.
4. Skills assessment (optional)
Those departments testing potential Firefighter/Medic candidates usually observe this step.
Typically the candidate will be asked to conduct a simulated medical call, where they will be expected to have knowledge of local protocol, pharmacology, terminology, human anatomy and physiology. They will be asked to use some typical medical tools and equipment, assess the patient, and deliver the proper aid.
A Base Hospital Nurse Coordinator and Firefighter/Medics from the department typically evaluate this process.
5.Background investigation/Medical clearance
This is done to determine your suitability for the position. By answering questions posed to you in the background packet openly and honestly, you give yourself the best chance to pass this portion of the testing process. If you are caught lying about any portion of your background, you will be dropped from the process. This can also follow you to your next background check if you attempt to test with another fire department, so it’s in your best interest to just tell the truth.
Any negative factor in the background check will be evaluated in terms of the circumstances and facts surrounding the occurrence and it’s degree of relevance to the job.
For example, being fired from a job or having an arrest record is not itself grounds for disqualification, but NOT disclosing that information could be. The lead investigator will inquire into the facts surrounding such an occurrence and evaluate its relevance.
At the conclusion of these 5 general steps, a job offer is made to the candidate. Typically the candidate will be expected to report for duty 1-5 weeks from the date of the job offer.
