What is an interest card?
Many times a city or municipality will not have an opening for the job you seek, but the Human Resources department will have you fill-out an “interest card”. This will typically ask for basic information such as your name, address, phone number and/or email. Once a job opening is created, the city or municipality will mail you a notice of the job opening, based on your interest card.
What are good books to read that will help me in my quest to become a Firefighter?
Some outstanding books that we recommend are all 3 books written by Long Beach Fire Battalion Chief Paul Lepore (The Aspiring Firefighters 2-year Plan, How to Smoke your Firefighter Exam, How to Smoke your Firefighter Interview) and the IFSTA Essentials – a must read for every rookie Firefighter candidate. The Essentials cover all basic Fire knowledge, while Chief Lepore’s books discuss the hiring and testing process.
Do I drop off applications and resumes? How do I find out about job openings?
You can find out about job openings by becoming a member of this website, and also by checking with the department or agency of your choice on a personal basis as well. Once a job opening is made public, pick up an application, fill it out and turn back in as soon as possible – many employers will hire on a first-come, first-serve basis. Scan the application and determine if a resume is allowed – if they are, you should submit one along with the application. If they are not allowed, do not include a resume! – this is a quick way to disqualify yourself from the testing process.
How often does a city hire firefighters?
This will depend, as each city has different needs. Typically, once a Firefighter retires there will be a promotional process internally within the department to replace that employee. Since many older Firefighters have promoted to positions such as Battalion Chief or Captain, the process to replace them takes some time (weeks, months) as there is testing for their rank, and the ranks below them. Eventually the department will open up positions at the Firefighter rank. Larger departments will typically hire more often, and smaller departments typically test less frequently.
How do you even get started (the first step)?
The first step that we recommend is actually two-fold. First, find a local fire station and introduce yourself to the crew – be respectful and ask questions about their career and find out for yourself if this career sounds like something you’d like to pursue. Second, sign up for a CPR/First Responder course – this is now the prerequisite in order to take an EMT class – and there are virtually no paying Firefighter jobs that do not require at least an EMT certificate. In your CPR/First Responder course and EMT class you’ll get a feel for an important part of the career of a Firefighter, as well as having a chance to meet peers you’ll be working along side of during your career journey.
How much does the training cost? (EMT, Paramedic, FF1 academy)
1. Typical cost for: (all costs are approximate)
2. CPR/First Responder – $50-$100
3. EMT – $100-$200
4. Paramedic training – $3000+
5. Firefighter I Academy – $1000
6. Is there hazing for rookies?
Yes. Although the days of verbal or physical abuse are long over, a rookie in any field (EMS or Fire) can be expected to endure some good-natured ribbing, long days and nights of menial tasks, and lots of quizzing, testing and other means of ensuring the rookie knows his or her role within the organization, on top of their basic job duties. It’s important for a rookie to follow this simple rule, and not get offended when the crew takes them to task: Take your job seriously, but don’t take yourself seriously. Nothing anybody says or does to you is personal, and everybody who is on the job has gone through the same process. Consider the jokes, the tests, the training all part of the journey, and enjoy it as being something that separates a career in EMS or Fire from a typical desk job.
- Job announcement
- Applications accepted, and filtered for qualified candidates.
- Written exam administered – candidates will be expected to display minimum competency in math, reading and writing, memory and basic mechanics and/or physics.
- Results mailed to successful candidates.
- Interview(s) – can be anywhere between one to three interviews. If there are multiple interviews, each successive interview will be conducted by department officers of higher and higher ranks, and will include less and less candidates.
- Conditional job offer made – “Conditional” based on the results of:
- Medical clearance – a physical exam and drug screening
- Physical Abilities Test (PAT) – candidate will be asked to perform a series of basic manipulative skills typical of a Firefighter.
- Background investigation – candidate will have all employment, educational and personal history examined and verified.
- Official job offer made.
- (Optional – depending on size of the department) Basic Fire Academy: 12-16 weeks. Typically, larger departments will hold their own Basic Fire Academy, regardless of each candidate’s prior experience, and smaller departments will require their candidates to have passed a Basic Fire Academy in order to apply.
How long will it take to get hired?
This depends entirely on how much the candidate is willing to do during their career journey. If a candidate is doing everything they can to take advantage of opportunities and free time – studying, training, and taking every test they are eligible for, they will greatly increase their chances of getting hired quickly. The candidate that takes their time, attends only one class at a time, or only submits one or two job applications per year may see their career journey take years. Please refer to our Example Plan for examples of how a strong candidate can address their respective career goals in a timely and efficient manner.
What do the Firefighter testing exams consist of?
Nearly every Firefighter exam will follow the same order of events (This process can take anywhere from 2-12 months):
What should I wear on my interviews?
Candidates should wear a suit and tie – no exceptions, no matter what level job they are applying for. Female candidates should wear clothes that are consistent with conservative business attire. If you cannot afford a suit and tie, borrow one from a friend. If you don’t have a friend that can help you out – business slacks, collared shirt and tie, along with dress shoes – would be the absolute minimum. Males should have a clean shave, any make-up and jewelry should be kept to a minimum, and under no circumstances should a phone or pager come with you into the interview.
What are extra classes I can take during my journey to help make me a more desirable candidate?
The types of classes you can take generally fall into one of 4 categories: EMS, Rescue, Wildland or Command. With the exception of a short class designed to introduce students to EKG readings (EMS category), it’s our opinion that an entry level candidate would be better served to spend their time & energy seeking volunteer or reserve firefighter employment or volunteering within their community vs. taking a high-level or advanced class from one of these categories. You’ll make yourself stand out as a candidate with a solid work history and a strong oral interview, not a list of classes that many career Firefighters don’t have even after 5-10 years on the job.
For more on this topic please watch our video blog here.
What can I expect during my background check, and how should I be prepared?
Expect to submit a document to the agency you’ll be working for that is anywhere from 30-50 pages in length – it will combine the questions of a personal background and a job application. You’ll be asked to show official school documents outlining where you went to school and what your grades were. Your credit score will be checked, as well as any social media pages (like Facebook) that you use. Friends and family will be interviewed to make sure your story matches up with theirs. You will be put through a physical and more than likely undergo a drug screening.
This is a large topic, for more on this you can watch our video blog here.
