Firefighters often have to risk their own lives in order to save others. However, that doesn’t mean you’ll be reckless with your life. Say that you’d evaluate the risks involved before entering a burning building to help someone out. And if the resident is panicking, your first priority would be to check for any injuries and then get him out of the site ASAP. A practical, firm yet considerate demeanor, a few soothing words, and actionable advice would help the person calm down.
Every member of the team has a role to play in putting out fires – some drive the truck around, some hold the water pipes, while others enter the building to rescue the people trapped inside. Finding someone from your team in trouble shouldn’t get you all panicky. Focus on approaching the problem with a calm mind; consider the pros and cons of the situation before taking any decision.
Someone who’s trapped inside a burning site for long might lose consciousness due to the prolonged exposure to the fumes and the heat. Your first and foremost priority, in this case, would be to get them out in the open as fast as possible. Take a few of your team members, a first-aid kit and a stretcher/harness with you. You can mention a personal experience or example where you were part of the rescue team and how you and your team saved the unconscious person.
In the firefighting profession, disobeying a direct order can have some really serious consequences not just for you but also the people around you. The purpose of this question is to check how alert you are to your surroundings. Scenario questions like these also check your understanding and analytical skills. It also shows your respect and trust in the authorities. However, if your senior is asking you to do something that’s illegal or unethical, you’d have to apply your discretion.
The profession calls for passion, patience, and perseverance. Role-specific questions give you an opportunity to express how you feel about the job. Be as expressive and honest as possible to convince them why you should be a part of their firefighting team. Show them your sensitive side. Here are some of the typical fire rescue interview questions you should prepare for.
Interviewers love this question! Don’t just say that you like the profession. Instead, focus on your history with the industry. Share your personal experiences with the panel, about how you helped rescue people and take control of the situation during emergencies. Talk about the challenges and rewards involved in the job. This is also your chance to show how passionate, loyal, dedicated and capable you are of protecting the community.
Fires can breakout anytime anywhere. You can get a call from work any time of the day or night and you have to report immediately. Usually, firefighters follow a schedule of four-day work and four-day rest system. Irregular work hours can be taxing on your personal life. Tell them that you’ve thought it out and have a plan to tackle the unpredictable and unconventional work hours and shifts. Mention how supportive your friends and family are, giving you the confidence to manage the stress of the workplace without worrying about home.
As a firefighter, you have to handle a lot of things both on and off-site. One of the biggest challenges would be to gel in with your teammates and work together harmoniously. Each member has a different temperament and approach to the problem. The second challenge would be to manage your personal and professional life.
Fighting fires can be exhausting both mentally and physically. It’s difficult to keep track of events and keep calm when you’re responsible for taking care of people’s lives. Getting people out of the site should be your first priority. Then you can formulate a strategy to put out the fire. A sense of responsibility, pragmatism, physical fitness, and stamina, readiness to take risks, and teamwork are a few of the qualities a good firefighter should have. So make sure that your answer showcases that you possess these qualities.
This is a very subjective question, the answer varying from person to person. Some candidates can find the physically taxing tools difficult to handle while others might have a problem in understanding the advanced electronic equipment used. Either way, once you have told them your weakness, make attempts to amend it. Show a willingness to learn and master the said firefighting tool.
Firefighting doesn’t just involve physical training but also technical expertise in medicine and first-aid. There are a number of services and education programs that specifically cater to entry-level fire engineers and train them in handling the equipment, taking care of the victims and providing immediate medical assistance. Mention the paid and unpaid public service projects you were part of in your college days.
Having some experience in the field always pays well. All the technical know-how and theory can never really prepare you for what’s out there. You have to use your common sense and logic to quickly analyze the situation and make a plan on the spot. Talk about the paid and unpaid volunteer work you’ve done so far. You can even throw in a few anecdotes that highlight your physical and mental fitness in emergency situations.
Fire prevention and public education are crucial areas that every fire agency tries to work on and improve. Your suggestion in this area would not only show your technical expertise but also your dedication to the profession. The interview panel wants to understand and imagine what you can contribute to the agency. Talk about the current programs and informative campaigns in action. Stress on the importance of educating children and creating awareness through school events, fire drills, fire extinguishing hacks, first-aid tips.
Now, there’s no right or wrong answer to this question. The panel wants to see how well-read and aware you are of the state’s policies, practices, and problems concerning fire prevention. A well-thought-out response would cover all the main aspects of firefighting and also highlight the challenges that firefighters face. Lack of consistent water supply and electricity, traffic jams, budgetary cuts, and lack of public awareness can be a few points you can talk about.
The political, economic, and social scenario of the state impacts almost every industry. No one can predict what would happen in the near or distant future. That doesn’t mean you quit planning and leave everything to fate, right? The panel here wants to see how serious you are about your job. It also shows how your awareness about the dynamics of a firefighter’s job and your willingness to adapt accordingly.
How do you handle this? What would you do if you noticed a fellow firefighter stealing something during a fire extinguishing operation? How would you care for an unconscious person? Imagine you receive two different orders from senior firefighters at the same time.
Firefighter Interview Prep Course – #5 The Firefighter Scenario Interview Questions
What inspired you to become a firefighter?
Your inspiration for becoming a firefighter reflects your interests and priorities. This is a demanding career, but its also rewarding for those with the right motivation. Interviewers are looking for people inspired by teamwork and service.
Example: “Ive always been inspired by the vital impact that first responders have in emergency situations. My goal is to serve my community by being one of the first people on the scene.”
51 Firefighter Interview Questions
Let’s start with a list of questions. Then, we’ll address the different types of questions and how to answer each. Here are 51 firefighter interview questions you can be sure you’ll encounter along with their respective category:
It’s impossible to know exactly what you will be asked prior to an interview. Even though most interviews have the same general questions and follow the same general format, every department is different and puts different amounts of importance on different information.
On top of that there may be impromptu questions you may be asked that are sparked by something you say.
For example, one question I encountered in one of my interviews that caught me off guard went something like this. “Imagine it’s the end of your career, what would be one achievement you would be proud to have completed?”
Not something you typically prepare for, but it was still a great question!
That being said, even though it’s impossible to prepare for every possible question you can get asked, but what you can do is prepare for different types of questions and have answers prepared.
What do you believe the daily responsibilities are for a firefighter?
Firefighters perform many duties in the community. Interviewers evaluate how familiar you are with the scope of this role. Theyre typically looking for candidates who see beyond the more obvious job duties of responding to emergencies.
Example: “I believe daily duties include training, maintenance and public service when firefighters are not called to an emergency.”
Read More: Learn About Being a Firefighter
