This is my first interview on my Adventure Blog and I couldnât be more excited about it!
Dan Human is a hardcore backpacker, mountaineer and writer living outside Buffalo, New York. His backcountry accomplishments include an Appalachian Trail thru hike in 1998 and successfully summiting all 46 of the High Peaks in the Adirondack Mountains. Heâs also been an active member of Niagara Frontier Search and Rescue (SAR) team for eight years.
I wanted to talk to Dan about something Iâve always been curious about â what is it like to join a search and rescue team? And what are the lessons that an experienced SAR team member takes with them when they go out on their own backcountry trips?
Dan shares a bunch of awesome stories and this is a canât-miss interview for anyone who has ever wondered what it would be like to join a rescue squad.
Before we dive into the meat of the interview, I asked Dan a few rapid fire questions to warm up, and give you, the reader a bit more context.
Proudest wilderness accomplishment? As far as my proudest wilderness accomplishment, spending four and a half months trekking from Maine to Georgia on the Appalachian Trail is certainly up there. It seems like everything in my life leading up to my hike was preparing me for that journey and everything since has been a reflection of that experience.
Favorite local hike? The scenic Niagara Gorge is situated within twenty minutes of my home and it is my favorite place to hike in Western New York. Despite being surrounded by urban environments, the trails that wind along the river just downstream of Niagara Falls are rugged and offer a great place to reflect close to home.
Most cherished piece of gear? I have this unbranded fleece neck gaiter that Iâve had since I was in the Army and it goes everywhere with me. Besides keeping me nice and cozy, Iâve used it as a potholder, water filter and for first aid.
Scariest situation youâve encountered in the backcountry? I was solo winter peak bagging in the Adirondack High Peaks at night (not a smart thing to begin with) when a wind gust caught me while climbing on the shoulder of Algonquin. I didnât fall far but it sure hurt when I hit the ice. I crawled behind a rock to get out of the wind, got a map check and retreated below treeline where I made an unplanned bivy. I hobbled out the next morning to the trailhead.
The Role of Youth in Search and Rescue | Kalyn Dawes, Sabrina Tripp & Kate Larsen | TEDxYouth@SHC
I would like to retire from this company. I would like to make a difference in the company whether in the company or any other position or area of the company In Search And Rescue.
Dont be thrown off by this question-just take a deep breath and explain to the hiring manager why youve made the career decisions In Search And Rescue you have. More importantly, give a few examples of how your past experience is transferable to the new role. This doesnt have to be a direct connection; in fact, its often more impressive when a candidate can make seemingly irrelevant experience seem very relevant to the role.
You answer depends on the type of company youre interviewing for. If its a start up, you need to be much more open to taking on risk. If its a more established company, calculated risks to increase / improve the business or minimal risks would typically be more in line.
First, find out which skills are the ones that youre currently lacking. Then identify what the steps would be to acquire/build those skills. Then take action to do so.
Of course youre a team player – who isnt. But a simple yes probably isnt the response the interviewer is looking for. Be ready to provide specific example of how youve worked as part of a cohesive team to get things accomplished and how youve focus on team performance rather than individual performance. Make sure not to brag as this will make it appear as that youre more concerned about your own performance and accomplishments than those of the team.
For those of you who have interviewed prospective SAR people, what sort of questions did you ask and what sort of answers were you looking for? The obvious open-ended “why do you want to be in SAR” could garner answers that dont really give you much insight. People arent likely to say “To be a hero and get the keys to the city.” That said, Ive heard experienced SAR people spout off about being on a TV talk show after making a find. That raised a red flag with me. When the answer is “I want to help people”, that doesnt really tell me if the person is going to be willing to put in the hard work before they ever get into the field.
Why Do You Want to Work in This Industry?
Bad answer: “I like firefighting. I think its really cool.”
Dont just say you like it; anyone can make that claim. Focus instead on your history with the industry and, if you can, tell a story about it.
Good answer: “I have always appreciated and admired those who put their lives on the line to protect our communities. My interest piqued in firefighting after I witnessed a post-crash rescue. I heard the calling as I watched the first-response team pull civilians to safety. It was then I knew that this is what I was meant to do.”
Behavioral job interview question:
“Some people consider themselves to be “big picture people” and others are detail oriented. Which are you? Given an example that illustrates your preference.”
FAQ
What are the 10 most common interview questions and answers?
- Tell me about yourself.
- What attracted you to our company?
- Tell me about your strengths.
- Tell me about your strengths.
- Where do you see yourself in five years?
- Tell me about a time where you encountered a business challenge?
What are the 5 most common interview questions and answers?
What are the 7 most common interview questions and answers?
- Tell me about yourself.
- Walk me through your resume.
- How did you hear about this position?
- Why do you want to work at this company?
- Why do you want this job?
- Why should we hire you?
- What can you bring to the company?
- What are your greatest strengths?
