I recently had my first oral board interview, and here I am going to tell about the experience; what it was like, and what I learned.
At this point in my pursuit of a fire service career I’ve taken only a handful of tests and only recently had my first panel interview. I had assumed going into the interview that the panel would be made up of a variety of firefighters and senior officers from the department, but it turned … Read the rest
Know the signs and symptoms of cardiac distress. Immediately report discomfort in the center of the chest, upper body, or feelings of pressure or pain, shortness of breath, a cold sweat, nausea, or lightheadedness. Know that the symptoms of cardiac distress may include feelings of denial or doom.
Oral boards often include “Situational Questions”. These are questions that require the candidate to answer as to what they would do when faced with situations regarding safety, conflicting orders, alcohol/drugs, gambling, etc.
The way to handle these questions is to think through what these questions are about as a whole and how to frame their answer for any situation that comes up. Then, if you believe in what you’re saying, don’t be led astray by the inevitable follow up questions.
In order to eliminate or at least control stress, it is vital to know and understand the causes of stress. Of course, there are many causes of stress and they are as varied as the people who suffer from stress, but there are a few places to look first. And by learning about these causes of stress, you can figure out where stress is entering your life.
Bryan commented on a recent blog post:
“Thanks for the article Paul. It was a great read and I definitely agree that “the quickest road to success is one that leads straight to the ultimate goal.” I think step one, once you meet all of the requirements, is to practice written tests. I can’t tell you how many guys I know that have been trying to become firefighters for years and cannot even get past the written test process. I … Read the rest
I’m consistently seeing candidates that ask a type of question that illustrates a HUGE and very common mistake that people make in pursuit of their dreams. The questions often look like this:
“Should I get my two year degree in Fire Science or should I go for a more broad subject matter? I want to have the best degree to get the job when I start applying, but I think I need to hedge my bets just in case.”
“Which … Read the rest
Books are filled with the principals regarding how to answer Firefighter Oral Board Questions. In fact, i’m writing a new one right now. The thing is…You have to start with some basic principals to the Oral Board Process. Here are the first few I like to share with candidates:
1. Show up at least thirty minutes early.
You’ll take advantage of having plenty of time to quiet your mind and prepare your thoughts or adjust to location changes within large
That is a question that is commonly asked during an oral interview, and even during fire station visits or discussions with others when they find out your career aspirations.
Unfortunately many candidates fail to hit the grand slam when they answer this question.
Common answers include:
1. I want to help people.
2. I want to make a difference in people’s lives.
3. Because of the job security (not so much in today’s economy).
4. Because of the wages, benefits, … Read the rest
The Written Exam is the first of the Fire Department Entrance Exams. Its most often used to set a cut off for who will go forward to the Physical Agility and then Oral Board Examinations. In these cases, it allows the department one is applying for to reduce the field of candidates to make the process more time and cost effective. At other times, the score is added to other scores achieved in the testing process to determine an overall … Read the rest
As I scanned the parking lot, I was disturbed to see a private ambulance parked perpendicular in THREE spots.
Become the Unshakeable Optimist, This can be one of the most difficult things to do. It requires that you do not “jump on the bandwagon” every time someone starts talking negative. You must limit that exposure. It is imperative that you remain positive and protective of your time. You can choose your thoughts and how you process them. Remember, someone else is out there working on getting hired just like you. It is a dogfight and your objective is to be the last one standing. To do that you must have conviction all the time.
Happy New Year! Have one of your New Year’s resolution been getting yourself Fit for Fire?
Have you been considering using p90x to help you get your body into the best shape you can, but are not sure it is going to work for you? Does p90x work is a question that so many people everywhere are asking and searching for the answer for.
The truth is that this system can work for anyone that uses it, but whether it … Read the rest
Happy New Year!
Many firefighter candidates think it is appropriate to “drop names” when they are participating in an oral interview or some other phase of the hiring process such as visiting fire stations. You may think this is a great idea and that by you knowing that special person you are mentioning, that you will have an “in” with the fire department. Well, that may be true, but it may be more false than true. While you may be … Read the rest
Everyone has an opinion of age when it comes to hiring new firefighters. Some people feel that a younger candidate has a better chance of getting hired because; after all, the fire departments are looking to hire a candidate for the next 30 years.
If a fire department hires a 21 or 22 year old, the department can train the recruit before he or she has a chance to develop “bad” habits. Furthermore, since the agency wants to get the … Read the rest
I just wanted to take the time to wish you, your family and friends Happy Holidays!
Hopefully this holiday season is not too stressful and is something you can enjoy as we near 2011 (weren’t we just getting ready for Y2K? – which was about 11 or so years ago?)!
Take care, don’t just stay safe – make it safe!… Read the rest
Today I finished my last presentation fo rmy last class for my Master’s degree. What makes this so special for me is that 7 years ago I was 9 classes short of an AS degree. When I promoted to BC, the Fire Chief made me promise that I would go back to school and earn my Bachelor’s degree. It took me 4 years to get it. Once I finished I wanted to continue. Two years later (today) I completed my … Read the rest
The topic that I will be presenting is getting hired in the fire service. This is the second part of a multi-part series.
STATION VISITS
So, you’ve filled out your application and prepared for all of the facets of the examination process. The question arises; should I do a station visit?
The “Station Visit” is a kind of mini interview process in itself. It’s a process where we, the “line personnel” judge a multitude of things about you. It all … Read the rest
As the year 2010 comes to the end, can you honestly look yourself in the mirror and say you accomplished what you wanted to accomplish this year? Hopefully so; it isn’t too late, there are still about 3 weeks left. Now I know many folks who wait for things to happen. Are you one of those? Or are you one of those folks that actually makes things happen? There is a major difference; you are in control of your destiny … Read the rest
As FireCareer’s youngest and most inexperienced blogger in terms of firefighting/fire-career experience (excluding Dr. Jen Milus who works with firefighters, but is not one), my value to readers is my ability to see things quite clearly from your point of view. That is of course because I am living, or have just gone through exactly what you’re going through. Unlike the other accomplished fire veterans who write here at FireCareers, I do not have decades of experience. I’m a new … Read the rest
Hello all,
As we come into the new year, I would encourage you to sit down and write out your goals. Researchers have found that those who take the time to put their goals down on paper have a much higher chance of reaching them.
For me, I will be finished with my Masters degree in a week. This is the culmination of a two year goal. I will be glad to be finished with it. My other goals are … Read the rest
I was recently involved in screening fire department applications and I was amazed to see that 40% of the candidates did not follow the simple directions to include copies of their certifications. Subsequently all of these applications were disqualified from the process.
Also, keep in mind that the people behind the counter at HR are very influential in the hiring process. Be sure to be nice to them!
Lastly, do not staple your resume onto your application in lieu of … Read the rest
Laird Hamilton prepares himself constantly to be ready for the moment that “life” gives him the opportunity to seize his dream. He’s done this for years and years, and as a result, he’s considered one of the greatest “Watermen” of all time. He surfs the biggest, most dangerous waves in the world with a power, flow, and seeming oneness with the water that is awe inspiring.
Getting a job in the fire service is much like catching the perfect wave. … Read the rest
“I really want to work on the fire department. What should I do to get started?” –several hundred would-be firefighters first words each time I meet them.
People waste alot of time with highly unproductive activity in their pursuit of a life in the fire service. It drives me a little crazy because I did it when I first got started, and it causes me pain to even think about. I’m going to use my first post to save
No matter how hard you train for the stair climb in the CPAT, your legs will feel like rubber when you’re through. The time it takes to recover from this depends on your fitness level and your V02 Max. VO2 Max is the maximum amount of oxygen your body can process in order to feed your muscles to do work. In tests like the CPAT, if your VO2 Max is not high enough, you simply … Read the rest
Introduction:
Try the best to follow these guidelines. Shoot for perfection and give yourself room to be human. I do not recommend people eat vegetarian because it disallows pure protein, which is most easily absorbed into muscle tissue. In short, I tried it, and it made me fat and weak. (And I was eating very healthy, whole foods). This is aimed at getting all your essential fatty acids, protein and vitamins necessary for health and strength building. … Read the rest
Rotator Cuff Pain
Dr. Jennifer N. Milus, DC
www.fireagility.com
Shoulder Pain:
Rotator cuff pain, sprains, and tendonitis appear quite often in athletes who require repetitive explosive movement of their shoulders. Fighting fires requires full range of motion of that ball and socket joint, and full function of the muscles around it. Pain on movement, or sharp pain on lifting can indicate that you have a problem with the rotator cuff muscles, and/or their tendons. If that is the case, then … Read the rest
Articles
What to Eat on Test Day?:
By: Dr. Jen Milus, DC www.fireagility.com
Let’s start with the 3 days before the big test! Eating right on test day is not near enough! If you want to test well… remember that garbage in means garbage out! If you eat junk, you’ll perfrom just that way! You need to start carb loading and hydrating 3 days before the big day!
Portions:
For the purposes of this article, a serving of a protein, … Read the rest
Endurance for Firefighters needs to be a combination of intense cardio and weight bearing exercises that pushes you to the limits to prep for the job. I have posted below, my last leg work out. I am been training this way for years (30, actually), so it needs to be worked up to for many. Proceed with caution. I am 5’5″ and 135lb…
I give weights, reps etc. just for a ballpark so you studs know where to start! But, … Read the rest
Tony Gutierrez, C.F. Aircraft Rescue Fire Fighter/EMT-B Gerald R. Ford International Airport Fire Department, Grand Rapids, Michigan
Dear Firecareers Team,
I want to start out by saying thank you for the excellent service you provided to me and too many aspiring professional firefighters. Without it, I would not have had as many opportunities as I did. I now work for the second busiest airport in Michigan. Becoming a professional firefighter has been a dream come true!
I have been and … Read the rest
Dear Perfect Firefighter Candidate, I want to thank you for your service that you provided to me as well as other candidates. Applying for the position of firefighter with any department is one of the toughest roads any person will travel. Your service made this process much easier as it cut out the possibility of anyone wasting their time. Your information in terms of filing deadlines, qualifications, and fire department websites was always clear, concise, and accurate. Your service is … Read the rest
Dear Fire Careers, I have been with my fire department for five years now and have enjoyed every minute of it. In five years I passed probation, completed paramedic school, and just finished #1 on the Engineer’s promotional exam. I have experienced some amazing events on the job. I’ve battled structure fires, attacked wildland fires on strike teams, extricated patients entrapped in vehicles, and delivered life saving medicine to gravely ill patients. Every day is truly an adventure in this … Read the rest
I would like to take this opportunity to thank Firecareers.com for providing this service. It helped me keep on top of current tests and find the perfect Fire Department to serve my career. It is a must have for all those looking to find a career in the fire service. Thanks again!
Kyle Adams
P.S. That’s me on the right…… Read the rest
I would like to take a minute to let everyone know that the service you provide is excellent. I don’t think that individuals would be aware of a fraction of the openings with out your service. Either they would miss the opportunities or hear about them too late. I previously worked in Northern California but found out about a promotional opportunity several hours to the south. I took the promotional exam and was successful. With out your service I believe … Read the rest
Thank you for your services and assistance.
James Huff
Central Whidbey Island Fire & Rescue… Read the rest
Thank you for all your help. I have been testing for over 5 yrs.. I traveled all over, thanks to your assistance. Now a member of the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Dept.
Joe Diaz and Chris Gay
Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Dept.
Class 119th.… Read the rest
PFC is hands down the best service to subscribe to if you are seeking employment in the fire service. They provide the exact information you need to be successful in finding that job you have always dreamed of. Most fire departments only test every 2 years and believe me, you don’t want to miss your opportunity to be a part of the best job in the world. PFC has directly helped me in getting through the hiring process and I … Read the rest
Good Afternoon Perfect Firefighter!
I would like to thank you guys for the 2nd time in assisting my career objectives. I thought I’d write you another testimonial from my new job here at Pioneer Fire Protection District that I started on July 16th. Again, thank you for your support.
Robert L. Gill, Fire Chief… Read the rest
Hello,
The service that Firecareers provides to its members is a valuable tool. Job alerts, education and training make a worthy investment.
Again, thank you,
John Coffman
City of Coral Springs Fire Department… Read the rest
Dear Perfect Firefighter,
I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for the hard work and dedication that you put into your firecareers website. I have been testing for the past six years and without your website it would have been almost impossible. It is an invaluable tool for anyone trying to get their foot in the door. Keep up the good work.
Sincerely,
Casey Zenger
Firefighter/Paramedic
City of Coalinga Fire Dept.… Read the rest
Dear PFC,
Thank you for your invaluable service. After two years of testing at numerous fire departments, I was recently hired as a Career Full-time Firefighter/Paramedic for the City of Royal Oak, MI. Located one mile north of Detroit. Its a busy fire department and I have you to thank because you notified me that they were testing. I am now living the dream and for everyone else still testing. Stay the course and one day you’ll be writing in … Read the rest
I first would like to give the PFC a special thanks for helping me fulfill my dream in becoming a firefighter for the City of Santa Monica. This website truly works! (Firecareers.com) It provides you with the most current and up-to-date information on firefighter openings. I tested for 5 years taking 40 exams in and out of State. So my advice to everyone out there is to first believe in yourself, stick to it and never give up!
Good luck.… Read the rest
I cannot say enough about the service you provide. I have been a career firefighter for 17 years now, none of it would of been possible if it were not for Perfect Firefighter Candidate. I recall receiving the yellow cards in the mail years ago announcing firefighting positions throughout the western United States. Technology took over and a simple e-mail made things so much easier. Anyhow, I continue to use your service today as I look for different avenues within … Read the rest
Dear Perfect Firefighter Candidate,
When I first was out of the academy and started looking for a job I found out if a city was testing by calling each one to see when they were planning on hiring. This usually took a couple of phone calls to get to the person who knew this information. As you can imagine this was very time consuming and half the places I called weren’t testing at that time or I had just missed … Read the rest
I would like to thank Fire Careers for the service that they provided me while I was searching for a job in the fire service. I was first introduced to Fire Careers by my Fire Science instructor at Spokane community college. She would always tell us the only way to get a job is to test. I found the best way to find the tests was through fire careers. I recently got hired as a Firefighter EMT in the beautiful … Read the rest
About 2 and 1/2 years ago I subscribed to your service. I lived in N.E. Ohio where Full-time fire jobs were hard to get.I am originally from central TX. I saw a posting for Harker Heights TX( 20 miles from where I grew up) I applied for the position. I applied for several other FDs in TX. I was hired as a FF/Paramedic in September of 04 by HHFD. I have been there every since . I finally have the … Read the rest
Dear PFC,
I’m writing this testimonial to express my gratitude for the amazing service you provided in my pursuit to achieve my dream. Through my pursuit for a career position the last thing I needed was to spend hours a day searching for fire departments that were testing/ hiring. I needed that time to spend preparing for tests, going to school and studying for classes, volunteering, etc. Your dedicated service gave me that time I needed to become a firefighter. … Read the rest
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