My uncle cousin or whatever Was in an interview for becoming a firefighter for the 3 time and his last question was “why should we hire you” And my pop told him what to say Day on the interview Why should we hire you He completely forgot everything my pop said and said “Because this is our third time and if you don’t hire me we will have to go through this all again” He got the job and he is now a captain at a fire brigade (He is an Australian firefighter)
Lind Alban : You didn’t get the point: It is about doing the best of what he had. He probably didn’t have money for an exspensive suit, but did an effort to look as presentable as possible. While I agree it wasn’t the only part that gave him the job, I am sure it helped.
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The most stressful, competitive interview I ever had was for a job I was marginally qualified for. It was not going well. Clearly one of my worst performances in a interview. One of the interviewers asked: _"What was the worst moment of you life?"_ Before I could think I said _"Well, this interview is screaming to the top of the list."_ The entire interview panel busted out laughing. I didn't get the job..... at first.... the person that did failed the drug test and when they started call the other interviewees, I was the only one still available. I worked there until the owner died five years later.
"We know the difference between someone who is lazy and someone who utilized the best tools that they have in their toolbox" I don't know why, but that one hit me hard lol
Because a big part of firefighting is not having the perfect tools for the job and having to make the best of a bad situation. If you can demonstrate that in the interview, even if you don't have the best clothes or printer or resume writing skills, that speaks well for what you'll do when the chips are down and it really matters.
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Without a doubt, this is one of the most prolific human beings in the fire service. Great way to deliver the msg. Simple, straitforward, and with a pinch of humor. Nice job, again, Jason! 👍
A few extra points that may help: Some places may not advertise. The city I'm with, I just applied for. They didn't advertise that they were hiring, because they have enough candidates applying already. Apply everywhere, even if they're not actively looking. If able to, do ride alongs after you apply. Get to know the crews. I promise, every chief is gonna ask the dept what they think of each candidate. You're asking to join a family. It's a family decision. Go overboard on your resume and application. I put mine in a three ringed binder with each of my certs, degrees, and actual application and resume- all tabbed out and easy to find. It stood out. They weren't even hiring EMTs at the time I applied. They brought me in solely because of the application. Print out a copy of your resume for each person that's going to be there, and then a couple more. I had our chief of police, 3 battalion chiefs, EMS chief, and fire chief during my interview. Being able to hand them a copy of my resume (ON A SINGLE PAGE), made it so they can look at my qualifications while I'm proving myself. KNOW YOUR CITY/COUNTY AREA AND INFO ABOUT IT! Super important. Know your district lines, the sq miles of the city/county, main roads, schools, churches, major life hazards (nursing homes/hospitals). Find a way to let them know that you know that. Know the year the city was founded, council members, mayors, past chiefs, traditions. We have a fire engine from 1924 in my city. I knew the make, model, and brief history of it before going in. Be honest, be prepared, be knowledgable, and be considerate. And once you are hired, you're not done. You need to prove to them, and yourself that you belong there every single day. Not even for the application process, but for yourself. Have a plan to better yourself. Your fire/emt certs are MINIMUM STANDARDS. To be a good firefighter, you need to keep improving, keep learning. Have a plan to stay in school, earn degrees and certs, and let them know this. Learn from each of the guys/girls that you're working with. They all know a lot more than you. Always stay humble, keep your mouth shut, and learn a few really kick ass recipes... probie.
I was a school librarian. My university career office said always try and find something extra to add to your resume. Become a notary public, for example.
Jason I've been sitting on our interview panels for well over twenty years now. And I have to say this is very good advice. I really hope a lot of the young men and women listening will take heed to what you said. Well done
Ask, in the interview: Is there anything that gives you hesitancy in offering me this position? It shows you're open to criticism, and want to improve yourself. Also, that can give you a good idea if you aren't going to get the job.
I just tend to ask "How did I do?", which is too straightfoward for interviewers to like. Thank you for giving me an alternative way to ask this question.
I tried this once and it completely backfired. The interviewer was caught off guard with my question and was scrambling to answer. On one hand, it was kinda neat to be on the other side but it ended the interview on a completely weird vibe. I did not get the job.
I am retired fire fighter paramedic 1. love these videos. 2. When time came around during the interview they asked me if I had any questions. I had one what do you look for in an employee. Man that was a great question I was told latter after being hired. They went into a 15 min rant on what they wanted.
Great advice, I got hired by my current EMS agency for three things which they specifically told me after the interview: confidence, wearing a full suit, and prior experience (not in the EMS field).
That part where you described their reaction during the interview was spot on. Every time I'd say something, my interviewers would stare at each other for a few seconds, then furiously write stuff down. Scared the living shit out of me, and thought they hated me.
@@kenbrown2808 well, I guess I did well enough... Or better than the other candidates, cause I got the thingy. They also were like "what's your opening and closing statement" when nobody mentioned anything about that beforehand, so I just pulled them out of my ass
Here are the Two answers that automatically get through the hiring process, 1. Say you have seen Station 19 and 9-1-1 Lonestar and from that I'm well prepare. OR 2. Say I have seen Fire Dept Chronicles.
Your probably safer saying "Say I have seen Fire Dept Chronicles" cause if you answer with the you have seen station 19 and 9-1-1- and well prepared, I have a feeling they will light your application on fire in front of you and yell at you to get out and never come back again lol
Excellent info! And all so very true! Honestly, number 5 is probably the most important. That is what I did, and when I cane around for my next hiring interview, it really did give me the confidence to stand out land the job!
There was something a manager told me. The amount of experience someone has helps, but the fact that that person is someone who is willing to learn and is a great worker/team member goes a long way. Been working in customer service for 3 years now after being a dishwasher at a restaurant. Biggest tip I can say is practice interview questions!!
This information is correct for the uk too, I interview new recruits and internal applicants and if you follow these tips you are putting yourself in the front running. A well timed smile, and a bit of conversation along the way help too. If you get a hard question and need more time, take a sip of water or I usually say ‘ wow that’s a tough question, who wrote that?’ That normally works. For every question never ever answer straight away, give yourself two seconds to think. A short pause is normal and expected. Finally keep the interviewers engaged and enthused, use upbeat language, eye contact and never ever be monotone. Oh and good luck everyone it’s a poorly paid job but the rewards are amazing
Great tips! Couldn't agree more. Failure is almost inevitable when applying. If you want the job then you have to be willing to grind through the failures and and improve yourself each time until you get to where you need to be to make yourself the best candidate. Its a humbling experience but worth it in the end.
I've got my interview on Monday. I'm nervous as hell. 42 years old, successful business owner, and as nervous as a 16 year old getting my first real job. Chasing my dream as an older guy is more intimidating than I thought.
@@joshuagray5094bro it went great. I got hired at my dream department, went to rookie school, graduated as the class leader with the academic and PT awards and got to give a speech. The work is fantastic, the guys are great and the only regret I have is not doing this sooner. Don’t hesitate if it is calling to you. I couldn’t be happier. Good luck and keep us posted!
It's wild how every time I went to a fire fighting interview session it was literally 1,000 people all taking the Fire 1&2 exam or something similar as a weed out process and then the 100 or so people who passed that got to move on. It's just insane how many people are fighting over 1-3 slots a year at some of these places. Volunteer stations aren't as bad for finding a slot but the reimbursement for fuel isn't as good as getting paid hourly/salary.
I’m going to be applying for court clerk after finishing my bachelors degree and I’m actually terrified. Watching you helps so much, thank you for the comedic relief!
It wasn't for this position, but an interview I use that has always worked for me is to end off when/if they ask if you "are there any questions you have for us or the (company)?" It's: "For my improvement, is there anything I could done better in this interview to demonstrate my ability?" You have to say this confidently. Otherwise you sound like you've accepted you didn't win the job. If you do it right and the interview wasn't a disaster you get some good advice and leave an impression on them that you are someone who wants to actively improve themselves. Some may even like the fact that you flipped the dynamic to asking them a question
I wish you lived in Seattle. I'd have you personally yell this at my son. He's (22) been an EMT for two years now, and completed all his Fire education. He get's SO discouraged, .. I sent him this video. Let's see how he takes it. THIS IS GREAT.
Thank you for these videos. There are some of us who grew up not knowing a single firefighter or person to mentor us. I'm an awkward person and hate interviews. I do love how towards the end you get a little serious and talk about it being okay if we don't get hired. Don't give up!!!!
Great advice. I especially appreciated the "no dead fish" handshake comment. I'm a woman who interviews candidates in a male-dominated field, and I frequently get the dead fish shake. I'll ask my male co-worker how the handshake went and usually he got a normal firm handshake.
Hi im 15 years old and ever since I was born Ive always wanted to do something that would benefit not only me but myself, Ive gone through quite a few a years of therapy enough to know that I love making others feel great about themselves while using my goofy personality. I bounced from many different job thoughts and mine could still change, but first I wanted to be a US Marine, then after that I wanted to be a Police officer, after a while of thinking in the 8th grade, I finally figured out I wanted to be a fire fighter. And ever since that is what Ive been striving for ever since. Im currently In my Sophomore year of High School and I know its only a matter of time before it is ME who is sitting in that room for that interview, despite me being quite rowdy and making the class laugh and jokes, Im horrible when it comes to a higher authority, I always try to assume authority in a room when Im making a joke or making a statement. When Im questioned by another student, I can take the situation and make it go the way I want too, but when I come to a higher up like a teacher or my parents, I freeze up and start to rethink everything i say wondering if I should have said that. Iv'e made it my goal to be as mentally and physically prepared as I can be for when It is my turn to be interviewed. My stepmoms friend is a retired Fire Captain recently Ive been asking as many questions as I can even though I might end up bugging him. I know here it seems Im everywhere jumping from place to place, but as my goal, I am preparing myself as best I can for that position.
The one this that gets me stuck is although I’m applying for a volunteer department is that my dad and two other people I’ve known my whole life is gonna interview me. Thanks Jason you answered all my questions now I just gotta be interviewed
The Will Farrell & John C. Riley interview techniques worked for me. Nothing establishes dominance in an interview like eye contact and a well executed fart.
You are sooo excited about your job, I think I want to be a firefighter now!! =-) I lived in a county with volunteer firefighters and dated one (high school dating)! Unfortunately, my family needed the assistance of the Metro Fire Department in 2003 when my dad died and 2004 when our house burned down. I don't know who hates on the fire department. You put out the fires and keep them from spreading!! That's the job. Save people and (maybe) kitty-cats from the evil smoke and flame. I have my own philosophies about how the police should do better, but the fire department, not so much. As far as I know, you guys are doing great!!!
This is exactly correct, not just for Fire/EMT. It works at McDonalds, Amazon, or the factory I ran for 20 years. Most people responsible for hiring are overwhelmed and the faces all blend together. What are they looking for? Somebody who really wants the job, this job, and isn't just trolling for the best offer. Face to face follow-up is better than a phone call and anything is better than email.
Honestly, this is just great interview advice in general. Dress your best, make an impression, get them to remember you, and show them that you care and want to improve. All great advice for any interview
This is great, I lived in Texas for 10 years and it is true that you need a very firm handshake or people are going to think less of you. Sad thing is my time in the military has caused my right have to have go through some surgeries and I am very much unable to shake any hands without feeling pain. The best I can do is try to explain the situation without making me sound like I am going to be dead weight.
This is amazing advice. Your advice applies to any job. You will be surprised by how many people come into the interview as if they slept on their clothes and just woke up. My favorite is complaining that it's too far to drive.
It took me 2 years and many failures to get where I am in the FD. Best advice I can give is to never give up. Keep applying to different departments and practice. And like he says dont just say you wanna do the job to "help people" lol be more specific on why you actually wanna be a FF/EMT, because everyone on the planet says that and they want to hear what makes you different from the rest.
Definitely appreciate all of what our firefighters do. They absolutely have their work cut out for them in my area, people have a way of wrapping themselves around trees after getting drunk and riding ATVs.
I used to volunteer at my local zoo and a lot of times local college students would come around trying to interview workers for information. One time I got a handshake from one of them and they grabbed the tip of my fingers and limply shook my hand. The worst hand shake I have ever seen
My mom's friend asked my mom why my handshake is so strong. She said well she ran a few businesses and was taught it was professional and showed confidence. I shake my husband's business associates hands like that. He has a few that shake like little girls and we make fun of them after. One happened to make a comment on my handshake and I said, I was a business woman and that's how a handshake is supposed to be when you're dealing with business people. Even people I don't know, unless it's a little old lady I give a good firm handshake. You get respect for it.
Currently in the process, the final hiring interview was one of the most nerve racking things I’ve ever done in my life, but I was confident and made sure to try and stand out and sell myself without sounding cocky or overconfident. Now it’s the longest wait of my life to hear back from the department checking everyday in my emails hoping for the good one lol
I have to do a mock interview for a career fair next week and you’ve explained how to do an interview better than our counselor has all week. Thank you so much
If you're looking to get into the local department and they have an active CERT, join it. Go to all the training and participate in all the activities. You'll already know most of it. But approach it a if it was fresh. Be helpful to others. Don't be a know-it-all or condescending. Show off your team skills and your helping others skills. This will be especially valuable if you are interested in a role working with volunteers or in other public outreach. And you'll get to know some of the crew.
I’m not looking to become a firefighter but I love these tips. These are honestly really good for interviewing in general. I especially like that last part about going back after a failed interview and asking for tips on how to get better.
He's right, don't give up, get better, pursue your goal, be careful what you wish for, it may come true, accept what you get, enjoy it for what it is, get out while you are alive enough to enjoy life, be thankful, pay it forward...
You really nailed it with this one brother. I hope every recruit and promotion candidate finds this video. Caveat on the firm handshake: trying to break an interviewers hand can set the wrong tone just as fast as a limp handshake. Don't turn it into a dick measuring contest.
Great Stuff! Hopefully I'm too old, broke down, used up, burned out & disabled to have to go through all this again, but if I do I'm definitely remembering this! Best pearl of wisdom in this collection of good advice? Go back and ask what you could have done better.👍👌
Well said, Jason. Nobody wants to have a substandard first responder on the payroll. We only want the best. Failing to get on once just means that you might not be ready and coming back shows you are dedicated to what you are hoping to become.
I came here expecting just some funnies, pleasantly surprised by actual good advice. On the topic of said advise: during my interview with the ambulance company I currently work for when asked the infamous "why do you want to work for us" along with some more generic answers I made sure to let them know one of their stations was less than spitting distance from my house and for once in my life I wanted a commute to work of under an hour or at least have walking to work as a viable backup in case my car crapped out on me in the morning.
This was so great for him to do to help teach others who did or do not have ppl in their life that taught them these skills. The 1st few ones would go with most job interviews🐢🐢🐢cara
Clicked expecting sarcasm, was amused and heartwarmed to see legitimately good advice. Also, tips for job seekers of any kind, when companies do that dreaded " Do you have any questions for us" have a few ready! Ask them what good job performance would look like in six months or a year if youre selected for the role, ask them where they see the company going in the future, ask about growth with the company and your role. Showing them you care about more than what you might be getting paid AND want to grow with the company is huge. Hiring people is EXPENSIVE. So they want people they dont have to replace (did you know hiring replacements cost on average 2.5 times whatever that person's salary was?) . And, even if you dont really mean it, theyre good questions that can set you apart. A LOT of people stall at this stage. So you'll make your mark by opening up that flow of conversation. Plus it tends to make things feel more natural when you start being the one to ask!
EMT in fire science classes and getting fire certs here. I'm already 29, so I'm a bit older when it comes to the greens. I feel like I have a bunch of life experience and smaller department experience to help, but getting on to a full time service is going to be tough. Good luck to everyone out there in a similar situation!
"If I can't add to this team, do not hire me. Every member on your team that I've seen work or met shows me that they add to the team here. The community we live and work in deserves the best. Give them the best." That was my answer for "do you have anything else to add." A question not often prepared for. Prepare for it. It got me hired 🔥 well that and my awesome self.
Late tip, That admin person you meet when you first arrive may be the difference in getting the position or getting knocked out of contention. Treat them with respect and treat them professionally. I know quite a few hiring managers (in every occupation) that follow up with the receptionist or secretary to get their opinion of the candidate. If you are on your phone when you arrive or are short with them...they will remember it and have no qualms passing it on as they do not know you.
Pretty sure I'm the only applicant for the position, but I'm gonna take these tips to heart. Goes to show funny guys are actually plenty smart under all that humour.
a great video and the satisfaction of clicking like and seeing it go from 1.9k to 2k likes.... and also no calls yet today. I knew today would be special.... :D
Yes, they will completely change the subject to something random about another topic and it will jam you up if you're not on your toes to think quickly. And never assume you know what they are going to say next. My son is a quick thinker but he also thinks in his mind what they will say next and he doesn't hear the entire question. His mind just races at everything he does. Especially talking 😂 But the smartest 21yo kid I know. He's always been smarter and more mature than kids his age since he was little. Never treated him like a baby. He was raised around all adults.
Real talk my interview was as simple as having the job described to me and then being asked if I was still interested in the position - EMS is hard up for anyone with a pulse due to the panini so I genuinely wouldn't stress about the interview anytime soon.
