7 Firefighter Interview Mistakes That Will Keep You From Getting Hired (and how to fix them) 

Video starts @ 4:25 Mistake 1 - Using generic/canned answers Mistake 2 - Looking sloppy Mistake 3 - Don't be rude (even by mistake) Mistake 4 - Don't be late Mistake 5 - Do NOT bring up perks of the job Mistake 6 - Have some follow up questions in mind (not too many questions but don't just get up and leave after) Mistake 7 - Practice, practice, practice (do not be unprepared for the interview!

I knew of an applicant that was asked, "So, how do you like to spend your free time"? He answered by saying how he loves to chill at home or get away by himself and go surfing etc. As you'll understand, he wasn't hired. As you have mentioned in another video, being in the Fire Service is being part of a team. If you can't handle that environment, especially giving each other shit...or 'busting chops' as you say in the US...you'll have trouble fitting in. Here in New Zealand you're even asked to supply specific examples of working in, or being a part of a team. On the flipside, they also want examples of individual decision making. They also want to see examples of self motivation, mixing with different cultures, leadership etc. And for gods sake, keep the answers to questions, accurate and concise. Don't waffle on, or go off on tangents...unless asked to "Please give us an example". Have a sense of humour, but never be a smart ass. Anyway, that's enough waffling from me for now

Just did my interview. It did not go well. 5 questions I got asked: 1. What is your biggest strength, and how will you strive to improve it overtime 2. Why are you interested in the fire department at x city 3. When have you refused a supervisor or company policy, and describe the situation 4. What skills do you bring to this fire department 5. What things have you done to prepare you for firefighting I struggled to answer some these simply due to a lack of experience and preparation. It seems like it’ll be hard for someone outside of firefighting to land a position if you do not REALLY think about your experience

Great ideas. I used these ideas for my interview back in 2006. Yes I got hire.

Mistake #6 - TOTALLY AGREE with you Mike. Strong advice and direction there mate!

I am applying for a career in the SFRS. I too had tried to get in the police but i spent too much time focussing on the ins and outs of the force instead of practicing the competency questions and i realised that i was totally unprepared for those types of questions. That situation has made me really realise the importance of focussing on all aspects of the interview and not just a select section of the interview. Your video was really helpful and hopefully i can use this information to help me gain a position within the service...as long as i pass the application section first!!! Thank you, liked and subscribed.

Thanks. Right about now!this video is what I needed.

Ahhh mann my interview is tomorrow and I’m a lil nervous thanks for uploading vids like this 🤟🏽🤟🏽🤙🏽

This is very helpful man thanks I did bad on my firefighter interview and didn’t get the job

Thank you for this sir. I have my interview Monday and I want to make sure that I’m prepared for it.

A huge thank you Mr. Pertz for doing these videos. I am a retired firefighter and now teach at a school that specializes in occupational skills. I teach the fire services program and I show your videos to reiterated my points to the students! Again, many thanks Sir!!

I’m from willowick Ohio I love your content man. I get out of the army in a year and I’m applying for a department here in Tennessee

It's nice to learn a bit about who's videos I'm watching. Thanks for your work put into these, you're creating a great resource for myself and many others! Since this video is more recent and you mentioned several times about shaking someone's hand during introductions, do you believe it would still be expected to shake someone's hand in most departments? (COVID-19)

I will be taking a “comprehensive examination Battery(CEB)” test for a department, was wondering if that test is a bit different compared to the civil service test? Any tips to help prepare for the test? Thanks.

Dang this is very helpful when I turn 18 and finish school this is what I want to do and now I have a way better understanding of what to do study and figure out and plan the way my interview thanks iam going to work to the best of my abilities to get this its been my dream to feel belonging hope I can fix these generic answers

Hope I can make Boston fire in a few more years this was very helpful man thanks

I'm nervous, my interveiw is tommorow, it's that last part of the process and I feel like for me it's actually one of my better skills but I'm still nervous.

My suit is a nice, but green over coat, white dress shirt and green pants. Taylored to me of course. Is this good or should I get a black one?

I was wondering, should you prepare for interviews even before the cpat exam? do they only select a certain amount to interview or do they interview everyone that did the cpat?

Hello brother. Mansfield fire here. Lookin to move up north ...

Video starts at 4:25

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.

How do you become a volunteer firefighter?

Plz respond to my question if you want to go to the fire academy do you need to learn how to swim

Would a really nice pearl snap button up shirt be ok for the interview? Or should i for sure go and get a suit

What if you have a speech impediment like me I stutter a lot to a point that no one understands me so it usually makes me nervous at any interviews and plus also I'm not from here I was born in Africa I came here when I was nine years ago so will I be able to become a firefighter.

Do you work with stipe miocic ??

I have my interview next month can you help personally

I love your videos but the commercials are killing me, every few minutes.

Can Anyone or non firefighters , wear or buy wear, turnouts etc?. I'm from California I can not find anything really specific on the subject online.

Watching this makes me feel like I killed it today at my first oral

I am 40 years old, does age matter?

The “don’t ask what’s the standard pay” is a valid question in any job/position. I always ask what’s the most anyone gets paid (at the job I’m applying) because I wanna know what I can achieve. The world runs on money, it’s not rude to ask about it. (And yes, I got the job after asking my manager how much they get paid lol, it’s not rude)

me memorising these so I never accidentally become a firefighter

No no no when I see 18 year olds who walk rigjt in and skip entire rosters of get hired then get out threw an academy. That’s when I call BULLL SHIT. Seen this time and time again it’s who you know a lot.

Shaking hands !?!?! Must be pre COVID 😂

Should girls shake a hand on an interview as well ?

"QUICK RECAP" = Half your video. Stop chewing up the scenery and get on with the valuable info. There's enough BS in the service already buddy.