Thank you for making this video. I studied this video and the questions for before my interview which was today. I scored #1 on the eligibility list. I was genuine and didn’t give any canned answers. Without this video, I doubt I would’ve had that edge. This was my first time applying to a fire department as well. Thanks again.
Great to hear! I have an interview soon as well. I wanted to ask you , did you go clean shaven for the interview? I have facial hair too so I’m trying to get some advice.
I decided i wanted to become a firefighter a year ago. And i watched this video ( and many other) dozens of times. Im lucky to say i was hired on my first time applying, dream department. I went through the process like a hot knife on butter. If you want to join the fire game. This video is a must watch. Watch it 50 times. 0 experience, First generation, no relevent degree and 25 years old. And i made it in.
For anyone who is coming across this video like I have, PAY ATTENTION. Mike knows what he’s talking about. I was in a fire department process and on March 20, 2023 I had my interview. About two weeks prior, I watched this video. There’s a lot of good information here. All I can say is research the department, know important things about the department and the township or city that you’re applying to, and learn from this video. I would have never thought to ask questions when I was asked but I did. The question that I asked was aimed at the chief (he asked if it had any questions) my question was “what do you like most about this department “. I was hired and guys always ask me about that because they heard that I made a good impression. The Chief was thrown off (in a good way) by this. I would have never thought to dive deep in my mind had it not been for Mike. I’m not sure if you’ll see this comment but thank you so much for helping me get into an amazing department and my dream career. I’d like to note that I’m in New Jersey and the age cut off is 35. I was hired a month and two weeks before my 35th birthday!
I read this and took your advice as well as Mikes. I asked this question to the chief and he was kind of blown away and also thrown off haha. Everyone on the panel chuckled and stared at him because I don’t think anyone asks him questions. He was impressed and I got the job. So thanks for this little tip!
Got the job at the first fire department I ever applied to. I’m an uncertified firefighter emt and getting paid to go through fire academy because of this guy here. Thanks mike
@@ashleycasco3411 I was given a heads up about the position from the chief. They had the openings listed on the National testing network website and I was able to apply through that website. Most departments list there openings on the site as well and you can sign up for weekly updates on what departments have openings for a hiring process. Good luck to you
Binged this video 3-4 times, studied on flash cards, in front of a mirror and recorded myself. Just took my first interview, feeling like i KILLED it . Won’t know the outcome for a couple days , however I wouldn’t have had this confidence without this video and resources!
I just want to say thank you a ton for your service Mike. This was the first channel I encountered 6 months ago in order to prepare for the fire service. I have no fire experience. Recently, I was extended a conditional offer from my hometown fire department. I took pretty much every single piece of your advice and it paid off! It still doesn’t seem real. I’m so grateful.
This is the definition of "putting the mission before myself." He is puting out free information that he believes is going to educate the future to be better than the past. Information is power and nobody can tell me different
I’m not trying to become a Firefighter. I happen to live on a Street; that’s had many bad house fires. As a result of them, I have PTSD. So I’m trying make myself be less sensitive. It’s helping somewhat and I appreciate this. I believe Firefighters are worth their weight in Gold, including volunteer. Thank You for your time.
For anyone wondering this video really is a great tutorial on how to pass ‘any’ civil service job interview not just the fire service. The tips in this video made me successful in both of my police department interviews and got me hired by the agency of my choice the first time.
Just had my panel interview today and I can honestly say I crushed it, thank you so much for the information you share I went in confident not cocky was able to speak fluently and stick to the question at hand while not sounding generic. Word of advice for people that'll go through this stage in the future PRACTICE PRACTICE PRACTICE itll take a huge load off of you I guarantee it. Believe in yourself dont over think. Good luck to all 🙌🏾🚒👨🏾🚒
@@mike_pertz hey there, more great news as I stated before I felt like I did absolutely great on the panel interview and now I can say the ladies and gentlemen on the panel thought so as well. I just recieved my invite for my interview with the chief August 11th. Your videos are greatly appreciated you've helped a lot especially considering the fact that this is my first time doing this process as a whole and I believe I'm excelling very well through it. Thank you 🙌🏾🚒🚒🚒🚒
Had my final panel interview with the very first city I've applied to and was just told that I passed and start the academy this year. Thank you so much for the informative videos and helpful videos. At 29 I had reserves about becoming a firefighter but now I have an opportunity to pursue my dream job with a great city. For anyone going through the process, these videos are spot on, they asked almost the exact same questions. Thank you sir!
Had my first ever interview today. Watched this whole video last night and went in prepared. Sat down with 2 officers, and 2 captains. They made the comment that I even had them questioning theirselves with how good I answered the questions. Praying for the call back Monday! Thank you so much!
@@mike_pertz had my chief interview this after noon scheduled. They just called and re scheduled it to next Friday due to the the chief being sick. Plenty of more time to prepare for it now!
Well before getting hired on with my current railroad company within the state I moved to for my current career, I originally was going to start a stint in the fire service via the volunteer route for a pretty decent sized department back in my home state. Binge watching your videos helped me get so much better over time in, not only the interviews for fire, but indeed the battery of ones I had to do for that of my current job route before finally getting on with the road I'm with today. A lot of the things you pointed out in the interview process, where where I realized my faults in quite a lot of them and how I came to pinpoint and make the necessary corrections over time. Thanks indeed for what you do with all of these.
Thank you for making these videos. I just did my interview today and felt like I blew it out of the water! As I shook their hands before leaving, one fire fighter complimented me saying great interview. I threw in a little humor during the “worst attribute” question, saying how “my worst attribute is that a believe the Dallas cowboys are gonna win the super bowl every year” the room busted out laughing and it turns out a few of them were cowboy fans. Then I proceeded to give my real answer with them smiling still. I feel confident!! Thank you 100 times over for making videos like this.
Because of this video I was prepared for and had an answer for 98% of the questions I was asked in my interview and got the job. Thanks for doing this video. This was a massive help. The interview was very nerve racking so having answers ready to go for the questions was huge. Thanks man! Appreciate all you do.
Hey Mike, took a crash course via your channel and ended up crushing my Captains panel here in southern california, and survived my Chief's interview well enough to make it to backgrounds. Thank you SO MUCH for taking the time to put this stuff together, I've already recommended all my medic academy friends to the channel. Super succinct and contextual content man. Thank you again.
Man I can’t thank you enough for how much you helped me out through my hiring process with the Fire Department! I’ve studied all videos you made to help get through the hiring process and I just received a call that I was invited to attend my fire academy in my hometown ! Thank you so much man you’re a hero for real 🤞🏾💯
Wanted to come back and show appreciation for your content. I had been trying to get into this field for 5 years and yesterday I finally got the email I was looking for. To those who have been struggling to make it in like me, don’t give up, keep working on yourself and it will happen. Thanks again for the great information and content.
Congratulations to you!! Not getting it the first go but still continuing to pursue your dream is admirable. Seeing this comment in particular has given me hope and something to look forward to whilst looking into this career. So, thank you and best of luck! stay safe.
I’ve been watching your channel since I started my application process 6 months ago, now I’m in the academy as a DENVER Firefighter Recruit here in CO. Thank you sir.
I’ll expand on a couple of points you made. When asked about weaknesses a candidate should be honest, as you said, but should also be able to discuss a plan of action addressing that weakness. Second, you mentioned your academy instructor influencing your interest in your current agency. Discussing a mentor speaks well of a person and lets the board know the candidate is teachable. If a candidate cannot address a personal improvement plan or lessons learned from a mentor, they now have two items to work on before beginning another hiring process.
I’ve been watching a lot of your videos. I went through the Fire Academy, start EMT school next week, and have an interview with my hometown fire department next week as well. Your advice and your videos always help a lot. Thank you and god bless!
It took me five years and a ton of testing for a lot of depts. Finally after getting my medic and a bunch of making the "lists" I was offered a job. I wish I'd had a video like this to help me prepare. Don't give up. FF/PM form Omaha Nebraska.
I was really relieved finding this video tailored to fire interviews, used your video to help prepare for my panel interview, and i felt really prepared. Found out a few days ago that I got the job!. Thanks so much mike!
Thank you for making all these helpful videos. I watched each of your interview prep videos and made sure to prepare more than I needed. I typed out all the possible questions I could have been asked and prepared a response for each one. I "studied" for two weeks and absolutely nailed my interview. It was my first interview with a fire department and it was my #1 desired department! I was offered a position not too long after and I wanted to let you know your videos gave me a place to start and a guide to follow!
So in my area I saw a recruitment post on indeed. I am mediately felt compelled and I found this RU-vid channel quickly. I’m driving around listening to this video and I saw a firetruck casually Paul June to a grocery store. So I flipped around and talked to them. What great dudes. Very encouraging
Thank you Mike, I watched, took notes, followed advice and made it to 2nd round of interviews, then was chosen for position! The other candidates were high level and I was humbled to even be considered amongst them. I believe this was the difference. Go Buckeyes!
I was going into applying for this job blind. Now I have more confidence and information to act on I really appreciate your public service with this video and the job you do!
Hey Mike… I just want to thank you man. Really from the bottom of my heart. My interview is tomorrow at 3:40pm. I put all my eggs in this one basket (even though everyone said not to… but I want to work for my hometown and that’s it). This is my first interview. But anyway man I literally go to sleep playing your videos on my TV. This will be the last night I listen before my interview. Wish me luck man. -Mike
@@texasnative7844 just saw your comment brother. It went well. Nailed the interview 11 months ago and now I’m currently in fire academy… if you decide to do it yourself I wish you the best my friend!!! God bless you 🤙 sorry for the 1 year late response lol
Thank you so much Mike. I used a lot of your videos as reference for my interview today and got through to the next stage for a recruit firefighter position in Australia! The next step is a psychological test. I'm not sure what to expect but just so chuffed to make is this far. Thank you for not charging us an arm and a leg for your knowledge. Thank you mate!
I had 2 or 3 questions you mentioned in this video and it helped me answer quickly and exactly what they wanted to hear. Super helpful video and I have a really good chance of moving forward with my career at this department thanks to this video.
Thank you so much for this content. I prepared for my first interview by watching your content. I watched videos, and went over your “51 ff interview questions” and aced my interview panel and Chiefs. I received a conditional offer from the department soon after. I have another interview with a different department tomorrow. I’ve recommended you to a lot of people trying to get into the fire service, and even answered the ol “how have you prepared for this interview” question by shouting out your channel. Salute!!!
Hey man I just wanted to thank you for this video I start my academy on Monday and you truly helped me self reflect and land my dream job unique and memorable and practice is key! Good luck to anyone pursuing this career and never give up! God bless
Came back to say thank you for all your guide videos. Your help through this process was not forgotten, I was just hired as a probationary Firefighter Paramedic in my city. I have been saving your video on things I should be doing during probation for this moment.
Just wanted to come on here and say thank you for all the great info. I used this to secure a job at the fire department of my choice right out of university. Just found out today! No prior firefighting experience or volunteer
Been in process with Columbus Ohio for 3 years next month! Also have final interview coming up next month. Your videos have been very helpful. Thank you!
Thanks for all your help man, watched this video about 10 times, looked over your website and studied/ practice all of the interview questions. Just got the job in Orange County Fl. 🙏🏽👍🏽
After a long year of getting through the whole process with a Department I got hired. All because of this video here. The amount of knowledge from this video helped me out so much! I was fortunate to get hired at the first FD I applied to. (Being a Vet helps)
Hey man, thank you for making this video it was super helpful ! I'm currently going through the hiring process now in northern Virginia all I have left is my psychological exam than hopefully the interview,. Fingers crossed. But really thanks again!!
Thank you for the video! This really helped me and recently got a job offer with a career department in the Seattle area at 20 years old. Thank you for the help!
@@syphasevenreacts6628 Hello. Yes I did. Woooooooo!!!! I was really nervous. This video really helped me out. I haven’t done an interview in years. Im truly grateful for this opportunity. Can’t wait to start.
Once I managed to get through the many advert interruptions, this was such a massive help and thank you for taking the time to compile these questions and answers
Just wanted to say thank you so much for all you do! I’ve been following your channel for the last couple of years while trying to become a firefighter in my 30’s. We’ll I got the call and the conditional job offer today and it would’ve have been possible without your videos. Thank you and I look forward to your videos and emails in the future!
Thank you for all the time and effort you put into all of your videos. I watched this video along with your interview question videos right before my interview with my local volunteer fire department, and they helped tremendously. Thank you.
Thank you so much for your time and effort putting this together! I'm in the same shoes you were in with not having anyone in the fire service and your videos are providing a wealth of knowledge.
Thank you so much for making this video. The tips in here were spot on. Due to following your advice I just received a conditional offer of employment immediately after my interview at a great department. I can't properly express how much this video helped. I'm sharing this with everyone I know who is interviewing
Sir, I cannot explain to you how much this video has helped dial in my answers. I have a big interview coming up with my dream department and even if I don't get it, I at least know that my answers are improved and will help me on the next one. SERIOUSLY, thank you!!!
Thank you for the help that you put out! I’ve been following for a year and I just received an offer from my dream department pending physical. Much appreciated, doing a great thing!
Thank you for making this video. Many of these questions were prevalent in my panel interview yesterday, and I just got the call that I will be advancing to the Chief’s interview!
Thank you for being such a fantastic and giving person. I’ve been watching your videos ever since they began surfacing on RU-vid. I’ve too, been doing odd jobs and have been trying to find myself, but I would always come back to the first responder as my career. I hope to come back to thank you once more for helping every one of us, including me, get our foot in the door officially.
Hey Mike just wanted to thank you for all of your videos with the Fire hiring process. I’ve been trying to get into the county fire department where I live for almost 7 years now and over the past two years your videos really helped me out. I finally had my interview this week and was informed I got the job and will be starting recruit class in a few months! Thanks again and keep up the great work!
interviewing tomorrow morning. between this video and the "Fire Interview" book by Captain Brendon Trayner-- I've learned a lot. thanks for your help. hopefully have some good news by the end of the week.
@@mike_pertz update: I was just offered the job at my first choice department. I graciously accepted! this was my first interview ever. thanks again for your content.
So far the videos are helping a ton with my confidence and prep.. I have an upcoming 2 part interview that’s supposed be 8 minutes each not exactly sure what to expect.
This video was so informative and helped me so much! I had and oral last week and one this morning. This video was spot on for the questions asked as well as what not to do. Thanks again!
Hey Mike, just wanted to say thanks for all the great videos. Got a call back from the department I'd had my eyes on with an offer. Your videos no doubt played a big roll in that.
Thank you so much. My interview is tomorrow. This is really helping me out right now. I have been watching other videos of yours and all are very helpful. Thanks Mike.
@@KJNZ2011 Hello Sir. My interview went well Sir. I haven’t done an interview in years. Lol. They called me a week after the interview. I got the job!!!!!!! Wooooooooo!!!!!! Im pumped!!!!!!!! Truly grateful for this opportunity. I really recommend everyone to watch this video that has an interview coming up. Thanks again Mike.
I have my interview next week on July 5th! Your videos so far have been of great value in terms of knowledge, insight, and preparation. I’ve read through the comments, and I know you’ve gotten many thanks, but just know that your videos, even the old ones, are still of great value to many aspiring firefighters. Thank you!
@@Crappphuiknn I passed, thanks for asking! I have my physicals scheduled in about a week, and after that, psychological test, the CPAT again, and assuming all goes well, Fire academy.
Thank you for your videos! I had my interview today and passed it thanks for your advise. I had been to an interview before and didn’t prepare as much as you said, I didn’t do good at all, but today’s interview with your help really made me feel confident!
