Firefighter Interview Q&A

Any Questions for me?

How many calls do you get a day? What can be expected of me in my first year? What advice do you have for a rookie firefighter? What is unique about this fire department compared to other fire departments?

How would you help the team maintain positive relationships around the firehouse?

I believe talking about our problems face to face with respect is a great way to solve problems. If that doesn't work, then we take to higher command to come up with a solution.

What is the biggest issue facing fire services today?

I believe the public can be difficult to deal with sometimes. Police and Fire Departments are not always wanted for their help even when it is needed. Thats why I believe that having a good relationship with your community is important.

How does your experience make you preferable to other candidates?

I don't have much experience at a Fire Department but I am a young, educated firefighter willing to continue my education every day at the Fire Department and become an experienced Firefighter.

What Suggestions do you have for improving our fire prevention and public education programs?

I really believe in reaching out to the public and hosting events that the public can come too and learn about the Fire Department. People need to know how to prevent fires but also know how to prevent fire spread. I think most people don't know about closing doors help stop the fire spreading.

What is the daily routine for a firefighter as you understand it?

I understand that a firefighter wakes up early to check his/her equipment and to make sure everything is ready when we get called to do our job. People rely on us to be ready at any moment. During our free time, we are to take care of all the trucks, equipment, and fire house and make sure it all looks clean and organized. On our days off, we can relax but also stay in shape and not become lazy.

How would you describe yourself?

I would describe myself as a performer, I try my hardest to get things done on time and correctly. Im 19 years old and Ive been successful in becoming a combat medic, emt certified, and firefighter certified.

Are they any situations in which you would disobey a direct order? If so, when and why?

I would only disobey an order if it was illegal, immoral, or unethical. I would ask the person who gave me the order about the direct order he/she gave me. Then I would go to a supervisor or a person in a higher ranks to ask/tell them about the situation.

What makes you unique?

I would say Im unique because you really dont know many 19 year olds that know what they want to do in life. I already have a plan for what I want to do in life and that is become a full-time firefighter.

Define pride and loyalty and explain why these are important to a firefighter.

Pride is very important as a firefighter because if you don't have pride in what you do then no one is going to respect you for what you do. Loyalty is what creates a brotherhood. Without Loyalty, How can ur coworkers trust you in doing ur job or even more importantly saving their lives.

How will you and your family manage a non-traditional work schedule?

I am 19 years old and I am single so I don't think having a non-traditional schedule would be a problem. I live with my parents but they are very understanding of the job and what time it takes away from the family so I don't think there will be any issues.

Tell me about yourself

I am 19 years old. I graduated from Manchester High School where I played football all 4 years of my high school career. Then I joined the Ohio Army National Guard and became a Combat Medic. In my free time, I enjoy watching college football, working out, and spending time with my family and friends.

Why should we hire you?

I am a young, highly motivated firefighter looking for his first job at a Fire Department. I am hard working and willing to learn from experienced firefighters.

What personality traits do you have that would make you a good firefighter?

I am hard working, determined, and caring. I put others before myself and try my best to complete the goal I have been tasked.

What are you passionate about?

I am passionate about helping other people. That's why I wanted to become a firefighter in the first place.

What are your greatest strengths and weaknesses as a firefighter?

I believe my strengths are that I work hard and when I put my mind to something, I try my hardest to get it done. I also am very caring and I put others before me. My greatest weakness is that when I fail, I think I can be too hard on myself and blame myself for not completing the task.

What have you done to prepare for this career?

I have taken a two year firefighting class at Portage Lakes Career Center and the national emt class at Fort Sam Houston, Texas. I also have taken personal time to talk to other firefighters that I know to try and learn more. I believe the better you know, the better you will preform.

What motivates you?

The careers Im going into as a Combat Medic in the Army and being a firefighter, knowing that my jobs are life or death for myself and other people are relying on me to save them. I know I need to be at my best all the time and that motivates me to work hard even on my days off.

What changes do you expect to see in the role of firefighting over the next 5 years?

Im not really quite sure what changes to expect in the future but we need to be ready to adapt to them because people are expecting us to be ready at all times.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years? 10 years?

In 5 years, I see myself working full-time at a Fire Department as a Fire Medic and specialized into some type of rescue like high angle rescue or structural collapse. In 10 years, I see myself as a Lieutenant or Captain, setting an example of the firefighter ways.

What motivates you to do better in your career?

In the line of work I am in, being a combat medic and being a firefighter, these jobs can turn into a bad situation at any moment and you need to be ready for it. People are depending on you to save your life. It's a life or death situation.

Tell me about a time when you overcame a difficult work situation.

In the summer of 2019, I worked for Bahry & associates. It was a construction company. I worked with people older than me and they knew more about construction then I did. So they basically just told me to move all types of construction materials and made me do all the hard work while they just waited on me. They didn't teach me anything and basically made me their work horse. I did not enjoy the job at all but instead of quitting, I decided to keep the summer job and just try my best to get the job done.

What inspired you to become a firefighter?

When I was younger, I didn't know what I wanted to do but I knew I wanted to be in a position to help people. My sophomore year, my high school took a field trip to Portage Lakes Career Center and I visited the fire academy. I talked to Mr. Kastor (the fire academy teacher) and I knew pretty much right away that I wanted to do it.