I personally spent 17 years in Kent Fire and Rescue Service
, during which time I spent approximately 5 years at the Training Centre. During this time I was responsible for recruiting new Firefighters. This was a great job as I got to see the potentail new recruits for the first time during the Firefighter Interview.
The interview itself is rather tough to pass, which is in part due to the fact that you can not easily predict the interview questions. Having said that, if you know someone who has themselves assessed people during the Firefighter interview then you are on to a winner.
Here is a list of potential Firefighter Interview questions that I recommend you prepare for:
Q1. Why do you want to become a firefighter?
Q2. What does the role of a firefighter consist of?
Q3. What can you tell me about the Fire Service you are applying to join?
Q4. What qualities are required to become a firefighter in the UK?
Q5. Describe a typical working day of a firefighter?
Q6. How many Fire Stations are there in this county?
Q7. Who is the Brigade Manager?
Q8. Describe a time when you worked as part of a team?
Q9. Describe a time when you worked to achieve a difficult task with others?
Q10. What are the main components of a team?
Q11. Describe a time when you worked under pressure?
Q12. Describe a time when you communicated an important message to other peopl?
Q13. Tell me about your local community?
Q14. What have you done to prepare for the firefighter selection process?
Q15. How do you keep yourself fit?
The above sample questions are just a small number that I would recommend you prepare for before you attend the firefighter interview.
You should also work to improve your communication skills as this is another area you will be assessed against.
I would recommend that you construct your answers using the STAR method. This is basically situation, task, action and result. If you construct your answers in this manner you are far more likely to score higher in the assessable area of effective communication.
I also recommend that you find out as much as possible about your local community. If you are really serious about becoming a firefighter then I would also recommend that you spend some time working within your local community. This will look good on your CV when you go to the firefighter interview and it will also give you more knowledge about the community in which you will serve in as a firefighter.
If you follow the above steps you will be preparing well for the firefighter interview.