5 Interview Tips for anyone trying to get hired!

Interview tips for Firefighters, EMTs, Paramedics or anyone trying to get hired!

[AussieEch]

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)

[charlesshelton]

I bought a 3 piece suit and tie from Walmart for the police background interview. I'm an Advanced EMT now. Lol.

[nautifella]

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 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.

[farmertyler]

Final tip: know a high up guy in the department

[ryancopeland]

"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

[CR-zhxj]

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! 👍

[jameshukno]

What a wholesome video. Too many people need someone in their life to tell them this.

[thormaxtwo]

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.

[TempleThomas]

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

[Rapid]

Considering all the comedy on this page, this video was extremely accurate to what I've heard from others that have gotten successfully hired. 👍🏽

[mysterymayhem]

0:40 I know just such a guy. His name is Eamon, he's really hairy but I don't think he could ask me questions since he's a cat.

[jasonpedigo]

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.

[thepitpatrol]

I was a FF for 15 years. This is best advice I have ever heard on getting hired.

[fyrtamer]

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!

[drumset]

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.

[zacharysmith]

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).

[andyrockism]

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.

[sir.willthur]

Why do you want to join this fire department?

Me: Jason is funny as hell.

"That's accurate how I feel*

[Tommymad]

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.

[NoOneFightsAloneTributes]

Drugs screening! No that's not right