Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Roger Waters on August 21, 2010 at 7:56am

I think most worry most about the oral interview.

Permalink Reply by Thadias King on January 22, 2011 at 9:05pm

It depends on the individual. Everyone have certain strengths and weaknesses. You need to find out what those are and work on them. The best way to do that is take part in mock interviews/written testing/ and of course, the physical agility.

Every department is looking for a well rounded individual, not just a knuckle drager or a book worm. Today's fire service is to complex and to demanding for a single faceted person.

Take tests from different departments, ask others what they had to do to persevere, study hard, and get in the best shape you can!

Good luck!

Thadias

Permalink Reply by Chris Severa on January 25, 2011 at 9:09am

I've always found the written the hardest, taking really good notes helps me remember even if I can't use them on the test.

Permalink Reply by Roger Waters on January 25, 2011 at 6:30pm

There are some really good study guides out there too with practice tests in them.

Permalink Reply by Joseph Van Dran on March 8, 2011 at 1:41am

I would have to say the hardest part of the testing process for me is trying to gain experience equal to that of the competition. In California it is hard to find entry level jobs in any sector let alone the fire service. Being that every department I for which I have tested lists experience as the top desired qualification or trait, it is killing me. I have been getting better at the written tests and I have been tuning up my oral skills. I guess it is all equally difficult right now.

Permalink Reply by Roger Waters on March 10, 2011 at 9:14am

One suggestion I have is to contact a local Jr. College and see if they have a fire degree and fire academy program. This could get your some practical knowledge that you can bring to the table as well as showing your desire to invest in your career.

Good luck to you,

Roger

Permalink Reply by Joseph Van Dran on March 10, 2011 at 9:25am

I am currently taking classes that apply to an associates degree in fire technology. However, the private academy's are expensive.

Permalink Reply by Kate on March 14, 2011 at 5:37pm

some fire tech programs combine Academy into their degree requirements that may last just a quarter full time or three quarters part time. i would certainly look into those