Firefighter Interview Preparation: "Tell Me About Yourself"

Overview

• Presenter: Richard McMahon from howtobecome.com
• Objective: Teach how to answer the firefighter interview question, "Tell me about yourself."
• Content Covered:
  1. Reasons behind the question
  2. Eight powerful words for the interview
  3. Example answer
  4. Where to download a PDF guide with more questions and answers

Reasons for the Question

1. Communication Skills
   • Firefighters must be good communicators.
   • Practice your answer multiple times before the interview.
   • Practice with a friend, relative, or in front of a mirror.
2. Confidence and Self-Belief
   • Firefighting requires confidence and reliability.
   • Interviewers want to assess if you can handle the job's demands.

Eight Powerful Words for the Interview

1. Safety Focused
   • Emphasizes the importance of safety in a firefighter's job.
2. Team Player
   • Importance of collaboration with other firefighters and emergency services.
3. Problem Solver
   • Ability to take ownership of challenges and find solutions.
   • Follow strict rules and procedures.
4. Adaptable
   • Quick reaction to changing circumstances and dynamic risk assessments.
5. Resilient
   • Staying calm in adversity and recovering quickly from difficult situations.
6. Community Focused
   • Acting in the best interests of the community.
7. Attention to Detail
   • Avoiding mistakes that could cost lives by following rules and procedures.
8. Continuous Improvement
   • Always learning and improving.
   • Never resting on laurels.

Example Answer: "Tell me about yourself"

"Thank you for the opportunity to be interviewed for this firefighter position today. Having read the job description for a firefighter, I am confident I have the skills, qualities, and experience needed to meet the demands of this highly responsible position. I am confident, resilient, adaptable, physically and mentally fit, and a supportive team player who takes full responsibility for their actions and continuous improvement. The experiences I have gained in my work and personal life have prepared me well for this role. For example, I have held several practical jobs where the need to follow strict rules and procedures whilst adhering to safety practices has been essential. I have worked on many time-sensitive projects where I had to overcome difficult problems and challenges and act decisively based on limited information. At all times in my work, I would act in the best interest of my team and employer. Outside work, I keep fit and active. I run three times a week, visit the gym often, and have a structured training routine that ensures I am always at peak physical fitness. If you employ me as a firefighter, I will take pride in my work, always put the needs of my firefighting team first, be adaptable to change, and provide an exemplary service to the community in which I am serving."

Example Answer: "Why do you want to be a firefighter?"

"I want to be a firefighter because I'm seeking a job where I get to make a real difference in my work. I want a job where I get to collaborate with positive people who have a caring and can-do attitude while working for an organization that prides itself on continuous improvement and upholding high standards and values. The role of a firefighter is varied, and while I will enjoy the reactive side of the job, including attending incidents and helping people in their times of need, I will also thrive on the proactive side, including fire prevention work, education, and keeping people safe from harm. Finally, I want to be a firefighter because of the level of responsibility that comes with the role, and I genuinely believe I can be a positive role model for the fire service."

Additional Resources

• PDF Guide: Download the full set of firefighter interview questions and top-scoring answers from howtobecome.com.
• YouTube Channel: Subscribe for more tips and guides.
• LinkedIn: Connect with Richard McMahon for professional advice and networking.

Conclusion

• Preparation is Key: Practice is essential for success in firefighter interviews.
• Utilize Provided Resources: Make use of the PDF guide, YouTube channel, and LinkedIn connection.
• Stay Motivated: Like, subscribe, and stay engaged for more helpful content and tips.