One of the most demanding, challenging, and fulfilling careers is that of a firefighter. Probably the most underrated heroes, firefighters respond to fires and other emergencies and help minimize the damage in terms of property and injuries to people. This 24 X 7 job is as physically demanding as it is mentally challenging. The ability to hold on to the nerves needs to be at top of its game during a crisis situation. Apart from that, it’s the firefighter’s duty to drive as fast to the place as possible, connect hoses to the hydrants, climb ladders, enter into buildings, and rescue individuals. It’s one thing to do all that on a regular day, and it’s a totally different thing to do all that in times of emergency. Having perfect physical attributes are not enough if a firefighter doesn’t truly know the value that a human life holds. And that is exactly what an interviewer is going to assess whether the prospective candidate can withstand the strenuousness required in the field or not before selecting a person for the training. Below are a few questions that a firefighter can expect in an interview.
Sample Firefighter Interview Questions And Answers
Why do you want to be a firefighter?
Let it all out, whatever may be the reason. It’s a childhood dream for many during their school days: to become a firefighter and save the life of people and be a hero. However, the question is directed at knowing if you know what it takes to be a firefighter and are aware of the responsibilities, advantages & disadvantages of joining the fire department. Make sure not to provide any over the top answers. If you’ve had a past experience where a firefighter’s contribution left an unforgettable mark in your memory; mention it.
What are the responsibilities of a firefighter?
While replying to this question, keep in mind that that it is more of a social responsibility than being able to drive a fire engine or knowing how to operate a hose to put out fire. Explain to the interviewer what social duties the job helps fulfill and what moral sense of victory it gives to you. Put the point forthright that it’s a firefighters duty to not only escort the individuals to the safety area, but also to limit the extent of damage to the property and handle out anything that may belong to the individual. Don’t forget to add that it’s the fireman who has to calm down a frightened or injured person and assure him/her that paramedics are to arrive within a minute.
Do you have any medical or mental conditions that might hamper your performance on field?
At the time of emergency, firefighters have to go through their requirements and protocols in a flash. It’s important for the interviewer to know that you won’t become a liability to the firefighters’ team at the time of emergency that, in turn, may cause them to concentrate on you rather than the situation at hand. Provide the interviewer with all the information beforehand. If there’s something that may keep you away from getting the job; don’t hide it and let the interviewer know, but at the same time assure him/her that your dedication to serve the society is greater and if it’s possible, let him/her know that you won’t let your condition be the problem at the time of emergency by providing a way out.
How to you handle stressful situations in general?
This question is meant to know about your ability to handle trying situations. As a firefighter, you are likely to handle situations that may be tougher than what you may have experienced till now. Don’t provide the interviewer with one word adjectives or one line answers. Rather, using your past experiences as examples, demonstrate what the situation was and how you dealt with it, and came out victorious.
Give an example where the situation required efficient team work to be put in.
Ability to work in teams is the most important aspect of a prospective firefighter’s skills. Providing examples from the past assignments at school, college, or life in general where you had to work in a team and what your contribution was. Based on the situation presented by you and its outcome; the interviewer is likely to ask what you felt about the outcome and did you expect it to go any other way or what you could have improved upon.
Other Interview Questions For A Firefighter
What, according to you is the role of the fire department?
What is the most important aspect of being a firefighter?
Give an example where you made a mistake and what you learnt from it.
Give an example of a situation when you helped someone.
Give an example of a situation when you followed strict rules to complete a task.
Have you volunteered for anything before?
Apart from these, you can expect a few of hypothetical situations based questions to be thrown at you. Be confident! Be realistic! Don’t exaggerate! Wishing you all the very best for the interview.
