Fundamentals of Fire and Emergency Services Chapter 3 The Selection Process Jason B. Loyd James D. (J.D.) Richardson Copyright ©2010 by Pearson Education,

Fundamentals of Fire and

Emergency Services

Chapter 3

The Selection Process

Jason B. Loyd

James D. (J.D.) Richardson

Copyright ©2010 by Pearson Education, Inc.Upper Saddle River, New Jersey 07458

All rights reserved.Fundamentals of Fire and Emergency ServicesJason B. Loyd and James D. Richardson

Objectives

• List the standard phases of the hiring process.

• Describe the importance of preparation in the selection process.

• Give examples of body gestures that can be interpreted in an interview.

• Explain the purpose and importance of the probationary period.





Preparation for a Firefighter Position

• Job postings– Websites– Local newspapers– Job fairs




• Job postings (cont.)– College/community events– Subscription to job opportunity mailing lists

and firefighter examination notification services




• Job research– Talk to professionals– Research departments– Be familiar with their requirements

• Prerequisites– Job application process and deadlines– Paperwork/accuracy




• Written test– Will test both (1) general knowledge and (2)

firefighting specifics– Usually multiple choice– Check of reading comprehension,

mechanical reasoning, and math– Key is preparation



The Job Search

• Physical Ability / Agility– Prior to hiring fire departments usually

administer a physical agility test• Example: CPAT

– Prior to testing, candidates need to be in or get into good physical condition



Interviewing Skills

• Homework and practice before interviewing

• First Interview / Fire Chief’s Interview– Do your homework on the department– Be prepared to answer questions about your

background– Ask questions– Practice by participating in mock interviews



Interviewing Skills

• Sample Interview Questions:– Describe your work history and experience.– Describe credentials you hold that would

qualify you for this job (education, certifications, etc.).

– What do you consider your major strengths?



Interviewing Skills

• Sample Interview Questions (cont.):– What do you consider development areas?– What characteristics do you feel mark a good

supervisor?– Describe a conflict you experienced with a

previous supervisor and how it was resolved– What do you feel is a satisfactory attendance

record?



Interviewing Skills

• Sample Interview Questions (cont.):– How do you define “pressure”? How well do

you perform in that type of situation?– In what type of work environment do you

excel?– Tell me about a time when you had to go

above and beyond the call of duty in order to get a job done.



Interviewing Skills

• Body Language — Posture— Arms— Eyes—Nodding

— Smile— Leaning closer—Gestures—Don’t interrupt



Pre-Employment Requirements

• Medical exam– Medical/surgical history– Medical tests and evaluations– Purpose to determine baselines and check

for any pre-existing medical conditions that may affect employment with the fire department



Pre-Employment Requirements

• Background History– Fire departments conduct a background

check to identify and review a candidate’s work history

• Prior work references checked• Driver’s records and credit reports• Some departments may require a polygraph test



Pre-Employment Hiring Conditions

• Eligibility List– Departments create a list of potential

candidates to be contacted should an opening occur in the next 6 to 12 months

– If list expires, department will conduct new testing and interviewing procedures



Pre-Employment Hiring Conditions

• Probationary Period– Newly hired candidates have a probationary

period of 3 to 12 months– Allows for further evaluation of candidate

and how he/she fits into the department– During this period a candidate can be

terminated for any reason



Marketing Yourself for the Firefighting Job

• EMT Status

• Firefighter I and other certifications

• Volunteer experience

• Bilingual ability

• Clean driving record

• Excellent physical fitness

• Diversity



Summary

• Departments have the responsibility to find the most qualified applicants during the hiring process.

• Candidates should prepare themselves to become members of the fire department team by being prepared.

• The job market is expected to grow for fire departments in the future.



Questions ?

Fundamentals of Fire and Emergency Services Chapter 3 The Selection Process Jason B. Loyd James D. (J.D.) Richardson Copyright ©2010 by Pearson Education,

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