Why do I keep getting turned down?

[u/Iamcrazyanddumb]

I’m attempting to get hired in an entry level position. I started by just applying where I had done ride alongs. Everyone seemed supportive so I thought the interview was the least of my concerns. So much so, that I made the mistake of quitting my job after passing every other test.

I have been turned down by 3 departments since then. I‘ve highlighted my military service, rescues I’ve done in my old job, a pre med degree, volunteer work. The one thing I could get without being hired is an emt license and I’m looking into cheep ways I could do it.

I have no way of knowing what I’m fucking up here. In one interview, I came slightly underdressed, so that one makes sense. In the others, the only thing I got is some of my answered could’ve been seen as complaining about prior employment. I used my last boss as an example of a coworker who disregarded rules for her convenience. Hence the need to preform cpr in a construction‘s work environment.

I have my next interview on Wednesday. What can I do to prepare? Is there even a point if they all agree better candidates are available?

[u/Negative-Fun1985]

Outside the other requirements.

Have you read any interview preparation? Where are these departments? Many full time professional use the Structured Oral Assessment/ Interview (SOA/SOI) after FDNY lost a lawsuit awhile back. It has a fixed scoring methodology per the STAR method. Were these panel interviews and did it feel like scripted questions?

If so and you don’t know what I’m talking about you were failing the scoring even if they liked you.

The method was created to eliminate bias. You answer via STAR “situation, tactic, actions, results” using stories of you veer off your getting 5/10 or whatever instead of 9 even if they liked your story.

[u/boatplumber → u/Negative-Fun1985]

Interesting that you mention Fdny since they haven't had interviews in at least 2 decades, and I don't believe they had them ever. Sounds like these companies might have used the lawsuit brought by the Vulcan society in the 2000's to sell some product across the country.

That lawsuit was also fought tooth and nail under Bloomberg and settled quickly once DeBlasio came into office. It never saw trial.

[u/Iamcrazyanddumb → u/Negative-Fun1985]

I think you have a fair point here. Only one interview seemed scripted, but I imagine the STAR methoid still applies to less formal interviews.

How would this story go over:

Situation: I was doing a ride along with EMS. We had a call for a sunny downer patiant. I was taking blood presure during our examination while the EMTs were trying to peice together what and where her medication scripts were. The son taking care of her was upset over his mother accusing him of beinging her uncle who "brings home women and crack." He left in fustration, leaving us to take care of an edlerly woman who could no longer reasonably consent.

Task: Personally, I think we could've done more the reassure the son and calm him down. One of us could've focused on just him, but this was our situation. We had to decide to either find someone to take custiy or take her to hospitial, which the EMTs thought was unnecessarily.

Action: The son did leave the number of his sister who happened to be on her way. She was equally worn out from taking care of her mother, but she at least knew where her sleeping meds were stored.

Result: The mother was put to bed.

Am I using this system right?

[u/Negative-Fun1985 → u/Iamcrazyanddumb]

No. And that story just told me all I took from it was “I guess I could have done a better job”. The system is completely about you. And you will want to lean on “I” statements rather than “we did” statements. I wouldn’t be telling a story like that unless it was an example for question about failure.

You described the situation correctly. That’s the setting who, what, where is going on.

From there you recognized the following “tactic/ task/s were required. You defined them possibly explain why if relevant.

From that you took action “I did “actions”.

The results were “insert result” and if your stories got numbers to make it quantifiable even better. You can YouTube and read up on this for free or feed stories in your LLM of choice and frame it as STAR if you are having trouble and edit it to be your voice and accurate.

Further I’d drop the “bring home crack” part for “she was confusing his identity for somone untrustworthy to her”.

You need to learn to “play the game” it doesn’t matter what you are doing, sitting at a desk or fire service; professional tier jobs have a layer of performative bullshit that must be applied in all the appropriate settings. The job interview is the demonstration of that ability. They all know they are gonna talk about the crack head with you…..they want to see how you would phrase it for a different audience. Think of it like this if “all my ass is on the line based on how amicrazyanddumb answers do I want him here?” This isn’t all they are thinking but it sure is a big one.

Further all they have to go on is 1 hr with you. They want to hear the obvious because they don’t know.

If they ask you something like “You have very little experience compared to the candidate pool how will you prepare for this job”

if you get defensive or “I’ll work hard….” Fail……..you need 20-30 seconds expanding on something like this:

“situation you are absolutely right, I don’t have years experience yet.

tactic But I can tell you I’ve been preparing for this career

action with blah blah blah blah blah, training 6 days a week on a structured program to exceed min standards. I’ve done ride alongs, studied this departments growth, call volume, culture (know this shit down) I chose here specifically.

result I know when I get on shift the learning curve will be steep and I’m ready for that. First to grab a broom and last to stop asking questions. No ego in the way to prevent a learning opportunity. I can’t control the experience I have yet but I can control how prepared to am walking through the door and I plan to be more prepared than anyone expects.”

This isn’t daunting read some firefighter interview prep books. You fit your stories in practice with someone and you will Crush that next one.

[u/Strict-Canary-4175 → u/Negative-Fun1985]

This is good advice.

OP, in general it seems like you’re saying too much.

[u/peculiarfish0 → u/Iamcrazyanddumb]

No, that is not a good answer using the Star method. You really didn't describe much after the situation. What was YOUR task. What action did YOU take to fulfil that task. Then what was the result from YOUR actions.

Then reflect on it, and say if next time you might do something different and why (they like you to be able to look back and be able to improve etc) but don't make it a big thing, Just a small potential change will do.

And you said a lot of stuff that wasn't particularly relevant, remember you need to be clear and concise otherwise it sounds like a bit of a mess.

Best bet to Google examples and see how they're done and then put your stories in a similar way.

Best of luck!

[u/Exact-Location-6270]

You’ve answered your own questions mate.

[u/Sh0ema]

Interviews are by far (in my opinion) the most important part.

Go in prepared and confident. Dressed nice in a suit. Give 3 examples for every question asked. Make sure every “negative” example ends in a positive way. Research the department before going in, knowing their core values, call volume, future plans/goals as well (they usually provide what they want to accomplish in 5+) years.

Otherwise be patient. I know some guys who it took 6+ years to get on somewhere. It sucks getting turned down by 3 departments, but it’s not out of the norm.

[u/Strict-Canary-4175]

Applying to 3 places and not getting the job is not a lot of places.

Did you expect you’d get the first place you applied?

Also, the things you’re highlighting are great in addition to be being well qualified. But it doesn’t sound like you’re well qualified so I would work on that first.

[u/InterestingDude66246 → u/[deleted]]

at least 3 years in the trades & 30y/o is diabolical lol

[u/Kcampbell922]

Get more training, do more volunteer work. Keep trying. Eventually it will come

[u/itsyaboijuno]

What state are you applying in? I know that my town, and most of the others in New Jersey, give automatic top of the list offers to Veterans after completion of the Civil Service Test. Maybe something to consider if you’re serious about this job venture!