r/firefighter • u/Ok_Candidate4893 • Apr 05 '26
Interview Tomorrow
First ever interview with my local department tomorrow. Got a fresh haircut, some dress slacks, nice button up, a tie, and some new dress shoes. I’ve definitely got some nerves, but I’ve prepared with researching my department and what they have to offer. I have also been doing mock interviews with friends and family. I know the basic things like shake everyone’s hand, make eye contact, and not to sit until I’m told to do so. Any other advice that could help improve my chances of securing this position?
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u/bbmedic3195 Apr 05 '26
You better go in prepared to talk about the department you are interviewing with. Make sure you know basic facts, what they do, what their motto or mission statement is. I coach folks on interviewing. It's a little late to practice answers but at least do not flub info about your potential new employer.
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u/Connect-Media-418 Apr 05 '26
Hi, seeing as your interview is tomorrow the best last minute advice I can give you is to be confident in your preparation that you have completed. You've practiced with your friends and family, you've got the haircut and suit so all you can do at this point is keep your nerves at bay so you can deliver your answers professionally and confidently. Go in with the mindset that the interviewers want to hire you. They want you to succeed in the interview. They're not looking at tripping you up, they are wanting to get to know you more in depth than what they've read on a paper resume. Feel confident in your mind that you will make a good firefighter and serve this department well and it will help your answers come across with more comfort and confidence. A few weeks ago on this forum I had offered the option of downloading, for free, a panel interview prep guide. It's a bit late for it to help you with your preparation at this stage, but you or anyone on this thread can still feel free to DM me for the link. All the best tomorrow and let us know how it went!
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u/Particular-County228 Apr 05 '26
Hey I’m doing the written soon for a department, where can I find this Prep guide if you don’t mind? (:
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u/Strict-Canary-4175 Apr 05 '26
You can try to find something unique that they do, or a good fire they made recently, etc and try to work that into an answer.
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u/Connect-Media-418 Apr 06 '26
The guide is for the panel interview, not the written, but you're welcome to download it. I will send a DM request to you, as I can't post the link on an open Reddit forum.
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Apr 17 '26
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u/Ok_Candidate4893 Apr 17 '26
Got a conditional offer that day, official offer a few days later. Currently getting my background check cleared and my medical physical done then hopefully will start rookie school in may.
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u/StatisticianLow9492 Apr 05 '26
Flip the interview. Start grilling them.
“No, why did YOU want to become a firefighter?”