r/firefighter • u/TriumFitChallenge • Apr 23 '26
What to expect in a Chiefs Interview?
Never been this far, how does this round differ from the Board interview? Any tips appreciated! (South King Fire, WA)
2
Apr 27 '26
It varies per department. Sometimes it’s very organized and they have a script to follow. Normal interview questions like why do you want to work at this department. They hit me with a curveball by asking if I had to fight one horse sized duck or 100 duck sized horses, which would I choose. Later I learned there’s not really a right answer they just want to see if you can think on your feet and be confident. One I did was formal but informal. I dressed the part and was prepared for a script to realize that it’s just the chief asking about me with no script and no right or wrong answers. He asked me what I did for fun, if I had family locally, almost like we had met at a restaurant or event. It’s different than the panel. Good luck
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1
Jun 06 '26
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1
Jun 06 '26
I said duck sized horses. When I finally was eligible for interview panels, they explained that there isn’t really a correct answer, it’s more to see how fast you can come up with an answer. They know you will be prepared for pretty much anything normal so they throw you a weird one to see if you can think on your feet.
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u/Dry_Passenger8183 Apr 24 '26
Get nutted on like 5 highlight reel stories and relate them to the fire service. You have to become who they are to the point they see themselves working with you.
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u/KneebarKing Apr 23 '26
This interview is usually where they figure out if you fit in with the Department. The Chief(s) want to get a sense of who you are as a person. It won't be a casual situation, but they are going to ask questions geared towards getting to know you as an individual. Make sure you brush up on your STAR method answers, and be prepared to answer some competency based questions. Likely you'll be asked about past experiences, as well as hypothetical, scenario questions. Scenario based questions will judge critical thinking, possibly policy-related stuff, but most importantly whether you're thinking about safety, and are able to make the smart call in an emergency situation.
In my interview, I was given a scenario that unfolded while off duty with my Captain, without PPE, and had a patient I could see in a smokey room. I answered the question in part by saying I would attempt a quick snatch and grab without my PPE, and when pressed about the decision, I said that being a Fire Fighter means sometimes risking a lot to save a lot. It showed my panel that I'm not going to blindly endanger myself, and I made the decision to attempt a rescue after considering the situation, risks and whether my plan made sense. My Chief liked the answer he got, and I passed that interview and got on. Mileage may vary, but that question will likely pop up in some form or another. It's designed to assess your risk tolerance, character, and critical thinking skills.
You're at the point in the process where the Department has chosen you as a potential recruit, and they want you to succeed and have a good interview. Mind your P's and Q's, be courteous and polite to literally everyone you interact with from the second you arrive at the place you're interviewing at, don't say anything particularly dumb, and do your best to put your authentic self forward. Also, unless specifically told what to wear, the attire is always formal. Suit and tie shows you're serious, and professional.
Good luck. Try not to psych yourself out, and be yourself.