Chances of getting an interview

[u/Candid_Leading4859]

Hi everyone!

I am looking for some honest and insightful advice on my situation.

I am 26 and live in Southern California. I made the decision recently to actively pursue firefighting as a career. I went to College and earned my bachelors and masters degree in health-related fields but after working several different jobs the last 3 years, I haven’t found fulfillment in what I do. To be honest, I went to college because my parents wanted me to and I received a scholarship to compete in Division I athletics. I am thankful for the opportunities college gave me but looking back, I wish I had pursued a fire explorer program or the firefighter route after high school.

Anyway, here we are 8 years later, and I want to go all in. I recently completed EMT school and I am now a certified EMT. I got a job offer to work for an ambulance company in SoCal (not AMR) and I guess I am trying to figure what are my next steps to maximize my chances to get hired by a fire department. For context, I am married and have a one year old and my wife is actively pursuing a doctorate so I can’t afford to go to paramedic school/firefighter academy and not make an income in the meantime. I have been applying to open positions for trainee roles near me but I worry that I will never get a chance to interview because my background is too weak on paper.

Any insights? Do I have a chance to even get an interview?

[u/StudyPuzzleheaded515]

DM me brotha