7 Firefighter Interview Mistakes That Will Keep You From Getting Hired (and how to fix them)

The RIGHT answers to every firefighter interview question: mikepertz.gumroad.com/l/firei...
Weekly Newsletter: geni.us/mpertz_newsletter_yt These are 7 of the most common firefighter interview mistakes. Learn what they are and how to avoid them!
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Пікірлер: 77

  • @rivkadanielle4606
    @rivkadanielle46063 жыл бұрын

    Video starts @ 4:25 Mistake 1 - Using generic/canned answers Mistake 2 - Looking sloppy Mistake 3 - Don't be rude (even by mistake) Mistake 4 - Don't be late Mistake 5 - Do NOT bring up perks of the job Mistake 6 - Have some follow up questions in mind (not too many questions but don't just get up and leave after) Mistake 7 - Practice, practice, practice (do not be unprepared for the interview!

  • @chloemx7534

    @chloemx7534

    2 жыл бұрын

    Thanks for this, I was wondering when it started so looked in the comments

  • @simontrucker3624
    @simontrucker36242 жыл бұрын

    I knew of an applicant that was asked, "So, how do you like to spend your free time"? He answered by saying how he loves to chill at home or get away by himself and go surfing etc. As you'll understand, he wasn't hired. As you have mentioned in another video, being in the Fire Service is being part of a team. If you can't handle that environment, especially giving each other shit...or 'busting chops' as you say in the US...you'll have trouble fitting in. Here in New Zealand you're even asked to supply specific examples of working in, or being a part of a team. On the flipside, they also want examples of individual decision making. They also want to see examples of self motivation, mixing with different cultures, leadership etc. And for gods sake, keep the answers to questions, accurate and concise. Don't waffle on, or go off on tangents...unless asked to "Please give us an example". Have a sense of humour, but never be a smart ass. Anyway, that's enough waffling from me for now

  • @mgallager1449
    @mgallager14493 жыл бұрын

    Great ideas. I used these ideas for my interview back in 2006. Yes I got hire.

  • @RPMX4
    @RPMX43 жыл бұрын

    Mistake #6 - TOTALLY AGREE with you Mike. Strong advice and direction there mate!

  • @namesareallusedup
    @namesareallusedup Жыл бұрын

    Just did my interview. It did not go well. 5 questions I got asked: 1. What is your biggest strength, and how will you strive to improve it overtime 2. Why are you interested in the fire department at x city 3. When have you refused a supervisor or company policy, and describe the situation 4. What skills do you bring to this fire department 5. What things have you done to prepare you for firefighting I struggled to answer some these simply due to a lack of experience and preparation. It seems like it’ll be hard for someone outside of firefighting to land a position if you do not REALLY think about your experience

  • @mike_pertz

    @mike_pertz

    Жыл бұрын

    Well, fortunately I made an entire video that covered all of that and more for people in your situation. m.kzread.info/dash/bejne/qKSYrrNtaJzZd7w.html Hope it helps, good luck!

  • @namesareallusedup

    @namesareallusedup

    Жыл бұрын

    @@mike_pertz that’s awesome. And just curious, how would you go about answering a question that you do not have an answer for? Is it better to just say you do not have an answer?

  • @c_law3575

    @c_law3575

    9 ай бұрын

    @@namesareallusedup I was wondering the same thing

  • @c_law3575

    @c_law3575

    9 ай бұрын

    For a question you don’t have an answer for

  • @parkereads7757

    @parkereads7757

    2 ай бұрын

    Thank you for this comment

  • @spanners6489
    @spanners64892 жыл бұрын

    I am applying for a career in the SFRS. I too had tried to get in the police but i spent too much time focussing on the ins and outs of the force instead of practicing the competency questions and i realised that i was totally unprepared for those types of questions. That situation has made me really realise the importance of focussing on all aspects of the interview and not just a select section of the interview. Your video was really helpful and hopefully i can use this information to help me gain a position within the service...as long as i pass the application section first!!! Thank you, liked and subscribed.

  • @markw9398
    @markw93983 жыл бұрын

    Thanks. Right about now!this video is what I needed.

  • @robblovre8258
    @robblovre82582 жыл бұрын

    A huge thank you Mr. Pertz for doing these videos. I am a retired firefighter and now teach at a school that specializes in occupational skills. I teach the fire services program and I show your videos to reiterated my points to the students! Again, many thanks Sir!!

  • @mike_pertz

    @mike_pertz

    2 жыл бұрын

    That is awesome! Thank you!

  • @diegoarmandopenasanchez879
    @diegoarmandopenasanchez8792 жыл бұрын

    Ahhh mann my interview is tomorrow and I’m a lil nervous thanks for uploading vids like this 🤟🏽🤟🏽🤙🏽

  • @samfisher1591
    @samfisher15912 жыл бұрын

    I’m from willowick Ohio I love your content man. I get out of the army in a year and I’m applying for a department here in Tennessee

  • @mike_pertz

    @mike_pertz

    2 жыл бұрын

    Thanks man! That’s awesome I’m glad to hear you’ll be applying soon, good luck and keep me posted!

  • @brandoncarrillo951
    @brandoncarrillo9513 жыл бұрын

    Thank you for this sir. I have my interview Monday and I want to make sure that I’m prepared for it.

  • @brandonulloa9687

    @brandonulloa9687

    3 жыл бұрын

    how did it go ?

  • @brandoncarrillo951

    @brandoncarrillo951

    3 жыл бұрын

    @@brandonulloa9687 I think it went great man. I could definitely practice my interview skills because even though I felt natural I know that I said a lot of filler words like “ums and likes”. I’m supposed to find out if I get to have another interview next week I believe🙏🏽

  • @MrParamethius
    @MrParamethius4 жыл бұрын

    It's nice to learn a bit about who's videos I'm watching. Thanks for your work put into these, you're creating a great resource for myself and many others! Since this video is more recent and you mentioned several times about shaking someone's hand during introductions, do you believe it would still be expected to shake someone's hand in most departments? (COVID-19)

  • @mike_pertz

    @mike_pertz

    4 жыл бұрын

    Glad you found it helpful! As for your question I would definitely continue to try and shake hands, let the other person be the one to decline if they’re uncomfortable with it

  • @josephcollins6377
    @josephcollins63773 жыл бұрын

    This is very helpful man thanks I did bad on my firefighter interview and didn’t get the job

  • @cnw-jd9tt

    @cnw-jd9tt

    3 жыл бұрын

    I feel you lol it was my first panel interview

  • @josephcollins6377

    @josephcollins6377

    3 жыл бұрын

    cnw2000 I just thought it was going to be like two people it was like 8

  • @angelgabrielgrove9938
    @angelgabrielgrove99383 жыл бұрын

    Dang this is very helpful when I turn 18 and finish school this is what I want to do and now I have a way better understanding of what to do study and figure out and plan the way my interview thanks iam going to work to the best of my abilities to get this its been my dream to feel belonging hope I can fix these generic answers

  • @mike_pertz

    @mike_pertz

    3 жыл бұрын

    Good luck!

  • @mgallager1449

    @mgallager1449

    3 жыл бұрын

    Good luck. Increase your ability by studying the biology & the human body. This will aid you to get your EMT TRAINING.

  • @chel4329
    @chel43293 жыл бұрын

    I will be taking a “comprehensive examination Battery(CEB)” test for a department, was wondering if that test is a bit different compared to the civil service test? Any tips to help prepare for the test? Thanks.

  • @kingapollo3113
    @kingapollo31133 жыл бұрын

    Hope I can make Boston fire in a few more years this was very helpful man thanks

  • @duncansiror5033

    @duncansiror5033

    3 жыл бұрын

    That's gotta be competitive!

  • @colto8284
    @colto8284 Жыл бұрын

    I'm nervous, my interveiw is tommorow, it's that last part of the process and I feel like for me it's actually one of my better skills but I'm still nervous.

  • @aroque2170
    @aroque21702 жыл бұрын

    I was wondering, should you prepare for interviews even before the cpat exam? do they only select a certain amount to interview or do they interview everyone that did the cpat?

  • @chanceryder9736
    @chanceryder973611 ай бұрын

    My suit is a nice, but green over coat, white dress shirt and green pants. Taylored to me of course. Is this good or should I get a black one?

  • @GoCri661
    @GoCri6613 жыл бұрын

    Hi im 15 years old and ever since I was born Ive always wanted to do something that would benefit not only me but myself, Ive gone through quite a few a years of therapy enough to know that I love making others feel great about themselves while using my goofy personality. I bounced from many different job thoughts and mine could still change, but first I wanted to be a US Marine, then after that I wanted to be a Police officer, after a while of thinking in the 8th grade, I finally figured out I wanted to be a fire fighter. And ever since that is what Ive been striving for ever since. Im currently In my Sophomore year of High School and I know its only a matter of time before it is ME who is sitting in that room for that interview, despite me being quite rowdy and making the class laugh and jokes, Im horrible when it comes to a higher authority, I always try to assume authority in a room when Im making a joke or making a statement. When Im questioned by another student, I can take the situation and make it go the way I want too, but when I come to a higher up like a teacher or my parents, I freeze up and start to rethink everything i say wondering if I should have said that. Iv'e made it my goal to be as mentally and physically prepared as I can be for when It is my turn to be interviewed. My stepmoms friend is a retired Fire Captain recently Ive been asking as many questions as I can even though I might end up bugging him. I know here it seems Im everywhere jumping from place to place, but as my goal, I am preparing myself as best I can for that position.

  • @angelgabrielgrove9938

    @angelgabrielgrove9938

    3 жыл бұрын

    Keep going i believe in you I been deciding this for a very long time what do I want to accomplish or achieve in my life I thought of many things and I've always keep coming back to firefighter and now all I do besides school is figuring out and planning to get to this goal i fealt the same way I always thought there's more to helping people then just me benefiting

  • @jimsmith8797
    @jimsmith87973 жыл бұрын

    Hello brother. Mansfield fire here. Lookin to move up north ...

  • @mike_pertz

    @mike_pertz

    3 жыл бұрын

    Hey Jim! Always good to come across another NE Ohioan here!

  • @Phoenix411th
    @Phoenix411th10 ай бұрын

    How do you become a volunteer firefighter?

  • @Unknown-hp6dr
    @Unknown-hp6dr3 жыл бұрын

    Video starts at 4:25

  • @cj6580

    @cj6580

    3 жыл бұрын

    Thanks bro

  • @udaymuhammad3003
    @udaymuhammad30033 жыл бұрын

    Plz respond to my question if you want to go to the fire academy do you need to learn how to swim

  • @mike_pertz

    @mike_pertz

    3 жыл бұрын

    It depends some departments will require a swim test and some will not. You’ll have to contact the department you’ll be applying to to find out.

  • @emmanuelkalala6426
    @emmanuelkalala64263 жыл бұрын

    What if you have a speech impediment like me I stutter a lot to a point that no one understands me so it usually makes me nervous at any interviews and plus also I'm not from here I was born in Africa I came here when I was nine years ago so will I be able to become a firefighter.

  • @mike_pertz

    @mike_pertz

    3 жыл бұрын

    Hi Emmanuel, it definitely sounds like you may have some obstacles with overcoming your speech impediment. I'm not sure exactly your situation but based on the little I know I don't see any reason why you can't become a firefighter. It will certainly take some hard work and dedication on your part though.

  • @emmanuelkalala6426

    @emmanuelkalala6426

    3 жыл бұрын

    Okay thank you and I been trying to overcome my stuttering every day by talking to people and reading every day but thank you sir

  • @emmanuelkalala6426

    @emmanuelkalala6426

    3 жыл бұрын

    @@mike_pertz thank you I will try my best

  • @Teeko253
    @Teeko2533 жыл бұрын

    Do you work with stipe miocic ??

  • @mike_pertz

    @mike_pertz

    3 жыл бұрын

    I don't. He works for a department about 30 min from where I work.

  • @entityknight5970
    @entityknight59702 жыл бұрын

    Would a really nice pearl snap button up shirt be ok for the interview? Or should i for sure go and get a suit

  • @TylerJohnson.

    @TylerJohnson.

    2 жыл бұрын

    Black suit, white shirt, red tie👍🏽

  • @entityknight5970

    @entityknight5970

    2 жыл бұрын

    @@TylerJohnson. thank ya

  • @TONYROCKZ818
    @TONYROCKZ8183 жыл бұрын

    The “don’t ask what’s the standard pay” is a valid question in any job/position. I always ask what’s the most anyone gets paid (at the job I’m applying) because I wanna know what I can achieve. The world runs on money, it’s not rude to ask about it. (And yes, I got the job after asking my manager how much they get paid lol, it’s not rude)

  • @TONYROCKZ818

    @TONYROCKZ818

    3 жыл бұрын

    That being said don’t make it the main thing, just ask if you’re curious, if it’s a job you’re planning on staying at possibly your whole career...it’s really important.

  • @mike_pertz

    @mike_pertz

    3 жыл бұрын

    Hey Tony, thanks for the comment, you’re correct the world does run on money and you should be cognizant of how much you’ll be getting paid. However, if you’re applying to a public fire department that’s already public information, and not knowing that ahead of time means you didn’t do your homework.

  • @TONYROCKZ818

    @TONYROCKZ818

    3 жыл бұрын

    @@mike_pertz That makes sense, people should know what the starting pay is and then negotiate anyway. Just got my friend who tests covid patients to get $25 an hour by simply asking for it. Never hurts

  • @simontrucker3624

    @simontrucker3624

    2 жыл бұрын

    @@TONYROCKZ818 Good luck trying to negotiate a starting rate, or any rate for that matter. Salaries are based on rank, qualifications earned, experience, seniority and responsibility. If one wants otherwise, stay in the private sector. A job in the public sector, especially in a role where service is deemed more important than financial gain, may not be the right choice.

  • @TONYROCKZ818

    @TONYROCKZ818

    2 жыл бұрын

    @@simontrucker3624 since I wrote this comment I got a job at universal studios, starting pay $23, however I asked what the rates would be if I stayed (I already know but I wanted to ask) and he accurately told me they can go up to $55/hr depending on what I drive. So it doesn’t hurt to ask, if they don’t tell you it’s usually shady, because there’s never a valid reason to not tell you what you could be paid. They aren’t making promises just letting you know what’s possible.

  • @mannycaballero4370
    @mannycaballero43703 жыл бұрын

    Can Anyone or non firefighters , wear or buy wear, turnouts etc?. I'm from California I can not find anything really specific on the subject online.

  • @mike_pertz

    @mike_pertz

    3 жыл бұрын

    As far as I know anyone can purchase them and I’ve never heard of someone not being allowed to wear them.

  • @mannycaballero4370

    @mannycaballero4370

    3 жыл бұрын

    @@mike_pertz Thank you. I Recently Purchased a Firetruck a Pierce Dash, and came with 25 Pairs of Turnouts.

  • @Magic-bd3pj
    @Magic-bd3pj4 жыл бұрын

    I have my interview next month can you help personally

  • @mike_pertz

    @mike_pertz

    4 жыл бұрын

    Send an email to support@firefighternow.com

  • @dariolascano9554

    @dariolascano9554

    3 жыл бұрын

    Appreciate Video! Excuse me for chiming in, I would appreciate your initial thoughts. Have you researched - Rozardner Lucky Interview Reality (search on google)? It is a good one off guide for firefighter interview tips minus the normal expense. Ive heard some unbelievable things about it and my close friend Aubrey after many years got cool results with it.

  • @K1ngDre-DMZ
    @K1ngDre-DMZ3 жыл бұрын

    I love your videos but the commercials are killing me, every few minutes.

  • @09764312468

    @09764312468

    3 жыл бұрын

    download adblock

  • @thomasdenning622
    @thomasdenning6223 жыл бұрын

    Watching this makes me feel like I killed it today at my first oral

  • @pyronac1
    @pyronac1 Жыл бұрын

    I am 40 years old, does age matter?

  • @snarkycommenthere9027
    @snarkycommenthere9027 Жыл бұрын

    me memorising these so I never accidentally become a firefighter

  • @adventureguy4119
    @adventureguy41193 жыл бұрын

    No no no when I see 18 year olds who walk rigjt in and skip entire rosters of get hired then get out threw an academy. That’s when I call BULLL SHIT. Seen this time and time again it’s who you know a lot.

  • @svitlana5093
    @svitlana5093 Жыл бұрын

    Should girls shake a hand on an interview as well ?

  • @mike_pertz

    @mike_pertz

    Жыл бұрын

    yes

  • @oneblood100
    @oneblood1003 жыл бұрын

    Shaking hands !?!?! Must be pre COVID 😂

  • @PfefferD12
    @PfefferD122 жыл бұрын

    "QUICK RECAP" = Half your video. Stop chewing up the scenery and get on with the valuable info. There's enough BS in the service already buddy.

  • @mike_pertz

    @mike_pertz

    2 жыл бұрын

    Thanks for the feedback. Next video I won't chew on any scenery, buddy.