Fire Service Employment. Firefighter and Emergency Medical Career Advice

FIREFIGHTER SELECTION PROCESS
You will then be permitted to take a written examination; those with a passing score will be placed on an eligible list. From that list, the most qualified candidates will be invited to participate in the physical ability test. Following the physical performance test, the most qualified candidates will be invited to the preliminary interview. Candidates who are not selected for further testing at this time will remain on the eligible list and may be contacted at a later date if necessary. Those who are selected will go on to the second interview were the Fire Chief will make final selection from the eligible list with the approval of the City Manager. EMS Departments follow many of the same guidelines, but are not as restrictive when it comes to vision, physical abilities and the testing process. If you have your pursuing an entry-level job or that next level promotion dress as though you already hold the position. Casual attire is not appropriate for testing and oral interviews.

KNOW WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN A JOB ANNOUNCEMENT
When job announcements are advertised, and the department limits the number of applications allowed to a small number or only allow a few days for filling. This usually means the department is searching internally or has someone in mind. This is more common in small towns and departments. They obviously are not recruiting for the Best possible candidate by eliminating the competition. Be aware of departments that continually (like every 6 months or less than a year) test and charge for the process. Some application periods may only last a couple of weeks but this is usually design to limit the interruptions of the department or they will state, "Do not contact the Fire Department". Many testing services like CPS, FSI, FireHire will often use the same tests or rotate through three or four of them. So, remember those questions and review the ones you couldn't answer. You'll see them again. Just because you don't have a Drivers license, FF. Cert., or an EMT Cert. From that state doesn't always mean you are eliminated from the testing process/hiring process. Many departments have time spans for which you can qualify or get the proper certification (this is called reciprocity). Check with the agency to see if you still can qualify to pursue the opening.