Firefighter Specialist Interview Preparation Guide

Why are you being asked? An interviewer will use this question to gauge how you see yourself in manager’s eyes, and to determine how well you get along with management.

Remember, if you’ve given (or plan to give) your previous manager as a reference, the interviewer can confirm your answer to this question, so it’s best to be as honest as possible. Talk about your attitude toward work, ability to work in a group and the positive aspects of your working relationship with your old manager. If you don’t get along with your old manager, try not to let this influence your response, and instead talk about your role within your previous team.

This question is very often treated as a joke or a way to turn a negative into a positive (I'm too perfect. I'm an overachiever. I never give up), said Annie Griffin, Chief Happiness Officer at Manifest London.

'I'll tell you what I like, I like to hire human beings not machines. I like to hire someone who is upfront, honest and comfortable in their own skin. Everyone has flaws, I wasn't born yesterday.

'Show me that you are a person who has awareness and honesty. Maybe you hate getting out of bed. Maybe you speak too quietly. You let papers pile up on the printer.

'When people recognise a flaw it shows a hunger for improvement and that is always desirable.'

In five years I'd like to have an even better understanding of fire and rescue. Also, I really enjoy being the first to a scene. I work very well under pressure. Ultimately, I'd like to be in a commander-type position, where I can use my organizational skills and industry knowledge to benefit the people working with me, and those we are there to help.

I'm a people person. I was always happiest and most satisfied when I was interacting with community residents, making sure I was able to meet their needs and giving them the best possible comfort in a tough situation. It was my favorite part of the job, and it showed. Part of the reason I'm interested in this job is that I know I'd have even more interaction with the public, on an even more critical level.

I have been working with computers since 2001. I also have a degree in network support/computer repair. I have built my last 3 computers, have work with Dell as an employee. So I have around 15 years experience working with computers.

☛ Tell me about a conflict you had with a colleague. How did you resolve it?
☛ Give me an example of a time you had to deal with an emergency
☛ Recall a time when you made a mistake in using rescue equipment. What should you have done differently?

B. 995

D. All of the above

This question gives the interviewer the opportunity to learn your strengths. Simply saying: 'I increased social media engagement' isn't going to give your interviewer a sense of what you accomplished. Instead, tell them how you increased social media engagement for the company and why your help was valuable.

It's important to master the art of the humble brag to make a good impression. Feeling proud of your accomplishments is fine. Endlessly discussing your value to the last company you worked for gives the impression you are arrogant.

When interviewers ask this question, they want to know if you will last at the company.

Picture where your career is going. Maybe the job you're applying for is only a stepping stone to a bigger and better career. Letting your potential employer know their business is nothing more than a pit stop on your career road trip could cost you the job.

Instead of letting an employer know you don't plan to stay with the company long-term, think about what you hope to get out of the position. Talk generally about how you hope the position will prepare you for your next career move. Mention your desire for career growth within the company.

Only apply for jobs if you honestly see yourself working there for the foreseeable future. Otherwise, it's not fair to you, the company, or the person who would actually be the best fit for the position.