Mastering the interview process

A CONVERSATIONAL GUIDEA CONVERSATIONAL GUIDEPART ONE: ITPART ONE: IT’’S AN INTERVIEW NOT AN OUTERVIEWS AN INTERVIEW NOT AN OUTERVIEW

Mastering the Mastering the Interview ProcessInterview Process

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Rommie L. DuckworthRommie L. DuckworthMonday, April 10, 2023Monday, April 10, 2023

What qualities are YOU looking What qualities are YOU looking for?for?

The InterviewThe Interview

How To Succeed in Three StepsHow To Succeed in Three Steps

Step 1) Be Natural.Step 2) Be Introspective.Step 3) Be Relaxed.

Types of InterviewsTypes of Interviews

Formal Interview Board. Usually five to twelve questions.

Everyone gets the same questions the same way.

The questions have limitations that you can use!

Informal Interview. More Conversational.

Back and Forth with some follow up.

Know your JobKnow your Job

Bring it with youBring it with you

Your Resume / CVYour Certifications.Other paperwork as

requested.Bring enough for

everyone (10 copies). Use binders.

Hand / Eye CoordinationHand / Eye Coordination

Make Eye ContactFirm HandshakeAddress their titleEveryone in the room

The first person to interview you,The first person to interview you,is YOU!is YOU!

• You run the interview!– They ask the questions, but YOU wrote the study guide!

• Don’t leave anything on the table.

What are THEY asking questions for?What are THEY asking questions for?

How to Answer: How to Answer: Be the TOP!Be the TOP!

• Truthfully!– Self Explanatory?– Introspection. There’s work involved!

• On the Job!– Give each answer as YOU are the in the

DEPARTMENT and the JOB applied for.– Example: “As a firefighter for the XYZ FD I

would…”• Positive!– Stay upbeat and optimistic with each answer.– Some questioned are posed with built-in negativity. – Example Phrases: happy, love, excited

What to Answer: What to Answer: Use your ACE!Use your ACE!

• Answer the Question• What you say MUST answer the question asked.• Ask them to repeat the question any time you

need.

• Connect• Show why you are special.• Phrases: the right candidate, the best, right fit,

• Examples• This is the proof. Don’t just say it, show it.• Phrases: shown, demonstrated, proven

Dress for SuccessDress for Success

Follow the instructions that they give you.

If none, then a suit or at least a tie.Nice Shoes.Haircut.Grooming.

How to Finish: How to Finish: Summ TanksSumm Tanks

• Summarize– Repeat Question– Summarize Answer

• 10-Q– Thank You lets them know that you’ve finished

speaking.– Thank You lets YOU know that you’ve finished

speaking!

T.O.P. A.C.E.T.O.P. A.C.E.

What to Answer / How to AnswerWhat to Answer / How to Answer

• Review– TRUTHFUL– ON THE JOB– POSITIVE

– ANSWER THE QUESTION– CONNECT– EXAMPLE

– SUMMARIZE– 10-Q!


Question CategoriesQuestion Categories

• 1) Opening– Your Demographics

– Your Background

– Your Family / Hobbies

– Your Experience / Employment

– Why you are here.

– Thank you.


• 2) Tell us about…– What do you like to do?

– What are your hobbies?

– What do you do for fun?

– Tell us about your life outside the firehouse.

– How are you involved in your community?



• 3) Why are you right for the job? (Three Positive Attributes)– Why do you want this job?– When did you decide on this career?– How did you decide to become a firefighter?– Why do you want to work for this city or agency?– What is the job of a firefighter? Are you qualified?– What are the attributes of a firefighter? What is the most important one to

you?– What have you done to prepare for this position?– What are you bringing to the job?– Why would we select you over the other candidates?– How would you become a team member with the Department?– What would you contribute to the Department?– What problems would you anticipate in taking a position with the Department?– What types of projects would you take on as a team member with the

Department?– Have you ever been in an emergency situation? What did you do?– What motivates you?– How do you measure success?– What are you passionate about?



• 4) Strengths / Weaknesses– What are your Strengths?

• Most Positive Attribute– Weaknesses?

• Problem into Opportunity

– What would your employer say about you?– What would your friends say is your best / worst quality?– What do you say when you don't know an answer to a question?– What word would best describes you in a positive way? A negative way?– What do people praise you for? Criticize you?– Who was your best boss / worst boss?– What is your greatest accomplishment / failure?– In what work environment do you feel the most comfortable?– What gives you the most satisfaction?– How do you work under pressure?– If you could change one thing in your life, what would it be?



• 5) Site Specific Questions– What do you know about this city or agency?

– What is the population and make up of our city?

– What are the Fire Department target hazards in town?

– How will you change your personal schedule to accommodate your fire department schedule?



• 6) Skill Specific Questions– Describe the proper method to force entry

through a double hung window.

– Explain how a pump governor differs from a pressure regulator.

– What is the role of the nozzleman in engine company operations?

– What are your treatment priorities for a patient complaining of severe chest pain?



• 7) Emergency Scenarios• Incidents

• Structure Fire• Technical Rescue• Motor Vehicle Accident• Emergency Medical Incident• Hazardous Materials Incident

• Mnemonics– RECEO VS– REVIS– WALLACE WAS HOT– NAT WAC LAST– ABCs



• 8) Ethical Scenarios– Stop if Safety– Gather Info– Correct the problem immediately if within your job.– Report it up C.O.C.

• Drinking or drugs on the job• Stealing on the job?• Conflict with another employee?• Irate citizen?• An employee crisis at an emergency?• Sexual harassment?• Racial situation?• Conflicting orders at an emergency?• An order that could place you in great danger or be morally wrong?• What method do you use for problem solving?• How do you handle conflict?



• 9) Your Future Here– How far do you want to go in the fire service?– Where do you see yourself in 5 years?– Are you on any other hiring lists? What would you

do if another city called you?– How long do you plan to be with us?– When can you start if we offered you the job?



• 10) Closing– Why you are the right person for this job.

– Big Finish!

– Thank you.



• Opening• Context

• Tell us about…• Begin to relate

• Why are you right for the job? • (Three Positive Attributes)

• Strengths / Weaknesses• Don’t go to the dark side

• Site / Skill Specific Questions• Look it up

• Emergency Scenarios• Tactical Mnemonics

• Ethical Scenarios• Stop, Gather, Correct and Report

• Your Future Here• Here to stay

• Closing• Big Finish!

Practice, practice, practice.Practice, practice, practice.

Perfect Practice Makes Perfect

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A CONVERSATIONAL GUIDEA CONVERSATIONAL GUIDE

PART TWO: DONPART TWO: DON’’T PRESUME YOUR RESUMET PRESUME YOUR RESUME


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What qualities are YOU looking What qualities are YOU looking for?for?

What are THEY looking for?What are THEY looking for?

DonDon’’t Presume your Resumet Presume your Resume

YOU ARE AWESOME!One page Resume. More pages for a

CV.Follow the same format throughout.No errors. Period.YOU ARE AWESOME!

Components of your Resume / CVComponents of your Resume / CV

Personal InformationPersonal Information

DemographicsPlaced on top

EmploymentEmployment

EducationEducation

Licenses / CertificationsLicenses / Certifications

Explorer ProgramsVolunteeringInternshipsRide-AlongUnion Positions

Service ExperienceService Experience

Citations and AwardsCitations and Awards

What are yours?

Skills and AbilitiesSkills and Abilities

What are yours?

Special ProjectsActing AssignmentsSpecial AssignmentsUnion WorkOther Relevant Employment Experience

What are yours?

AcomplishmentsAcomplishments

Personal StrengthsPersonal Strengths

What are yours?

Personal Goals / ObjectivesPersonal Goals / Objectives

What are yours?

Personal Interests / HobbiesPersonal Interests / Hobbies

What are yours?

Professional AssociationsProfessional Associations

What are yours?

References | DeclarationReferences | Declaration

You will need PROOF!You will need PROOF!

Spell and Grammar check it.When finished, proof it.Have someone else proof it.Print it saved in another font, and re-

proof it.Have someone else proof every

revision.

Social Media MonitoringSocial Media Monitoring

Your ApplicationYour Application

Follow Directions.

Physical Agility / CPATPhysical Agility / CPAT

Consult your Physician First.What are the requirements?Attend Orientation / Demo.Safety First.Practice, Practice, Practice.p90X!

The Testing ProcessThe Testing Process

ApplicationWritten ExamAssessment CenterInterview PanelChief’s / Officer’s InterviewMayor’s / H.R. Interview

Know your Written TestKnow your Written Test

What kind of written test are they using?

Who has taken these tests?Is there a study guide?General Study Guides.

Bring it with youBring it with you

Your Resume / CVYour Certifications.Other paperwork as

requested.Bring enough for

everyone (10 copies). Use binders.





A CONVERSATIONAL GUIDEA CONVERSATIONAL GUIDEPART THREE: YOUPART THREE: YOU’’RE THE CENTER OF THE ASSESSMENTRE THE CENTER OF THE ASSESSMENT


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Assess Your Center FirstAssess Your Center First

• Types of Promotional Assessment Centers • In-Box• Operational Scenarios• Tactical Scenarios• Leaderless Group• Subordinate Employee Counseling• Oral Presentation• Written Report

Assess Your Center FirstAssess Your Center First

• Types of Promotional Assessment Centers • Structured• Situation Presented, then questions asked.

• Evolving• Situation is changing, usually in real-time.

• Interactive• Situation is dynamic, changing based upon the

choices of the candidate.

The In BoxThe In Box

• Assessment Centers Dimensions (KSA)• Be able to organize/prioritize the items given • Be able to work through most if not all, of the items• Delegate • Give clear and concise instructions • Give deadlines when delegating • Ensure follow-up • Properly Schedule• Manage conflicts • Make decisions

Leaderless GroupLeaderless Group

• Assessment Centers Dimensions (KSA)• Initiates discussion • Keeps the group on track• Gets others involved• Supports others• "Sells" or sways the group• Clarifies issues• Identifies key points • Monitors time

Employee CounselingEmployee Counseling

• Assessment Centers Dimensions (KSA)• Identify the problem• Give the employee specific goals • Include specific completion/due dates • Build in some form of monitoring their progress • Be specific as to what will happen if they fail to

meet their goals• Try to elicit a verbal contract • Conclude on a positive note

Measure the DimensionsMeasure the Dimensions

• Assessment Centers Dimensions (KSA)• Professional Experience• Personal Experience• Personal Judgment• Written Policies and Procedures• Other Relevant Paperwork• Relevant Law• Textbooks• Current Practitioners

Measure the DimensionsMeasure the Dimensions

• Assessment Centers Dimensions (KSA)• Safety• Scene Management (Organization)• Delegation• Problem Solving / Decision Making

Assessment Center AssignmentsAssessment Center Assignments

Assessment Center AssignmentsAssessment Center Assignments





Career

Mastering the interview process