• Posting of recruitment
• Meet the application submission deadline
• Ensuring applicant meets minimum qualifications
• Written aptitude test
• Notification of test results
• Process of scoring applications
• Notifying applicants of first interview
• Notifying applicants of second interview
• Arranging physical ability test
• Medical examination
• Confirming applicant passes both tests physical ability and medical
• References contacted
• Conditional job offer made

 

Posting of recruitment

Once the decision is made by the municipality and fire department to recruitment additional firefighters the first step in this process is releasing a public announcement. This is accomplished by placing an advertisement, or sending a press release by various medias such as local newspapers and the internet. Candidates interested in applying for the fire department  must pay close attention to details in any article regarding the recruitment. The article will have critical information such as where to obtain an application form, application deadline and where the application is to be submitted, etc.

Candidates must confirm any third party information pertaining to any fire

department recruitment. It is in the best interest of the candidate to contact a definite source regarding the potential recruitment. Don't rely on what people say to be completely accurate, you may find out the hard way that their information was misleading.

 

Meet the application submission deadline

No exceptions are made for late application submissions or failure to pay the entrance fee. Every fire department discloses application submission deadlines; be sure you understand when it is. Do not submit your application at the last minute. Failure to submit on time convinces the fire department that you cannot follow instructions and you lack self discipline. Your application will not be accepted.

Note: Applicants should notify the Human Resources Department or the fire department in writing of any additional skills and education acquired since your application. Copies of certificates, diplomas etc. should accompany the notification.

This new information will be added to your personal file with the fire department and will be taken into consideration upon résumé evaluation.

 

 

Ensuring applicant meets minimum qualifications

Fire departments insist on confirming every qualification reported on your résumé. This assures the quality of training each applicant has received.

 

Written aptitude test

In order to advance in the recruitment process applicants must successfully pass the written aptitude test presented by the fire department. Tests rely heavily on written aptitude as a way to ensure the quality of the applicants.

 

Notification of test results

Applicants can expect to receive their test results within a relatively short time after completion. Results may take longer depending on the volume of applicants. Typically test results are mailed to applicants, notification of whether or not you advance in the recruitment process are disclosed in this letter. Unsuccessful applicants will simply receive a letter from the fire department thanking the applicant for their interest in the fire department that advises that they will not be able to continue in the recruitment process.

 

Process of scoring applications

Successful résumés will be assessed at this time by the fire department to determine what applicants are worthy of receiving an interview.

 

Notifying applicants of first interview

Purpose of an interview is not to outline the applicant's technical

knowledge, but to determine an applicant's employment experience,

related skills, and volunteer experience as well as enable the board an

opportunity to further assess the applicants' personality and interpersonal

skills.

Other details especially why the applicant wants to be a firefighter and why the applicant feels they should be considered over other qualified applicants are considered as well.

Fire departments typically notify successful first round interview applicants of a second interview by telephone. If the offer is accepted by the applicant, the time, date as well as location of the interview will be provided at this time.

 

Notifying applicants of second interview

If your first interview was successful you may be asked to return for a second. Fire departments may use two or more interviews to filter out ideal candidates. This is more common when the number of applicants is high.

 

Arrangements made for physical ability test

Once the applicant has successfully passed the interview stage the next hurdle is the physical fitness test.

 

Medical examinations

It is mandatory to have a thorough medical examination completed prior to being offered employment by the fire department. Any health concerns or issues with applicants are revealed during this hurdle.

 

Confirming applicant passes both tests physical ability and medical

Fire departments must have written documentation of both physical and medical assessments to confirm you are fit for duty.

 

References contacted

A complete background search and reference check is completed by the recruiting fire department. It is in the best interest of the applicant to disclose any information that may concern the fire department; honesty is vital to your success.

 

Conditional job offer made

Once all the above criteria are met the fire department should be convinced you are a worthy candidate. Usually job offers are conditional because unknown facts such as: does the applicant still desire to work for the fire department that is presenting the job offer. Sometimes candidates receive more than one job offer at the same time, so obviously the candidate has to decide where they want to work. Once the job offer is accepted the applicant will have a verbal acceptance agreement with

the fire department. It will remain a verbal by both parties acceptance agreement until all necessary legal documents are signed.

 

Congratulations you are now officially a probationary firefighter!

 

**To learn more about fire department recruitments and recruit strategies refer to the book The Complete Guide to Becoming a firefighter