are you on any other lists?

[ahurst2001]

I just got back from an interview. all in all i think i did really well. I have been on a few interviews now. the first couple I did ok but I wouldnt say I did great either. I have started researching, reading books, and preparing better for my interviews. I am getting further in the process as i go and feel i am starting to fall into the desirable category. I feel like i am getting closer now.

The question that tripped me up this time is "are you on any other lists or where else have you applied"? I get the impression that some departments are weary of me because I am coming from far out of state. I try to make it known that my main goal is to become a firefighter, BUT I am also focusing my search to areas and departments of interest. I am also sure to state that their department is on the top of my list (i have a short list of where i want to be). I get the impression they are thinking, why would you come here if you are looking in the area you currently reside. The question I got today was... "are you planning to move to this area regardless, or only if offered a position with our department"? how would you answer this?? also, how do you recomend addressing the question of are you on any other lists or where else have you applied? Where I am from they dont typically generate a hire list. you go through the process and then are either offered a position or denied. I want to appear desirable but also dont want to look like i have 100 applications floating around.

[SansMustache]

As far a the "are you on any other lists or where else have you applied" question, honesty is your best policy. They know we will pretty much take any FF position that's given to us, but they want to hear that their department is your favorite. Being on a list somewhere is means that another department has already decided that you're an above average candidate. Here are a couple of other threads with some perspective on that.
http://forums.firehouse.com/showthread.php?t=87281
http://forums.firehouse.com/showthread.php?t=105595

"are you planning to move to this area regardless, or only if offered a position with our department?"
Again, I'd just be honest. Only one answer would be true and you'd have to make something up to explain the other. If I had just finished telling the panel that I was in the process for several depts. close to home, it wouldn't make much sense to say that I planned to move to this area even if they didn't offer me a job.

That's my take. The more interviews you do, the better you get. If you feel like you're doing better, you probably are. Good luck to you.

[ahurst2001]

Thanks Sans... i too am sans! HA. that name cracks me up!

I pretty much answered as you said. They asked if i would accept a job where i live. I said I have been told to take the first job i am offered because i never know when the next offer might come. I also made it clear that i wanted to relocate and their area/department was tops on my list. I stated that i was just getting all my ducks in line before I made any decisions.




As far a the "are you on any other lists or where else have you applied" question, honesty is your best policy. They know we will pretty much take any FF position that's given to us, but they want to hear that their department is your favorite. Being on a list somewhere is means that another department has already decided that you're an above average candidate. Here are a couple of other threads with some perspective on that.
http://forums.firehouse.com/showthread.php?t=87281
http://forums.firehouse.com/showthread.php?t=105595

"are you planning to move to this area regardless, or only if offered a position with our department?"
Again, I'd just be honest. Only one answer would be true and you'd have to make something up to explain the other. If I had just finished telling the panel that I was in the process for several depts. close to home, it wouldn't make much sense to say that I planned to move to this area even if they didn't offer me a job.

That's my take. The more interviews you do, the better you get. If you feel like you're doing better, you probably are. Good luck to you.

[SansMustache]

Haha... yeah I would pretty much look like some `70s porn star if I had a mustache. Not really the vibe I want to give off. :D

Sounds like they just wanted to hear an honest answer so I think you'll be fine. They are good at spotting BS.