Just got the call for chief's interview!!

[BigBlackWoman]

How do you prepare for something like this? Can I expect questions like what do you know about the department and why do you want to be a firefighter? What questions did you have on any of your chief's interviews?

I plan to learn as much as I can from their annual report/news and I already know to dress and act as professional as possible..... Any other advice you guys have? Thanks.

They are hiring 3 out of 5 of us!!

[medic001918]

When I went they asked what I'd bring to the department, what I knew about the town and the department (the Chief was impressed that I had actually read the towns strategic plan and retained it well enough to cite past, present and future happenings in the department), what changes I'd make to the department if I could? Things of that nature. Treat it like any other interview you've done. Take a moment and think about your answer before you just let it fly. Good luck.

Shane

[BigBlackWoman]

When I went they asked what I'd bring to the department, what I knew about the town and the department (the Chief was impressed that I had actually read the towns strategic plan and retained it well enough to cite past, present and future happenings in the department), what changes I'd make to the department if I could? Things of that nature. Treat it like any other interview you've done. Take a moment and think about your answer before you just let it fly. Good luck.

Shane

awesome, thanks. may i ask what you said about changing the department?

[JayDudley]

I'm sorry....I would not go into a Chief's interview and tell them what "I" would change. It's like telling fire in a theater. Leave it alone!!!

[BigBlackWoman]

I'm sorry....I would not go into a Chief's interview and tell them what "I" would change. It's like telling fire in a theater. Leave it alone!!!

Well, I was asking because he said he was asked that. Which I was thought was pretty interesting.

[JayDudley]

Think about it....Would you want to tell someone a better way to do something when your trying to get a job at their city.

[BigBlackWoman]

Think about it....Would you want to tell someone a better way to do something when your trying to get a job at their city.

if asked, it would probably be best to have something in mind.

[localtrainer75]

if asked, it would probably be best to have something in mind.

Tell them the only change in mind is, you hope they add your name to the roster, and in turn you will work hard to become an asset and contributor to the department, city, and community.

[JayDudley]

BBW....You are correct...You need to cover all of your bases. However they will not ask this question. I've never heard of it while I did oral exams or chief's who did interviews.

[CaptBob]

This is a question that is used in promotional interviews not entry level.

Even though this is for all of the marbles, don't panic now!
Many candidates start to panic when they are notified that they are going to a chief's. They think they have to reinvent themselves. Reinvent the wheel. WHOOAA! Understand what got you there.

You are only going to the chiefs oral because of the great stuff you already used in the first oral. You're riding the winning pony. Don't switch ponies.

Too many candidates switch ponies because "they said". I've never been able to find out who "they" are. If you do not continue to use the good stuff that got you this far, you could drop out of the race. This is a new arena.

Candidates who are going to the chiefs interview, start talking to their friends. They convince that they need to do something more. By the time of the interview, they're a wreck. It's not them going into the interview. A clone of someone else. The badges are often given to other candidates.

The chiefs interview is open to any types of questioning. They are really trying to find out more about you. How you're going to be as a firefighter for the next 25+ years. Do you fit their culture? We like to hire candidates that are them selves on purpose in the interview. Someone who has a personality and conversational. Are you that person in an interview?

What can you expect in a Chief's Oral?
By: Ruben Grijalva
California Fire Marshall

Chief's Orals will vary widely depending on the style of the Fire Chief and the department. However, here are some suggestions:

1. Get to know about the Department and the Chief before the interview. What are some of the core values of the organization? What are some of the key issues or projects that the department is involved with? Some Chief's like that you took the time to know a little about what the department is all about? However, if the topic comes up...be genuine...don't B.S.!

2. The Chief's interview is often casual in that there are not necessarily a specific set of fixed questions like on the more formal oral board. The Chief may ask about anything that is on your resume or follow up questions in response to your comments. Casual does not mean that you don't wear professional business attire.

3. One thing is certain, this is the Chief's brief opportunity to get to know you. I cannot speak for all Fire Chiefs, but I tend to use this opportunity to look for examples in your experiences that demonstrate maturity, stability, responsibility, judgement, compassion, work ethic and other characteristics that I believe are important to be a successful firefighter.

By the time you reach the Chief's interview, you probably have already been through the written, PPT, and oral board(s). In those portions of the testing you probably have demonstrated your memory, reading comprehension skills, mechanical aptitude, basic math, physical ability, ability to work others as part of a team, understanding of firehouse etiquette, communication skills, and likely have addressed some honesty/integrity scenario.

4. Don't be afraid to talk about yourself in terms that demonstrate the qualities mentioned above. Give specific examples.

5. Stay on track with the point you are trying to make. Don't get lost and wander off into irrelevant areas. You'll miss your point, which may also cause you to become more nervous than you already might be. Listen closely to the questions and be responsive to them.

6. Finally, try to be relaxed and conversational in your manner. Be confident, but not ****y. Make good eye contact. Try to be natural...be yourself...that is who the Chief wants to get to know!

I hope this helps. Good Luck!