How did you tell your boss?

[Rudyalways]

I would like to know how recruits or curent firefighters have told their current employers that they have chosen the fire profession and that they might be receiving a call from a member of the service for a reference check.

When is an appropriate time to let them know? During the training process, the application process or after interviews and just before reference checks?

Thanks

[ant195]

RUDYALWAYS,

I am in the same situation as you are. I did not tell my employer untill I had done my second interview and I was in the running for a position. There is no real need to tell them untill you know you are in the running.

It takes people years to get hired and it may take numerous tests in order to get hired. Dont just tell your employer when you start the process you never know if it will adversely affect the job you have. Bring them in the loop when they need to be not before.

[CaptBob]

If your concerned about your employer not interested in your success to become a firefighter, try to make it a condition with the background investigator that contacting your employer is the last thing they can do before a job offer.

Captain Bob

www.eatstress.com

[prymtym]

Like Capt. Bob said...

I put on my application and said in my oral board that I did not want my current manager to be contacted unless I was "One of the final candidates". The department obliged and only called like one or two days before being offered the job. Problem was I didn't start for over a month! They honored my request though.

Hope that helps,
KC

"PHILIPPEANS 4:13"

P.S. This picture is funny.

[Rudyalways]

Thanks everyone for replying.

This is good advice and I will try & keep this info from work, but it will be difficult, especially if interviews are planned during the day.

When recruitment contacts your employer, what do they normally ask and what happens if they get a negative view from a disgruntled boss?

prymtym..love the signature and the line "this picture is funny"

reminds me of the line from SNL during the Jeopardy sketch when Burt Reynolds puts on the oversize cowboy hat and tells Alex "this is a funny hat!"

[CaptBob]

said in my oral board that I did not want my current manager to be contacted unless I was "One of the final candidates".

I wouldn't encourage you to bring this up in your oral. It could open a can of worms. A more proper place for this is with the background investigator.

Captain Bob

www.eatstress.com

[prymtym]

Originally posted by CaptBob


I wouldn't encourage you to bring this up in your oral. It could open a can of worms. A more proper place for this is with the background investigator.

Captain Bob

www.eatstress.com

I WOULD encourage it if the Fire Marshal sitting across from you on your oral board asks you about it because he is the one conducting the background investigation. ;) As was my case. On smaller departments many firefighters and officers wear more than one hat.

Good Luck,
KC

P.S. Glad you liked the pic. I remember that SNL as well... Turd Furguson!!! Ha! Ha!

[Rudyalways]

Has it ever happened that a candidate can be rejected because of a bad review from an employer? Even if he/she has passed the final Chief's interview?

"mustard is made from mustard seeds"

[FDengine13]

It's a risk versus benefit situation.
What do you benefit by telling your employer? Probably not much. What do you risk? Plenty.
It's a long, hard road gaining a career in the fire service. In all reality it will be quite some time until you have gathered relevant education and experience as well as knowledge of the testing process until you will be looked at for a job. Until then keep it under you hat.
Yes, people do fail the background check because of a poor work recommendation. That's why we do background checks. We also realize that some employers figure out that if they give a poor evaluation of a valued employee they will not be offered a position as a firefighter. By default they keep a good employee.
Of course we are able to key into this.
I encourage you to keep giving 100% to the job you are being paid to do. What you do on your off time is your business. It becomes their business if it effects your work performance.
Good luck,