CDF Hiring

[Alloy171]

Hey guys

I got two letters back so far from two CDF units up north. Humboldt and Mendocino. I was wondering if you guys could give me some insight on how their interviews might run if any of you all have been thru CDF.

I want to do this for the season, and then hopefully go to an academy and then get hired on full time at a regular FD. Is this a good stepping stone? Is there anything I need to know about CDF?

Thanks, any and all information is appreciated.

Patrick

[CaptBob]

Is this a good stepping stone? Is there anything I need to know about CDF?

Yes, if you can take both tests because you never know how many they will hire in each region, who will be returning from last year, what their manpower demands are and if it's a long season will hire more, especially when student leave to go back to school.

Short or Long Opening?

Althogh I've been told CDF interviews have changed to a more traditional format, be prepared A California Division of Forestry interview is unlike any other. The CDF interview is traditionally a shorter interview.

But consider this:

The dilemma is shall I have a short or long answer for the typical opening question "Tell us a little about yourself". Remember "a little". This is just an ice breaker question to get you comfortable in the chair. A one minute or less answer about you and your hobbies is all that is needed here. They don't need your name (they already have it) and NEVER tell them your age (they don't have that and never will until you're hired).

Most candidates make a big error on this question by dumping the whole load on why they want to be a firefighter, what they have done to prepare, why this city and on and on. That's not what this question is about. It's only to get you comfortable in the chair.

Then, when the panel starts asking why they want to be a firefighter, what have they done to prepare and the other standard 30 possible oral board questions, they have to reiterate what they have already said. They lose valuable time and points here.

When some candidates start talking in an oral, it’s like going on a journey. There could be no final destination. Most panel members aren’t packed for the trip. I asked a candidate to tell me a little about himself during private coaching one day. I stopped him 12 minutes later. I said you have just used up 12 minutes of a 20 minute oral. What do you think we have time for now?

But in the CDF interview, they might want you to dump the whole load on the opening question. A "Nugget" here: follow the above formula and if they look baffled after your short answer, ask if they want more. If they do, just go ahead and dump the whole load.


You can find more on testing secrets in the Career Article section from the Jobs drop down menu just above this posting.

"Nothing counts 'til you have the badge . . . Nothing!"

Fire "Captain Bob" Author, Becoming A Firefighter and
Conquer Fire Department Oral Boards

www.eatstress.com

888-238-3959