Interview question

[sprag22]

I interviewing for a department in a couple of weeks. I have interviewed with them before and had one question that I am not sure I answered right. The question was ( You come up on scene of a fire and you are the first one there. You can hear a child inside the house screaming. Would you go in to save the child?) I started off by saying that I would not go in the house because of the risk to myself and that my safety always comes first. It’s dangerous to go into the house by myself and without anyone knowing that I went in. They then changed it to say that the child is yelling from one of the windows in the back of the house and I can see the child. They asked me if I would do anything in that situation. I said I would at least raise a latter up there to help the child down. Was I wrong in changing at this point and doing something? :(

Thanks for any help!

[CaptBob]

When can you deviate from a RIC and two in two out policy?

[sprag22]

Unfortunately I have never worked as a firefighter. I am finishing up my paramedic certification. I plan to take a firefighter I class when I get done with my paramedic certification. This said I am aware of the two in two out rule but I don’t know if you can deviate from this. Thanks for you reply

[CaptBob]

Depending on the department if you stronly believe that a rescue is needed, you can diviate from the RIC and 2 in 2 out policy. That being said, if this question is asked, ask the panel what their department policy is. Do they want you to follow the department policy or not? They would be hard pressed to tell you to violate department policy. That could reveal what you answer should be.

Bottom line more candidates don't do enough interviews to get go at it. What many candidates don't realize it's not just this question but a combination of questions and answers that build on a few hundreds of points here and there that enable you to pull away from the clone pack to get a shot at that badge. You could be one point out of the running and never be considered.

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

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