Austin Fire Department - March 2008

[vegas0012]

First of all, who's looking to test with Austin Fire this coming Sunday? It always amazes me that so little discussion occurs on the FH forums over Austin FD yet over 3000 people will show up for an exam.

Has anyone ever taken this vendor's test ( Fire & Police Selection, Inc.)? Any pointers?

Also, maybe someone from a previous Austin list could chime in on any particulars over their oral board/oral interview.

Best of luck to everyone!

[JHR1985]

college town=lots of hot women...

but lots of hippies....

I hate hippies

[vegas0012]

college town=lots of hot women...

but lots of hippies....

I hate hippies


Well yeah, I should probably mention that I go to UT so I know a fair amount about Austin's beautiful women and robust vagrant population.

Does anyone know anything about a projected class size? I'm under the impression that last year's was unusually large at just around 110 cadets.

[Resq1scnd2none]

Hippies? You don't know hippies. Burlington (VT) is also hiring...and that is hippie haven!!

P.S. Thankfully I don't live or work there....have met a few people that do though!

[NvrGivUp]

First of all, who's looking to test with Austin Fire this coming Sunday? It always amazes me that so little discussion occurs on the FH forums over Austin FD yet over 3000 people will show up for an exam.

Has anyone ever taken this vendor's test ( Fire & Police Selection, Inc.)? Any pointers?

Also, maybe someone from a previous Austin list could chime in on any particulars over their oral board/oral interview.

Best of luck to everyone!

Buy the FSI book and memorize it from cover to cover. Vegas used this test in 2006. They will test you on anything that is contained in the book. Don McNea usually offers a practice test that helped me get into group 1.

[vegas0012]

So, after a quick glance of the "able to test" list, I estimated about 4000. Even if 80% show up that's still 3200. That's a lot of people for not that many spots.

Best of luck.

[truckmonkey42]

I would say the class will be 30+ at least. Quite a few retirements. The 110 cadets you speak of was actually two classes. One with 80 I think and the other with around 30. The huge class was an anomaly for sure.

[firemike409]

I thought about testing there, but then I read about how the fire and EMS is separate (or something like that). I'm a medic, and I'd like to work for a dept that has ff/medic's.

[WestTac1]

I'm registered for the test, but haven't gotten anything in the mail. Do you just show up, or are they supposed to have mailed something?

The test is at the convention center, correct?

(PS I left a voicemail for recruiting, and never got a call back, guess they are busy preparing...hopefully tommorow I'll hear something)

[vegas0012]

I'm registered for the test, but haven't gotten anything in the mail. Do you just show up, or are they supposed to have mailed something?

The test is at the convention center, correct?

(PS I left a voicemail for recruiting, and never got a call back, guess they are busy preparing...hopefully tommorow I'll hear something)

I haven't received anything in the mail, and I believe that's the way it's supposed to be. Everything up to this point should be communicated solely by their website and possibly email.

Regarding the test location, yes, it's at the Convention center. Here's the link:
http://www.ci.austin.tx.us/fire/written.htm

Best of luck to everyone.

[vegas0012]

Anyone have a reaction to the test?

I'm encouraged by the fact that 'only' 2500 or so were there instead of the normal 3200-3600.

Still, too early to get excited.

[tomw97]

I thought the test was all right. Then again, it was my first :) Guess we'll all be waiting a couple of weeks to see who moves forward...

Anyone have any scoop on when the academy might start this time around?

[USMCFFighter]

I'm eager to find out the results next week. The only part of the test I'm uncertain of is the Human Relations section.

Coming from the Corps and being a firefighter for four years now, there was a real world answer and a text book answer to the questions. I'm not sure that I nailed this particular section but you never know.

After asking my wife some of the questions she had logical replies, I thought. Whereas, as I came up through the ranks you don't rate to complain or have an opinion until you earn your "stripes/bugles/time/etc." I think this mentality played a part in some of my answers, not all!

Well, Good Luck Vegas and we'll know how we did shortly!

Semper Fi!

[USMCFFighter]

Here's a quick question for anyone who can answer.

I didn't notice a lottery. How does Austin determine an order when candidates have the same score? Is it alphabetically, by confirmation number, etc. Any information would be greatly appreciated.

[vegas0012]

USMC,

I don't have the answer to your question, but I think ties are fairly rare b/c (assuming the test is graded like last year's) score are reported to the hundredths of a point. They manage this on a 100 test by weighting various questions differently rather than the 100 questions being worth 1 point each.

Take what I said with a grain of salt, but that was the case last year. It very well could have changed.

Against, best of luck. Don't be too worried either, you get an extra 5 points!

[USMCFFighter]

Roger That Vegas!

Thanks for the information! Sounds good!

[vegas0012]

Anyone want to take a wild guess at what the cutoff will be?

My personal opinion is that it should be 90 and up (I'm sure you can guess what I got!)

[cfish3321]

i can not see where these scores are posted on the site

[vegas0012]

i can not see where these scores are posted on the site


http://www.ci.austin.tx.us/fire/downloads/scores08.pdf

[tomw97]

I'm keeping my fingers crossed for next Wednesday (when they announce who moves forward)... any guesses as to when the oral interviews will start happening?

Also I know I threw this out once before, but do any of you have any info/good guesses as to when the academy might start?

[USMCFFighter]

I second that Vegas! So...... You know what I made on the test as well. Now, the next big date will be April 16th!

Who knows, with positive thinking we'll be going up and down the drill tower with a section of 3in hose in the academy. :D

Good Luck Bro!

[heshhesh]

Well crunching some numbers led to a few things of interest:

Data Accuracy +- %1 (Human Error)

Score / Mode / Running Total of Candidates with that score and above
98 1 1
97 1 2
96 9 11
95 19 30
94 27 57
93 45 102
92 67 169
91 89 258
90 125 383
89 146 529 - Bell Curve Apex
88 134 663
87 133 796
86 121 917
85 140 1057 - I assumed a maximum 50% cut off.

I figure they didn't list the people who got less than 70, and that was approximately 100 people (~5%).

I'd say the cut-off is somewhere between 85-90 due to the fact that there are many more elimination rounds and they can't afford to lose too many people too early. But also, thinking about the logistics for interviewing approximately 1000 people seems a bit overly complicated and labor intensive.

My guess is 87 as the cut-off. Based on the poor accuracy of applicant attendance numbers so far (i.e. ~4000 to 2100) and a few other factors.

[robertbals]

hey usmc
im in the same position as you. 4 years in the corps and i handle situations prob different then most people. Chain of command means alot to me, keeping things in house is important. I hope that this does not hinder our chances. Let me ask all this question? Most, if not all, municipal jobs i have ever heard of give five points towards the civil service exams for vets. Not three pionts on a later portion of the process. Why is Austin different, and do they have the choice because I thought this was federal?

[BigBlackWoman]

i think it should be 94 and up

[BigBlackWoman]

i think it should be 94 and up... B-)

[vegas0012]

I imagine the cutoff will be around 91-92.

I say that b/c last year, they took the top 300 or so applicants, and that was to produce around 110 cadets.

This year, it seems they are looking for fewer cadets, and thus would not need to advance that many applicants. Of course, this is all assuming that they'll want a similar ratio of advancing candidates from the 1st round to actual cadets in the academy.

Still, I'll hope for a 90 cutoff, ha!

[USMCFFighter]

Oo-Rah Robert!

Exactly, I'm glad I'm not the only one with these views.

"Appropriately utilizing Chain of Command and keeping things in house." As you said, are important to me as well. Definitely integral elements in Unit Cohesion and Espirit De Corps (Military and Fire Department wise).

Nevertheless, we'll definitely "Adapt and Overcome!" Stay Safe out there Teufelhunden!

Smooth Winds and Fair Seas!

[TINMAN173]

From what I understand, shooting for the Academy to start late July but realistical around September. In your mind, think July. I heard around 50 cadets for this class but watch them say 80. Who knows? Oral boards suggestion? Practice, practice, practice! Wear a suit and tie, ladies, business attire. Don't own one? Borrow one. No tuxedos or prom dresses please. Military service gets only 3 points not 5. Like everything else in ANY forum, the only guarantee is there are no guarantees. What I'm saying is things can change and these words are not gospel, but this is the truth to my understanding. Good Luck and Semper Fi!

[USMCFFighter]

Oo-Rah TinMan!

That's Great News! It presents a glimpse of hope, and I'm ready! D-Day is closing rapidly. If 90 and above are called to duty, I'm digging in for sure! One thing I've found out is, you have to want it and I DO! Once again Tinman, I Appreciate the update and advice. Stay Safe out there!

Semper Fi!

[USMCFFighter]

Oh Yeah,

Congrats Big Black Woman on making a 94. It's bittersweet of course :D Seriously, Excellent Job!

[BigBlackWoman]

Oh Yeah,

Congrats Big Black Woman on making a 94. It's bittersweet of course :D Seriously, Excellent Job!


thanks.. unfortunately i'm only barely getting state certified in a few weeks.. with no real world experience so i may just be wasting my time.....

[TINMAN173]

USMC,
Glad I could shed some light bro. I think AFD is a great department w/plenty of prior service men and women. I THINK that AFD has the option to award 3 points to military and 1 point for biligual because of contract negotiations between the department and the city (to answer robert's ?). I be more than glad to answer any questions you might have that the website can't. Again, the best source of information is the AFD recruiting website. I would be checking it everyday until I get hired, but that's just me.

[CaptBob]

Rumor on the street is the cut off is 88.

At lease AFD is not still using the B-Pad for the first part of their orals.

More on the Austin test here: http://www.eatstress.com/austin.htm

"Captain Bob" www.eatstress.com

[GeorgeWendtCFI]

.............................. ......................

[vegas0012]

Well crap. 92.

Best of luck to everyone still advancing!

[USMCFFighter]

Congrats To Everyone Moving On! Strong Work!

[BigBlackWoman]

wow, so the cutoff was 92..... i plan to do anything in my power to get this job... anybody have any advice???

[BigBlackWoman]

anybody have any idea how much time they'll give you to prep for the interview?

[tomw97]

Looks like the interview is coming up in early June, so about a month left to prepare.

[Eric78758]

CPAT orientation session begin this week. Practice session begin at the end of the month. Orals are (very tentatively) scheduled for the beginning of June. Timed CPAT is set for the end of June. Academy scheduled to start mid-August.

[BigBlackWoman]

are u guys advancing?

[tomw97]

are u guys advancing?

Yeah, I'm advancing. I'm doing my CPAT orientations next Thursday. How about you?

[Eric78758]

Yes. The CPAT orientations were interesting... Now I'm waiting for them to post the schedule for the official practice runs and oral interviews.

[BigBlackWoman]

Yeah, I'm advancing. I'm doing my CPAT orientations next Thursday. How about you?

yep, have cpat orientation tomorrow and saturday.. good luck to you both.. :-)

[BigBlackWoman]

are you guys still here? orientations were kinda hard for me.... im a little guy :(

[tomw97]

are you guys still here? orientations were kinda hard for me.... im a little guy :(

I'm sure you'll do fine. Just practice and work out a lot between now and the June test. If you have access to any CPAT apparatus, try to get to it as much as possible--that helps a lot.

[BigBlackWoman]

I'm sure you'll do fine. Just practice and work out a lot between now and the June test. If you have access to any CPAT apparatus, try to get to it as much as possible--that helps a lot.


i've been following that cpat prep guide posted on their page which involves a lot of running and circuit training.. i guess i'll see how thats working in a week for my practice runs.

[scfire86]

Austin has another opening. If this turns out to be true, I hope this idiot picked up an application while he was there.

Austin Firefighter fired for stopping for a burger on way to a call. (http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/front/5805911.html)

[BigBlackWoman]

has anyone done their practice runs yet?

[tomw97]

has anyone done their practice runs yet?

Not yet... I'm doing both of mine next Tuesday.

[lukequintin]

I did my first one on Wed and my second run is next Wed (the same day as my oral board interview).

[whiplash]

Well good luck to all of you. The process is long and tough, but worth it in the end. I just went through it. Be ready for the most challenging and grueling 6 months of your life if you make class 111. If you are not in shape, now is your chance... It is no joke. If the PT doesnt get you, the academics will. There were certified people, paramedics included that had trouble. If you are not ready to committ yourself totally, dont bother, because you are wasting your time.. If you have trouble with the cpat, you have a long way to go physically. Austin is a great dept. and this truly is the best job in the world.

[lukequintin]

Whiplash, What was the timeframe between when you were notified that you made the acedemy and the actual first day of the acedemy? Just trying to get a ballpark idea of how fast things will go after the oral interview.

[BigBlackWoman]

Well good luck to all of you. The process is long and tough, but worth it in the end. I just went through it. Be ready for the most challenging and grueling 6 months of your life if you make class 111. If you are not in shape, now is your chance... It is no joke. If the PT doesnt get you, the academics will. There were certified people, paramedics included that had trouble. If you are not ready to committ yourself totally, dont bother, because you are wasting your time.. If you have trouble with the cpat, you have a long way to go physically. Austin is a great dept. and this truly is the best job in the world.

can you elaborate on what was the academy was like?

[BigBlackWoman]

anybody done their interviews yet? good luck

[lukequintin]

anybody done their interviews yet? good luck

I did mine on Wed. Now pick up where I left off playing the waiting game. Ranking list should be ready on the 23rd.

[whiplash]

The time frame differs for all. the higher on the list you are the quicker you know. If you are on the edge of the list you may only have a week or so. The academy is very tough academically. We had paramedics that were struggling to get through the emt part. The material goes very fast, so you have to keep up both mentally and physically. Be ready to run, and hope you like towers, because the drill tower is 10 stories and it is a killer. Show up in shape. You should be running your mile and a half right around 10 mins. Be able to do a lot of pushups and sit ups when you get there. Just because you get to the academy doesnt mean you have a job.. You have to fight for your job every day. If you have quest. go ahead and ask, I'll help as much as I can...I would go ahead and get the books also if I could...Especially the EMT.

[BigBlackWoman]

The time frame differs for all. the higher on the list you are the quicker you know. If you are on the edge of the list you may only have a week or so. The academy is very tough academically. We had paramedics that were struggling to get through the emt part. The material goes very fast, so you have to keep up both mentally and physically. Be ready to run, and hope you like towers, because the drill tower is 10 stories and it is a killer. Show up in shape. You should be running your mile and a half right around 10 mins. Be able to do a lot of pushups and sit ups when you get there. Just because you get to the academy doesnt mean you have a job.. You have to fight for your job every day. If you have quest. go ahead and ask, I'll help as much as I can...I would go ahead and get the books also if I could...Especially the EMT.

do you have aim, email that I could ask you stuff about the academy/hiring etc. or could you give any advice as to how to best prepare for the interview or what you did personally?

[lukequintin]

Well, just passed the spanish test for my extra point. These processess are soooo long. I will be extremely nervous come the 23rd when its time to check the website for the hiring list. Its either going to be one of the greatest days of my life or very depressing. Stay positive.

[lukequintin]

C'mon webteam. Why must I wait a week to see my post. Its kind of hard to engage in a conversation when my post shows up a 3 days later and the topic is already onto the next page. I'm not a spammer or a hater or whatever you're trying to protect the board from. I'm just a wannabe firefighter that has put in a lot of work during these hiring porcesses and stay motivated by reading other posters remarks and would like to respond. Let me post in real time. PLEASE.

[BigBlackWoman]

Well, just passed the spanish test for my extra point. These processess are soooo long. I will be extremely nervous come the 23rd when its time to check the website for the hiring list. Its either going to be one of the greatest days of my life or very depressing. Stay positive.

ha i think if you make maybe about 3 more posts it becomes real time... how do u know that the 23 is the date for the hiring list???? have you done your interview? how long was it? good luck to ya

[lukequintin]

I did my interview last week. You will recieve a paper that day which says the scores will be posted on the net June 23rd. Any idea how the point system works for the oral board. Best is what, 100? The last oral I was in it was scored by a point system for each question and the best you could get was something like 140. I'm only interested because I recieve 1 point extra because I speak spanish. But if the highest you can score is in the 140's or so, it really dosen't matter. Maybe its a 1-10 scale. haha


Finally, I'm in real time!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[BigBlackWoman]

I did my interview last week. You will recieve a paper that day which says the scores will be posted on the net June 23rd. Any idea how the point system works for the oral board. Best is what, 100? The last oral I was in it was scored by a point system for each question and the best you could get was something like 140. I'm only interested because I recieve 1 point extra because I speak spanish. But if the highest you can score is in the 140's or so, it really dosen't matter. Maybe its a 1-10 scale. haha


Finally, I'm in real time!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

how do u feel you did on your interview? which panel did you have? how many questions did they ask? how long were u in there?? ugh i take mine tomorrow and im anxious..

[lukequintin]

how do u feel you did on your interview? which panel did you have? how many questions did they ask? how long were u in there?? ugh i take mine tomorrow and im anxious..

1. Good. But it's all relative.
2. Panel 2
3. 10-12, I think. I was a bit of a blurr...
4. Not long. But overheard someone at the cpat say they were in there for 45-50 minutes. wow.

You'll do fine. Good luck.

[BigBlackWoman]

1. Good. But it's all relative.
2. Panel 2
3. 10-12, I think. I was a bit of a blurr...
4. Not long. But overheard someone at the cpat say they were in there for 45-50 minutes. wow.

You'll do fine. Good luck.


well, i felt i answered the questions pretty decently for the most part, but we'll see..... is this your first time on afd's oral?

[lukequintin]

well, i felt i answered the questions pretty decently for the most part, but we'll see..... is this your first time on afd's oral?

Actually my second, first one was 2 years ago. How many people were they hiring this year? I was thinking 40, is that right?

[BigBlackWoman]

Actually my second, first one was 2 years ago. How many people were they hiring this year? I was thinking 40, is that right?

how were the questions compared to 2 years ago if you remember? same type? and i was under the impression that they were hiring 50 but for some reason i can't seem to find where that was noted.

[lukequintin]

Yea, same basic idea. This time we sat much closer. How long were you in there? Have you done your Timed CPAT? I do mine on the last day...

[BigBlackWoman]

im guessing about 40 mins... i could've swore they said they wanted 50 cadets but i can't find it anywhere!!! oh and i'm doing my timed cpat on the 27th at 4pm

[lukequintin]

Hey BBW, I was just reading through this thread and came across a post that mentioned AFD was looking for about 50 cadets for the next class. Not sure how accurate that is but maybe that's where YOU saw it. Any chance of two classes this year?

[BigBlackWoman]

Hey BBW, I was just reading through this thread and came across a post that mentioned AFD was looking for about 50 cadets for the next class. Not sure how accurate that is but maybe that's where YOU saw it. Any chance of two classes this year?


I could've swore this used to say that they were hiring about 50 http://www.ci.austin.tx.us/fire/downloads/qual041608.pdf but i guess i just read it wrong... and i think there will be one class with <50 people and that would just be one class..... and i'm pretty sure last time was two classes because the hiring process before that was terminated like halfway through or something like that...

[lukequintin]

To any current cadets or recent grads,

Are these still the two books used:

Emergency care and transportation of the sick and injured.(AAOS 9th edition)
AND
Fundamentals of Firefighter Skills. Jones/ Bartlett

Thanks.

[lukequintin]

Anything new guys. Any new info, rumors or updates from the last class?

BBW, you feeling confident? Have you taken your CPAT? Mine is scheduled for the 30th.

Whiplash, I enjoy reading your comments, advice and overall opinion on your experience thus far. Don't be a stranger.

[whiplash]

Those are the two books used... I still have them, so if anyone needs them, they can be aquired online, You never know till it starts though, they could have a new book being that you will be under a new contract. I would really recommend studying the ems book. Very fast paced program. Good look to all.

[tomw97]

I'm definitely keeping my fingers crossed about the results! My wife and I are on pins and needles!

My CPAT is on the 24th.

[lukequintin]

I'm there with you. Waiting is the hardest part.

[BigBlackWoman]

48 hours or so left...

[lukequintin]

Anybody have an idea what the cut off number will be tomorrow?

[lukequintin]

The moment of truth! THE LIST IS OUT. They said the number of applicants advancing would be announced shortly. Will it be less than 40?

[BigBlackWoman]

scored a 75...wasn't expecting the type of questions they asked but i thought i did alright.... oh well.. how'd everyone else do?

[lukequintin]

Man, I've been looking forward to this day for so long and thought I'd have a definate answer. Not quite that lucky. For me it all comes down to how many cadets they want in this years class. I'm in the top 40 (barely) so I am still alive. Last thing I want to see is "top 35 move on". The waiting game continues...


Stay with it BBW, this is my 3rd year trying for Austin. Come back stronger next year.

[lukequintin]

Seems like this thread has become a personal log. Oh well. I was looking at some of the numbers from the last eligibility list (the one used for classes 109 and 110) and it went 132 deep. Of the 132, 111 cadets were invited to the academy. Keep in mind that was for two classes ( which I'm almost positive won't happen) but the the two eligibility list are similiar in size. Both more than 100. This is only spectulation, but is it possible Austin is looking to have a pretty decent size class this year? 106 seems like alot if they're only looking for 35 or so? Any idea when we'll hear something?

Whiplash, Truckmonkey, anybody from AFD have any info?

[phase96]

Hey guys I'm new to the forum but I have been here with you guys the whole time. Wow 106 moving on, where did you find that number? I scored and 86 and that puts me in the low 60s in the rankings so I'm hoping that I still have a chance.

[BigBlackWoman]

Man, I've been looking forward to this day for so long and thought I'd have a definate answer. Not quite that lucky. For me it all comes down to how many cadets they want in this years class. I'm in the top 40 (barely) so I am still alive. Last thing I want to see is "top 35 move on". The waiting game continues...


Stay with it BBW, this is my 3rd year trying for Austin. Come back stronger next year.

i'll try again, so whats up with you and san antonio?? and may i ask what you did to prepare for the interview??

[lukequintin]

First thing I do after every step of the way, in every process I'm in is write down everything. After each written test I write down examples of the different types of questions that were asked. Especially the ones that gave me trouble or surprised me. After the BPAD (which Austin doesn't use anymore) I'd write down the scenarios presented so I'd do better the next time. After the interview, write it down. Write down every question they asked you and answer them the way you know their supposed to be answered. I have 3 years worth of notes for two different cities and their processes. Each year I take their tests and go through their process I do better than the year before. I don't have any Fire knowledge or EMT training, and I'm not military. But I try to stay focused and keep trying to get better every year. Hopefully my hard work will soon pay off. Increase your chances of landing a job by applying in multiple cities. Oh and buy a tape recorder.

[BigBlackWoman]

First thing I do after every step of the way, in every process I'm in is write down everything. After each written test I write down examples of the different types of questions that were asked. Especially the ones that gave me trouble or surprised me. After the BPAD (which Austin doesn't use anymore) I'd write down the scenarios presented so I'd do better the next time. After the interview, write it down. Write down every question they asked you and answer them the way you know their supposed to be answered. I have 3 years worth of notes for two different cities and their processes. Each year I take their tests and go through their process I do better than the year before. I don't have any Fire knowledge or EMT training, and I'm not military. But I try to stay focused and keep trying to get better every year. Hopefully my hard work will soon pay off. Increase your chances of landing a job by applying in multiple cities. Oh and buy a tape recorder.

well this is my first time applying for a fd and i did keep notes on what happened when, what i could have done better, what i wasted my time doing.. and the questions like that.... i guess i was just too nervous for the oral board and/or answered them wrong..

[steersbc]

Over 13 people dropped from the original ranked list for Class 109 out of the top 80, so you never know what might happen.

[BigBlackWoman]

people with an 83 and up are moving on

[lukequintin]

Man, the academy is set to start around August 15th and formal job offer will be made no later than August 1st. Hopefully we'll have an idea how many cadets they are planning to take before then. I have my CPAT on Monday and I am looking forward to getting that thing out of the way. I plan on talking to few people there and seeing if I can get some information on projected class size.

[tomw97]

I took my CPAT and did all my med/psych testing. Now I'll just keep my fingers crossed until Aug 1! I'll be moving from Virginia so if everything works out I'll literally be throwing a few things in my trunk and driving straight down there.

In the meantime, I'll be doing quite a bit of running in the mid-day (as opposed to the early morning). Might as well get used to the heat ;)

[lukequintin]

Good luck tomw97. Virginia? That is quite a move. Hopefully you'll know something before the 1st. If you don't mind me asking, where are you on the list? Top 20,30,...80?

How long did the medical and psych test take?

[tomw97]

Good luck tomw97. Virginia? That is quite a move. Hopefully you'll know something before the 1st. If you don't mind me asking, where are you on the list? Top 20,30,...80?

How long did the medical and psych test take?

I'm in the top 20--really happy about how I did in the interview :) Of course, the vet points and bilingual point helped too.

The written psych test took a few hours--I think they tell you to budget 4 hours for it. The medical test took a few hours too. The wellness center portion was about an hour and a half (stress test, vision, hearing, etc.) but you also have to go to three different sites to do urine and blood samples.

Hope it works out for both of us and that we see each other in the August recruit class! :)

[BigBlackWoman]

whats the secret of the interviews?? i thought i answered the questions pretty decently :-(

[tomw97]

I wouldn't say there's any "secret" to interviews. I was lucky enough to be able to practice interviewing with my wife, who had a fair amount of experience being on the other end of the table (granted not for fire departments). Another thing I did in the run-up to the interview was practice answering mock interview questions in front of the mirror just to observe my body language and see how I sounded. It all helps.

[lukequintin]

What's the good word AFD wannabes? I completed my Blood work and my chest X-rays and am scheduled for my Medical, drug test and pysch next week. Good luck to those of you still in the hunt.

[Eric78758]

Still waiting.... anybody heard anything at all?

I know they plan on making job offers by Aug. 1, but will they post the list before that?

[BigBlackWoman]

so did you guys make it?

[tomw97]

so did you guys make it?

Looks like we won't be finding out for sure until Aug 6! Really on pins and needles now!

[Eric78758]

that's strange... they had stuff posted last night and, as of right now, the latest post was removed.

either way, I'm glad I already did my pre-screen w/ APD

[tomw97]

Hey there everybody! I just got the email telling me that I'll be starting cadet class 111 on August 18!!!

[lukequintin]

Not sure if anyone still cares about this thread, but I can tell you AFD went to atleast #38 on the list beacuse.....I'm in!!! See ya there.

[BigBlackWoman]

ugh im so jealous!!!

[lukequintin]

Dude, listen up. Decide this is what you want and don't stop till you get it!!!
Keep taking the test. Improve on your interveiw scores. Sound confident and hungry. Let them know your ready for this job. I have zero FF experience, no Emt experience and no veteran points, but this is somthing I've been wanting for 4 years. I told them I'm ready to bust my *** and learn everthing that is taught to me. Don't be denied. You are young, you have time, stay with it. It took me four years. Also, apply in as many cities as possible. This increases your odds. I just found out today that I'm in, so I'm pumped.

Everytime you come up just short it should make you want it that much more. Your close so stay with it. Good Luck.

[Eric78758]

lukequintin,
Were you 38 on the initial list or on the final list? Just trying to figure out how deep they went for this class.

Hopefully, I'll get in on Class 112 next spring

[lukequintin]

I was 38 on the initial list, but moved up a few spots. Just made the cut. Good luck.

[phase96]

Has anyone heard anything about when they will make a decision on class 112?

[BigBlackWoman]

so whats the class like guys?

[bigredtruck24]

heard they were going to offer about 20 more spots.

[Eric78758]

AFD called me on Good Friday to see if I would be interested in attending a POTENTIAL academy that would start in late July or early August. It seems that as a part of their long-term budget process they are looking at having a small academy based off the certified eligibility list from 2008. I think they may be trying to sell the idea to the City as a way too save money in the long run. If they let the list expire they would have to spend lots of cash to redo the entire hiring process. Anyone else been contacted or heard anything?

[cabney915]

Eric78758, I got a call too, and then I got the email on the 24th saying they still havent made a decision. I wonder if they will go through the enitre list or not.

[FireEeyore]

AFD called me on Good Friday to see if I would be interested in attending a POTENTIAL academy that would start in late July or early August. It seems that as a part of their long-term budget process they are looking at having a small academy based off the certified eligibility list from 2008. I think they may be trying to sell the idea to the City as a way too save money in the long run. If they let the list expire they would have to spend lots of cash to redo the entire hiring process. Anyone else been contacted or heard anything?

I have not been contacted about this. Did they ask for a lot of details or a simple yes or no ( Maybe a poll to see if they have enough people who are qualified and interest?.) Turn on your Pms!! ( private messages)

[FireEeyore]

What rank were you two on the eligibility list? I was VERY close to making the second academy list and I was curious why I wouldn't be contacted over anyone else. Anyways...

[WestTac1]

From the City Of Austin website:

May 11, 2009 - Future Fire Cadet Class and Hiring Process Update
As reported by the local media, the current economic situation has had an impact on the City of Austin. The budget process for fiscal year 2010 is in progress and based on the financial forecast, the City Manager has asked City Departments to identify strategies for reducing their FY2010 proposed budgets. At this time, no decisions have been made regarding future cadet classes or a timeline for the next hiring process. We will update this webpage when additional information is available.

If you want to learn more about the City’s budget process, you can visit the City of Austin - Budget Home Page

http://www.ci.austin.tx.us/fire/hiring.htm