Tips on taking dispatch "test"

[AgentMan]

I know this isn't a test you can study for. But I am going to be taking a dispatch test for my city here in Ventura County. My town handles all the 011 calls fire/police/paramedic. I was wondering if any of you know any tips that could maybe give me an edge on the testing and maybe be able to get passed to an oral interview.

Thanks.

[MrJim911]

Eat a good meal prior to the meeting. Also, get a good nights rest the night before so you're rested and ready to go.

Dress appropriately. You are going to a job interview, which means you wear a suit and tie or a dress or slacks or whatever you prefer. Make sure you dress with respect for the job and the people taking the time to interview you. No T-shirts, no jeans. When I tested with 60 other people, I was the only male to show up to the interview with a suit on… I was the only male to get the job.

When you get there, make sure you sit with a posture that shows you are paying attention to what the interviewers are saying or asking. Sit up straight; do not sit with your arms folded in front of you. Do not fiddle your fingers. Also, maintain eye contact with the interviewers. This will help ensure you hear what they say and it also shows them that you are paying attention.

BE HONEST. This is the single most important piece of advice anyone can give you. When you’re asked a question, answer it with honesty. Don’t make up an answer to make the interviewers like you. We don’t want that kind of person working in our profession. Give each a question a few seconds of thought so it’s the best you can give. That doesn’t mean to leave the interviewers hanging wondering if you’ve slipped into a coma, but just enough time for you to quickly plan out your response.

Now is a great time to ask questions about anything you might want to know about the job. Not specifics like “How does your CAD work?” But general questions about shift work, hours, benefits, etc… This shows interest in the job and helps you decide if you really want to work there.

After the interview, go shake the interviewer’s hands and thank them for their time.

There are books out there that allegedly give advice on 911 interviews. Don’t waste your money. Asking us, the people that have already been through it, is the best advice you can get.

[AgentMan]

Well, I have to take that little test first before I get to the interview process. I have the test at the end of the week. If it were an interview, I wouldn't show up in shorts and a t-shirt.

[MrJim911]

I know, but I don't give out hints or tips for tests.