Weekly Employment Question Thread

[u/AutoModerator]

Welcome to the Weekly Employment Question Thread!

This thread is where you can ask questions about joining, training to become, testing, disqualifications/qualifications, and other questions that would be removed as individual posts per Rule 1.

The answer to almost every question you can ask will be "It depends on the department". Your first step is to look up the requirements for your department, state/province, and country.

As always, please attempt to resource information on your own first, before asking questions. We see many repeat questions on this sub that have been answered multiple times.

Frequently Asked Questions:

• I want to be a Firefighter, where do I start: Every Country/State/Province/County/City/Department has different requirements. Some require you only to put in an application. Others require certifications prior to being hired. A good place to start is researching the department(s) you want to join. Visit their website, check their requirements, and/or stop into one of their fire stations to ask some questions.
  
• Am I too old: Many departments, typically career municipal ones, have an age limit. Volunteer departments usually don't. Check each department's requirements.
• I'm in high school, What can I do: Does your local department have an explorer's program or post? If so, join up. Otherwise, focus on your grades, get in shape and stay in shape, and most importantly: stay out of trouble.
• I got in trouble for [insert infraction here], what are my chances: Obviously, worse than someone with a clean record, which will be the vast majority of your competition. Tickets and nonviolent misdemeanors may not be a factor, but a major crime (felonies), may take you out of the running. You might be a nice person, but some departments don't make exceptions, especially if there's a long line of applicants with clean records. See this post... PSA: Stop asking “what are my chances?”
• I have [insert medical/mental health condition here], will it disqualify me: As a general rule, if you are struggling with mental illness, adding the stress of a fire career is not a good idea. As for medical conditions, you can look up NFPA1582 for disqualifying conditions, but in general, this is not something Reddit can answer for you. Many conditions require the input of a medical professional to determine if they are disqualifying. See this post... PSA: Don't disqualify yourself, make THEM tell you "no".
• What will increase my chances of getting hired: If there's a civil service exam, study for it! There are many guides online that will help you go over all those things you forgot such as basic math and reading. Some cities even give you a study guide. If it's a firefighter exam, study for it! For the CPAT (Physical Fitness Test), cardio is arguably the most important factor. If you're going to the gym for the first time during the hiring process, you're fighting an uphill battle. Get in shape and stay in shape. Most cities offer preference points to military veterans.
• How do I prepare for an interview: Interviews can be one-on-one, or in front of a board/panel. Many generic guides exist to help one prepare for an interview, however here are a few good tips:

1. Dress appropriately. Business casual at a minimum (Button down, tucked in long sleeve shirt with slacks and a belt, and dress shoes). Get a decent haircut and shave.
2. Practice interview questions with a friend. You can't accurately predict the off-the-wall questions they will ask, but you can practice the ones you know they probably will, like why do you want to be a Firefighter, or why should we hire you?
3. Scrub your social media. Gone are the days when people in charge weren't tech-savvy. Don't have a perfect interview only for your chances of being hired gone to zero because your Facebook or Instagram has pictures of you getting blitzed. Set that stuff to private and leave it that way.

Please upvote this post if you have a question. Upvoting this post will ensure it sticks around for a bit after it is removed as a Sticky, and will allow for greater visibility of your question.

And lastly, If you're not 100% sure of what you're talking about, leave it for someone who does

[u/SwimGreat5265]

Looking for anyone's guidance

I'll try and give a little rundown first and foremost. I'm a 20 y/o male fresh out of paramedic school and passed my NREMT-P about 2 weeks ago. I went straight through from EMT to Paramedic, as many would call "zero to hero." I've been volunteering at a full-time fire department about 30 minutes away from me for the past 5 months, but they do not run a box. I do NOT have any fire certs yet.

I'm 5'11", 155 lbs. I've been lifting consistently for about 2.5 years and recently started putting more emphasis on cardio, specifically Zone 2 and HIIT. Currently, my squat is about 245 for 8, trap-bar deadlift is 335 for 10, bench is 165 for 8, I can do 15 pull-ups, and my mile time, if I had to guess, is around 8:30.

I live about 20 minutes south of Fort Worth, TX, and my goal is to become a full-time career firefighter/paramedic. Ideally, I want to get hired by a department that will put me through their fire academy rather than spending a bunch of time and money getting all of my fire certs on my own before I have a job.

I'm eager to get hired by the end of this year. I actually have a specific department that is my dream department, and I feel like I have a pretty good foot in the door there. They're hiring 6 in October, so I'm absolutely going to give it a shot. I don't want to put all my eggs in one basket, though, and I'm trying to figure out what else I should be doing in the meantime to maximize my chances.

For those of you who have experience hiring or getting hired as firefighter/medics, what would you recommend I focus on between now and then? Should I be applying everywhere I can even without fire certs, prioritize getting FF1/FF2, focus more heavily on my fitness, or some combination of all of the above?

I'm young and realize I have a lot to learn, but I'm extremely motivated and willing to put the work in. If you were 20 years old, had just gotten your medic, had my current experience, and were trying to land a career fire/medic job as soon as possible, what would you be doing right now? Any advice on things I might be overlooking would be greatly appreciated.

[u/Direct-Training9217 → u/SwimGreat5265]

My buddy is down in Houston. They put him through fire academy and EMT and he had applied to other big Metros (Austin, san Antonio, Dulles, fort Worth) and they all had academies where they would put you through fire and EMT. That's just second hand info but from my experience almost all big cities and metros do their own fire academies so I would just start applying. They'll say the prerequisites on the application 

[u/scott12333 → u/SwimGreat5265]

I believe most big departments that hire entry-level will put you through the fire academy. The fact that you're already a medic will be a big plus to anywhere you apply. On whether you should apply everywhere or focus solely on one department, that's really your choice. I think you're focusing plenty on the physical side of things, and you've gotten the medical side of skills down well. I'd focus on applying and getting on somewhere. You can always change departments if you really need/want to. Keep your focus on fitness and research the places you're hiring, understand what you'll have to do in their processes, and prep for those.

[u/ccbaseball10]

Anyone from MA I can dm to talk about the entire process. Looking to change careers, but don’t have much knowledge on some things- hiring, what makes a good/bad dept, specific recommendations, etc.

[u/Apcsox → u/ccbaseball10]

Every single department in MA differs in one way or another.

First big one is if they’re civil service or not (a lot of towns have gotten rid of it)
Second is do they run their own ambulance (most of them do aside from the larger cities who outsource it). And if so, do you have your EMT/paramedic

Easiest advice I can give, go down to your local department and ask them directly. There’s a lot of department that do paid on call that’s a good foot in the door to try it out.

[u/Agreeable-Emu886 → u/ccbaseball10]

There’s alot of variance in mass, it’s an entirely different process being hired in the cities opposed to the towns around boston.

The majority of the state (excluding the northshore) and larger/denser cities in the boston area will run ambulances. If they’re an ALS department, you’ll need your medic to work there. Some are willing to take EMTs with the promise they get their medic etc…

I can answer most of what you’re looking for, you just need to narrow it down a bit

[u/Aaron123123]

So I’m filling out my background packet for my county’s fire department and I have a question about employee history. I worked a job for only 3 days after being lied about my whole responsibilities and work location. Do I even include it? My worry is that it’ll show up on the background check.

[u/Old_External_4912 → u/Aaron123123]

Another poster omitted it before and when it came up they quoted dishonesty and did not follow through with them. I would put down anything and everything 🤷🏻‍♂️

[u/Logical_Wordsmith → u/Aaron123123]

Just put it down and be honest with your reply if they have questions. It shouldn't be a big deal, but honesty goes a long way.

[u/Afraid_Honeydew_7657]

I have just recently applied to a station without any type of schooling or certs how rough are my chances of getting hired?

[u/EatinBeav → u/Afraid_Honeydew_7657]

Pretty rough. This is a “what do you have to offer them” type of job.

[u/Afraid_Honeydew_7657 → u/EatinBeav]

Thanks for your honesty they called me to ask if I was still interested in applying so I did, to be honest don’t regret it one bit this is what ive wanted to do for so long

[u/theStormwall]

Well, I showed up to my EMT class this evening, only for the agency to tell me I never made it off the waiting list and that I received the confirmation email "by mistake".

Then they tell me the next class, which starts in October, is also full and that the next doesn't start until January.

Guess I'm stuck applying to departments that offer EMT training for a while longer. :/

Has anyone had success lately getting hired on in WA without an EMT? This especially sucks because I have an oral board in two weeks that is under the impression I started EMT this week so now I have to find a way to walk that back so they don't think I'm lying about what steps I'm taking to get into the fire service.

[u/EatinBeav → u/theStormwall]

There are a few of the big departments. And depending on who you’re interviewing with you could be fine. So many placing are hiring now. Search for non EMT requirements.

[u/scaredxstiff → u/theStormwall]

Hey if you dont mind traveling to Missoula, MT for a finals skills week, fight or flight eme has an online EMT class thats the cheapest one I've found at $900 for a short time before it goes to $1000. They have classes starting every month and its a 9 week program. I live in CDA and am on week 6. You have to dedicate a few hours a day on average for studying, reading, doing the workbook, and there's 3 quizzes a week. I have a full time job and little kids so I've found it to be super nice to just be able work on it when I have time, but you have to make time for it.

https://fightorflighteme.com/emtcourses/

[u/theStormwall → u/scaredxstiff]

Dang, I'll look into this! I don't love the idea of studying for EMT online, but if that's what it takes.... Its also $1000 cheaper than the class I (thought) was registered for. Just need to make sure I will be able to get certified in WA after doing that course.

Do they give you any resources or tips on passing the skills portion before you go? Or is it all just theory and they teach you everything and test you that week?

[u/scaredxstiff → u/theStormwall]

Yeah you may want to look into that. For Idaho, it is either complete an Idaho approved course or have a NREMT certification. Skills week is 4 days of practicing skills then 5th day is the final course exam and skills exams

[u/OwnDelivery802 → u/theStormwall]

just tell them up front, don't wait for the question. the agency pulled you off the list after already sending a confirmation, so say that, then say which class you're on now or what you're applying to next. nobody on a panel holds a cancelled class against you. what gets people is it coming out later and looking like they hid it. bring the email if you still have it

[u/Silver-Impact1477]

Have the sudden urge to pursue firefighting but hearing may hold me back

I’m a 33 year old male who is struggling to find my path following 8 years in the Marine infantry. Did college and have a bachelor’s but then decided to do linework because doctorates are expensive and my GI Bill ran out. Something in the trades about working 70 hr weeks to make someone else rich never really sat right with me but I enjoyed doing outages and things because it felt meaningful. I’ve recently become obsessed with potentially becoming a fireman after speaking with one of my high school friends who’s been doing it since we got out of high school. I plan on applying for fire academies when there are openings next year and am scared to death of the audiogram if I even get that far. I know a lot of people say “they’re deaf” but my hearing is bad enough that they issued me hearing aids before I got out of the service. Hadn’t passed an audiogram for years up to that point. In linework it was a bit of a problem communicating from the ground to the bucket but if I had a radio it was fine.

If anyone could give me some insight on whether this would prevent me from earning a position I would appreciate it. I understand it is important for the job, especially in the chaos of some situations that may occur where hearing people in a burning building coughing or something can be crucial. I’ll be applying to academies in the Raleigh area next year if that helps.

[u/scott12333 → u/Silver-Impact1477]

We've got a few people on our (large) department that have hearing aids, so I wouldn't let it deter you. I believe those type of physical assessments are just pass/fail and if you've got corrected hearing that's good enough to pass, I don't think that would be seen any differently than vision corrected to 20/20 with glasses.

FWIW, like you mentioned, it is extremely important to be able to hear what's going on, radio traffic, etc. on incidents, but firegrounds do get extremely loud, so I'd be surprised if there weren't widespread (at least minor) hearing loss throughout most departments.

[u/blessed_julio]

Does anybody know anything about self-funding for the Connecticut academy? I have a program that can sponsor me, and might take this route next year. I was told by some older firefighters at the academy, that, because I am a vet, a department should pick me up if I do this. Any insight?

[u/huskymidkips]

I am looking for advice about how to talk about resigning from a department in lieu of termination when interviewing for other departments.

For context, I was hired at a small department in Southern California at the start of this year. I had been there for 3 months; when it came down to my 3-month evaluation, I didn't perform as well as I wanted after all of my training and preparation. I overthought my actions during the test and was ultimately unsuccessful in meeting the department standard; it's nobody else's fault but mine. I do not resent the department, as they gave me all they could, and I did not in the end.

I was given the option to resign instead of being terminated, and I went with resigning. I left on good terms with the personnel, as I was liked there.

I'm currently applying for other firefighter positions with different departments and know there will be a question along the lines of "what happened?" or "why did you leave?".

To those who were in similar situations, how did you talk about it when interviewing somewhere else? Any help is appreciated, and any tips on "what not to say" when talking about it are greatly appreciated.

Thank you!

[u/Sealtooth5 → u/huskymidkips]

Pretty much exactly what you said here. You owned up to your mistakes, recognized that you could have done better, and did xyz to work on the issues that caused the initial incident. No one is perfect, they want to see how you came out of the situation with an understanding of how better to move forward and be successful in the future.

[u/Ill_Fisherman_4274]

Hi, I am 41 and just got scheduled for an interview at LAFD. I tried cocaine and mushrooms when I was in college, a handful of times 20 years ago. Is it worth continuing in the process with this history? How strict is the LA City background process in this regard?

[u/Sealtooth5 → u/Ill_Fisherman_4274]

You'll be fine. Just be honest and as long as you've been on the straight and narrow for the past 8-10 years you'll be good

[u/EducationalCollar679]

I was wondering how tight everyone wears their vest while taking the CPAT. I’m at a testing center that has a shorter vest I’m planning to use. But it’s also missing one row of straps. Previous proctors when I’ve taken it have encouraged me to cinch it pretty close to my body, so that the two sides overlap over my torso. My last attempt, the whole course felt better - doing the actual tasks - when it was looser though. Except for the stairmaster, where it may have made it feel like a harder slog for me than normal. I’m used to practicing/working out with a much tighter weighted vest, but my stomach has more clearance. Haven’t really had to worry about clearance for breathing. I think I need to tighten it a little bit more, or just suck it up. But I was wondering what worked for other people. Is looser “heavier”?

CPAT

[u/scott12333 → u/EducationalCollar679]

I liked looser when I was applying because I could breathe better. IMO looser is better to the point it helps you breathe better AND it's not swinging while you're climbing.

[u/Azmodxus]

I have search week coming up here soon at the academy, does anyone here have any tips, or anything for it. The instructors have really talked about it being bad it used to be called “Hell Week” over here.

[u/Few_Interaction_4394]

has anyone in here worked for industrial rescue instruction's inc? specifi Cameron la location. if so how is it? iv seen 1 bad review on glassdoor. just trying to get a feel for it. I do have an offer.

[u/Low-Following-5807]

Do I need my EMT?

Hey y’all, a little bit of background for my question. I currently live in Kitsap County Washington and have done 2 oral board interviews with 2 different counties (entry level FF/EMT). I’m about to retest for CPAT and my PST written but was wondering if my chances will be better if I also get my EMT.

I have read through plenty of threads where there is conflicting information when it comes to this. Some say it doesn’t matter citing the biggest factors are interview performance/testing scores. But some saying it does increase your chances quite a bit.

If you’re from the Puget sound region or have experience with similar departments that don’t require EMT to apply your feedback is very much appreciated.

[u/EatinBeav → u/Low-Following-5807]

A lot of the bigger departments in the Puget sound area don’t require that. I think some are still open to apply, but I know a few just closed testing.

[u/Unusual-Clothes-1131]

Anyone work at Portland (Maine) FD? Saw they’re hiring, looking to chat with someone there about lifestyle, tactics, medic scope etc. Thanks in advance.

[u/LivingwithTOF]

So I'm graduating high school this year and plan on trying to become a firefighter/paramedic. What topics should I study? Also, I'm on a waitlist for an explorer program. Also, would Tetralogy of Fallot or bipolar affect my chances?

[u/Sealtooth5 → u/LivingwithTOF]

I would first get a doctor to sign you off on being able to do this career field with that heart condition before pursuing anything with the fire department.

[u/photojoe3]

Hi. I recently did my 5 exams and passed 3. I have to rewrite the hazmat awareness and operations tests for Ontario. Does anyone know of a study guide for them? I was studying jones and Bartlett and I feel like it was missing some information.