Reddit reviews Smoke your Firefighter Interview

I did that too. Getting ready to take them again, this book has really opened my eyes as to what components the answers should include and that there's a specific way to answer the questions: http://www.amazon.com/Smoke-your-Firefighter-Interview-Lepore/dp/0972993452

For example, for the first question I would probably answer it like:

"I understand that I am a rookie and have a lot to learn from more experienced firefighters and want to keep my relationship with them amicable, however, I can not turn a blind eye if someone is breaking the rules. I would first approach the senior firefighter and explain to him that his behavior is making me uncomfortable because it is violating our policies and ask him to stop. Hopefully this would rectify the situation and no further actions would be necessary. However, if he became agitated or told me to mind my own business, I would calmly explain to him that I would be forced to speak to our Captain if said behavior continued. If he ignored my warning I would be forced to take it up the chain of command and leave it to my commanding officer to correct."

Basically, in my understanding, they want you to walk the line of not being a whiny bitch and not being a complete pushover. Also they want to make sure you know what being a rookie entails and are familiar with the chain of command. Your Captain (in theory) is a busy guy/gal who doesn't to play mommy/daddy and deal with every problem that arises. You're a firefighter and part of the job is being a critical thinker and solving problems as they arise. However, they also want to make sure that you're going to enforce fire department policies and that if you see something violating those policies you are going to take steps to correct it.

You are in a difficult spot here as a rookie. This is the senior firefighter we're talking about, he could probably make your time as a rookie hell if he wanted to, so the biggest thing to consider is tact. Don't be accusatory and definitely approach him before going up the chain of command. Your reputation is also at stake. The fire department is a close-knit community and you will be know as a tattle-tail if you run to your Captain at the first sign of a problem.

I'm from California, so I'm not sure how different the interview styles are when compared to Canada, but this book was very helpful for me throughout my hiring process. Other firefighters I know have spoken highly of the book.

https://www.amazon.com/Smoke-your-Firefighter-Interview-Lepore/dp/0972993452

OLGagz,

Thanks for the inquiry. Your experience as an Ocean Lifeguard is a tremendous benefit to any career in public safety, but especially today's fire service.

We have two suggestions. One formal and another informal.

First and foremost in our 'official' capacity, we offer a suggestion that you and others review this information, regardless of what agency you may aspire to join:

http://joinlafd.org/writtentestprep.html

http://joinlafd.org/oralinterview.html

http://joinlafd.org/visitafirestation.html

Secondly, and informally...

While we cannot as an agency endorse a particular business or program, we have heard and seen some fantastic results from those who assertively apply all of the principles outlined in these books, which may be available at your local library (we offer the Amazon links, merely for reference):

http://www.amazon.com/The-Aspiring-Firefighters-Year-Plan/dp/0972993460/

If you can only obtain one book, make it the one above. The book outlines what will become your life's work. Read. It. Carefully.

Chief LePore also wrote:

http://www.amazon.com/Smoke-Your-Firefighter-Written-Exam/dp/0972993487/

http://www.amazon.com/Smoke-your-Firefighter-Interview-Lepore/dp/0972993452/

We hope this helps. While we're sorry it didn't work out with you at the Los Angeles Fire Department this round, we trust you will soon find success at the career of your dreams. Best wishes!

Respectfully Yours in Safety and Service,

Brian Humphrey
Firefighter/Specialist
Public Service Officer
Los Angeles Fire Department