Fundamentals of Fire and Emergency Services Chapter 3 The Selection Process Jason B. Loyd James D. (J.D.) Richardson Copyright ©2010 by Pearson Education, Inc. Upper Saddle River, New Jersey All rights reserved. Fundamentals of Fire and Emergency Services Jason B. Loyd and James D. Richardson

Objectives List the standard phases of the hiring process. Describe the importance of preparation in the selection process. Give examples of body gestures that can be interpreted in an interview. Explain the purpose and importance of the probationary period. Copyright ©2010 by Pearson Education, Inc. Upper Saddle River, New Jersey All rights reserved. Fundamentals of Fire and Emergency Services Jason B. Loyd and James D. Richardson

Copyright ©2010 by Pearson Education, Inc. Upper Saddle River, New Jersey All rights reserved. Fundamentals of Fire and Emergency Services Jason B. Loyd and James D. Richardson Preparation for a Firefighter Position Job postings –Websites –Local newspapers –Job fairs

Copyright ©2010 by Pearson Education, Inc. Upper Saddle River, New Jersey All rights reserved. Fundamentals of Fire and Emergency Services Jason B. Loyd and James D. Richardson Preparation for a Firefighter Position Job postings (cont.) –College/community events –Subscription to job opportunity mailing lists and firefighter examination notification services

Copyright ©2010 by Pearson Education, Inc. Upper Saddle River, New Jersey All rights reserved. Fundamentals of Fire and Emergency Services Jason B. Loyd and James D. Richardson Preparation for a Firefighter Position Job research –Talk to professionals –Research departments –Be familiar with their requirements Prerequisites –Job application process and deadlines –Paperwork/accuracy

Copyright ©2010 by Pearson Education, Inc. Upper Saddle River, New Jersey All rights reserved. Fundamentals of Fire and Emergency Services Jason B. Loyd and James D. Richardson Preparation for a Firefighter Position Written test –Will test both (1) general knowledge and (2) firefighting specifics –Usually multiple choice –Check of reading comprehension, mechanical reasoning, and math –Key is preparation

Copyright ©2010 by Pearson Education, Inc. Upper Saddle River, New Jersey All rights reserved. Fundamentals of Fire and Emergency Services Jason B. Loyd and James D. Richardson The Job Search Physical Ability / Agility –Prior to hiring fire departments usually administer a physical agility test Example: CPAT –Prior to testing, candidates need to be in or get into good physical condition

Copyright ©2010 by Pearson Education, Inc. Upper Saddle River, New Jersey All rights reserved. Fundamentals of Fire and Emergency Services Jason B. Loyd and James D. Richardson Interviewing Skills Homework and practice before interviewing First Interview / Fire Chief’s Interview –Do your homework on the department –Be prepared to answer questions about your background –Ask questions –Practice by participating in mock interviews

Copyright ©2010 by Pearson Education, Inc. Upper Saddle River, New Jersey All rights reserved. Fundamentals of Fire and Emergency Services Jason B. Loyd and James D. Richardson Interviewing Skills Sample Interview Questions: –Describe your work history and experience. –Describe credentials you hold that would qualify you for this job (education, certifications, etc.). –What do you consider your major strengths?

Copyright ©2010 by Pearson Education, Inc. Upper Saddle River, New Jersey All rights reserved. Fundamentals of Fire and Emergency Services Jason B. Loyd and James D. Richardson Interviewing Skills Sample Interview Questions (cont.): –What do you consider development areas? –What characteristics do you feel mark a good supervisor? –Describe a conflict you experienced with a previous supervisor and how it was resolved –What do you feel is a satisfactory attendance record?

Copyright ©2010 by Pearson Education, Inc. Upper Saddle River, New Jersey All rights reserved. Fundamentals of Fire and Emergency Services Jason B. Loyd and James D. Richardson Interviewing Skills Sample Interview Questions (cont.): –How do you define “pressure”? How well do you perform in that type of situation? –In what type of work environment do you excel? –Tell me about a time when you had to go above and beyond the call of duty in order to get a job done.

Copyright ©2010 by Pearson Education, Inc. Upper Saddle River, New Jersey All rights reserved. Fundamentals of Fire and Emergency Services Jason B. Loyd and James D. Richardson Interviewing Skills Body Language —Posture —Arms —Eyes —Nodding —Smile —Leaning closer —Gestures —Don’t interrupt

Copyright ©2010 by Pearson Education, Inc. Upper Saddle River, New Jersey All rights reserved. Fundamentals of Fire and Emergency Services Jason B. Loyd and James D. Richardson Pre-Employment Requirements Medical exam –Medical/surgical history –Medical tests and evaluations –Purpose to determine baselines and check for any pre-existing medical conditions that may affect employment with the fire department

Copyright ©2010 by Pearson Education, Inc. Upper Saddle River, New Jersey All rights reserved. Fundamentals of Fire and Emergency Services Jason B. Loyd and James D. Richardson Pre-Employment Requirements Background History –Fire departments conduct a background check to identify and review a candidate’s work history Prior work references checked Driver’s records and credit reports Some departments may require a polygraph test

Copyright ©2010 by Pearson Education, Inc. Upper Saddle River, New Jersey All rights reserved. Fundamentals of Fire and Emergency Services Jason B. Loyd and James D. Richardson Pre-Employment Hiring Conditions Eligibility List –Departments create a list of potential candidates to be contacted should an opening occur in the next 6 to 12 months –If list expires, department will conduct new testing and interviewing procedures

Copyright ©2010 by Pearson Education, Inc. Upper Saddle River, New Jersey All rights reserved. Fundamentals of Fire and Emergency Services Jason B. Loyd and James D. Richardson Pre-Employment Hiring Conditions Probationary Period –Newly hired candidates have a probationary period of 3 to 12 months –Allows for further evaluation of candidate and how he/she fits into the department –During this period a candidate can be terminated for any reason

Copyright ©2010 by Pearson Education, Inc. Upper Saddle River, New Jersey All rights reserved. Fundamentals of Fire and Emergency Services Jason B. Loyd and James D. Richardson Marketing Yourself for the Firefighting Job EMT Status Firefighter I and other certifications Volunteer experience Bilingual ability Clean driving record Excellent physical fitness Diversity

Copyright ©2010 by Pearson Education, Inc. Upper Saddle River, New Jersey All rights reserved. Fundamentals of Fire and Emergency Services Jason B. Loyd and James D. Richardson Summary Departments have the responsibility to find the most qualified applicants during the hiring process. Candidates should prepare themselves to become members of the fire department team by being prepared. The job market is expected to grow for fire departments in the future.

Copyright ©2010 by Pearson Education, Inc. Upper Saddle River, New Jersey All rights reserved. Fundamentals of Fire and Emergency Services Jason B. Loyd and James D. Richardson Questions ?