career firefighters

[SCPD]

any career guys here. im just wondering what you guys did after the test to get hired any helpful tips

 

[hoser147]

Check with the Civil Service commission in the City you want to work in and see when they are testing. There are some good books on the test. Also inquire as to what test they use. Are you an EMT? That will usually get ya some extra credit along with Military service, on the test. Some Citys run ads for the position. Usually Charter form of Government and can just hire. I started out on my home town dept as an Auxiliary FF/EMT and eventually took the test as an opening came about. Are you wanting to stay in NJ?.............Hoser

 

[fire4456]

Hey lakekid313 what phase are you in the hiring process? Have you taken the written and now are onto the agility test? The reason I ask is that most cities are using whatever type of written exam they want. Most departments where I am at here in Indianapolis use the CPAT test for the agility portion. The best thing I can tell you to do on this is work your cardio and work it well. The station that will fail about 95 percent of the people is the stairmill. It's not that bad if you prepare and just don't give up. If you have access to one you need a step rate of 60 a minute for 3 minutes which is what rate the actual test is at. Do a bookbag with weight in it or wear a coat and bookbag. I know it sounds foolish but it will help. The rest of the test is downhill from there. If you are past the agility test and are waiting a interview then this might help. Some places ahve books and things to what they might ask. Most of the time you will get the chief of the department and some of the board of safety members or whatever the department uses for interviewers. Best thing I can say in the regard is dress in business attire. Asuit is preferable but if you don't have that wear a nice shirt, slacks, shoes and a tie. Skip poor haircuts and get one that looks decent. If you have piercings take them out!! ( you will be surprised at how many people forget this). When being asked questions look them in the eyes and answer the questions to the best of your ability. Do not use umm, and, you know, excessively. This downgrades your chances. Never answer a question I DON'T KNOW unless you really don't know the answer. If you don't know the answer state I do not have an answer for that question as I am not familiar with that or have never been in that situation. Try to keep hand movement to a minimum. And if you pass that and they do a background check keep your nose clean!!! Ultra important stage in the process. DO NOT GET A SPEEDING TICKET, DUI, OR GET INTO ANY TROUBLE AT ALL. If you do let them know right away, because if you are honest they might not get rid of you cause you are showing responsibility for your actions. My current employer actually drove 3 hours away and visited my neighbors and employers to check on me. Just keep it clean. If you have any fire certs you should be good and EMT definitely helps. This is a plus cause you have some medical training and it's less money they have to spend on you. If you have Paramedic like me you are about a slam dunk anywhere cause of the shortage of qualified medics. I know it's long but very truthful and honest. If you need anything else drop me a line

 

[SCPD]

got

i have the test scores which is a combination of the physical and written. im just curious if any one did anything else to try to get hired. and yes stay in NJ i would love either Montclair, West Orange, or Newark,