Becoming a professional firefighter is one of the most difficult career ambitions in the country. On the average there are over 100 people who apply for each position. While the numbers seem staggering, there are many aspiring firefighters who receive multiple job offers. While some may attribute getting hired to good fortune, in reality it takes passion, commitment, dedication and determination to earn the badge of a firefighter.

Upcoming Promotional Exams?

Chief Paul Lepore has over 20-years experience in the fire service proctoring oral interviews and promotional examinations. He will share with his readers insights and tips on how to prepare for success in the fire department hiring process through research, self-examination, practice and planning.

Gaining insight into the hiring process and being able to see yourself through the eyes of an interviewer is a considerable advantage for an aspiring firefighter. If you don’t know what they are looking for, how can you present yourself as the one they want to hire? The one they want to welcome into their firefighter family?

Chief Lepore believes in teaching candidates the reasoning and thought processes behind interview questions, rather than teaching them “the correct answer.” Every candidate is different and will need to apply these concepts to develop his or her own answers. This way the responses are personal, sincere, and come from the heart.

With so many available candidates, fire departments can pick from the cream of the crop. They will choose those candidates who are obviously committed to pursuing their dream, because they don’t want to waste their time training people who aren’t as passionate about their job as they are. By setting a clearly defined goal, laying out the steps to reach it, and working diligently, a candidate can achieve his or her dream of becoming a professional firefighter.