Doing your Homework.
Testing for a fire service career is very competitive and challenging. To score high in the process you must do your homework. Homework, how we all hated that work when we were younger. Well this homework can be interesting and is very beneficial. What I'm talking about in this article is more of a research paper. We're going to discuss the importance of researching the Department you're preparing to test for.
Once the testing process get past the basic "qualification" process. The testing process will move into a department needs theme. What I mean be this is the department will being to look for candidates that will fit the current needs for the department. Many candidates that are testing do not realize the importance of learning what the current needs and goals are for the department they are testing for. For example, is the department looking for paramedics, are there curt needs due to a new station opening or to fill retirements. They may be increasing staffing needs due to new standards.
It is also important to do some research on the community that the department serves. This will give you incite to the community needs from a fire protection standpoint. Some items here that are important are the size of the community, number of stations currently serving the community. Is the fire department also responsible for medical transport? Does the fire department also serve the population outside of the city limits they are located in? Does the fire department also provide technical services such are HAZMAT response, dive rescue, wildland teams etc.
Where to find this information?
This is often as easy as researching the department and the city websites. Most departments will be very informative websites listing their goals and growth plans. Most city website will give your information in city growth, annexation plans, new business in the community and well as population and census numbers. After researching the website it will pay off to call the department with a "list" of questions of items you are still wondering about. This again might be what are the current growth plans and why are they hiring? Is it for new stations of retirements?
Another great way to get a true picture of the department plans and needs is to do a ride along with the department. Ask them if you can do an observer right along. Be upfront letting them know that you are taking part in the current testing process and would like to learn more about the department.
Remember what you parents always said, "do your homework first" before you play. This is good advise when testing too. Doing you homework early in the testing process will give you the edge by being prepared for any questions pertaining to the currents department needs. Don't wait until the day before the oral interview to decide to research the department. It may be to little too late for finding out the "scoop" on your future career.
Good luck,
Roger Waters
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