5 Common Interview Mistakes Leading to Failure

Unfamiliar with the unique Fire Service interview process.
1. Paneled interview as opposed to a one on one.
2. Panel asks a series of questions ranging from situational to personal.
3. Timed interview.
4. Not a lot of opportunity for back-and-forth interaction.
Not Being Prepared
1. Not knowing yourself
2. Unable to speak clearly with confidence.
3. Not knowing the department you’re testing for (history, number of resources, call volume, what type of resources/services they provide, etc.).
4. Not having a professional resume and able to speak of it articulately.
Saying the wrong thing.
1. Anything negative (hate, fired, can’t, etc.).
2. “I don’t know,” curse words/profanity.
3. “Look on my resume.”
4. Using cliché’s (i.e.my biggest weakness is that I’m a perfectionist.)
Not answering the question fully.
1. Understand what they are asking.
2. Answer the question.
3. Bridge your answers with examples.
4. Connect your answer back to the department.
5. Be truthful and express curiosity and dedication to learn about a concept if unfamiliar.
Not having a closing statement.
1. Saying “thank you” and nothing to add.
2. This is an opportunity to answer anything you forgot in the interview.
3. You can reiterate or reemphasize anything important to you or about you.
4. This is your last chance to “wow” the interview panel and have them remember you.

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