Becoming A Firefighter or Officer-----The Complete Guide to Your Badge!

Fire "Captain Bob"

"Getting the

job of your

dreams is

like winning

the lottery!"

"Nothing

counts 'til

you have

the badge. 

Nothing!"

Anything

less and

you're

still the

bridesmaid.

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What can you expect in a Chief's Oral?

Chief's Orals will vary widely depending on the style of the Fire Chief and the department.  However, here are some suggestions:

1.  Get to know about the Department and the Chief before the interview.  What are some of the core values of the organization?  What are some of the key issues or projects that the department is involved with?  Some Chief's like that you took the time to know a little about what the department is all about?  However, if the topic comes up...be genuine...don't B.S.!

2.  The Chief's interview is often casual in that there are not necessarily a specific set of fixed questions like on the more formal oral board.  The Chief may ask about anything that is on your resume or follow up questions in response to your comments.  Casual does not mean that you don't wear professional business attire.

3.  One thing is certain, this is the Chief's brief opportunity to get to know you.  I cannot speak for all Fire Chiefs, but I tend to use this opportunity to look for examples in your experiences that demonstrate maturity, stability, responsibility, judgement, compassion, work ethic and other characteristics that I believe are important to be a successful firefighter.

    By the time you reach the Chief's interview, you probably have already been through the written, PPT, and oral board(s).  In those portions of the testing you probably have demonstrated your memory, reading comprehension skills, mechanical aptitude, basic math, physical ability, ability to work others as part of a team, understanding of firehouse etiquette, communication skills, and likely have addressed some honesty/integrity scenario.

4.  Don't be afraid to talk about yourself in terms that demonstrate the qualities mentioned above.  Give specific examples.

5.  Stay on track with the point you are trying to make.  Don't get lost and wander off into irrelevant areas.  You'll miss your point, which may also cause you to become more nervous than you already might be.  Listen closely to the questions and be responsive to them.

6.  Finally, try to be relaxed and conversational in your manner.  Be confident, but not cocky.  Make good eye contact.  Try to be natural...be yourself...that is who the Chief wants to get to know!

I hope this helps.  Good Luck!

Ruben Grijalva
Fire Chief
Palo Alto, CA

"Nothing counts 'til you have the badge . . . Nothing!" Ask Dan

"Captain Bob"

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Fire "Captain Bob" Smith has coached countless entry level and promotional candidates to get their badge. He is a retired 28-year Hayward, Ca. Captain, speaker/author of the audio/video program "Conquer the Job Interview," the books "Eat Stress For Breakfast" ISBN 09657620-3-3, "Fire Up Your Communication Skills" ISBN 09657620-6-8 and a member of the prestigious National Speakers Association. You can book him as a speaker or get a copy of his books and tapes by calling toll free at 888-238-3959.

E-mail: captbob@verio.com  Web site: http://www.eatstress.com