Dorset and Wiltshire FRS Firefighter Recruitment Process

Applying for a firefighter position with Dorset and Wiltshire FRS? Our guide to the Dorset and Wiltshire FRS Firefighter Recruitment Process is here to help!

Step 1 – The Online Tests and Application

You can access the registration form here – the process of completing it should tae you around 30 minutes.

You will need to register your personal details, National Insurance number and e-mail address – make sure this is correct as all communication after this point will be via email!

Then you’ll also be asked if you meet essential criteria:

• You must have a full UK driving licence
• You need to have the right to live and work in the UK without any restrictions
• You’ll need to be at least 17 years and six months old at the closing date for applications
• You must not have have any unspent criminal convictions or outstanding court judgements
• You must be confident in water

Following this, you’ll be invited to take part in the following online tests. These tests are staggered, with around a week between the invitations to complete them being sent out. If you pass one stage, you will move on to the next.

You’ll receive an email with details of how to complete the tests.

You’ll first be asked to complete a Behavioural Styles questionnaire, and Situational Judgement Test

Then there will be ability tests to complete:

The questions will have multiple choice answers, and you’ll be given a specified amount of time to complete them.

If you pass the online tests you will be emailed a link to the application form, which will ask for the following information:

Step 2 – Document Checks and Fitness testing

You’ll be given a date and time to attend the fitness tests in person. Full adherence to Covid-19 safety guidelines will be undertaken by FRS staff and representatives.

The FRS will ask you to bring photo documentation with you to confirm your identity (like a passport or driving licence) and evidence of your right to work in the UK.

You’ll first be need to have a blood pressure check, and if the results are satisfactory you’ll be asked to complete the bleep test, also known as the shuttle run.

Not sure what to expect? Take a look at our article explaining the fitness test here!

Step 3 – The Firefighter Tests

If you’re successful in the fitness testing there are also various ‘hands-on’ physical tests you’ll have to pass. These are made up of activities designed to assess your fitness, strength, stamina and coordination, as well as seeing how you cope with tricky situations you might encounter on the job such as heights and enclosed spaces.

The physical tests will take place on a separate date, and will include:

You’ll receive full instructions, and be given PPE to wear.

At this stage you’ll also be re-tested on the online ability test completed at the beginning of the process. This is to verify that you have completed these tests without assistance.

Step 4 – The Interview and Presentation

If you make it through the physical assessment tests you’ll be invited to prepare a presentation, complete a written exercise, and take part in a one to one  a competency based interview.

In these types of interview you’ll be asked questions relating toy our behaviour on certain occasions or in specific circumstances, which you’ll then need to provide evidence for by using concrete examples from your past work and life experience.

This is your best chance to convince the panel that you are the candidate that they want to employ.

Again, it’s really important that you prepare adequately for the day – forewarned is forearmed!

Spend a bit of time thinking about what you might be asked, and write down your responses so that they’re fresh in your mind before the interview.

You generally won’t have long to wait before the FRS informs you if you’ve got the job! They will let you know either way, but even if you haven’t made it on this attempt you’ve done amazingly well to get so far.

For the written and presentation exercise you’ll be given details of the topic and how to prepare in advance. These exercises are designed to find out how good your written and spoken communication skills are, and how confident you are in front of an audience – giving talks and presentations is something you’ll be expected to do within the community as part of your role.

If you’re successful at the assessment day and have been offered the job, there are some final checks that the FRS will need to run.

Final Checks in the Dorset and Wiltshire FRS Firefighter Recruitment Process

You’ll be asked to attend a medical and fitness assessment with the Occupational Health department.

The medical is a general assessment to check that you’re fit for firefighter duties, and includes looking at your:

• Hearing
• Lung function
• Eyes
• Grip strength
• Blood pressure

The final pre-employment checks will involve checking the information on your application form, contacting your references, and performing a standard criminal record check.