What changes have been made to the firefighter recruitment process- and how do they affect me?

For over ten years most Fire & Rescue Services (FRS) have been using the National Firefighter Selection Process (NFS) to recruit new Firefighters. But with changes to budgets, and growing familiarity with the tools used, some FRS are now looking for alternative methods. What does this mean for you?

There is still plenty of good news:

This is a big topic and one which we will be able to cover in much more depth when we release our new products next year. Click here if you would like us to let you know when these are available. For now, here is what you need to know.

Situational Judgement Test (SJT)

The Leadership Behaviours

Most FRS’s have moved away from the PQAs (Personal Qualities and Attributes) as a framework. However, effective behaviours so integral to the successful performance of a FF role, a new Framework is now in place, called the Leadership Behaviours

Unusual exercises

Some FRS have always done their own thing (most notably London) and most of their selection tasks haven’t been adopted elsewhere. They use methods such as a practical exercise on a chess style board where candidates have to respond to a scenario (often rescue based), using communication, leadership and problem solving skills with team members to avoid ‘hazards’ (cones) and utilise equipment (planks and blocks) to get across the board without touching the floor. (This style of assessment has been used in military recruitment for many years).

Some, but not many, FRS use a dictation test (where you need to listen to a recording and write down key points) to assess listening and comprehension skills. Some use a short presentation, which makes sense given the role of FF’s in presenting information to the public and the need for this to be clear and confidently delivered.

Interviews

Many interviews include leadership behaviour-based questions. Some do now have additional types of questions included. These questions are likely to be scenario based e.g. ‘you have been asked to help at a popular charity run. What would do to keep the spectators and runners safe; how would you ensure access for all members of the community; what risks would you be mindful of? ‘ Or ‘how would you respond to a group of elderly residents in a care home who expressed anxiety about the risk of fire?’

Other questions may be more traditional in nature e.g. Why do you want to become a FF? what do you know about our FRS? What would you bring to the role? It is always a good idea to have answers to these sorts of questions for any job interview.

Overall

It may cause confusion when the terms used to describe exercises are different, or the criteria seems to be different, but there is no need to worry, there is nothing dramatically different going on. The guidance we offer in our products will still be a big help, improving the way you describe your experience and abilities and guiding you in how you get your positive attitudes across to the recruiters in the best way possible.

If you aren’t sure what help you might need, contact our help desk team who will be able to advise you based on which tests the FRS you are applying for use.