Changes to the firefighter application process

Changes to the firefighter selection process are on-going, so you need to stay on your toes!

Most FRS’s include:

• An application form (or CV)
• Physical tests
• Medical tests
• The final interview

Other Selection Stages

 
Realistic Job Preview
You might start the application process by completing some on-line forms- perhaps a Realistic job Preview which aims to give you an insight into the role, and you decide if its what you had in mind or not. It’s a useful way to get you to identify whether the role is right for you after all. For instance, you might be surprised by how much community work there is, and how few operational incidents, and decide that’s not what you were hoping for. Either way, its best to be properly informed.

Eligibility Screening
There are certain conditions you have to meet to be eligible for applying. This will be things like right to work in the UK or your age (18+). Its better to know early on in the process if you will be able to progress to the next stage, than find out after you’ve spent time on the application form. So it’s a good thing if your FRS offers this.

Situational Judgement Testing (SJT)
This test will give you statements or scenarios and invite you to select from a number of options which course of action you would prefer. This shows the recruiter how well aligned your behaviour would be to what is required from a firefighter.

Group Exercises
Most FRS’s like to see you in person, and although tight budgets can make this type of exercise less likely, there is still a change you could be called to an assessment day which will include a group exercise. This might be a practical tasks you and other applicants are given and observed as you complete it. Or it might be a discussion group, with a topic you need to talk through. Whatever the format, you’ll be given instructions about what to do, and how you do it will be evaluated by assessors.

Personality/ values/ behaviour screening
The FRS is recognises that the values you hold and the attitudes you display are an essential part of the sort of firefighter you will become. So making sure your values and attitudes are a good fit with what the FRS is looking for is important. You can find information about the FRS code of ethics here. Its important that you support these in your actions and attitudes.

Ability Testing
Some FRS’s may ask you to take basic online literacy and mathematics assessments if your formal qualifications are below the level of GCSE level C or equivalent. This may also include mechanical reasoning or spatial awareness testing.

Presentation
Some FRS may give you a topic to prepare in advance which you will present during your assessment day or as part of the interview process. You would need to research the subject and decide what information is important to you. You may need to include your opinions, which you will need to explain and justify.

Practical Exercises
Some FRS are using the fairly vague term ‘practical exercise’ which can cover all sorts of things! However, some reports are that it can refer to an exercise which will test your knowledge of the role and aptitude for making correct decisions. In this scenario you will be given some questions and/or tasks and asked to explain what you would do in that particular situation. Another option, and perhaps part of the fitness testing is a dexterity test where you will be assessed on your ability to put a piece of equipment together using your hands whilst following a set of instructions. You will be given a set time to do this within and your accuracy in completing the task will be assessed.
 

What about the Interview?

If you get through all the other stages successfully, the interview is the final hurdle. Typically, less than 5% of applicants will get through to this stage, and the FRS will often have fewer than 10 positions available.

Interview questions will cover the ‘tell me about a time’ or ‘give me an example of a situation when…’ type questions, which you really need to be prepared in advance for, as its much harder to think of real-life examples on your feet. Our interview workbook guides you on how to identify your best examples and then create detailed and impressive answers.

You may also have questions on the Fire Service itself and national issues affecting it, such as culture, community work, changes to the role and types of incidents. You may be asked about your knowledge of the role and Service priorities, so do your homework! Each FRS website will have plenty of good info, and the NFCC website too. Be prepared to answer questions on your personal strengths and weaknesses too.

On-line
More elements will move online in a move to process applications quicker and more cheaply. Early on-line screening means that candidates who don’t match up with the job requirements are disregarded from the process as soon as possible.

What are they looking for?
Each FRS will have specific criteria which guide their decisions. The closer you match, the better you will score. Its up to you to provide the evidence of this. Most FRS’s now use the NFCC Leadership Framework to guide their recruitment decisions. They may also factor in either the generic FRS Values or a list designed specifically for their FRS. The Code of Ethics will also be important.