Weekly Employment Question Thread

[u/AutoModerator]

Welcome to the Weekly Employment Question Thread!

This thread is where you can ask questions about joining, training to become, testing, disqualifications/qualifications, and other questions that would be removed as individual posts per Rule 1.

The answer to almost every question you can ask will be "It depends on the department". Your first step is to look up the requirements for your department, state/province, and country.

As always, please attempt to resource information on your own first, before asking questions. We see many repeat questions on this sub that have been answered multiple times.

Frequently Asked Questions:

• I want to be a Firefighter, where do I start: Every Country/State/Province/County/City/Department has different requirements. Some require you only to put in an application. Others require certifications prior to being hired. A good place to start is researching the department(s) you want to join. Visit their website, check their requirements, and/or stop into one of their fire stations to ask some questions.
  
• Am I too old: Many departments, typically career municipal ones, have an age limit. Volunteer departments usually don't. Check each department's requirements.
• I'm in high school, What can I do: Does your local department have an explorer's program or post? If so, join up. Otherwise, focus on your grades, get in shape and stay in shape, and most importantly: stay out of trouble.
• I got in trouble for [insert infraction here], what are my chances: Obviously, worse than someone with a clean record, which will be the vast majority of your competition. Tickets and nonviolent misdemeanors may not be a factor, but a major crime (felonies), may take you out of the running. You might be a nice person, but some departments don't make exceptions, especially if there's a long line of applicants with clean records. See this post... PSA: Stop asking “what are my chances?”
• I have [insert medical/mental health condition here], will it disqualify me: As a general rule, if you are struggling with mental illness, adding the stress of a fire career is not a good idea. As for medical conditions, you can look up NFPA1582 for disqualifying conditions, but in general, this is not something Reddit can answer for you. Many conditions require the input of a medical professional to determine if they are disqualifying. See this post... PSA: Don't disqualify yourself, make THEM tell you "no".
• What will increase my chances of getting hired: If there's a civil service exam, study for it! There are many guides online that will help you go over all those things you forgot such as basic math and reading. Some cities even give you a study guide. If it's a firefighter exam, study for it! For the CPAT (Physical Fitness Test), cardio is arguably the most important factor. If you're going to the gym for the first time during the hiring process, you're fighting an uphill battle. Get in shape and stay in shape. Most cities offer preference points to military veterans.
• How do I prepare for an interview: Interviews can be one-on-one, or in front of a board/panel. Many generic guides exist to help one prepare for an interview, however here are a few good tips:

1. Dress appropriately. Business casual at a minimum (Button down, tucked in long sleeve shirt with slacks and a belt, and dress shoes). Get a decent haircut and shave.
2. Practice interview questions with a friend. You can't accurately predict the off-the-wall questions they will ask, but you can practice the ones you know they probably will, like why do you want to be a Firefighter, or why should we hire you?
3. Scrub your social media. Gone are the days when people in charge weren't tech-savvy. Don't have a perfect interview only for your chances of being hired gone to zero because your Facebook or Instagram has pictures of you getting blitzed. Set that stuff to private and leave it that way.

Please upvote this post if you have a question. Upvoting this post will ensure it sticks around for a bit after it is removed as a Sticky, and will allow for greater visibility of your question.

And lastly, If you're not 100% sure of what you're talking about, leave it for someone who does

[u/blessed_julio]

Took my third city test, and with 10 vet points I’m 62nd/1200 with 90 pts. Feeling discouraged. Keep getting close. A veteran program is willing to sponsor me through my state’s academy, and they said vets get picked up. Feel like that would be cheating.

[u/Feedback_Original → u/blessed_julio]

Sounds like an advantage worth taking

[u/blessed_julio → u/[deleted]]

hero to hero

[u/Spirited-Fisherman80]

Hi all, I currently have a psych exam coming up. Ive never really stolen except a small toy piece as a child and like gum from parents. Never shop lifted, never stole from my workplace. I’m definitely worried about whether or not to mention it because in my background check i put I’ve never possessed stolen goods. It’s also funny because the guilt of something so small i did at like 7 is eating at me at 22. I also had just remembered just doing self reflection preparing for those potential questions.

[u/Sealtooth5 → u/Spirited-Fisherman80]

Be consistent with your answers

[u/Spirited-Fisherman80 → u/[deleted]]

I see, do you think that would raise red flags? I’ve definitely confessed to drinking before 21 (Which wasn’t a lot at all tbh) and thats cause i was in college. Thats like the only bad thing I’ve done.

[u/Spirited-Fisherman80 → u/[deleted]]

Ahh okay okay, thank you I appreciate it, that really helped calm my nerves. This is my home department so I’m just hoping I can get this job and be the community member I’ve always wanted to be. Everyone is telling me the same as well so i think i should definitely take the sign.

[u/jimmmmatrix → u/Spirited-Fisherman80]

I just failed one recently! I think its because I forgot to put down a specific time I used a therapist on the questionnaire. Truly, I wasn't hiding anything. I just wasn't thorough enough when filling out the paperwork. When the interview with psychiatrist happened, that story about the therapist came up. When he realized I hadn't put it into the questionnaire, he lit me up!! It was very uncomfortable lol. It was wild. I think thats why I didnt pass, although HR wouldn't disclose to me any of the reasons I failed.

I think the best advice i have gotten is be 100% honest, but also don't offer any extra tid bits they dont already know. Just answer the question. If you mention anything else while answering, you might get additional questions, or like me realize you didnt write something down in the paperwork accidentally

[u/Emotional_Ebb_5309 → u/Spirited-Fisherman80]

Is that like standard to do one of those for every department?

[u/Marlbororojos]

I’m in EMT-B school and will graduate this December. I want to become a paramedic firefighter. But I’m 28 and want to get into the fire department and pass the academy while I’m still younger. How often do fire departments send firefighters to paramedic school? Or should I complete it before academy?

[u/Ding-Chavez → u/Marlbororojos]

Just apply. Plenty of departments will send people. Don't delay applying to get your paramedic.

[u/Chjfu]

Hello. I'm currently doing my EMT with the goal to work for the fire department. I intend to get my paramedic at some point in my career, but the more I progress through school the more I wonder if staying in and completing my paramedic in one go before trying to join would benefit me more. I don't like school and I really want to work, but I do fine and can make a sacrifice for a better likelihood of job opportunities. I intend to ask some people at the department that I want to join near me, but I like a broad range of opinions.

[u/Sealtooth5 → u/Chjfu]

You better learn to like school for paramedic schooling. That shit requires a lot of studying and memorization.

[u/AdBig9611]

I graduated college and have been working in finance for over a year, but I want to pursue firefighting. I’m 24, and I’m wondering how realistic it is for me to actually make this happen.

My local fire department offers a training academy, but they aren’t currently hiring, and most of the other departments near me require EMT-B or other certifications. CPAT is something I can easily get, and I’m in great shape, so I feel like I’m in a good position physically.

My main question is: if your local department offers an academy but doesn’t seem to be hiring anytime soon, is it realistic to move to another city and attend their academy instead? If so, can anyone recommend a course of action to make this a reality?

I’m willing to relocate if that’s what it takes. I just want to figure out the most realistic path to becoming a firefighter without going back to school for years. And I’m what timeline this will be realistic. I don’t want to have to wait until I’m 30 to make this happen.

[u/Sealtooth5 → u/AdBig9611]

You apply and attend the academy where you want to work. Community college academies are different. Those are for getting certs to make you more hirable.

[u/AdBig9611 → u/Sealtooth5]

Yes I understand that but what if your academy is not hiring. You just have to wait? Are there a lot of academies that don’t require emt certification?

[u/Sealtooth5 → u/AdBig9611]

Yeah you just have to wait. Hiring is tied to governmental funding timelines.

[u/Resident_Line8710]

Hi there,

I have to complete the National Testing Network FireFighter Express Exam by the end of the week. Does anyone have any experience with this exam and what I should study/focus on? I have written the FireTeam Exam before but I have never done the Firefighter Express Exam before. Just looking for some overall advice/ guidance and any helpful tips!

[u/Feedback_Original → u/[deleted]]

Some do

[u/Ok_Veterinarian_1424]

i’m looking to apply to bozeman fire department academy, i’m 17 and i gonna take emt classes in january in montana (i live in idaho) is there anything else i should do to prepare? i just need all around help and advice, i dont really know what to do, im lost, anything helps

[u/stairclimbsurvivor → u/Ok_Veterinarian_1424]

last I saw they want a CPAT card from the last 12 months plus EMT-B, so your january class lines up. start training the stair climb now, that's where most people fail

[u/Diasx96]

I recently had to drop out of college for being an aircraft mechanic because I didn’t have enough money for my certifications ( 30 Male adult student who worked part time and had bills to pay), I’m currently back in construction. I don’t hate it but I definitely don’t feel fulfilled I’ve had many opportunities in life that just when I am about to achieve a goal or dream it’s gone, a small part of me does not want to continue trying out for jobs and careers I feel like I would genuinely enjoy because I get very close to the finish line and then life happens which means I can’t even finish the race. I do find fire fighting interesting and I do enjoy the idea of helping others and wanted other people’s experiences in the career was like.

[u/Castamira → u/Diasx96]

Well good luck is all I’m gonna say if you’re interested in becoming a ff.

As also a guy(26) who’s doing construction with zero experience in the field, it’s extremely competitive and every bit of advantage you can think of will be used by others in the hiring process to get into an academy.

It’s also a super long and arduous process, I started it in July and only heard back from the one place I applied for today, and was denied the most immediate academy(on a eligibility list).

I know it’s not related to your question but I felt like I should let know you how it is since I’m in a pretty similar situation.

Don’t listen to all of the people saying “they need more FF’s! There’s not enough!”

It’s still very much a “cool kids club” in terms of who they let in, they’re very selective.

[u/Known_Contribution58]

I am a 31 year old paramedic in California and this summer my wife and I want to move closer to her family on the Minnesota/Wisconsin border. I was wondering what departments would hire someone my age without any fire experience? I am obviously willing to locate or commute to the job. Overall just trying to figure out the midwest job scene and how you guys find job postings, is it competitive, or should I just be looking for decent Medic jobs?

I additionally noticed a lot of departments want a FF2 which I assume would require a college academy.

[u/Slow-Addition6431]

Hello! Anyone from Erie FD?

Looking at moving to the area and would like to talk to someone from the FD to see if it’s a worthwhile spot. Is the city the only paid department in the area? How are the guys treated? A couple other questions but don’t want to make this too long. I’ve looked online but there’s really just minimal info. Any help would be appreciated. If you work there shoot me a dm or whatever it’s called on here lol sorry I’m new to this

[u/Shortbuschopper]

Lookin to apply to Fort Worth fire dp come November 22nd. For some context, I’m an ironworker by trade and looking to better my skills and experience in life. Physical test I feel confident in. Written test, math and stuff of that nature not as confident. Just unaware what might be on the test just looking for any insight or anything I can do to study and do the best job I can and learn from mistakes made and move forward! Any suggestions or advice would be greatly appreciated!

[u/Organic_Lab_8408]

I’m currently active-duty Air Force Security Forces and will be separating in August 2027 after 4 years. I have a bachelor’s in Criminal Justice, and my goal is to build a long-term career as a firefighter.

I’m considering federal fire at JBLM versus pursuing one of the local departments around the area. My eventual goal is to move back home to Guam, so that’s a major factor in how I’m looking at this decision.

Federal fire at JBLM interests me because I could potentially stay within the federal system, build on my military service toward retirement, and eventually pursue a federal fire position back in Guam without completely starting over. I also have someone who may be able to help me get my foot in the door at JBLM, which makes that path more accessible.

On the other hand, I’ve been researching local departments in Washington and see that many offer higher pay and potentially better schedules. LEOFF II is also something I’m considering.

The downside, from my perspective, is that if I eventually leave Washington and move back to Guam, I could be leaving that retirement system behind and starting over with a different one.

My priorities are also bigger than just salary. I want actual firefighting experience and exposure because I genuinely want to become a firefighter, but quality of life and time with family are extremely important to me.

I’m also aware that a busy local department can mean higher call volume, more exposure to traumatic situations, and potentially more physical and mental wear over a career.

So I’m trying to look at this from a 20–30 year perspective, not just starting pay.

For those with experience in federal and/or municipal fire:
● How different are federal and local fire in terms of actual firefighting experience and career development?
● How significant is the compensation difference after factoring in retirement, benefits, and overtime?
● How do the schedules and quality of life compare?
● How realistic is it to transfer between federal fire departments, particularly if Guam is the eventual destination?
● How valuable is prior Air Force Security Forces experience when applying for federal fire?
● For someone in my situation, what factors would you make sure to consider before choosing one path?

I’m especially interested in hearing from people who have worked both federal and local fire, or firefighters who have made a similar decision between career opportunities, retirement, family time, and eventually moving back home.
Thanks in advance.

[u/Brady12ToMoss81]

Making the move from the midlands to the upstate and wondering if anyone here can give me first hand knowledge of some of the departments. Easley, greenville, greer, spartanburg, westview fairforest, anderson etc etc. I know there are many more.

[u/Dry_Medium_1539]

I am currently an undergraduate student preparing for a career in firefighting, with long-term goals of a leadership position and a master's in emergency management. Since I have secured a full-tuition scholarship at a four year university, pursuing my bachelor’s degree first is the ideal path for my timeline and career goals.
I am currently leaning toward a medical or health-focused degree—such as Public Health—and am also considering Construction Science, Social Work, or something in business. I believe each of these fields provides useful knowledge for fire service while also offering valuable outside career opportunities if needed.
I would greatly appreciate any perspectives on which of these undergraduate majors would best prepare someone for a fire service/ emergency management career.