The Firefighter Hiring Process Part 2 Of 2

Summary

The video emphasizes the importance of honesty and accountability in the firefighter recruitment process. It highlights that many candidates fail due to lying during interviews, background checks, or polygraph exams. The speaker stresses that while mistakes are tolerated, dishonesty is not. Candidates should own up to their past errors, learn from them, and demonstrate positive changes. The process involves rigorous background checks, psychological evaluations, and medical exams. The message encourages aspiring firefighters to focus on integrity, making smart choices, and preparing for the long, detailed hiring journey.

Takeaways

• 🚨 Honesty is critical: Lying at any stage of the firefighter hiring process, especially in interviews and background checks, can lead to immediate disqualification.
• ⚠️ Own up to mistakes: Acknowledging past mistakes and demonstrating how you’ve changed is far more acceptable than hiding or lying about them.
• 🎯 Learn from mistakes: It's important to show that you've learned from past errors and made positive changes in your life to improve as a candidate.
• 📉 Background check failures are rising: Between 60% to 80% of candidates fail their background checks, and this trend is increasing.
• 🙅‍♂️ Avoid bad influences: Candidates need to distance themselves from negative behaviors and people that could harm their chances of becoming a firefighter.
• 🧾 Consistency matters: Answers given in interviews should match those provided in background checks and polygraphs, as inconsistencies lead to disqualification.
• 💬 The polygraph is final: Lying during the polygraph test results in automatic disqualification, as the polygraph result is final.
• 🧠 Psychological evaluations: Candidates must pass a written psychological test and an interview with a psychologist to assess risk levels before being hired.
• 🩺 Medical exams: Modern medical advancements allow candidates with past surgeries to pass the medical exam, but it is still a critical step in the hiring process.
• 🚒 Training and orientation: After passing all stages, candidates may undergo orientation training or a Fire Academy program before being assigned to the field.

Q & A

What is the most important takeaway when addressing past mistakes in the firefighter hiring process?

The most important takeaway is to acknowledge your mistakes, learn from them, and show how you've changed your behavior. It's essential to be honest about past actions and demonstrate how you've distanced yourself from negative influences to make better life choices.

How common is it for firefighter candidates to fail the background check?

According to the script, the failure rate for background checks has increased in recent years, now reaching 60-80% of firefighter candidates. This failure is often due to dishonesty in the application process.

Why is lying during the application process such a serious issue for firefighter candidates?

Lying is not tolerated in the fire service because firefighters are trusted by the community to act with integrity. Lying in any part of the process, whether in an interview or background check, can lead to immediate disqualification.

What are the consequences of failing a background check when applying to become a firefighter?

Failing a background check can significantly reduce your chances of becoming a firefighter. If you fail one, it increases the likelihood of being disqualified from future hiring processes as well, as departments will reference past failures.

What is the role of the polygraph test in the firefighter hiring process?

The polygraph test is used to verify the truthfulness of the candidate's answers regarding personal history, such as criminal records, drug use, or other misconduct. Any inconsistencies between earlier statements and the polygraph results can lead to disqualification.

What happens if a candidate lies during the polygraph test?

If the polygraph detects a lie, the candidate will be immediately disqualified from the hiring process. The polygraph test serves as the final word in confirming the truthfulness of the candidate’s responses.

What are the steps after passing the background check and polygraph test in the firefighter hiring process?

After passing the background check and polygraph, candidates typically undergo a psychological exam, which includes a written test and an interview with a psychologist. If they pass, they may receive a conditional offer of employment, often contingent on passing a medical exam.

What is the psychological exam in the firefighter hiring process, and how does it affect a candidate’s chances of being hired?

The psychological exam includes a written test (often 550 questions) and an interview with a psychologist. Candidates are assessed for risk (high, medium, or low). Most candidates are in the medium or low risk categories, which are acceptable. High-risk candidates are usually disqualified.

What happens during the firefighter academy, and how long does it typically last?

In larger departments that still have fire academies, the academy can last 16 to 20 weeks. Candidates receive hands-on training, learn how to operate department equipment, and get introduced to administrative personnel. Some departments provide an orientation before starting.

Why is honesty so crucial throughout the firefighter hiring process, even after being hired?

Honesty is vital because firefighters are trusted by the public to enter homes and businesses in emergencies. Even after being hired, any dishonesty, such as lying about an incident on the job, can lead to termination. Integrity is essential in maintaining that public trust.