weaknesses of a firefighter

pick a character flaw or a weakness of yours on the fireground. S-131 Firefighter Type 1. Firefighters will perform better if they understand and comply with the "playbook." If you're like most people and your true weakness is not one you should use, it has been my experience that the best way to answer this question is with catered honesty. One could fill several booksdiscussing the importance of communication in the fire service. You were going to be on your feet throughout most of the day. Trust is of theutmost importance in public safety. You are going to work more hours per week than most people. 5 Personality Weaknesses You Should Know Being too honest Hard time letting go of tasks until finished Giving myself hard time and the deadline to finish work Too critical of yourself Introverted 10 Strength and Weakness to mention in Resume Are you planning to switch your job especially into a completely different path? Would you have climbed the World Trade Center steps to get people out, knowing that you might not get out? Reply: Let's start with what your answers are first. Even though you are given protective equipment that can help you survive if youre asked to go into a fire, there is no guarantee that you will return. Give us an example of when you were at work or . He described himself as having "rope dyslexia.". The cost of your benefits as a firefighter are continuing to rise. But for some of you, your true weakness may be one that you can and should use. You miss family events 4. You must be able to trust your fellow firefighter; trust them to know their job, trust them to have your back, trust them to keep your secrets, trust them with your safety and even your life. Attained perfect attendance over $time_period 36. There are times when you might be working all night long, but then there are the shifts where you will get paid to watch TV, work out in the gym, or catch a nap. You must be able to easily adapt to new people, new settings, changing job descriptions and the changing conditions under which you perform those jobs. While serving shifts of up to 48 hours (and some even up to 72) at a time, these people display heroic coverage every day while battling fires, rescuing people from emergency situations, and providing medical care as needed. If asked those questions I would probably respond with something like; My strengths are education, willingness to start from the bottom, my diverse background in fields other than fire fighting, and the fact that I have experience but am very adaptable to my current surroundings. Most firefighters have multiple days off each week that go beyond a weekend. Weakness #1 - You are not very good at talking in front of large groups of people! Unlike famous figures such as actors and athletes, when public safety professionals end up in the headlines in a negative way, people don't remember their names; they remember the occupation and city associated with these stories. Portable water pumps. Some jurisdictions will require that you become an emergency medical technician as part of your initial training. When you put out fires, then you are also saving the livelihood of that family. to ensure it's clean, functional, and ready for use at a moment's notice. Because part of the duties of a firefighter is to enter a building and carry people out of them to save their lives, it is essential that you remain in excellent physical shape. 8 terms. A firefighter's misconduct of any kind not only hurts their department but hurts all firefighters because it chips away at the public's trust that is so essential. Education, starting at the bottom and a diverse background are not really strengths. One good way to measure this is to ask yourself if the fire service overnight became an all-volunteer organization, would you still get involved and want to be a part of it, or is the paycheck essential for you to do the job? 7. My weaknesses are occasional tunnel vision, excitability, and no full-time experience. That means there is always a measure of job security available when you pursue this profession. By clearly articulating such traits and giving examples from your own life, you will show the interview panel that you truly understand them and live by them. It's the most comprehensive and trusted online destination for fire service professionals worldwide. Since firefighters are in a living environment, we would not be looking for someone with occasional tunnel vision and excitability. Things are constantly changing for firefighters, from the environment we work in, to those we work side by side with, to the job itself. I think you can come up with better strengths. Just be prepared to put in more time away from home than the average worker without having the overtime on your check to reflect the extra effort. Copyright 2022 Although this advantage does not necessarily apply to those who serve voluntarily, this opportunity is usually classified as a government job. The panel wants you to divulge something negative about yourself. You will be loved for what you do by some, but you will also be hated by others for various reasons. Catching an unusual symptom from a victim can lead to a life-saving alteration of their treatment. It's Hard on your body 9. FireFighterGarage.com - All Rights Reserved, Pros and Cons of Fire Blankets vs. Fire Extinguishers, How to Become a Firefighter Member of the NFPA. The first thing you need to understand is that everyone has weaknesses. The goal will also not be accomplished in the most effective way unless the entire team is working together. Can't use this one either. Adaptabilityis defined as finding a way to change with their environment and overcome various situations, whether they are living situations or stressful fireground situations. This question can be asked in many ways, i.e. Being a firefighter can be very rewarding, despite the many challenges. It's Long Shift Work 8. That is why you will see firefighters making themselves busy by cooking dinners, cleaning their equipment, staying organized, cleaning the station, and performing a variety of housekeeping duties while waiting for their next call. Firefighters can identify these buildings by the large lumber used for walls and the long distance of roof spans. Areas relating to loyalty, honesty, and being dependable etc. I really need to get a handle on the booze," probably won't get you a job. The average firefighter well eventually put in about 10 shifts per month, with all of them being 24 hours in length. Firefighters dedicate themselves to the protection and service of their communities. These are actually two separate traits. You will also receive a comprehensive set of benefits that includes a lucrative retirement package, with most in this career receiving a pension after they put in a certain amount of service over the years. 5. Type III = ordinary construction. Physically demanding Firefighting is a rigorous and physically demanding job. You must also hold a valid drivers license and be at least 18 years old in order to work independently. . The way you get the job is by having a great interview and answering every question in the best possible way. The public needs to trust us in order for us to do our job. They have specific needs, many pet peeves and are particular about certain things. He got his Firefighter1 from an academy in Southern California. 7. Here is a list of some examples of weaknesses you could mention: Lack of focused or too focused. Whether it is report writing, or communicating via e-mail, or other high-tech avenues having professional written communication skills will also be very important and essential to the job. Some people are better communicators then others, but it is a skill that can be improved and must be improved if you want to not only land a job (excel in an interview), but be a successful, well functioning firefighter as well. Identifying a change in air pressure or the color of the smoke can signal back draft and other dangers in a fire. There are probably a thousand faults but you get the point. No full-time experience is probably not a good choice for a. This candidate did score well by being completely honest and showing what he's done and is doing to work on this particular area. You can bet that in an interview you'll be askedto show proof of such traits and be able to articulate them with examples. It was the only thing that he struggled with and that didn't "stick" for him. He lives in Washington now and his oral was in 4 days. Copyright 2022 You may have integrity, but if you come off unkempt, immature, disrespectful, obnoxious, unorganized, rude, arrogant, etc., it reflects on all that you represent in the same negative way. Answer: Whether you are a fresher or an experienced firefighter, you can expect this question from the interviewer. Strengths: confines fire well, almost as structurally and fire resistive as type I, easier to vertically ventilate. For firefighters the way you look, speak and conduct yourself in public both on and off duty reflects on not only yourself, but your department and profession. When one person does not, the whole team suffers and the team's safety can become jeopardized. Exercising tolerance will help you maintain your sanity, make for a happier work environment for you and everyone else around you and benefit the entire organization. 12 popular Firefighter Interview Questions to pass the test! You must learn to treat them all with the same level of respect, courtesy and professionalism as everyone else. Although I do not necessarily agree with him, because I personally feel that integrity is more important, I do understand his logic, which is: if you can't physically perform the job, then nothing else matters. Another negative for me is my paramedic skills. Even the best salesperson, with the best pitch and delivery will score average at best if they take this approach. The only problem with this approach is that the cost of pensions and insurance is continuing to rise, with some paying a 10% increase or more each year to maintain what they have. 1. As a firefighter and candidate, you need to understand that you represent your department and your profession both on duty and off and are held to the highest standard of conduct and public opinion at all times. The most common way candidates can respond is to take a neutral or even a positive trait and spin it in such a way that sounds negative and self deprecating, but really isn't. No one wants to be in a position where they need the help of a firefighter at some point in their lives, but it is also comforting to know that you and your fellow professionals are ready to respond at a moments notice should the need arise. If you just want to be a firefighter, then the schedule you work wont matter to you much. Look for a box or option labeled Home Page (Internet Explorer, Firefox, Safari) or On Startup (Chrome). Most firefighters will experience a significant amount of downtime during their regular shifts. The following list was collected and compiled from various sources over a span of time by Emeryville firefighter (and LMC fire academy instructor), James Gundlach. Getentrepreneurial.com: Resources for Small Business Entrepreneurs in 2022. Writing communication is also equally important. The pay that you receive is not always reflective of the work that you do. While there are dozens of essential traits firefighters must possess in order to find success on the fireground and in the firehouse, here are the 10most important listed in no particular order. There are high levels of public approval for your job. Our appearance is the first and sometimes the only thing people have to go by before forming an opinion. Firefighters can never be complacent; they must always be aware of all elements of their surroundings. That being said, there is no need to feel as though you will ruin your chances of getting hired by admitting to a weakness. You must enable JavaScript in your browser to view and post comments. Within your response you should also indirectly reveal other positive attributes, by articulating your understanding of the fire service as it pertains to your particular weakness and the motivation to overcome such obstacles. As a firefighter you will have many different types of relationships with different types of people. If you look or act like a jackass or conduct yourself inappropriately in public it hurts us all. The answers Joel worked out with some firefighters and friends were definitely not helping but hurting him. This includes the ability to work under stress and perform your job duties under a variety of time urgent, life-threatening and otherwise high-stress situations. No full-time experience is not a good choice for a weakness either. Explosions, automobile accidents, suicide attempts. Self-sacrifice means that you are equally concerned with the well being of others as much you are with your own well being. Look for a box or option labeled Home Page (Internet Explorer, Firefox, Safari) or On Startup (Chrome). 5. The stress of not knowing whether or not you might come home at the end of your shift is an issue that can adversely impact families over time. The fire service culture is seen as rough and tough, showing no signs of weakness. This also requires tolerance as I define it. Some examples may be computer skills, or public speaking. . Our firefighting forefathers established a long legacy of trust and respect in our profession that we must continue to uphold. This career option feels rewarding because you can find comfort in knowing that the average person in your community will not disapprove of the work you are doing each day. It is common to ask for personal weaknesses as part of application processes, interviews and professional development activities. One way you can answer this question is by analyzing the major skills and the core strengths required for the target job. Anyone who has ever worked in the fire house, knows that the most dangerous firefighter is one who can not admit they are not proficient at something and tries to hide from their incompetencies, rather them face them and work to improve them. When you report for duty, then you have an opportunity to help your community on every shift in some way. Good answer: "I've never been very comfortable with public speaking, which, as you know, can be a hindrance.. Combined with the unique work and living conditions place many demands on firefighters, this creates a long list of traits that arenecessary for success. Symbolism of the Firefighter Emblem (Maltese & Florian Cross), Firefighter Physical Test Easy Preparation Guide. Category: Building Construction Firefighter Tags: Building Construction firefighter Since firefighters are in a living environment, we would not be looking for someone with occasional tunnel vision and excitability. Fears & Weaknesses: Being alone, Independence, Breaking trust, Bullying, Dependency in Relationships Character Roles: Often as a child or a younger version of a person Dream Meaning: Difficulty when trusting others, dependency in a relationship, or the need to nurture your inner child-like self and qualities. 3. John. Firefighters need to make many sacrifices and compromises and have the willingness and ability to live and work very dynamically. Firefighters are a part of team. The more mechanical aptitude one has, the more they can contribute. They may be the first to deliver unwelcome news or enter situations where they can't save a building or a person. Interviewers tire of people trying to disguise strengths as weaknesses with statements such as "I work too hard" or "I'm too passionate about what I do." If you would roll your eyes at someone saying these things to you, don't say them to a hiring manager. Those who possess this trait volunteer their time to worthy causes. He asked if he could run one of his answers on what a negative is for him that his firefighter buddies and other friends helped him work out. He owned up to his weakness and took it seriously. As of May 24, 2019, there have been 18 firefighters who gave their lives in the line of duty while helping to protect their community in some way. It sounds like a whinny excuse for having a bad interview. You obsess over the impact of the flaws, regardless of their actual influence on the project's overall quality. As a firefighter you deal with the public every day, and in a lot of cases, they can be in distress. Lexipol. If you like to work every day following the same patterns or routine, then being a firefighter is not for you. You get specialized training in firefighter safety, 2. Copyright 2022 FireRescue1. Since firefighters are in a living environment, we would not be looking for someone with occasional tunnel vision and excitability. Firefighters will also complete several chores around the house while at work, making sure their station and equipment is always ready to go if called upon for an emergency. Firefighters experience a steady onslaught of trauma and intense human emotion. I had a fire academy Instructor drill it in to our academy class that, "Physical fitness is the most essential trait of a firefighter." It simply doesn't work and you will be far from original. You must find a way to separate your personal reactions from your professional responsibilities in this career if you are going to have a successful experience. It also promotes consistency among members, crews, stations, and shifts. You witness innocent people suffering (and dying), 2. 2. Some districts allow you to start on the job training at age 16 or before, but always under the direct supervision of a hired or volunteer firefighter. This positive public image is a big reason why the fire service and firefighters are so respected. 1. As . Succeed in your firefighter career by breaking these 10 bad habits, Change these behaviors to practice relational leadership that will advance your professional and personal exchanges. Weakness #2 - You find it difficult saying "NO" to people! He explained that to work on this he carried a short length of rope with him everywhere he went and practiced them daily. Most of the candidates tend to utter their chronological work history in response to this question, which is not a perfect answer. The fire department's primary recruitment concern is that we are hiring people with the utmost integrity. There is ongoing on-the-job training throughout your career. Many firefighters get their start in high school while serving in a supportive capacity. Reviewing common fire department interview questions can help you prepare for this evaluation. In the most pathetic monotone voice he said this is the department he really wants to work for and (with absolutely no enthusiasm) he will be one of the 15 hired. Cons of Being a Firefighter 1. Do Not Sell My Personal Information. Provide an example of a situation where you were able to use something you learned in school. The ability to maintain a clear presence of mind under stress is of utmost importance and an essential part of being considered adaptable". Do Not Sell My Personal Information. Heart attacks account for 45 percent of all work-related deaths among firefighters. Dedication to the job is a vague and generic term that encompasses many traits and often goes by other names. Weaknesses: Many buildings of this type have connected attics or horizontal void spaces, enabling flames to spread unless fire stops are installed. How bad were the others? All rights reserved. #4 Compassion. finds relevant news, identifies important training information, Joel said a negative for me is my past. We encounter these bad answers on a regular basis. By clearly articulating such traits and giving examples from your own life, you will show the interview panel that you truly understand them and live by them. When you break down the time that you are required to be on duty, it typically works out to about 56 hours per week. Again, the many generations of firefighters who preceded us left a long legacy of positive public image that we reap the benefits of. A good response has many layers that continue to be revealed throughout the response. This is a blue-collar profession like no other. This career rarely forces someone to look for a change unless they are on able to meet the requirements of this position in the first place. Your wages are typically comparable to what social workers or administrative positions in local government earn. Perilous flames, collapsing buildings, the anguish of burn victims. If you're having a bad interview and then reply this way, the panel will simply nod and say yes, your interview skills aren't good and that's why we are not going to hire you. As a firefighter, you will be a part of an organization whose primary purpose is to serve and protect its community. You must enable JavaScript in your browser to view and post comments. 2022 Endeavor Business Media, LLC. I encourage candidates do use their own answers, reflecting their personal life experience. Is punctual and consistently on-time to meetings 34. Many job functions simply cannot be performed without maintaining a high fitness level. You will need to learn not only how to deal with, but care for people who live their lives and have chosen lifestyles that you may not agree with. 5 stresses firefighters deal with that others don't know about, There is always the chance that something will happen that we have no control over; it's those fears that keep us up at night. You are constantly training in this career, whether that means you are taking care of your physical body or staying up-to-date with the latest technologies and trends in this industry. There are some firefighters who can earn more than $100,000 per year, but there are also some in rural communities that make less than $30,000 per year. 3. All rights reserved. 6. Firefighters have a challenging job that takes strength, commitment, and motivation. We often have heated argumentswith them, but we all must learn to live with our brothers and sisters and get along with them, despite our differences. Most firefighters earn about $50,000 per year, which places this career at the median earnings level in the United States. We need to understand a wide variety of concepts and master many skills many of which require mechanical aptitude. Some localities require a 48-hour shift when you report for duty. 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