Facing the Promotional Interview – Part 11

PREPARING FOR THE OPENING

For this article, let’s consider the common opening interview question, “Summarize your background” and consider two different approaches to answer this question. Utilizing the resume that we have previously discussed, the first approach could parallel the following:

“Members of the board, I have 11 years of experience with this department. This experience includes the positions of firefighter, paramedic, hazardous materials responder, and an engineer. I have worked in the high-incident areas of the city and have been exposed to a wide variety of various types of emergency incidents.

My fire prevention background includes experience as an inspector, and I have familiarized myself with the records and reports that are required for the maintenance, operation, and necessary compliance with this program. Additionally, I have been involved in the city’s new sprinkler ordinance program.

My leadership experience consists of participating as an acting Captain during the past three years, and directing companies at several large emergencies. I have been chairperson of our Muster Committee for the past two years, and I have four years experience as a naval officer prior to my employment in this department.

My training qualifications consist of researching and developing a training program for the department’s current nozzles, hose, and breathing apparatus. I have conducted several building construction seminars for local fire departments and have trained probationary firefighters. My education consists of a Bachelor of Arts degree in Fire Protection Administration from a local State University.

My administrative qualifications include assisting in planning company functions, using reports and records that a Captain must know, and assisting with company planning. Finally, I am a member of a local Chamber of Commerce.”

Notice this response answered the question and overviewed an excellent background with numerous qualifications. However, this response also requires that the interview board needs to assume this overview has qualified the candidate for the position of Captain through the process of inference, and never related any background qualifications to the position of Captain.

Now, let’s modify this presentation into the following response:

“Members of the board, I have been in this department for 11 years. I have promoted through the ranks from the position of firefighter to my present position of engineer. I have been assigned to engine and truck companies in high-incident areas and I am currently certified as a paramedic and hazardous materials responder. However, I am currently applying for the position of Captain. Let me take a few minutes and describe the position of Captain, and how I am qualified to be an effective officer on this department.

In my opinion, the position of Captain is comprised of five areas of responsibility, they are: experience, fire prevention, leadership, training, and administration.

In the area of experience, I have evaluated and applied the various assignments and opportunities the department has made available to me. I have 11 years of varied experience which is noteworthy from the perspective of accumulated experience, a combination of various assignments, and the time I have left to give this experience back to this department. I have promoted through the ranks and have an understanding and working knowledge of promotional positions that will assist me as a Captain. My field assignments have been in areas classified as high-incident, commercial, and residential. I have utilized these assignments to establish and expand my knowledge of fire ground operations from an operational and managerial perspective, develop an ability to deploy resources necessary to mitigate various incidents, and manage fireground operations.

Leadership is the cornerstone of necessary qualifications that are necessary to ensure a successful Captain. The opportunity to act as Captain has underscored my ability to get a job done by providing necessary leadership in the absence of the regular Captain. I have utilized short and long range plans, organized necessary resources, directed and controlled these resources, provided clear and effective communications, and ensured accurate and timely reports. My background as a naval officer gave me valuable experience in managing a specific command and people. As you are aware, a Captain accomplishes necessary goals through people, and this experience has given me a foundation necessary to manage and supervise a command. My coordination in the Muster Committee enabled me to demonstrate my ability to evaluate the needs of a program, utilize short and long range plans for events, organize necessary resources, and operate within an allocated budget. Each of these areas contain the same tools I will use to run an effective command”.

Next month we will continue with this method to overview your qualifications and the job you are applying for.