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Go from underprepared to competitive with these trusted Canadian firefighter recruitment services.
The Firefighter Recruitment Network is a group of professional firefighter recruitment service providers who act as an access point for aspiring firefighters to acquire information about the recruitment process and the professional services offered to them.
Each provider below answers from their own specialty. S.M.A.R.T. Tutoring, established in 2012, contributes the aptitude test preparation guidance.
Fire candidates do not realize how much time it takes to prepare for an aptitude test. Most start studying a few weeks before they write, which is often not enough time. Recruits have to look at their test preparation like an athlete preparing to run a marathon. Athletes don’t start running weeks before their race. They start training months in advance.
Recruits need to do the same, especially with math. Assess your strengths and weaknesses. Develop your skills. Write when you are ready, and run your best race.
Fire recruits often train their strengths, not weaknesses. As an industrial athlete, training needs to be specific to testing and/or firefighting. Start three months prior to the test. Training needs to be targeted on high-end cardio (80% max heart rate), force production, dynamic core engagement, efficient and safe lift techniques, back and hamstring flexibility, as well as stress management techniques that promote relaxation.
Many aspiring firefighters think that having the minimum certification requirements makes them eligible applicants. That may be so, but it’s the competitive applicant who is given the Conditional Job Offer.
Fire recruits often train their strengths, not weaknesses. As an industrial athlete, training needs to be specific to testing and/or firefighting. Start three months prior to the test. Training needs to be targeted on high-end cardio (80% max heart rate), force production, dynamic core engagement, efficient and safe lift techniques, back and hamstring flexibility, as well as stress management techniques that promote relaxation.
Vehicle extrication is physically and mentally demanding.
Firefighters work in full bunker gear while operating a 50-60 Ib. tool in an elevated position under visual and audible stresses.
Firefighting is a tough profession. Bring your A-game in everything you do in your endeavor to become a firefighter.
Remember that you are being interviewed every time you take a course, visit a firehall, or speak with a fire service member.
There is a small degree of separation in the fire service—we all know each other. Conduct yourself accordingly.
If you are just starting your interview prep when you receive your date, you are way behind, and it can be difficult to compete with those that have been preparing long before.
Candidates who are prepared for their interviews have been preparing for months before they receive their interview date.
They know their resume and how to sell their transferable skills. They have their 15-20 stories memorized and know all the competencies that relate to each story.
They have researched and worked on every possible situational question that can arise and have answers. They have considered their weaknesses and strengths and have reviewed their NFPA 1001 course material for any technical questions that may be asked.
Some recruits assume that the interviewing panel knows what is on their resumes.
Most panels are not part of the resume grading process and really have no idea about a recruit’s education, work experience, and community involvement. You need to educate the panel on what you have done and how it would make you a great firefighter. The panel needs to hear passion from you about the position you are applying for and your life experiences. This is how to take an “out of the can” answer and make it your own.
