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I have an oral board coming up next week and need some help. I have a list of 30 questions typically asked in oral boards and I have answered them to the best of my ability. I will use these questions to study from, so I want them to be good.
Some of them I didnt fill in because I need some help with them, so please feel free to add your opinion on the answer or anything about anything... thank you.
Here they are:
1. Tell us about yourself.
Help on this one…
2. Why do you want to be a firefighter? When did you decide on this career?
After graduating high school, I started at our local Junior College. I initially was majoring in computer science but soon found that I wasn’t interested.
At this time my mother was working as a physical therapy assistant. I often stopped by her work after school. On a few occasions she had firefighters as her patients. A few of them invited me to ride along at our local fire department.
After a few ride alongs with them I decided to take a fire class in school, and it has been my passion since.
3. What is the job of a firefighter? Are you qualified?
The job of a firefighter is to respond to the community in there times of need. Whether it be picking up an elderly man who couldn’t get back up, or cutting someone out of a vehicle following an accident. Regardless of the circumstance, we are there when they call.
Help answering the second part…
4. What have you done to prepare for this position?
I have taken many college fire science classes which deal with a majority of the jobs performed by firefighters. I have completed a 1 year internship with a local fire agency, in which I worked 24 hour shifts and took part in all aspects of the firefighter life in the firehouse.
Finally, I have just recently become a volunteer firefighter with another local agency. This position I have help for 6 months.
5. What are you bringing to the job?
I feel that I bring a sense of enthusiasm for the job, as well as the drive to fulfill the needs of the community as a new member of a team.
6. Why do you want to work for this city or agency?
From the experience I have had over the past 3 years, I have experienced 2 completely different size departments and how they run. I feel that the Oakland Fire Department, will best suit ambitions to climb the ranks of the fire service, while giving me the training and experience I need to succeed.
7. What do you know about this city or agency?
Working on this one…
8. What do you like to do? What are your hobbies?
Outside of work, I love to play golf, hike, and work on my webdesign.
9. What are your strengths? Weaknesses?
My strengths would probably have to be the ability to get along with just about everyone. There have been few people in my life that I haven’t liked or haven’t liked me, and for those that I didn’t get along with, I was able to hold a professional relationship with them regardless.
My main weakness would have to be being sometimes a bit lazy. Don’t get me wrong, if I’m working I will work as hard as the rest of them. The problem comes when there is nothing to do, like projects, or paperwork. I find myself easily placed behind a computer screen or working out, instead of seeking ‘work’ to do.
10. What would your employer say about you?
I feel that my employer would say that I am a hard worker with good people skills, and the drive to get the job done.
11. What are the attributes of a firefighter? What is the most important one to you?
I believe that a firefighter needs to be in shape because the position and responsibility in this job count on his ability to do what is asked at any time. I believe a firefighter should be mentally strong, to help deal with the mental stresses of the job, and to maintain a professional mindset in any situation.
The most important one to me would be the mental health, because anyone can get in physical shape but it takes constant work on the part of the person to overcome everyday mental tests to make them selves mentally strong.
How would you handle the following scenarios:
12. Drinking or drugs on the job?
Both are against the law no to mention they are both signs of depression and need to be taken seriously. I would take the time to talk to a coworker about it first before letting a superior know about the issue, but would most definitely involve someone who has the authority to take care of the situation.
13. Stealing on the job?
It is against the law to steal. If I see something stolen I will try to get it back with as little confrontation as possible, and if that isn’t possible I would involve a superior to mediate the situation.
14. Conflict with another employee?
This has happened to me in the workplace before. I took it as it came but never let it rise above the loud voice level. If the problem can’t be overcome and the situation is going to stay I would try to keep on a professional level with the individual as possible.
15. Irate citizen?
In this situation, given the circumstance of the situation, I would try to use my well mannered disposition to calm them and remediate the situation, but at the same time I would not allow them to overcome me with attitude. I would use my tone of voice and body language to show them that I am not afraid but try to keep it at a low level confrontation, and if this is not possible I would involve law enforcement.
16. An employee crisis at an emergency?
Help answering this one…
17. Sexual harassment?
Sexual harassment should not be an issue in the workplace from either sex not matter how comfortable you are with a person. If an issue arises I expect it to be taken to the person directly and between the parties involved it can be taken care of but if not a supervisor should be used.
18. Racial situation?
Racial problems should not be tolerated and most definitely not brought to the job. These problems should be handled just like any of the previous.
19. Conflicting orders at an emergency?
If I am given and order by my Capitan and then an opposing order from the chief, I would take steps to make sure the Capitan who gave me the order has been notified of the change.
20. An order that could place you in great danger or be morally wrong?
This is a very vague question… help.
21. What do you say when you don't know an answer to a question?
I don’t know, could you please explain, or ask for clarification of the question to make it easier to understand.
22. Are you on any other hiring lists? What would you do if another city called you?
I am not currently on any other hiring lists at the moment… don’t know the rest help!
23. When can you start if we offered you the job?
Immediately.
24. How far do you want to go in the fire service? Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
I would like to go as far as possible. If that means an administrative position I would take it.
In 5 years I see myself being… help.
25. What are the quality traits of a firefighter? Which one is the most important to you?
I believe that a firefighter needs to be someone who can do his duty under extreme pressures, both on the job and in the home. The firefighter should be brave but at the same time no so brave that he looses his grasp on reality. But one of the most important attributes to me that a firefighter should have would be a sense of humor. Nothing helps stress more then being able to laugh and be happy no matter the situation.
26. Have you ever been in an emergency situation? Tell us what you did.
I was in a situation where my girlfriend collapsed and for a moment became unresponsive in the middle of a store. When this happened I surprised myself by staying calm and fell back on my EMT training and took the proper steps and took care of her. After I revived her, I almost collapsed myself when I full thought of what had just happened.
27. What word would best describe you in a positive way? A negative way?
The positive word would be jovial. The negative would be comfortable. The reason I say this, is because, based on my friendly nature, I am often able to get very comfortable with people before they get to the same level.
Although it has never been a major problem, there is a good chance that it could be in the future.
28. How do you handle conflict?
The last major conflict I had was with my step father. It was basically us butting heads as I got older and more strong willed. It basically ended in me moving out, and living on my own for a year. During that time we allowed things to smooth over and I eventually moved back in and we have never been better. This to me means that I have good sense to let things get worked out instead of dwell on them and let them fester. Forgive and forget.
29. Why would we select you over the other candidates?
Help please… there are too many thoughts.
30. Do you have anything to add?
What is the best thing to add if anything?
Some of them I didnt fill in because I need some help with them, so please feel free to add your opinion on the answer or anything about anything... thank you.
Here they are:
1. Tell us about yourself.
Help on this one…
2. Why do you want to be a firefighter? When did you decide on this career?
After graduating high school, I started at our local Junior College. I initially was majoring in computer science but soon found that I wasn’t interested.
At this time my mother was working as a physical therapy assistant. I often stopped by her work after school. On a few occasions she had firefighters as her patients. A few of them invited me to ride along at our local fire department.
After a few ride alongs with them I decided to take a fire class in school, and it has been my passion since.
3. What is the job of a firefighter? Are you qualified?
The job of a firefighter is to respond to the community in there times of need. Whether it be picking up an elderly man who couldn’t get back up, or cutting someone out of a vehicle following an accident. Regardless of the circumstance, we are there when they call.
Help answering the second part…
4. What have you done to prepare for this position?
I have taken many college fire science classes which deal with a majority of the jobs performed by firefighters. I have completed a 1 year internship with a local fire agency, in which I worked 24 hour shifts and took part in all aspects of the firefighter life in the firehouse.
Finally, I have just recently become a volunteer firefighter with another local agency. This position I have help for 6 months.
5. What are you bringing to the job?
I feel that I bring a sense of enthusiasm for the job, as well as the drive to fulfill the needs of the community as a new member of a team.
6. Why do you want to work for this city or agency?
From the experience I have had over the past 3 years, I have experienced 2 completely different size departments and how they run. I feel that the Oakland Fire Department, will best suit ambitions to climb the ranks of the fire service, while giving me the training and experience I need to succeed.
7. What do you know about this city or agency?
Working on this one…
8. What do you like to do? What are your hobbies?
Outside of work, I love to play golf, hike, and work on my webdesign.
9. What are your strengths? Weaknesses?
My strengths would probably have to be the ability to get along with just about everyone. There have been few people in my life that I haven’t liked or haven’t liked me, and for those that I didn’t get along with, I was able to hold a professional relationship with them regardless.
My main weakness would have to be being sometimes a bit lazy. Don’t get me wrong, if I’m working I will work as hard as the rest of them. The problem comes when there is nothing to do, like projects, or paperwork. I find myself easily placed behind a computer screen or working out, instead of seeking ‘work’ to do.
10. What would your employer say about you?
I feel that my employer would say that I am a hard worker with good people skills, and the drive to get the job done.
11. What are the attributes of a firefighter? What is the most important one to you?
I believe that a firefighter needs to be in shape because the position and responsibility in this job count on his ability to do what is asked at any time. I believe a firefighter should be mentally strong, to help deal with the mental stresses of the job, and to maintain a professional mindset in any situation.
The most important one to me would be the mental health, because anyone can get in physical shape but it takes constant work on the part of the person to overcome everyday mental tests to make them selves mentally strong.
How would you handle the following scenarios:
12. Drinking or drugs on the job?
Both are against the law no to mention they are both signs of depression and need to be taken seriously. I would take the time to talk to a coworker about it first before letting a superior know about the issue, but would most definitely involve someone who has the authority to take care of the situation.
13. Stealing on the job?
It is against the law to steal. If I see something stolen I will try to get it back with as little confrontation as possible, and if that isn’t possible I would involve a superior to mediate the situation.
14. Conflict with another employee?
This has happened to me in the workplace before. I took it as it came but never let it rise above the loud voice level. If the problem can’t be overcome and the situation is going to stay I would try to keep on a professional level with the individual as possible.
15. Irate citizen?
In this situation, given the circumstance of the situation, I would try to use my well mannered disposition to calm them and remediate the situation, but at the same time I would not allow them to overcome me with attitude. I would use my tone of voice and body language to show them that I am not afraid but try to keep it at a low level confrontation, and if this is not possible I would involve law enforcement.
16. An employee crisis at an emergency?
Help answering this one…
17. Sexual harassment?
Sexual harassment should not be an issue in the workplace from either sex not matter how comfortable you are with a person. If an issue arises I expect it to be taken to the person directly and between the parties involved it can be taken care of but if not a supervisor should be used.
18. Racial situation?
Racial problems should not be tolerated and most definitely not brought to the job. These problems should be handled just like any of the previous.
19. Conflicting orders at an emergency?
If I am given and order by my Capitan and then an opposing order from the chief, I would take steps to make sure the Capitan who gave me the order has been notified of the change.
20. An order that could place you in great danger or be morally wrong?
This is a very vague question… help.
21. What do you say when you don't know an answer to a question?
I don’t know, could you please explain, or ask for clarification of the question to make it easier to understand.
22. Are you on any other hiring lists? What would you do if another city called you?
I am not currently on any other hiring lists at the moment… don’t know the rest help!
23. When can you start if we offered you the job?
Immediately.
24. How far do you want to go in the fire service? Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
I would like to go as far as possible. If that means an administrative position I would take it.
In 5 years I see myself being… help.
25. What are the quality traits of a firefighter? Which one is the most important to you?
I believe that a firefighter needs to be someone who can do his duty under extreme pressures, both on the job and in the home. The firefighter should be brave but at the same time no so brave that he looses his grasp on reality. But one of the most important attributes to me that a firefighter should have would be a sense of humor. Nothing helps stress more then being able to laugh and be happy no matter the situation.
26. Have you ever been in an emergency situation? Tell us what you did.
I was in a situation where my girlfriend collapsed and for a moment became unresponsive in the middle of a store. When this happened I surprised myself by staying calm and fell back on my EMT training and took the proper steps and took care of her. After I revived her, I almost collapsed myself when I full thought of what had just happened.
27. What word would best describe you in a positive way? A negative way?
The positive word would be jovial. The negative would be comfortable. The reason I say this, is because, based on my friendly nature, I am often able to get very comfortable with people before they get to the same level.
Although it has never been a major problem, there is a good chance that it could be in the future.
28. How do you handle conflict?
The last major conflict I had was with my step father. It was basically us butting heads as I got older and more strong willed. It basically ended in me moving out, and living on my own for a year. During that time we allowed things to smooth over and I eventually moved back in and we have never been better. This to me means that I have good sense to let things get worked out instead of dwell on them and let them fester. Forgive and forget.
29. Why would we select you over the other candidates?
Help please… there are too many thoughts.
30. Do you have anything to add?
What is the best thing to add if anything?
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