Need advice on "showing initiative"

[Ratchet]

I could use a little advice if you guys don't mind. I have applied at a paid city department near me for part-time. The nice thing about it is that it is true part-time... meaning I go to the station, and stay there, not just go when I get a page. The cheif seemed like he was interested in getting me on board when I spoke with him a few months ago. Here's the thing though. I applied back in June. At that time, he told me that the HR lady (who decideds if he can hire anyone or not) was out on maternity leave, and to give him a call in mid-July. So, I called him in mid-July, and he said she's still out, wait till the beginning of August and give him a call. So I did. That time, he said that shes back, but hasn't had the time to get to his stuff yet... call in two weeks. Well, tomorrow is two weeks. I was thinking of stopping by the station and talking with him, as well as giving him a copy of my First Responder Cert. I'm under the assumption that if a department isn't interested, they'll pretty much tell you... right? So, I guess my question is, am I being a little too agressive by going there tomorrow, or is it showing that I'm serious. I don't want to give a bad impression, but at the same time, I WANT THIS JOB! This is the city that I would like to go full-time with, so I don't want to blow this. Any advice would be much appreciated...

[ullrichk]

By all means go. I'm pretty certain they would tell you to take a hike if they weren't interested.

On the other hand, if you don't care enough to pursue the job, why would they want to hire you?

Best of Luck!

[Dickey]

He beat me to it.

That is the best way to show your interest by stopping by, calling to find out any news, talking to the guys and the like. Believe me, if they did not want you around, they would tell you straight up. I don't know of any fire station that wouldn't. By stopping by, you show interest and it gets your name or at least your face familiar with everyone. Sounds like the Chief is between a rock and a hard place trying to hire personnel and is trying to be nice and keep you interested by not saying the city has him over a barrel with the budget crunch.

Let me tell you from someone who notices things like that....keep it up, it will pay off in the long run.

Keep your head down and your powder dry.
__________________________
Lt.Jason Knecht
Altoona Fire Rescue
Altoona, WI

[Weruj1]

Based on what you say ..............I would GO ! You have played by their rules and followed direction...........and I say as long as you are doing that and not being annoying then GET ER'done!

[Ratchet]

Thanks guys! That's what I thought you were going to say, but I wanted to make sure that I wasn't being a pest. The real kicker is that they're hiring for full-time right now, but I would have to be a full-blown Paramedic by the date of hire, and I'll only be an EMT-B by then. So, part-time is my only hope for at least two-years now (at least for that station anyway). Oh well, I'm not giving up. I still have a few possibilities left if this doesn't pan out... (I really should've pursued this back when I was 20).

Thanks again guys!