Fire Inspector Interview Questions & Answers

Fire inspectors examine buildings in order to detect fire hazards and ensure that federal, state, and local fire codes are met.

Interviewers look for candidates that demonstrate excellent skills such as:

• Communication skills
• Attention to detail
• Critical thinking skills
• Physical strength

In this blog, we discuss commonly asked interview questions during job interviews for Fire Inspector positions. We also discuss the qualities that interviewers look for in successful candidates. In other words, we’re here to help you out!

Also, read more about frequently asked job interview questions here and check our job interview preparation checklist.

Skills Interviewers Look For In Successful Candidates

Below we discuss the skills you can highlight in your answers to demonstrate that you’re qualified for the job.

Communication skills

Why interviewers are interested in your communication skills:

Fire inspectors must clearly explain fire code violations to building and property managers. They must carefully interview witnesses as part of their fact-finding mission.

Learn more about communication interview questions and how to answer them!

Critical thinking skills

Why interviewers are interested in your critical thinking skills:

Fire inspectors must be able to recognize code violations and recommend a way to fix the problem. They must be able to analyze evidence from a fire and come to a reasonable conclusion.

Learn more about critical thinking interview questions and how to answer them!

Attention to detail

Why interviewers are interested in your attention to detail:

Fire inspectors must notice details when inspecting a site for code violations or investigating the cause of a fire.

Related: What Does a Fire Lookout Do?

Physical strength

Why interviewers are interested in your physical strength:

Fire investigators may have to move debris at the site of a fire in order to get a more accurate understanding of the scene.

(source: bls.gov)

Fire Inspector Job Interview Questions & Answers

During a job interview, the hiring manager wants to discuss several things. Think of your:

• Employment history
• Skills and abilities
• Accomplishments
• Job qualifications
• Educational background
• Career goals
• Personality

Below you find a list of commonly asked interview questions.

Examples Of General Fire Inspector Interview Questions

1. Tell me about yourself.
2. How would you describe yourself?
3. Why do you want to work here?
4. What interests you about this position?
5. Walk me through your resume.
6. What motivates you?
7. Why are you leaving your current job?
8. Describe your work ethic.
9. What is your greatest strength?
10. How does your experience qualify you for this job?
11. What is your greatest weakness?
12. Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
13. Tell me about a challenging work situation and how you overcame it.
14. What are your expectations for this position?
15. What are your career goals?
16. Why should we hire you?
17. What did you like most about your last position?
18. What did you like least about your last position?
19. How do you handle stress?
20. What is your greatest accomplishment?

Learn how to answer these common job interview questions!

Examples Of Specific Fire Inspector Behavioral Interview Questions

Learn more about answering behavioral interview questions by using the STAR interview technique.

1. How do you stay up to date on new rules and regulations regarding fire codes? Can you give me an example?
2. What part of being a fire inspector do you find the most challenging? How do you deal with these challenges?
3. Is there any additional certification, training, or development course that could help you become a better fire inspector? If so, which one?
4. How do you ensure that your focus and attention are kept on the job? Can you give me an example?
5. Would you be comfortable training and educating others in fire preventative strategies and techniques?
6. Do you have experience in leading teams or investigations? Can you walk me through your experience?
7. What do you consider the greatest lessons you have learned in your career as a fire inspector?
8. Tell me about a time you made a mistake. What happened? How did you rectify your mistake?
9. Describe a time you had a disagreement in your work as a fire inspector. What happened? How did you resolve the situation?
10. Tell me about a rewarding teamwork experience. What made it rewarding? What was your contribution?

Learn more about questions to ask the interviewer during your job interview.