Firefighter Interview Questions & Answers

Firefighters control and put out fires and respond to emergencies where life, property, or the environment is at risk.

Interviewers look for candidates that demonstrate excellent skills such as:

• Communication skills
• Decision-making skills
• Physical stamina
• Courage
• Compassion
• Physical strength

In this blog, we discuss commonly asked interview questions during job interviews for firefighter 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:

Firefighters communicate conditions at an emergency scene to other firefighters and to emergency-response crews.

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

Compassion

Why interviewers are interested in your compassion:

Firefighters, like EMT’s and paramedics, need to provide emotional support to those in emergency situations.

Related: Firefighter Cover Letter Examples & Writing Guide

Courage

Why interviewers are interested in your courage:

Firefighters’ daily job duties involve dangerous situations, such as entering a burning building.

Related: What Does a Fire Lookout Do?

Decision-making skills

Why interviewers are interested in your decision-making skills:

Firefighters must be able to make quick and difficult decisions in an emergency. The ability to make good decisions under pressure could potentially save someone’s life.

Physical stamina

Why interviewers are interested in your physical stamina:

Firefighters may have to stay at disaster scenes for long periods of time to rescue and treat victims. Fighting fires requires prolonged use of strength.

Physical strength

Why interviewers are interested in your physical strength:

Firefighters must be strong enough to carry heavy equipment and move debris at an emergency site. They also carry victims who are injured or cannot walk.

(source: bls.gov)

Firefighter 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 Firefighter 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 Firefighter Behavioral Interview Questions

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

1. What is the most challenging situation you have faced in your career as a firefighter?
2. Give me an example of a time you worked successfully as part of a team. What was your contribution?
3. Tell me about a recent time you had to perform under pressure. How did you handle the situation?
4. Describe a time you followed strict guidelines to complete a task.
5. Tell me about a time you made a mistake. What happened? How did you rectify your mistake?
6. Give me an example of a time you went above and beyond to get the job done.
7. Describe a time you had a disagreement with a colleague. How did you handle the situation?
8. Tell me about a time you worked as part of a team to help someone in distress.
9. How do you manage your time? Can you give me an example?
10. Give me an example of a difficult decision you had to make in your work. How did you handle it?

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