INTERVIEW PREP

The Preliminary Interview

The first interview that candidates will be invited to is the preliminary interview. This interview is a virtual panel interview and will be held via Zoom. Once the written exam period closes, WA Fire Careers will pull the top scoring written exam candidates and invite them to participate in the preliminary interview by email. The interview panel will be comprised of representatives from each agency.

Proper Equipment

Make sure your device has access to the internet, the Zoom app, a video camera, and a microphone.

Be on Time

The preliminary interview is brief. Be ready to go early so you can ensure you’re on time and won’t miss your interview.

Great Presentation

Although the interview is virtual, put your best foot forward and present yourself as you would in an in-person interview.

The Panel Interview

After the preliminary interviews, candidates who are invited to move forward in the hiring process will receive an invitation to the in-person panel interviews via email. Candidates will have the opportunity to self-schedule their panel interview on the WA Fire Careers interview calendar, during the available dates/times, on a “first come, first served” basis. Keep an eye out for your invitation and schedule your interview as soon as possible to ensure a date and time that works best for your schedule.

Arrive on Time

In the fire service, minutes matter. They can mean the difference between life or death for someone in need of help. Make sure you showcase your ability to prioritize your time and be ready for your interview as scheduled.

Dress the Part

Your panel interview will be conducted by firefighters who are held to the highest standards when it comes to both their uniform policy and how they represent our agencies while interfacing with our communities. Put your best foot forward, and show our panel how you would represent their agency.

Be Prepared

It is always in your best interest to research the agencies you’re applying to. Read through the agency websites and gain an understanding of each agency. Interview questions can come out of left field, and a firefighter has to be great at thinking on their feet. The best way to do that is to be prepared.

Relax

You will be interviewed by individuals who have sat in your exact same seat and who may work alongside you in the future. Take a breath and relax. Being your genuine self is the most important element you can bring to the interview.

The Fire Chief Interviews

Interviews with the fire chiefs will be the longest and most thorough interviews of all. Each candidate will have an opportunity to interview with the fire chiefs from our agencies individually to get the best understanding of each agency and present their best to each agency.

Once the fire chief interviews have concluded, candidates will be matched with the agency that is the best fit, and the fire chief interviews play a big role in that pairing. In addition to the recommendations for the panel interview, here are some things to remember as you enter the fire chief interviews.

Do Your Research

At this point in the interview process, you should be able to articulate why you want to work for each agency and how your values align with the values of each organization. Do your research and understand the answers to those questions.

Act the Part

In every applicable way, exemplify your firefighter attributes. Be punctual. Dress to impress. Be respectful. Answer questions with honesty and integrity. Articulate your passion for public service and your team oriented nature.

Be Yourself

Fire chiefs have a keen sense for people who are not being their authentic selves. Be genuine to who you are. Candidates are matched with the agency that is the best fit, so be true to who you are.

Have you reviewed our hiring timeline?

Our hiring timeline is a detailed account of when every step of the hiring process is happening, complete with dates and descriptions. It’s our way of helping local and national candidates prepare for the interview, onboarding, and academy process.

Review the current hiring timeline