LAFD Oral Interview Preparation FIRE DEPARTMENT STAFF FOR

LAFD Oral Interview Preparation

FIRE DEPARTMENT STAFF FOR THIS SEMINAR March 30, 2013 - Battalion Chief Steve Hissong, Recruit Services Section - Captain Billy Peralta, Recruitment Unit

Guidelines for this Facility q Parking & Gate Times q Restrooms q Food & Drink q Coffee q Water q Silence Cell Phones

Expectations… q What this seminar is? What can you expect here? q Oral Interview Preparation q What this seminar is not? What you should not expect here? q Background Questions q Selection Process Information q How long will we be here today?

TABLE OF CONTENTS Overview of the Interview Process Important Characteristics The Interview Style Behavioral Based Interviewing Skills to be Evaluated Knowledge & Preparation Interview Format Strategies for Success

OVERVIEW Step 5 of Selection Process Weighted Interview Only those candidates who receive a score of 95 or better will advance to the next step.

LAFD INTERVIEW FORMAT Interview panel will be comprised of 2 -3 people who may be representatives from: Fire Department Personnel Department Community Interview Scoring Scores of 95 or better will move forward

Important Characteristics You will be evaluated based on eight main criteria: Initiative in Learning Oral Communication Practical Orientation Job Motivation Role Adaptability Teamwork Service Orientation Respect for Diversity

The Interview Style The Los Angeles City Firefighter Interview is a Behavior-Based interview. The interviewers are not looking for what you would do in a hypothetical situation. They want to know what you have done to exhibit the eight important characteristics reflected in the previous slide. Emphasis - They are looking for examples of what you have done - not what you, “would do. ”

BEHAVIORAL BASED INTERVIEWING Focuses on experiences, behaviors, knowledge, skills, and abilities that are related to the eight characteristics. Based on the belief that past behavior and performance can be used to predict future behavior and performance. You may use work experience, activities, hobbies, volunteerism, school projects, family life – anything really – to provide examples of your past behavior.

EVALUATING YOUR SKILLS Know yourself and what you have to offer. Realistically appraise your strengths and weaknesses. Inventory your assets, talents, interests, and experiences. What have you already accomplished? Emphasize your strong points.

CONTENT SKILLS This is work specific knowledge or skills – such as EMT certification, or Paramedic licensure. Express these skills as nouns. For example: “I have a current National EMT Certification. ” “I am a certified Human Resources Trainer. ” “I am a licensed Vocational Nurse. ” “I am a certified Forklift Operator. ”

FUNCTIONAL SKILLS Skills such as organizing, managing, developing, communicating, etc. These are expressed as verbs. For example: “On my current job, I manage three other employees. I am responsible for opening and closing the store, as well as responding to customer complaints. ” “In my current position, I prioritize and coordinate the patient schedule for five different doctors in our surgery center. I am also responsible for communicating this schedule to all employees at the beginning of each week. ”

ADAPTIVE SKILLS Personal characteristics such as honest, dependable, trustworthy, team player, self directed, punctual, etc. Expressed as adjectives. For example: Because my boss considers me to be responsible and trustworthy, I am the only employee allowed to approve use of the petty cash fund. ”

DEMONSTRATE KNOWLEDGE/PREPARATION About the Los Angeles Fire Department Have you seen the Core Values of the LAFD? http: //www. joinlafd. org/Core_Values. htm Have you seen the LAFD Mission Statement? How many fire stations in the LAFD? What other works assignments are available? Firefighter Duties, Apparatus, Tools & Equipment www. joinlafd. org Explore the website to help you develop a foundation of knowledge about the LAFD.

About the LAFD and being a Firefighter What is the typical day of a Firefighter like? What is a Probationary Firefighter’s daily routine? Where is the drill tower located? To learn the answers to these questions and more, it is a good idea to visit an LAFD fire station – or more than one is even better. Visit www. lafd. org to find a fire station. Call a fire station to speak with the Captain and schedule a visit. Bring writing materials, ask the firefighters lots of questions, and take notes.

LAFD Drill Tower 81 14345 Arminta Street, Panorama City 91402

About the City of Los Angeles How big is the City – how many square miles? What is the population? What are the demographics in Los Angeles? What do you know about local government in Los Angeles? What do you know about other public safety departments in the City? Why are these questions important?

INTERVIEW FORMAT Three basic components to the interview. OPENING BODY CLOSING

OPENING You will be given an introductory question during your interview. Think of the opening as your verbal business card. Consider using these first couple of minutes to introduce yourself and highlight four or five of your finest characteristics that epitomize why you will be successful as a Firefighter for the City of Los Angeles. Be sure to give examples, but do not ramble on too long. Use the remaining parts of the interview to elaborate.

SAMPLE QUESTIONS You should be able to draw on your experience to answer questions such as: Will you tell us how your previous work or volunteer experience has prepared you for this job? What training or educational experience has best prepared you for this, and why?

BODY OF THE INTERVIEW You may want to express your responses using the PAR concept. Be specific and give actual examples of your experience. Problem What was the situation you faced? Action What did you do? Result What was the outcome?

CLOSING Toward the end of the interview, you will be asked if you would like to add anything. If you believe that there is something in your background the interviewers should know that hasn't been mentioned, this is your chance. This is also a good time to briefly sum up what you believe makes you a good candidate for the job of Firefighter. This final component is also your opportunity to concisely clarify any of your earlier responses.

The Day of the Interview Be aware of the exact date, time and place of your interview. Enter this information on your personal calendar so that you stay aware of your exact interview schedule. This may sound almost too basic to mention, but it's an unfortunate candidate who assumes that the interview is to be held in a certain place, and then discovers shortly before the interview that the appointment is somewhere else. Plan to arrive for your interview at least 15 minutes early. A few extra minutes will help to take care of unexpected emergencies. It is frequently difficult to find a parking place quickly in the Personnel Department Building area.

Arriving at the Interview Remember to bring money for parking. You should present a neat, businesslike appearance for your job interview. It is appropriate for you to dress as you would for an office job. Look your best. You should not bring letters of recommendation, work samples, or similar material to the interview. Due to the limited interview time, the board will not have time to review such material. If you are not able to keep your interview appointment you should notify the Public Safety Bureau immediately at (213) 473 -9060. Sometimes it may be possible to reschedule your interview.

City of Los Angeles Personnel Department 700 E. Temple Street, Los Angeles, 90012

Remember the Important Characteristics? We mentioned eight main criteria of the interview: Initiative in Learning Oral Communication Practical Orientation Job Motivation Role Adaptability Teamwork Service Orientation Respect for Diversity

Initiative in Learning Initiative defined: The power or ability to begin or to follow through energetically with a plan or task; enterprise and determination. A beginning or introductory step; an opening move: took the initiative in trying to solve the problem. Considerations: What learning opportunities have you been involved with, or participated in? What examples can provide for how these experiences have helped you, or benefitted others?

Practical Orientation Considerations: We may describe people as practical when they make sensible decisions and deal effectively with problems. Practical ideas and methods are likely to be effective or successful in a real situation. The practical aspects of something involve real situations and events, rather than just ideas and theories.

Role Adaptability defined: the ability to change (or be changed) to fit a changed situation or circumstances. Synonyms: flexibility, versatility, adjustability Considerations: Have you ever been in a position of responsibility, or in a role where you helped someone else in a position of responsibility?

Service Orientation Considerations: Are you interested in a career that involves helping people, or serving your community? Have you ever helped someone in need? Is “service” one of the LAFD Core Values?

Oral Communication Skills Considerations: Your ability to answer promptly and accurately is very important, but don't rush yourself if it will hurt your ability to answer questions well. If your answers are confused or contradictory, you will not do well. You should speak in a clear and direct manner? You should try to provide specific examples and concise explanations during the interview.

Job Motivation Considerations: Do you understand the role of the fire service in the community or in the City of Los Angeles? Do you understand the Firefighter’s career? What things have you done that have provided preparation for the position?

Teamwork Considerations: Have you worked in a team environment? Has there ever been a time where you participated in a project or endeavor that required coordination with other people? Do you prefer group projects or working as an individual?

Respect for Diversity Considerations: Do you know anybody with different opinions or beliefs than your own? Have you had any interaction with people from a different background than your own? Do you understand diversity?

Responding to Questions Be aware of your body language Maintain a confident posture Allow yourself time to think before responding Maintain good eye contact Seek clarification when necessary “Would you like me to continue? ” “Would you mind repeating the question? ” “Can you please re-phrase that? ”

Responding to Questions - continued Avoid nervous gestures (pen clicking, tapping, etc) Stay focused and on point Don't answer just "yes" or "no" to any question. Expand on your answer at least a little. Volunteering information is often helpful in showing how you qualify for the position, but be completely honest, because you will almost always be asked more about your answer. Smile!

Prepare and Practice answering questions out loud. Practice with someone else. Practice interviews are a great way to improve your chances for success.

Preparation Strategies Taking the time to review typical interview questions you will probably be asked during a job interview will help give you a framework for your responses and will help calm your nerves, because you won't be scrambling for an answer while you're in the interview hot seat. Practice interviewing with a friend or family member ahead of time and it will be much easier when you're actually in the interview.

PERFORMING YOUR BEST Get plenty of sleep. Eat a well-balanced breakfast. Allow plenty of time before the interview. Arrive space. early to avoid traffic and find a parking

After the Interview You will not be given a score the day of your interview - the results of your examination will be mailed to you.

QUESTIONS? LA City Personnel Department (213) 473 -9060 LAFD Recruitment (855) 552 -LAFD www. joinlafd. org