Although there are a ton of books pertaining to firefighter careers, below we have the "must Read" list for the written exam preparation. These are the books that cut the fluff and get down to the nitty-gritty of what you will need. Many are study guides with practice test in them. Don't learn the hard lessons on test day! Instead, hammer them out at home so when test day comes you are the one that gets the call. There are also other books that we feel give different aspects on how to navigate your way through the process. Although we have these books, we have yet to do a full front to back review of them online. Look for our book review in the near future!
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
Can I Really Do This?
Probably. Unless you have had significant exposure to the fire service, you probably don't have a very good idea what its like to be a firefighter. In some ways I believe that the public thinks its much more difficult than it really is and in other ways I know they have no idea how difficult it can be. So, as you begin your research on becoming a firefighter, realize that your perception of what the job is, will likely change the deeper you go. Some good and some bad.
But do YOU have what it takes? If you are not honest with yourself and make this dicision early, someone will most likely make it for you. You will probably be weeded out in the testing process if you cannot cut it. You must have the ability to learn well, retain important information, process that information and turn it into effective action at the appropriate times. You will need physical strength and endurance above and beyond the average citizen. You will also need a background proving sound judgement, honest activities, and trustworthyness.
The only way to determine if this job is for you is to do an honest self assessment. There are various ways to do this. For the learning and cognative retension part you can study and take practice written exams that will test your reading, writting, and mechanical apptitude abilities, For the physical agility, it is best to consult your physician and a physical trainer to assess your abilities and what it would take to get you to where you need to be.
You can also take firefighter agility test in your area. Many provide "practice runs" for a fee. This could give you a baseline of where you are. It also does not hurt to look at the job descrition for firefighters. These job descrtions are generally available from your local department even if they are not currently hiring.
It is also important to consider you background when considering a career in the fire service. Although nobody is expected to be perfect, your background and record will be heavily scrutenized. Everything from criminal records, credit ratings, and personal relationships are fair game for background investigators. Misdermenor convictions are usually looked at on a case-by-case basis; however, felony convictions are usually a deal breaker. It is important for you to get intimately informed on where you stand with this. Click Here! to find one of the best resources for background checks.
Another overlooked resource is to go to your local fire department and talk to the individul that are working. They can be a wealth on information, and may be able to provide valuable information on unique requirements for working in their area.
If have decided to go for your dream career, consider the "Aspiring Firefighters 2-Year Plan" by Paul Lapore, and "The Firefighter Workout" book below.
But do YOU have what it takes? If you are not honest with yourself and make this dicision early, someone will most likely make it for you. You will probably be weeded out in the testing process if you cannot cut it. You must have the ability to learn well, retain important information, process that information and turn it into effective action at the appropriate times. You will need physical strength and endurance above and beyond the average citizen. You will also need a background proving sound judgement, honest activities, and trustworthyness.
The only way to determine if this job is for you is to do an honest self assessment. There are various ways to do this. For the learning and cognative retension part you can study and take practice written exams that will test your reading, writting, and mechanical apptitude abilities, For the physical agility, it is best to consult your physician and a physical trainer to assess your abilities and what it would take to get you to where you need to be.
You can also take firefighter agility test in your area. Many provide "practice runs" for a fee. This could give you a baseline of where you are. It also does not hurt to look at the job descrition for firefighters. These job descrtions are generally available from your local department even if they are not currently hiring.
It is also important to consider you background when considering a career in the fire service. Although nobody is expected to be perfect, your background and record will be heavily scrutenized. Everything from criminal records, credit ratings, and personal relationships are fair game for background investigators. Misdermenor convictions are usually looked at on a case-by-case basis; however, felony convictions are usually a deal breaker. It is important for you to get intimately informed on where you stand with this. Click Here! to find one of the best resources for background checks.
Another overlooked resource is to go to your local fire department and talk to the individul that are working. They can be a wealth on information, and may be able to provide valuable information on unique requirements for working in their area.
If have decided to go for your dream career, consider the "Aspiring Firefighters 2-Year Plan" by Paul Lapore, and "The Firefighter Workout" book below.
Beginner 101
Have you come across this site just starting with the idea of becoming a firefighter? It can be quite comfusing if you are begining to gather information as a first timer with nobody helping you along the way. In this post we will give a very brief review of what it takes to become a Firefighter in the U.S.
Please understand that there are more ways and processes to becoming a firefighter than what can be listed here. Much will depend on your locale and the type of department you are applying for. However; we want to give a brief overview of what you should expect. Its like asking the question "How can I make a thousand dollars?" Well, there are so many ways that you could never list them all here but you could expect to have to use certain perameters if you want to be successful. Here is the basic process to expect:
In the following post we will visit each one of these subjects to assit you with your endevors.
Please understand that there are more ways and processes to becoming a firefighter than what can be listed here. Much will depend on your locale and the type of department you are applying for. However; we want to give a brief overview of what you should expect. Its like asking the question "How can I make a thousand dollars?" Well, there are so many ways that you could never list them all here but you could expect to have to use certain perameters if you want to be successful. Here is the basic process to expect:
- Preparation
- Job Search
- Application
- Entrance Exam
- Physical Agility Test
- Interview
- Chiefs Interview
- Phsycological/medical Exam
- Drug Screen
- Tentative Offer of Employment
In the following post we will visit each one of these subjects to assit you with your endevors.
Introduction
Welcome! This blog has been started to assist those that have always wanted a career as a Firefighter and are now ready to take action. Us here at U.S Fire Careers are here to gather information throughout the fire service and help you in getting that dream career and assist you throughout your careers.
We do periodic product reviews, reading suggestions, and anything else to put the information into your hands. Feel free to look around for what you need!
We do periodic product reviews, reading suggestions, and anything else to put the information into your hands. Feel free to look around for what you need!
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