5 Reasons Fire Departments DON'T Want To Hire You.

Weekly Newsletter: geni.us/mpertz_newsletter_yt If you're the person that has been testing/applying to fire departments for years and can't seem to get hired anywhere, this video is for you. Chances are you are your own worst enemy.
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[@benjaminrichard1026]

Your math videos helped me bring my score up to 91%! I have an oral board interview next Tuesday, and if successful have to complete an EMS skills scenario to achieve an interview with chief. Nervous, but working to channel it into success. Thanks for your hard work.

[@mike_pertz]

YES! I love hearing stories like that!! Congratulations man! I’m glad you found them helpful! Good luck on the interviews, and good for you for putting in the work and effort, let me know how the interview goes.

[@user-wk9bu6xm7y]

Not me haha there was not a single basic math questions all advance algebra timed advanced spacial only thing easy was mechanical reasoning

[@samcarroll4584]

"Nobody has not gotten hired for wearing a suit to an interview" - Prepmedic

[@gregkunkel708]

The money you spend for that suit will be the best money you’ve ever spent in your life.

[@afroricang6930]

The point he was trying to make went over your head!

[@saulgoodmanfromthehittvsho1314]

First time watching this dude I like him, he tells it the way it is straight up and no bullshit! Respect bro✊✊💪💪

[@mike_pertz]

thank you!

[@dipshiit7]

Hands down, best youtube username

[@robblovre8258]

Yes he does a fantastic job with all of his videos! Valuable information!

[@Adman998]

12 Rules for Life. nice

[@ingridmalmberg2841]

If you aren't getting hired then maybe you should clean up your room!

[@mariusweber4990]

This is actually good career advice in general, I'm in accounting and all of this is true here as well.

[@gregkunkel708]

I don’t know if it’s been said but a book that I got many, many years ago got me to where I am today. That book is Smoke Your Firefighter Interview by Paul Lepore. I’ve lent it out countless times to candidates and it has assisted many in getting their jobs. I highly recommend it!

[@njmike9784]

Get your EMT or Paramedic certification before testing, especially if the FD your testing for requires that you obtain one after being hired. It saves Cities a TON of money if you already have it.

[@kg2435]

The interview was definitely the most stressful I found. I was fortunate that a good friend is a career firefighter and helped me prep for it! Great videos, your content is on point!

[@TyMan970]

Thanks for all the content , just recently found your channel. Im in my first interview process and gladly taking any advice I can get. ;)

[@mike_pertz]

Hope you find it helpful! I have a lot more content coming over the next several weeks, be sure to keep an eye out!

[@jordansanchez5835]

I have watched multiple videos on your channel and have recently been through the hiring process thanx for all you have done. Made me feel prepared.

[@mike_pertz]

Hey Jordan, thanks for the kind words. That’s awesome, I’m glad the videos helped!

[@kevinscanlonsr1593]

@@mike_pertz Are you still on the job ?

[@greyfox8194]

these have helped me figure out alot thanmyou ever so much my guy i dont know why you arent much larger on thhis platfform. but youve helped me find out how to get intop the fire service.

[@stevenkelly2477]

Keep it up....25 yrs in this job. The good, bad , & ugly like you mentioned in another video.👍

[@Max_motivation62]

Thank you so much for this man👍

[@mike_pertz]

No problem! Glad you find it helpful!

[@RyuHoshi1985]

cant get enough of these videos

[@brandonjpj1]

I have ZERO SOCIAL MEDIA... it can only hurt you folks

[@joshhaddock6772]

you’re on social media rn

[@SlavkoRybak]

Interesting, thanks.

[@AndrewMac12002]

Number 4 of here was great. I'm 33 and applying, wish I had tried earlier but was always told you can't get in.

[@ROII44]

Love the book- 12 rules of for life

[@ROII44]

Taking my civil service tomorrow wish me luck !!! Been watching your videos for a month now

[@bababeats1572]

These style videos are much better. Do you have any tips on Lateral Firefighter positions? Possible questions and what to expect?

[@mike_pertz]

Glad you like the new format. I do have some tips and that’s actually a video I’m working on soon!

[@mike_pertz]

You can expect a lot more scenario questions though. Since you have experience they’ll be more interested in knowing how you carry yourself on the fire ground

[@bababeats1572]

@@mike_pertz thanks for the info, I really appreciate it. Looking forward to the videos.

[@oblivionkay4212]

Amazing content! Is there anything in regards to Canadian firefighting?

[@mike_pertz]

What do you mean? About the hiring process in Canada?

[@viper26ja79]

I have previous fire And EMS experience. I do the MURPH challenge almost everyday in order to keep myself in shape, yes it sucks but it's very necessary at my age, I just got voted back onto a fire department after an 8 year break doing Marine Corps things, I have a lot of work to still do to get back to paid status And I'm in my early 30s I will not give up and neither should any of you, it's never too late to go for it. They also told me to come in what I was wearing for my interview, Im a mechanic so that was definitely a no, I still jumped in the shower Shaved and wore nice clothes to said interview, it's nice to be back in my true passion even unpaid for now. Plus I'm new to the area. Volunteer status is still serving my community, we all need to start somewhere.

[@itsyaboimat2393]

Hey man I have a question I have mild Cerebral Palsy on my left side and am having a hard time getting hired with departments is it because of my disability? I've been in the service for 7 years and any time I applied for any department in my local area I keep getting thank you letters from chiefs so how do I bring up my disability without completely shitting on my chances of getting hired. I'm going to get my Firefighter 1 and 2 this fall as I'm hoping it proves that they have nothing to worry about with my CP and helps with my hiring chances love your videos!

[@user-wk9bu6xm7y]

They make the aptitude test super hard here lol with bell curve study study

[@dlineboyz5549]

Literally had a firefighter come in to the retail store I work in and tried to recruit me to become a firefighter absolutely crazy

[@Ghettofireman80]

Must of been a volunteer department cause I where I live that would never happen

[@dlineboyz5549]

@@Ghettofireman80 I don’t know but it was weird

[@samueldaco993]

Lucky bastard lol

[@immline8632]

Good video

[@alexandroesquivel9072]

I bought a suit that I will wear for the firefighter interview. It came with a vest so its a 3 piece suit. Should i wear the vest for the interview or will it be too much? Thanks in advance. Keep up the good work!

[@mike_pertz]

2 piece should be good enough!

[@chris10291989]

if your a volunteer firefighter already, do not show up wearing all your volly attire that you have accumulated. you are not going to impress them

[@mike_pertz]

haha very true

[@dillondossett9029]

I’m a junior in high school from Chicago and I plan on doing EMT training once I graduate, but I’m not really sure what to do after EMT training that will help me become a firefighter, any information that could help? Also, I was wondering if you have an email or anything I could contact incase I have questions or need advice, I don’t really know any firefighters so I really appreciate what you’re doing.

[@mike_pertz]

Hey Dillon, I'm working on a video about what to do when you don't know where to start. It should be out here in the next couple of weeks.

[@dlowfresh]

I would highly recommend getting a degree in Fire Science while doing your EMT.

[@marvinbonilla1702]

Are you reading 12 rules for life by Jordan Peterson? I think I see the book in the background =). Nice. Great book

[@mike_pertz]

Good eye, yes that is 12 Rules For Life. I have read it multiple times.

[@TCFan30]

Apart from a select few, I wouldn't necessarily recommend going back to make amends with everybody you had troubles with. Don't forget it's a two-way street...many I know were just plain A-holes that needed their noses put back in joint so to speak!

[@timmuller1567]

I can tell you'd do well in a fire station full of people you didn't like for 24 hours twice a week. You definitely need to take the police exam.

[@CasaDelMandar]

I have a beard, it's short, and well groomed. Will it help me to just shave it when I go in for interviews? I don't mind doing it if there is a chance that not shaving will hurt me. Just didn't want to get ahead of myself for no reason. Obviously I will not be able to have it on the job, but I'd like to hang on to it for a little longer if I can, lol.

[@rileycollins108]

What would you have to say about going from volunteer to career?

[@mike_pertz]

what do you mean?

[@peterhan377]

I’m a terrible public speaker. I tend to get overly nervous even while practicing. Will departments hold that against me?

[@TyMan970]

I doubt your as bad as you think!

[@mike_pertz]

Ty is right you’re not as bad as you think...however keep practicing! That’s the only way to get rid of the nerves.

[@go_jeff_go]

Hey Peter, I'm on the same boat as you. I joined a local toastmasters club to help myself conquer that fear. Hope this helps.

[@tonyrodriguez4686]

Should it be suggested that I should completely get rid of social media ? I have mostly all social media but don’t post anything. Could it help if I don’t have any.

[@Mestre.onjuice]

I’m a 15 turning 16 in two months, I want to learn and become a fire fighter or volunteer as soon as possible. What can I do? Am I able to go to the building and ask to talk with administration?

[@mike_pertz]

I'd start here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/a6XYh6eCmdNseK8

[@stevemarquez9628]

I would go to the station during business hours. Ask if you are interrupting anything. Tell whoever greets you of your interest. Be brief and direct. If they are busy, ask if you can make an appointment. If you get an appointment, be prompt, have a neat appearance and bring ice cream. I'm old school. I believe in face to face contact. It's what you will be doing in a fire service career. Good luck.

[@willplayzgamezhd5431]

I am currently 21 years old and I still have a stutter and I heard your point about the bad interview and I was wondering if I have a stutter will that affect my chances of being hired

[@ShimmySkyDogs]

From Having a friend who has stutter, he has had a very successful career in fire and EMS. Use it to your advantage, it is part of who you are and shows you can overcome adversity and have faced real life challenges… that separates you from the other candidates.

[@Pew_Meister]

The only thing about social media, in my case at least, is that i’m also a realtor and real estate investor so I use social media to network and give transparency to people I do business with. Hope it doesn’t bite me in butt or anything!

[@mike_pertz]

That should be no problem. Social media is ok if it's done professionally - its the unprofessional/inappropriate stuff that will get you in trouble.

[@Pew_Meister]

@@mike_pertz Ah, well that makes sense. I don’t have time to use the socials to be a jive turkey anyhow😜

[@kalebhopkins248]

As a volunteer firefighter you can't have any facial hair bc one you won't get a good seal when you mask up

[@KerriCasey]

So I’m a 14 year old girl who’s a freshman in high school. I really want to be a firefighter when I get older and I don’t know where to get tips on schooling to become a firefighter. Do you have any ?

[@mike_pertz]

Hi Jokerrian, you're in the right place. The videos on this channel will tell you everything you need to know to work towards a career in the fire service!

[@Storyteller543]

I know this is a month old, but look if one of your local departments has a fire explorer program. Or something of the sort. Many departments have youth programs. Some of these are ok. But some, such as the explorer program I'm in, are very nice. Some programs will have a ride along program. These very but there all quite helpful. You also get to know people in the service, even if you won't work at that department, a recommendation letter from a captain that you made a good impression on is worth a fair amount.

[@kevinscanlonsr1593]

Enlist in the military.

[@KerriCasey]

@@kevinscanlonsr1593 lmaooo no😭

[@kevinscanlonsr1593]

@@KerriCasey Not sure what your response means, I have grandchildren older than you. What di you mean ?

[@barbellsandgames3721]

What are your thoughts on Moustaches during interviews? (Cared for and well kept)

[@mike_pertz]

They're not terrible, but personally, I would opt to be clean shaven. A lot of places will require recruits to be clean shaven during the academy and possibly probation.

[@barbellsandgames3721]

@@mike_pertz One of the reasons I thought about keeping it was for the "Memorable" factor. Rather than being another "clean shaven" guy. But I understand what you're saying. Cheers from Barrie, ON

[@barbellsandgames3721]

@Shane Amrein Very helpful comment. Thank you.

[@garygarland7031]

Its unprofessional... shitty first impression.

[@charlesparr3296]

I don't care about your moustache if it's cared for, I'm not hiring your damn moustache, I'm hiring the person it's attached to. Quit worrying about how fucking pretty someone is, good looks don't get the job done. From a career firefighter since 1991.

[@Erick-hr5mv]

There goes my luck , I didn’t do good as a Cop .

[@kellyj5389]

Be a military veteran will make a huge jump in likely hood of getting hired and Professional dept. That and be a medic.

[@kevinscanlonsr1593]

Kelly - definitely (usually), military experience is the best prep for once you're on the job.

[@kevinscanlonsr1593]

How well the department is stsffed factors in member injury and death. Poorly stsffed snd trained department's contribute yo poor performance and increase injuries.

[@TCFan30]

Being a veteran isn't a guaranteed foot in the door.

[@kellyj5389]

@@TCFan30 nothing is... but it is the best way to get experience for any FD or PD. Plus the veteran status points for exam. Nothing beats it. From L.A to FDNY being a Vet is the best first step. Period.

[@kevinscanlonsr1593]

@@TCFan30 True. I don't know the civil service laws everywhere, in some states, veterans are entitled to preferences (points on entrance exam, hired before non vets.etc) In some circumstances. Only former service members will not be classified by some states as veterans unless they served in a period designated. Even if a former service member did not serve in designated period, they are usually better prepared for the job. The conditiins that were discussed in the video

[@dangelokeenlance3749]

Hey I gotta couple of questions if u don't mind me asking. But I was gonna see if I could DM u on Instagram or something like it lol.

[@Ghettofireman80]

The only thing is firefighters don’t want someone hanging around at the station 24/7 aside from all the runs we take we want to workout relax and sleep it’s fine for someone to come by and learn about equipment but the firehouse isn’t a place for civilians to hangout

[@ronthemogul]

Yea I had someone recommend doing that I felt it was too kiss ass ish

[@nightfighter7452]

Simple enough to avoid. Im more worried about my job history. Lots of seasonal work and short stints at regular jobs. Granted, i think im a huge weirdo in that regard, and the firefighter schedule may be exactly what i need to survive long-term in a job

[@mjohnson6703]

2 years and no job. I need to change something.

[@timmuller1567]

You should be able to find out on the DL from someone in the dept. what the reason is. Usually it's nothing bad they just need to take care of certain people first. It's just the way it is.

[@68W343]

I didnt get hired bc 1200 people showed up for 20 slots if you scored a 90 you ranked #52 because the guy who has military points added and resident of the city points god forbid you made a 80 your #701

[@bige1552]

Yep, I've been there too bud, it's a very annoying part of "the list"

[@JRKA]

5000+ thousand showed up for my department for 50 spots. I got hired. It took three times applying. I’m not a veteran and have no Fire experience. I applied to every department I could in CA and interviewed for departments I didn’t even want to work for because I wanted more experience interviewing to prepare for when the department I wanted to work for opened up their process again. Never give up!!

[@68W343]

@@JRKA true but around here in my home state TX its rare to find a fire trainee/probie ff job. They hire FF/Paramedics so you gotta be packing right out the gate.

[@timmuller1567]

Move out of Massachusetts

[@68W343]

@@timmuller1567 im in the south

[@mightymadbear2895]

Can male firefighters have long hair?

[@mike_pertz]

No not usually.

[@cj6580]

No, cut it

[@darinrasmussen5828]

I'm a volunteer and when I first started I had long hair (not super long but past my ears) and when you have to rush to put on your SCBA you will rip out your hair when you tighten your mask.

[@charlesparr3296]

I'm a career firefighter of 30 years, I'm 55 years old and my hair is long, I keep it neatly pulled into a ponytail, I grow it long for a reason, I'll cut it off and donate it for cancer patients.

[@itdoesntmatter8029]

That’s why you just go to a big city department and become a number

[@timmuller1567]

Big city dept's. are the hardest ones to get hired in especially if you're an outsider and don't have a blood trail of relatives currently serving or have served.

[@itdoesntmatter8029]

@@timmuller1567 lol easy for me, first try not even from the same state. Helps when they are expecting lots of retirements and need big numbers. Timing is everything

[@alexkish5922]

Dont give all your certificates up front you'll look like a threat.

[@jimcollier8111]

were i live in kentucky i was on a vol. fire dept. for 30 years . i tried to get on a paid dept. that is 5 miles from were i vol. if you dont have in side pull you are wasteing your time.. its a buddy buddy click here...

[@computerbiscuit]

In my town of about 9000 people you are not getting any good jobs unless you are part of “the group”. Guess what, you’ll never be part of it. There are a few families that control everything, nepotism at its finest. They never hire people that aren’t part of their click

[@apodaca309]

Be humble own your mistakes and please even if you're a vollie chief you don't know shit