What to do when you don't get the job...

[@landonrivet9800]

I’ve been waiting a year to hear back from departments in my area, and a few weeks ago the town that I live in called me in for an interview. I got a call from the chief a few days later telling me I was denied, and I took advice from one of your other videos and asked if we could meet so he could give me feedback. Because of that, when a spot opened up because someone failed the psych eval, I was the first person he called, and he told me I was the only one to reach out and show a desire to improve. That was yesterday. Now I’m just waiting for the psych eval appointment. Fingers crossed.

[@bobsperry4230]

Good luck brother

[@spicyshizz2850]

Did u get the job?

[@DapperSapper515]

I know you aren't responding to comments. But by the off chance you see this - hell yeah, brother! Congratulations! Initiative is always the best! Some departments love that kind of thing. If you don't get a call, call the department (some chiefs usually wait on potential applicants to call before they over their first initial interview). And if you fail, do exactly what you did! Great job, I'm proud of you!

[@IcedEarth426]

The first time I applied I didn't get in and it was devastating to me. Especially since the department only hires on an annual, or maybe a bi-annual basis at best. But I waited until the next application period opened up and applied again. And after a nearly 8 month hiring process I got the job. I just finished my first year in the department and got off probation in September. I was fortunate because the department which I'm in is highly sought after by many people. Best advice I can give is to keep trying, and be sure that you're ready when you do get that opportunity.

[@mariocastro2291]

What department are you in

[@mjohnson6703]

I have been denied for 2 years now. It is pretty rough.

[@mike_pertz]

Try and keep your head up...There's another video on this channel about 5 reasons fire departments won't hire you...try checking that out and see if any of it fits.

[@damaribrackett1159]

Keep your head up your definitely not the only one

[@jordans1917]

You get on yet?

[@gero4708]

I'm a volunteer firefighter in Hawai'i. Valentine's made one year since I was accepted to the department. Before that I went 16 years being denied across the country. NEVER give up. I applied for 16 years and never gave up. Now my foot is in the door and I will be applying for a paid position this year. How bad do you want it!?! NEVER GIVE UP!

[@darrensmith5067]

Congratulations! What do you think you changed in your approach that made the difference?

[@gero4708]

@@darrensmith5067 moved. Kept applying and moving. I applied in Georgia, Florida, Utah and finally Hawai'i

[@skepptix]

what island? that is awesome!

[@damaribrackett1159]

Thank you needed to hear this

[@Jake-vt7mr]

Hello, I hope you're well I'm from the UK and had my firefighter test today, I failed on an exercise which involved putting equipment together with no prior knowledge/examples. I felt rather upset since it seemed that there was no way to actually be ready for this, so seeing this video has really helped and so have several of your other videos. I will not let months of work go down the drain, I will continue working towards my dream Many thanks, take care J

[@viibesmanga8124]

That is BS But keep on working :)

[@Jake-vt7mr]

@@viibesmanga8124 thank you!

[@madmaniac6236]

Hey! I’m also from the UK looking to be a firefighter. I’m 17 and just finishing up my maths and other classes. What did you do after finishing the main subjects and what experience/knowledge do you need???

[@Jake-vt7mr]

@@madmaniac6236 perhaps I'm not the best person to ask. I didn't know I wanted to be a firefighter until I left college, so I was very focused on my studies until then. I am very glad I stuck to my studies as I will always have those good grades when it comes to applying for jobs and things like that. All I can say is when you come to preparing for the fire service is PREPARE, be ready for adversity and just enjoy the process Take it easy J

[@chrisbastin1040]

Had my interview 2 weeks ago and today I got an email that basically said thank you but we’re hiring different people. They did say though that I’m on their eligibility hiring list if any positions were to open up so I guess that’s a plus

[@ryanrowe1400]

Thanks Mike! This was really helpful. I’m an aspiring firefighter and after 2 years of trying to get into my big city Department I finally got the interview in person out of a few hundred but just found out that I didn’t get it today. Going to keep at it!

[@eastnjman368]

I’ve been trying for over 10 years but I never gave up. If you truly want this keep going. I’m not going to lie it’s really tough not getting in knowing you put your all in. Keep pushing guys.

[@akklaim83]

Came close to Los Angeles county, but for whatever reason, I didn’t move pass interviews. I was/am devastated. Great video.

[@marvinmiller3589]

I spent 8 yrs applying, 20 plus departments, 20 plus no “thank you” in 3 states in the Midwest. Than 3 job offers in the span of 4 months. That was 8 years ago now. In my of state Indiana, if you become a paramedic it can boost your prospects.

[@iandavies2298]

I just got dropped from the hiring process due to a personality test...a test that apparently had no wrong answers....can you do a video on these sorts of tests please? I answered honestly and I guess I'm not the kind of person they're looking for. I guess Ill just lie the next time I try to take it? I dont know

[@stike6156]

I spent years testing. The process itself is very stressful. But it took me a little over 5 years, before I was offered the job. My advice I give everybody is to not limit yourself. There’s many career dept’s across the us. I tested for many departments in 4 different states. Obviously testing for many departments gives you a better chance of getting hired, but it’ll also help you build confidence through a testing process. There was time’s where I got discourage, but I was surrounded by positive people in my life. And I am thankful for that.

[@JaySmith-or3us]

Took me 3 years to get on to a composite fire dept as just a volunteer. definitely a process, and best advice I can share is get back up when you fall. Do something better, ask how you can improve. In my case it was passing the stages that I failed until I got in. Physical test and following directions, and the interview. Now as I try to go full career I look forward to the process again.

[@bradycongo117]

It's good to see a lot of good stories out here. I've been trying to find a local department that's accepting applications for volunteers, but there's not too much demand at the moment, structure or wildland. I'm hoping that positions will open in a few months in preparations for the summer, it's good to know that a solid amount of persistence will do the trick at some point

[@hwilliams3930]

One of my friends has a sister who went through the academy twice, got signed on with CAL fire on the first try, and got into a wreck and slapped with a DUI 2 weeks later. She was super lucky, but because of her carelessness, she’ll never have her dream career.

[@feyble5408]

I applied to quite a few career districts fresh out of academy. I finished top of my class in Fire and EMT. After not getting a single interview, I thought about what I could do to better my odds and the first thing that came to mind was experience. That night, I applied to a district in another state as a volunteer. It helped a ton and now I am full time at one in my state and still volunteering at the one out of state.

[@ciambruschiniboys2]

I was a Volunteer Firefighter for about 2 years. I quit one agency when I was falsely accused of doing something I never even did. I understand volunteer organizations don't have any workers rights or protections and can't defend myself or say anything about it. I have tried applying to 2 others in the same county and because of that same issue, I was denied membership. Does this mean I should go to another county or state I know and not give them the agency I listed where I had an issue? I have backup plans such as the Air Force and Police Officer paid jobs or even a career Firefighter.

[@danchiofalo6498]

Thank you for your words of encouragement it is always great to hear in a grueling process. While I haven't exactly been "turned away" I'm on the list for a few departments and am kind of just playing the waiting game, what is the best thing to do in these types of situations you think? Also, love the channel and the videos I watch every single one and it has really helped I hope you continue to do this to help myself and people like me finally get into the greatest industry in the world

[@mizondez53]

Thank you sir for these videos I will do my best as a firefighter. I got a mentor rn.

[@MGKPful]

Hey man from the UK here, thank you for your videos.

[@Beastmode1392]

Do a video on confined space, anxiety, SCBA clastrophobia that kind of thing. I did a workout 25 min in full gear with SCBA for the first time the other day and felt that "no escape" confinement feeling. May just be a matter of exposure but what kinds of things do you tell yourself in those moments. I saw your video on mental toughness this seems a little different. Thanks.

[@JeremiahJohnson-d1c]

There’s a police agency that I’ve applied for and got the interview on several occasions. I’ve been POST certified for two years and most of the times they post hiring would be uncertified or certified. I’ve applied several times even before I was certified and never got the job. I’ve called and asked about it and they’ve mentioned they hired several that’s had 10-15 years experience. How can I stand out amongst those and land the job that I want? Another occasion is when I applied for the airport police and their background check goes back 10 years. In the job description it says that I have to have a clear traffic history and no criminal record. Back in 2015 I had several citations, but wasn’t major. I made it through the agility course and to the background check and was denied that too. I was told that I could reapply and I didn’t even make it to the agility course this time. Is there something that I could be doing wrong or anything? Could you give me some advice on how to overcome this obstacle?

[@kevinkevin4792]

When will a new push ups weighted your back video arrive?

[@tannerarmstead2143]

Hey I love your videos they make great content. I was wondering if you could possibly make more videos about interview questions, specifically situational questions. I feel like these questions are easy to mess up and give the wrong answer. For example how would you handle bullying in the workplace or how would you respond if you noticed your lieutenant under the influence etc.

[@chrisbaduria143]

How did you transition to firefighter from wanting to become a police officer first? I’m actually in the same boat. I’m in Hawai’i and was rejected from two agencies and the Fire Department is hiring and I still want to create a career in Public Safety so I applied.

[@johnmarston459]

Hey mike question. I was required to take a polygraph test for a dept. While filling out my background packet the examiner got an attitude saying i was taking too long. And then when i admitted to stealing things like pens and gloves he then got another attitude. I passed all sections except one particular section. I was completely honest throughout the whole test and it cost me a job. What do I do from here? Can i get another examiner and test?

[@josh_ets]

cool seeing this comment he covered in another video

[@perryfire1]

You wanted to become a cop before a firefighter?.......unsubscribed Just kidding. Good advice as always. I always tell people that you have to knock the written test out of the park. You don't have a choice as it is the only score that you will have that can clearly separate you from the competition. All of the other stages are either pass/fail or highly subjective such as the interview, but the written test score they can't ignore if you score high enough. It's by far the biggest bang for your buck so don't be average.

[@DapperSapper515]

I know this is old. However, some departments realize some good test takers don't make good firefighters or cops, and some poor test takers make the best firefighters and cops. Obviously, some good test takers make the best of both, and some poor test takers make the worst of both as well. Point is, I agree about the test, but it is also subjective. There's other ways to separate you from the rest. I.e. military, community service, education, Eagle Scout, internships, volunteer work, etc. If you have a candidate that scored 100 but zero life skills and experience. Then you have a candidate who scored let's say a 67; however, that candidate was in the military, an Eagle Scout, already EMT certified, has a degree, etc. Who would you take - be honest. I'd take the candidate who scored a 67. For the sake of this comment, let's say both are on par with their physical abilities, interview skills, references spoke HIGHLY of both, and passed their psych eval. Again, I'd take the candidate that scored a 67. Your 100 is great and all. But I'd call them in the next run, or after they at least got some life experience. At least become EMT certified. That's just my two sense.....

[@DapperSapper515]

Also, if you do hate cops, how does hating cops and being a firefighter work out for you? I'm pretty sure I've commented towards you on his other videos too. Maybe, I don't know. If I have, I know you haven't responded. I have weirdly good memory when it comes to this sort of thing lol. Oh well, I guess. Have a good day!

[@DapperSapper515]

I'm sorry, man; but your logic is flawed, and I'd stop telling people that kind of thing. Like I said, there's PLENTY of other way to separate yourself from the rest besides the test - I've seen it PLENTY of times. I have a Bachelor's in Criminal Justice and an Associate's in Homeland Security/Emergency Management. I was also an Eagle Scout, and worked as a volunteer firefighter whilst I was in college. However, I wanted to be a cop. Where I wanted to be a cop, if you're EMT certified, you make an extra 10k-15k on your salary depending on whether you're EMT-B or EMT-I. Being Paramedic certified gets you more money obviously. However, I wasn't spending extra money and time for that (maybe down the road). I joined the Army (active duty) immediately after college because I lived in an extremely abusive household and didn't have money to live on my own. Police departments were taking too long to get back to me, and like I said, I WAS NOT going back "home!" So I joined the Army like I said. I was in for 6 years, and realized that police wasn't my calling - firefighting was. So, by the time I got out of the Army, my state was hosting their firefighting exam in 3 weeks. Being military, I was exempt from the closing window of applying for the test. I applied, took the test and scored a 76 due to the lack of time I had to study. 75 is failing in my state... I was literally ONE point away from failing. Countless others scored 100 because my state is online testing in a proctored room in the biggest city of my state. So you find out your score immediately. I was the 12th person my department called. And even they told me what I had originally said to you in my first comment to you. So stop getting candidates who genuinely want to be a firefighter and are just poor test takers hopes destroyed with your flawed information. Since then, I've been a firefighter now for 9 years and I still have the same chief who hired me. He's glad he hired me and even told me that I was one of the best firefighters he's ever served with in his 30+ year career. That test isn't what makes or breaks you. Go get an education, become EMT certified, become an Eagle Scout, do some volunteer work/community service, do an internship, join the military even if it is just the Guard or Reserves. Even if some people don't have the money to get an education or become EMT certified - joining the military is free. So is volunteer work/community service, and doing an internship. Whilst being in the military, you can get an education and become EMT certified for FREE! That's the advice I always give... That's what motivates people. You telling them what you do about the exam is just f*****g awful, man!..... Terrible advice! P.S. I know you said you were kidding about unsubbing because he wanted to initially be a cop. However, you weren't clear on whether you were joking or not in terms of hating cops. If you truly do hate cops, how the hell are you a firefighter? They're your brothers and sisters in uniform; you shouldn't hate them... If they're corrupt, that's one thing. If it's just a joke and friendly interservice smack talk, that's fine too. Just like me being Army, I always talked smack to the other branches - different uniforms, but same side. I get it. But if you genuinely hate cops, I'm glad I don't serve in the same department as you. I know this is long, and I don't expect you to respond. However, if you do, and you say you aren't reading this because of how long this is, you've already then told me everything I need to know about you lol... Either way, that's enough of my breath - Happy New Year!

[@perryfire1]

@@DapperSapper515 Holy smokes, you sure are inferring quite a bit from my advice. Cool your jets for a second and pay attention to what I am advising: The written test is by far the best way to separate yourself from your competition. Physical agility? you either pass or fail, just like many of the other metrics like the psychological exam. See my point there? The hiring board will be faced with examining potential hires from several angles, and many, many candidates have the same skills and background coming into the process. That includes military experience, EMT/paramedic, and tons of volunteers. We even see an occasional Eagle Scout too. Yes, I have been on hiring boards. So that leaves the written test and the interview as the candidates only chance to shine and distinguish themselves above everyone else. And I can say that most people in my experience suck in the interview, at least as far as making the interview board sit up in their chairs and take real notice. It's not that they necessarily fail but most answers are canned and pretty boring. Most of the scoring tends to be fairly consistent because most candidates answer questions quite similarly. So most candidates end up with roughly the same score, more or less, in the interview process. So what is left? The written test. It's not subjective, you either did better or worse than the pack. And the pack is a real thing, as the majority of the candidates will score within 5 points of each other, give or take, with an average score in the 70's. At least in my experience. Now you have a guy or gal coming into the process that scored in the nineties with a lot of other qualifications. Who is the hiring board going to hire? If they are smart enough to do well on the test, then they are smart enough to have come prepared to actually win a slot. And they know that the written test will create the most space between them and their competition. You can't distinguish yourself in a pass/fail situation other than passing. You sure as hell can with a written test that objectively shows that you've done better than most candidates. Now I understand a test does not make a firefighter, but I can assure you it's a good starting point to at least know your candidate is fairly intelligent. It matters. The cop comment is a joke, that is why I said I was kidding. I don't know how to clarify my intent any better than to explicitly declare it was a joke in print right after I made the joke. That last sentence was sarcasm, since we are having a class. Hope that clears everything up.

[@DapperSapper515]

@@perryfire1 forget the cop comment. I would like to apologize. I was a little outraged when you said that that test makes or breaks a career. So, I'd like to apologize. Either way, I haven't sat on the board yet. But I do have a ton of buddies who have. I'd just like to say that there's certain qualifications within your experience. In other words, your grades for your EMT class. Whether or not you're EMT-B, EMT-I, or Paramedic. My chief has checked out Eagle Scout's projects (I'm an Eagle Scout. For your project, you need to fund your project through community service. Then your project needs to benefit a charitable organization). So with that being said, he checks how much money they raised, and how much their project profited for the organization. When it comes to military, you have rank, years of service, MOS/AFSC/Rate. Education; you need to provide your degree and grades. Were you an honor student? Were you SCL or just CL? Did you even make it to the highest in your class? Are you valedictorian - do you see where I'm getting at now? All of a candidates life experience can be broken up into different pieces to delve further into said candidate. I understand the references, psych eval, and agility test are all pass/fail. Hence why I said both candidates (the 100 and 67) are both on par with one another... Regardless, in reference to your cop comment. I know I said forget it, but I feel as if I should clarify things up. I understood very well that your comment of *unsubbing* was a *joke.* But you *didn't make it clear as to whether or not you actually hated cops.* I literally described it to you. So like you said, I have no idea how I can get anymore clearer than I already did when I literally said it word for word.... Either way, I apologize for coming up so hostile.

[@mikialchoboian4943]

Frustrating process to say the least.

[@hollow34]

Ah man I tried doing Police too, truth be told all I wanted to do was to do something to help my community, make them safer and cringe "be a hero". I can't believe they do polygraphs there, insane.

[@stevielavietv8957]

Hey Mike , I’ve been applying to police and fire for the last year . What made you decide fire ? Thanks for all your help with the videos.

[@kylepalmatwolframfit9999]

Hi, do you have any recommendations on websites/forums that list what fire jobs are available in a specific region? Secondly, to you knowledge, do you know if there any fire specific agencies that could help with the hire process? Thanks for the vids! Very informative

[@georgewhittaker4638]

I love your content and love what you’re doing...but It also begs the question of when is it time to walk away from it I know that seems like a quitters mentality but you gotta know when something just isn’t for you ya know and I’m 28 at the moment I’ve played multiple sports in high school and college blah blah... in saying that how old would you say is too old to continue pursuing this career bc I’m reaching the end of my “prime”

[@michaelpesina7341]

I'm 28 as well and am still trying. But I would say I'm barely hitting my prime ha

[@Infantry2011]

I'm 27. Trust me man you are still close to your prime. There's people in their mid 30s to 40s applying. Crush the competition and get the job.

[@mon8087]

You’re just getting into your prime... I’m 36 and pursuing this career path

[@mike_pertz]

I got hired at 28...trust me you're not even close to being "past you're prime" ...don't give up!

[@georgewhittaker4638]

@@mike_pertz right on!... thank you!

[@olethankfulsjuju]

Whats the Average waiting time to be hired off a hiring list? I am on two different list. im holding the 1st and and 3rd spot on those list. One of the Chiefs told me possibly 1-2 months but I have no idea what to expect. Should I follow up with them every month?

[@jordans1917]

How’d it go

[@Firefighter-ki1fw]

I need some advice I got a friend that want to join a volunteer fire department where we live but he talk about coming to a meet all the time but he make Excuses why I can’t join. But he really Passion about the fire service. How can I get him to come to a meet on a Tuesday night? Thanks