What You SHOULD Bring To An Interview (and 9 other things you should know)

Weekly Newsletter: geni.us/mpertz_newsletter_yt You've heard me talk a lot about the importance of presenting well and looking professional for you interview. A large part of that is looking like you're prepared. In this video I recommend the two things you should bring with you as your 'personal portfolio' as well as 9 other pieces of information you should try to familiarize yourself with before you sit down for your interview.
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Basic Padfolio: geni.us/raV4w62 [Amazon]
Personal Portfolio Folders: geni.us/DRUm6R [Amazon]
Here's a list of other topics you should study before your interview:
City/District Population
Department Apparatus
Size of City/District
Major Landmarks
Department Functions
Number & Type of Incidents In Past Years
Medical Command/Control for EMS
Name of Chief
Major Events/Incidents
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[@TyMan970]

I got a conditional offer yesterday day. Watching all your videos really set me up for success... can’t thank you enough you really are a great person your making a difference it lots of young firefighters lives. Honestly can’t thank you enough for taking the time to do these videos !!!!! I’m still trying to figure out a great way to repay you for this ! Really built my confidence by hearing your experiences in the service . Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

[@mike_pertz]

That's awesome Ty, congratulations!!! Thanks for the kind words, I'm glad you found the videos helpful! Good luck in your first year! Funny enough, I'm working on another video on what to expect as a probationary firefighter and rules to survive probation!

[@TyMan970]

@@mike_pertz AWESOME, can't wait and I'm excited for the journey!

[@jeromestuurman1585]

Thank you I really like your content lots of info and help

[@tannerlopata9274]

Thank you so so much for posting this kind of content. You’re one of my few sources that I use all the time and I’m so happy there are a archive of videos to get information on this amazing career ❤

[@Spenny.B-From-the_613]

Thank you so much sir

[@bruh.mp4610]

Thanks for the info man, im training to be a firefighter with my dad and alot of the firefighters in my town know me (its a small volunteer fire department) i think they will be glad when i join :]

[@3achtolife4life]

I think one of the best take-aways from this was the top book on the stack in the background. How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie. Required reading for sure.

[@mtello98]

The portfolio that I brought to my interview had a little window for a business card inside of it. I set mine up with the card given to me when I applied. Even though it was a small detail, it was definitely noticed and it was received well by the panel. Hope this helps!

[@peterhan377]

Very insightful video!! Does our portfolio need to include our certifications?

[@mattquigley2705]

I appreciate your content. I was wondering if you had any advice for promotion interviews with external evaluators in the fire service.

[@jackgatherall9980]

Please keep up the great work.

[@mike_pertz]

Thanks Jack!

[@egarrett1117]

I want to thank you for making videos to help guys like myself out that are trying to make the department. Watching your videos and taking your advice landed me a conditional job offer for a career department near me. I ranked 3rd on the list and again I thank you from the bottom of my heart for putting these videos out.

[@mike_pertz]

YESSS!!! I love getting comments like these! Congratulations man! Good luck going forward!

[@mm10983]

Awesome videos!! I'm so happy I found them! Any tips for, "Is there anything else you'd like us to know?" as a closing question?

[@mike_pertz]

Thanks! As for that question I’ve always said no. I don’t think it’s inappropriate to say that there’s nothing else to know

[@Stephano_v_Bove__]

You have been an excellent resource, sir! My interview is in a week, and your info has been much used.

[@mike_pertz]

Glad you find it helpful! Good luck next week, let me know how it goes!

[@Stephano_v_Bove__]

@@mike_pertz I shall. :)

[@Stephano_v_Bove__]

@@mike_pertz Hey! So I think my interview went pretty solidly. Nothing was canned, and I felt I was able to answer well and authentically. Thanks again for all your help! (Greensboro NC, Fire Dpt "GFD")

[@Yakt0wnsFInest411]

This may be a dumb question but I hope you or someone can help, when done with the interview should I collect the personal portfolios back before leaving?

[@colewright2051]

I have an interview with my dream department next month, these videos are insanely helpful. Thank you!

[@jordans1917]

How’d it go?

[@colewright2051]

@@jordans1917 I was given a number on a ranked list and they will hire as needed throughout the year, I’m still waiting but I received a good rank so hopes are high

[@jordans1917]

@@colewright2051 I’m happy for you!

[@skiinzy9336]

@@colewright2051 any update?

[@chazzhollstein2314]

Thanks for the great videos they are very helpful. I am actually in the Toledo area going through the hiring process with TFD, just wondering if you have any specific information about the TFD that may help me if I get an interview. Thank you

[@mike_pertz]

Hey Chazz, glad you find the videos helpful! Unfortunately, I don’t know much about Toledo FD , good luck!

[@chazzhollstein2314]

Thanks anyway!

[@dustincarpenter1605]

How do you feel about actually going to the department before even applying and just getting your face out there and talking to a few of them to get a feel for it. During the height of covid I know a lot of departments shut down tours and visits.

[@mike_pertz]

Certainly doesn't hurt!

[@andrewhinojos2209]

Any advice for a oral board on zoom?

[@tylermontoya408]

Personally I would have to advise against taking notes during an interview. In my experience there is nothing noteworthy during an interview, except perhaps at the end when the panel answers your closing questions, as they might provide some information worth annotating. It would certainly be smart to at least have a pen/pencil and paper on hand in your leather bound notepad, however, taking out a notepad and writing while trying to maintain eye contact and give thorough/articulate responses would just be disruptive and could possibly be ill-perceived by the panel. Short answer, don’t take notes.

[@dddaan2]

Should ur Cover letter be in ur portfolio as well?

[@mike_pertz]

Sure, it can’t hurt. I personally never used a cover letter as they already knew why I was there.

[@japelete6185]

How to dress for firefighter volunteer interviews?

[@JohnDoe-lg4ld]

Plenty of other vids answer this; short answer is: suit and tie.

[@nicaln5104]

Do you take notes? Mike: yes... but actually no.