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

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  • Опубліковано 10 січ 2025

КОМЕНТАРІ • 144

  • @benjaminrichard1026
    @benjaminrichard1026 4 роки тому +72

    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
      @mike_pertz  4 роки тому +7

      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
      @user-wk9bu6xm7y 3 роки тому

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

  • @samcarroll4584
    @samcarroll4584 3 роки тому +65

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

    • @gregkunkel708
      @gregkunkel708 3 роки тому +8

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

    • @afroricang6930
      @afroricang6930 Рік тому +1

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

  • @saulgoodmanfromthehittvsho1314
    @saulgoodmanfromthehittvsho1314 3 роки тому +50

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

    • @mike_pertz
      @mike_pertz  3 роки тому +6

      thank you!

    • @dipshiit7
      @dipshiit7 3 роки тому +2

      Hands down, best youtube username

    • @robblovre8258
      @robblovre8258 2 роки тому

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

  • @mariusweber4990
    @mariusweber4990 3 роки тому +26

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

  • @gregkunkel708
    @gregkunkel708 3 роки тому +22

    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
    @njmike9784 3 роки тому +19

    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
    @kg2435 3 роки тому +8

    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
    @TyMan970 4 роки тому +20

    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
      @mike_pertz  4 роки тому +2

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

  • @rjjr7064
    @rjjr7064 2 місяці тому

    I nailed both the physical and written tests, thought I did really well in the interview, had several people commend my resume (military search and rescue), had good talks with several higher ups, have a clean record, don't have social media and am in excellentshape. They didn't hire me. I just don't get it man.

  • @jordansanchez5835
    @jordansanchez5835 4 роки тому +6

    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
      @mike_pertz  4 роки тому +1

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

    • @kevinscanlonsr1593
      @kevinscanlonsr1593 3 роки тому

      @@mike_pertz Are you still on the job ?

  • @viper26ja79
    @viper26ja79 Рік тому +1

    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.

  • @brandonjpj1
    @brandonjpj1 3 роки тому +10

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

  • @Adman998
    @Adman998 4 роки тому +53

    12 Rules for Life. nice

    • @ingridmalmberg2841
      @ingridmalmberg2841 4 роки тому +4

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

  • @RichardFrazier-pp2zg
    @RichardFrazier-pp2zg 2 місяці тому +1

    This very helpful 👏

  • @AndrewMac12002
    @AndrewMac12002 Рік тому

    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.

  • @dlineboyz5549
    @dlineboyz5549 3 роки тому +15

    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
      @Ghettofireman80 3 роки тому +4

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

    • @dlineboyz5549
      @dlineboyz5549 3 роки тому +1

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

    • @samueldaco993
      @samueldaco993 3 роки тому

      Lucky bastard lol

  • @greyfox8194
    @greyfox8194 2 роки тому

    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.

  • @chris10291989
    @chris10291989 3 роки тому +7

    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

  • @HunterG-62
    @HunterG-62 4 роки тому +5

    Thank you so much for this man👍

    • @mike_pertz
      @mike_pertz  4 роки тому +1

      No problem! Glad you find it helpful!

  • @bababeats1572
    @bababeats1572 4 роки тому +4

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

    • @mike_pertz
      @mike_pertz  4 роки тому +1

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

    • @mike_pertz
      @mike_pertz  4 роки тому +1

      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
      @bababeats1572 4 роки тому

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

  • @ROII44
    @ROII44 3 роки тому +8

    Love the book- 12 rules of for life

    • @ROII44
      @ROII44 3 роки тому

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

  • @peterhan377
    @peterhan377 4 роки тому +7

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

    • @TyMan970
      @TyMan970 4 роки тому +3

      I doubt your as bad as you think!

    • @mike_pertz
      @mike_pertz  4 роки тому +6

      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
      @go_jeff_go 4 роки тому

      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.

  • @stevenkelly2477
    @stevenkelly2477 3 роки тому

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

  • @RyuxChun-li1985
    @RyuxChun-li1985 2 роки тому

    cant get enough of these videos

  • @TCFan30
    @TCFan30 3 роки тому +8

    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
      @timmuller1567 3 роки тому

      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.

  • @kalebhopkins248
    @kalebhopkins248 3 роки тому +4

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

  • @Pew_Meister
    @Pew_Meister Рік тому

    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
      @mike_pertz  Рік тому +1

      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
      @Pew_Meister Рік тому

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

  • @alexandroesquivel9072
    @alexandroesquivel9072 Рік тому +2

    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
      @mike_pertz  Рік тому +1

      2 piece should be good enough!

  • @marvinbonilla1702
    @marvinbonilla1702 3 роки тому +6

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

    • @mike_pertz
      @mike_pertz  3 роки тому +3

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

  • @computerbiscuit
    @computerbiscuit Рік тому

    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

  • @rileycollins108
    @rileycollins108 3 роки тому +6

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

  • @KerriCasey
    @KerriCasey 4 роки тому +7

    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
      @mike_pertz  4 роки тому +2

      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
      @Storyteller543 3 роки тому +1

      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
      @kevinscanlonsr1593 3 роки тому

      Enlist in the military.

    • @KerriCasey
      @KerriCasey 3 роки тому

      @@kevinscanlonsr1593 lmaooo no😭

    • @kevinscanlonsr1593
      @kevinscanlonsr1593 3 роки тому

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

  • @oblivionkay4212
    @oblivionkay4212 2 роки тому +1

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

    • @mike_pertz
      @mike_pertz  2 роки тому

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

  • @user-wk9bu6xm7y
    @user-wk9bu6xm7y 3 роки тому

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

  • @68W343
    @68W343 4 роки тому +3

    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
      @bige1552 3 роки тому +1

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

    • @JRKA
      @JRKA 3 роки тому +3

      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
      @68W343 3 роки тому

      @@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
      @timmuller1567 3 роки тому

      Move out of Massachusetts

    • @68W343
      @68W343 3 роки тому

      @@timmuller1567 im in the south

  • @cradl3d
    @cradl3d Місяць тому

    I got into some trouble involving my school when I was 12, went to juvie for 3 days but the case was dismissed for lack of evidence and was allowed to come back to school. Will this affect my career?

  • @Mestre.onjuice
    @Mestre.onjuice 3 роки тому +5

    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
      @mike_pertz  3 роки тому +3

      I'd start here: ua-cam.com/video/5tuVtLdn9BM/v-deo.html

    • @stevemarquez9628
      @stevemarquez9628 2 роки тому

      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.

  • @dillondossett9029
    @dillondossett9029 4 роки тому +4

    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
      @mike_pertz  4 роки тому +1

      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
      @dlowfresh 3 роки тому

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

  • @mjohnson6703
    @mjohnson6703 3 роки тому +1

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

    • @timmuller1567
      @timmuller1567 3 роки тому

      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.

  • @willplayzgamezhd5431
    @willplayzgamezhd5431 3 роки тому +2

    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
      @ShimmySkyDogs 3 роки тому +1

      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.

  • @nightfighter7452
    @nightfighter7452 Рік тому +1

    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

  • @Erick-hr5mv
    @Erick-hr5mv 2 роки тому

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

  • @CasaDelMandar
    @CasaDelMandar Рік тому

    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.

  • @Ghettofireman80
    @Ghettofireman80 3 роки тому

    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
      @ronthemogul 2 роки тому

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

  • @barbellsandgames3721
    @barbellsandgames3721 4 роки тому +5

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

    • @mike_pertz
      @mike_pertz  4 роки тому +4

      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
      @barbellsandgames3721 4 роки тому +4

      @@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
      @barbellsandgames3721 4 роки тому

      @Shane Amrein Very helpful comment. Thank you.

    • @SaltySpitoon1
      @SaltySpitoon1 3 роки тому

      Its unprofessional... shitty first impression.

    • @charlesparr3296
      @charlesparr3296 3 роки тому +1

      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.

  • @SlavkoRybak
    @SlavkoRybak 3 роки тому

    Interesting, thanks.

  • @itsyaboimat2393
    @itsyaboimat2393 3 роки тому

    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!

  • @tonyrodriguez4686
    @tonyrodriguez4686 3 роки тому

    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.

  • @mightymadbear2895
    @mightymadbear2895 4 роки тому +5

    Can male firefighters have long hair?

    • @mike_pertz
      @mike_pertz  4 роки тому +2

      No not usually.

    • @cj6580
      @cj6580 4 роки тому +1

      No, cut it

    • @darinrasmussen5828
      @darinrasmussen5828 4 роки тому

      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
      @charlesparr3296 3 роки тому +1

      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.

  • @kellyj5389
    @kellyj5389 3 роки тому +7

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

    • @kevinscanlonsr1593
      @kevinscanlonsr1593 3 роки тому +1

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

    • @kevinscanlonsr1593
      @kevinscanlonsr1593 3 роки тому +1

      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
      @TCFan30 3 роки тому +3

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

    • @kellyj5389
      @kellyj5389 3 роки тому +2

      @@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
      @kevinscanlonsr1593 3 роки тому +1

      @@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

  • @immline8632
    @immline8632 3 роки тому

    Good video

  • @jimcollier8111
    @jimcollier8111 3 роки тому

    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...

  • @dangelokeenlance3749
    @dangelokeenlance3749 3 роки тому

    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.

  • @itdoesntmatter8029
    @itdoesntmatter8029 3 роки тому

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

    • @timmuller1567
      @timmuller1567 3 роки тому +3

      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
      @itdoesntmatter8029 3 роки тому

      @@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
    @alexkish5922 3 роки тому

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

  • @apodaca309
    @apodaca309 9 місяців тому

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