How to Prepare for a Firefighter Zoom Interview
Five Tips on How to Prepare for a Zoom Interview
Note: ZOOM is interchangeable with Microsoft Teams and any other video meeting software that may be used.
Some fire services around the country have been using video interviewing platforms to conduct some of the recruitment processes for aspiring firefighters around the country.
Most recently, DFES and FRV have been using Microsoft teams.
The thing is, this fact allows opportunity for those that are prepared to become a firefighter in Australia as well as catastrophe for those that are not.
1. Get Familiar with the Technology
Download and test the app ahead of time. I recommend practising with a friend or family member.
Make sure you have your meeting link and access code from the potential employer ready.
They will set everything up and provide this information in advance.
Test your own technology—your microphone, your webcam, and make sure everything is working and looking good so you can avoid any last-minute issues that will cause stress and reduce your performance on the day.
The whole point of being familiar with the tech and knowing your stuff works is to increase performance.
2. Set Up Your Video Interview Area
Pick a spot that’s quiet, distraction-free, and doesn’t give the interviewers any reason to unconsciously judge you.
Eliminate visual and audible distractions. You want the interviewer/s to be able to focus on your answers and what you’re saying. Distractions in the room will irreversibly hinder their ability to do so.
It will pay not only to think of distractions you and your family may cause but also neighbour issues like barking dogs, lawnmowers & kids etc.
3. Use the Video Interview Opportunity to Your Advantage
There are certain things you can get away with in a Zoom interview that you simply cannot do in person, like wearing pants.
Obviously, I’m kidding, but what I have done in the past very successfully is had prompts that would not have otherwise been conducive to a positive outcome. Do not mistake this for being prepared; it’s not the key but certainly something that can be useful if you find yourself stuck.
4. Ask for Clarification if You Need It
This tip works for video interviews as well as in person and has a number of profound effects when used properly. One of my favourite things about this, apart from the obvious upside of “clarifying the question”, is that it gives you time to think. An even bigger upside is that it shows the panel or interviewer that you have the confidence to take some control over the destiny of the interview. Put simply, it’s just a quality component of any meaningful communication should it be needed.
5. Prepare Answers to the Most Likely Questions
This one seems pretty obvious to me, but I would take it a step further. If you really want to beat the other people that are being interviewed, I want you to be prepared for any question, not just limited to the most likely. The most likely is where we start, but we want to be able to answer anything they could send our way and we want to be able to answer it better than the next appointment so that you get the job instead of them.
If you follow the 5 tips above, you’ll feel more confident and relaxed in your video interview, and if you really knuckle down on number 5, you will beat the others.
At the end of the day, a Zoom interview is just like any interview. You need to give the best answers you possibly can.
If you’re going to ask questions, make sure they are well thought out, quality questions. Ensure you’re comfortable with the technology before going through the process so you can focus on the task at hand.
Additional Interview Resources: How To Pass a Firefighter Interview
P.S. Whenever you’re ready… here are 4 ways we can help you Get The Edge over the competition
1. Get my FREE Training – “How to Become Firefighter without wasting time”
I conduct a free training where I show you the proven roadmap on how to become a firefighter without wasting time and money. – Click Here
2. Join our Firefighter Recruitment Training page
It’s our new Facebook community where smart, aspiring firefighters learn how to get the edge and land in the top 5% — Click here
3. Join our Membership Implementation Program
Get access to all courses and software, LIVE Q&A group, access to the industry’s best aptitude and interview coaches. — Get into the Top 5% of Applicants – Click Here
4. Work with Me and the team, privately
If you’d like to work directly with me and the team to give yourself the best chance for your upcoming recruitment campaign, let us know a little about your situation to see if we are a good fit for each other – Click Here
