Skip to content
contact us
  1. Home
  2. Recruitment
  3. Retained Firefighters
  4. Recruitment process
  5. Preparing for and undertaking the interview
Print this page Reduce font size Increase font size

Preparing for and undertaking the interview

Preparing for the interview

The preparation you should undertake for interview is similar to the preparation involved in preparing your application. Make sure you spend some time and effort in reading all the information in the information package and on the NSWFB website.

There are three stages to an interview: introduction, body and conclusion.

The introduction will include the selection panel welcoming you, introducing themselves to you and explaining how the interview will be conducted and the approximate duration. The selection panel will attempt to put you at ease.

The body of the interview comprises the specific questions designed to explore your capabilities and your suitability for the position. The questions are directly linked to the selection criteria and are assessed based on merit selection.  The same questions are asked of all applicants.

The conclusion is the close of the interview when you will have the opportunity to add any other information you believe will support your application and to summarise your most positive attributes. At this time you will also have the chance to ask any questions you may have about the position.

Interview technique

Approach the interview with confidence - Dress in a manner you believe suits the occasion and makes you feel good about yourself. Arrive a little early to settle your nerves and to review your application.

When you get to the interview, depending on the situation and setting, you should:

  • close the door behind you when you have entered the interview room,
  • wait to be asked to sit down,
  • be prepared to shake hands with the interview committee,
  • look at each interviewer, make eye contact, and acknowledge each in turn as you are introduced, and
  • maintain an alert, upright yet relaxed posture, and don’t slouch or fiddle with your papers or use any other gestures that may detract from your interview performance.
  • Organise any papers you may be taking into the interview such as your resume, examples of your work, qualifications etc so that you can access them easily without fumbling.
  • Look at the person asking you the question. Respond to that person directly, but also include the other selection panel members.
  • Speak up in a clear and confident voice.
  • It is OK to take your time. Don’t be afraid of a few seconds’ silence while you give yourself time to think before you answer.
  • Be prepared to let the selection panel know what you have to offer. However, be very careful that you answer the question fully without rambling. Keep your answers relevant to the questions asked because no matter how good your answer may be, if it doesn’t directly relate to the question, it may be of little value.
  • If you have a strong accent, make an extra effort to speak clearly and more slowly.
  • Listen carefully to the questions and, if you are unsure, ask the interviewer to explain or repeat the question.
  • Assume the committee knows nothing about you and needs to be told. Give complete answers and never assume you can omit details because you provided them in your resume or application.
  • Use real life examples – give examples of situations where you have used your skills. The most recent examples are usually best.
  • Demonstrate that you can apply your qualifications, experience or skills in your responses.
  • Stress your positive qualities - what you can do, are capable of or can learn.

At the conclusion of the interview you will have the opportunity to say anything you have forgotten to say or ask any questions about the position, or to table any documents which you wish the committee to consider. Finally, remember to thank the committee members. You can shake hands if you wish.