FIRE 202 : Hire Ready: Testing & Interview Prep for Public Service Education

Transcript title

Test Interview Prep PSE

Credits

3

Grading mode

Standard letter grades

Total contact hours

30

Lecture hours

30

Course Description

Provides students with comprehensive exposure to the employment testing process for careers in public safety. Through practical exercises and guided instruction, students will explore the key stages of the hiring journey, including written examinations, physical agility tests, oral board interviews, and background investigations. Participants will assess and identify their personal attributes and strengths, refine professional documents such as resumes and cover letters, and engage in mock interviews to build confidence and communication skills. The course also offers insights into the expectations and challenges of public safety hiring, equipping students with the tools and knowledge necessary to navigate the process successfully and prepare for a rewarding career in the field.

Course learning outcomes

1. Create resumes, cover letters, and portfolios tailored for public service careers.
2. Apply strategies to succeed in written, cognitive, aptitude, psychological tests commonly required for PSE roles.
3. Maintain appropriate professional behavior, appearance, and demeanor during testing and interviews.
4. Analyze public service scenarios and demonstrate sound judgement under pressure.
5. Perform and evaluate components of physical ability tests (e.g., CPAT or agency-specific testing) while demonstrating safe and effective movement techniques.

Content outline

  1. Course Overview and Introduction, The Job and Role of the Fire Service, Self-Introduction
  2. Core Values Assignment – Introduction to Department
  3. Components of Testing Process
  4. Interviewing - Resume and Cover Letters - HR
  5. Written Testing - Personality Assessments – Psychology Testing
  6. Interview Panel Hotseats – Expert Questions
  7. Classroom Mock - Interviews
  8. Review of Applications
  9. Preparation for Testing
  10. Testing Center

Required materials

All materials will be provided for the student.

Outside of
expected

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