Went to test for a job today...

[8jimi8]

So here's the long and short.

Website says "Hiring 3 paramedics, testing day May 6th... paramedic only."

I turn in my app just to have it on file for the basic hiring session in june. Two paramedic FTOs tell me to show up on the 6th anyway, and i could possibly get hired on part time.

So i show up today, ready to test and the chief basically says..."see you next time, we're only testing paramedics today."

The assistant director tells me to follow him outside, which I do. He says, so you volunteer down at SHFD? And I reply, "yes," give him my short schpiel and he says, "Call me on Monday, I'll see if i can get you on the roster PRN, I like to take care of my SHFD guys."



THANK GOODNESS I wore my volunteer shirt!

We'll, see, but it's looking like i got my foot in the door!

 

[Mountain Res-Q]

THANK GOODNESS I wore my volunteer shirt!

See, sometimes it pays to only have EMS/Fire shirts in your closet. The question is: When you are feeling blue, do you put on your "Keep Back 200 Feet" shirt on and walk around Wal Mart just to feel better...

 

[EMS25]

See, sometimes it pays to only have EMS/Fire shirts in your closet. The question is: When you are feeling blue, do you put on your "Keep Back 200 Feet" shirt on and walk around Wal Mart just to feel better...

I love it!!!

 

[ClarkKent]

See, sometimes it pays to only have EMS/Fire shirts in your closet. The question is: When you are feeling blue, do you put on your "Keep Back 200 Feet" shirt on and walk around Wal Mart just to feel better...

Loving it, have not done that yet but will soon

 

[daedalus]

You showed up to a job interview in a volunteer department T-shirt? I would have walked you to the door.

 

[Ridryder911]

You showed up to a job interview in a volunteer department T-shirt? I would have walked you to the door.

I would have thanked you and tell you that you were not needed. Not even allowing you in the door for the test. Sorry, I need a person to understand personal professionalism (nothing to do with volunteers itself). Today, I had a person that had dog hair that had shed all over them, wearing a T-shirt and sweat pants... Yes, first impression are lasting.

R/r 911

 

[Aidey]

From the OP it sounds like it was the test, not the interview. If it was a PAT I don't see any problem in wearing something comfortable that allows you do move during the test (as long as it's not vulgar or something).

 

[8jimi8]

It was the physical and aptitude test. I had slacks, a long sleeve button up and a tie on the hanger in the car, for the interview. C'mon guys give me some credit!

 

[JPINFV]

Unless it's something physical (like running. More than practical station style testing), then your best bet would be business casual. Slacks, polo shirt, etc. Full on interview? Suite and tie.

 

[Ridryder911]

It was the physical and aptitude test. I had slacks, a long sleeve button up and a tie on the hanger in the car, for the interview. C'mon guys give me some credit!

Okay, I'll give you credit, but you have to remember what I see everyday. As the example I described of sweatpants and t-shirt.

R/r 911

 

[8jimi8]

Rid, I promise, I will always do my best never to embarrass you!

 

[Ridryder911]

Rid, I promise, I will always do my best never to embarrass you!

It's not me, but those that embarrass the the profession and EMS providers. Those that come for interviews and testing wearing other services uniforms, ill kept and unprepared. Not all EMS managers and providers lack the understanding of professionalism or don't care about one's performance or respect. Many do. My Director has multiple degrees and experience in emergency services, as well as I do. Part of our expectation is to represent the profession as professionals and many of those within it, take a very dislike and actual contempt to those that do not how or want to discredit it.

I have to admit, I am pretty proud of the majority of my staff as representing the profession, especially in appearance and actions. Those that do not "fit in" never stand a chance. We understand the frailty of professionalism, it just takes one slip or idiot to change the whole mind-set (i.e. my own state troopers) and reputation of professionalism.

R/r 911

 

[Sasha]

Showing up in another companies uniform and/or t-shirt is kinda tacky.

 

[JonTullos]

Showing up in another companies uniform and/or t-shirt is kinda tacky.

Agreed. Maybe the rule should be like going to a rock concert (you don't show up in the t-shirt of the band you're going to see): You don't show up in an EMT/medic shirt. For a physical test I think I might have gone for something neutral. That's just me though.

Jon

 

[Tincanfireman]

We'll, see, but it's looking like i got my foot in the door!

Good for you, and best of luck! Getting that toe across the threshold is the tough part, and I'm glad you succeeded.

 

[mikie]

Congrats!

You don't show up in an EMT/medic shirt.

Our state testing protocol says no company/affiliation shirts can be worn. Same should go for interviews.

In this case, it was helpful, but I'll bet more times than not, it'll create an unnecessary bias. Who knows if the boss or whomever had a falling out with your chief a few years back or something!

 

[8jimi8]

i can understand the perspective. In this case the two agencies work very closely together. The assistant director of the EMS company also holds the position of assistant chief over our SAR team.