Do I have what it Takes?
Self-evaluation Questionnaire
Use these questions to help decide if firefighting is the career choice for you. Ask yourself:
- Does my lifestyle support ethical and responsible choices and actions?
- Am I prepared to maintain a level of professionalism on and off duty?
- Does my lifestyle align itself with the Fire Department’s values of Professionalism, Dedication and Integrity
- Have I been free from involvement in unlawful activities for at least three years?
- Am I actively supporting my community for the benefit of others?
- Have I adopted and do I maintain physical fitness as a way of life (i.e., daily workouts)?
- Am I physically able to perform the firefighter job tasks?
- Can I work for extended periods of time under difficult and strenuous conditions?
- Am I willing to face my phobias relating to height, confined spaces and limited or no visibility?
- Am I comfortable using different hand/power tools and technical equipment?
- Do I have a support system in place for debriefing and stress relief?
- Have I considered the impact irregular work hours will have on my family environment?
- Am I familiar with and able to operate within a paramilitary working environment?
- Am I able to work harmoniously in close quarters with other persons?
- Do I treat all people with respect, dignity and professionalism regardless of race, creed, gender or beliefs?
- Am I able to and do I take steps to maintain a positive attitude?
- Am I able to motivate myself? Do I motivate others?
- Do I actively engage myself in a problem solving?
- Do I make sound judgments and decisions?
- Am I able to follow and carry out complex oral and written instructions?
- Does my lifestyle allow me to commit 2½ hours weekly to training?
- Do I have a thirst for life-long learning?
- Is my family aware of the time demands that I would be under?
- Do I meet and am I prepared to maintain the minimum qualifications?
- Am I adaptable to changing conditions?
- Am I a self-starter, do I show initiative and am I action-orientated?
- Do I have a strong commitment to customer service and a motivation to serve the public?