SAMFS Recruitment 2018

[tempcitz]

Everyone signed up for the info session?
I've heard Pat2 may be changing this time around, so will be interesting to see what they say.

[beater]

Pat2 won't be changing

[Lukeyv]

Yep, I've signed up for the info session. I too have heard that the PAT2 will have a slight alteration. Hoping to progress through the personality profile this time. Best of luck to everyone!

[beater]

They were reviewing the pat2. No confirmed changes at this stage.

[Optimistic]

Unfortunately I can't make it to the info sessions. Would anyone mind giving me a summary after they've been? Im really interested in the aptitude testing and how many recruits they are looking to take on.

[Lukeyv]

Hey Optimistic, I'm happy to give some insight after the session. :)

[beater]

I've heard 3 or 4 courses a year for next few years. Lots of upcoming retirements.

[Optimistic]

Hey Optimistic, I'm happy to give some insight after the session. :)

Thanks mate i really appreciate that.

[beater]

Heard at work today to check Saturday's paper for recruitment ad

[Gpats]

Just got back from the 1:00 info session, nothing unexpected in there or anything new for people who have gone through the process before, but they did say applications will be opening 9am Monday morning.

[Optimistic]

Did they say how long the applications are open for?

[sj000]

Awesome news
Was there any mention of the written aptitude testing and psych testing? I heard they were going with a different company than they have in the past
Cheers

[Gpats]

They did say when they close but i can't remember off the top of my head I'm sorry, I think it was open for about 10 days. I did write it down but don't have my notes with me atm.
Everything they said sounded like it was the exact same process as last time re aptitude and psych test, i specifically remember them saying they can access previous results if you have sat it before so i assume its being done through the same company.

[Lukeyv]

Yep, same company for the personality profile.
Some key points:
- Recruitment opens Monday 16th for 10 days
- Personality profile results will be valid for 2 years. They will be doing another recruitment drive next year, however if you apply this intake you will not need to reapply. Basically if you don't pass the personality test, you won't progress or have another chance to reapply for 2 years.
- 300 new Firefighters over the next 5 years. 3 recruit courses each year..
- No 50/50 quota (some interstate services have introduced this)

Pretty much everything that was spoken about is on their website.
Recruitment process, fitness testing etc is the exact same as previous years.

Anyone have any tips for preparing for the personality profile?

[tempcitz]

I got though the personality profiling last intake, my advice is be honest, answer the first thing that pops into your head, and make sure you pick a side about most questions, don't choose the 50/50 option for every statement.

[Lukeyv]

From what I understand, the personality profile can be quite subjective..
I assume having a few 'neutral' answers wouldn't be bad?

[Left foot snap]

From what I understand, the personality profile can be quite subjective..
I assume having a few 'neutral' answers wouldn't be bad?

Word of advice. Don't overthink the personality profiling. Don't try to predict what they are looking for. It's not subjective, it's just a tool to identify personality traits that are conducive to the role of a firefighter. It's not the perfect system, but it is the most effective and efficient way of ranking thousands of applicants.

If you've done the profiling before, be consistent with your answers. Your responses are cross referenced with previous tests. Some of your responses will  change over time as your collect life experience,, but if you said you have never been caught drunk driving and in a previous test you said you did, that's an obvious red flag that you're manipulating the result.

They've been predicting a mass exodus of employees for 5 years but it's always in dribs and drabs. There are only so many operational positions they can fill and they will only recruit as numbers demand.  Don't plan your life around 300 firies retiring tomorrow.

It's the best job in the world so I'd encourage everyone to have a crack. Just be realistic with the number of positions vs the number of applicants vs competitive field... and don't be a filtered like beater if you don't get in the first few squads.

[Lukeyv]

Thanks for the response Left Foot, much appreciated mate.
Really looking forward to giving this process a go. Best of luck to all that try!

[Hoge10]

Do you guys think not having a HR or MR truck license on your application would have a big affect on your chances?
I know it says it's not compulsory but I wonder if they still look out for it?

[beater]

Name calling by a member of Mfs recruitment team. Very professional left foot .....

[Left foot snap]

You couldn't be further from the truth Beater. The cold air in Gawler seems to have clouded your vision. You just make sure you rug up for today's day shift and try and get through your SDF. You haven't passed your probation yet.

[beater]

Not a B shifter lefty and never worked at Gawler. Ive had my fun. Im out before i get whoever you think i am a bad name.

[tempcitz]

@Hodge, I feel you wouldn't be penalised for not having your truck licence, but having would be seen as a positive.

[Lukeyv]

For those that have already put their applications in, did you receive a confirmation email?

[tempcitz]

Nah I didn't recieve one