Interview Questions Flashcards
LFB Behaviours (1-9)
Compassion
1. Self-aware.
2. Selfless.
3. Empathy
Togetherness
1. Inclusive.
2. Teamwork.
3. Empowering and coaching others.
Accountability
1. Takes ownership and responsibility.
2. Professionalism.
3. Forward-looking.
SUB/O ✅
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- Why do u want to be a Sub/O
- What personal qualities would u bring to the roll?
About self
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22 years of experience in the LFB
Take great pride in working for the LFB & helping to serving & protecting the people of London.
Been acting up to the rank of T/Sub for 2 years now & really enjoy the roll & responsibilities it brings.
I’m professional and forward-looking & Create a inclusive, friendly working environment for my crews
- Enjoy engaging with the public.
- Planing events & training to meet the needs of my FF’s & fellow officers & liaising with other organisations.
- I’m self-aware always looking to improve my skills base & knowledge.
- Empathetic. I’m good active listener & successful at resolving conflict and being a good mediator.
- Professional, knowledgeable, and happy to share my knowledge and empowering others to achieve their own personal goals.
Training
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Providing effective training on station
Managing training trends - LFB DATA
PET (performance events tool
KPI (key performance indicators)
Time management - Especially at a FRU/Line/TL-64 station.
Disseminating tasks to other on the watch
Effective running of the watch. 
Operationally
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Looking forward to the extra responsibility the rank of Sub/O will give me, especially on the incident ground. I have performed well on my recent level 1 incident, command Revalidation course. And look forward to putting this knowledge into practice on the incident ground.
Personally
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I’m empathetic and engage well with people.
I have a keen awareness of knowledge of PTSD in the workplace as I have personally suffered from this condition in the Military service.
I’m well placed to spot the signs and symptoms of this in others.
Get others a diagnosis & help early (sign post).
MH1stA in StARS
I’m a positive advocate for breaking down stereotypes and stigma barriers for this condition -knowledge & support.
- Private/Personal Courses Done - I’ve completed a Microsoft Office course, in Word, Excel & PowerPoint presentations (in my own time) - it has improved my overall office duties efficiency & proficiency.
FORWARD LOOKING ✅
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- Describe a time when you showed the quality of being forward-looking.
Use examples from the CRMP (Community risk management plan)
STARR
Situation .
Assisting LFF Anderson (New Comms team) with the testing of New Radios as part of the testing & procurement process.
Task.
Detailing the crews & give then accurate briefings on the tests to be carried out.
Select the venues on my stns ground to conduct the tests
Booking SR for the testing.
Liaise with outside agencies to facilitate the range testing at CJ & 2 x LUL’s stns
Actions.
Carried out the testing over the course of 2 days. Results reordered.
Results
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Testing results gathered & the best new radio was selected for the LFB biased on this testing being completed correctly. Radio selected was Motorola.
Reflection.
This was a very important task in the procurement of new equipment, and how well it performs on the front line for firefighters. + costings to the LFB & tax payers.
- New Car technology - NCT
+ Electric car & Buses
& lithium ion batteries dangers
Situation
Large increase of Electrical vehicles on the roads.
Data from ? - IMS or i-mapping? Personal reflection
Task
Improve awareness for fire, crews by increasing their knowledge base on this new technology and its dangers.
Actions
Arranging crew to visit local electrical car maintenance facilities and a local bus maintenance garage. Having a qualified mechanic to show us electrical vehicles and a dangers
Results
Knowledge base increased
Crews now safer at RTC incidents
Reflection
This type of training would be very beneficial to the entire LFB & not just done at a local level.
- New SDBA & ESBA sets
- Advocating the new sets
- Brand new trial.
Participating through the Emerald Society for the selection and trying of new uniforms. - Workwear, PPE, and undress uniform formats
CONFLICT AT WORK
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Explain - Describe a time u dealt with conflict at work.
What did u do as a manager.
STARR
Mild conflict. - Personal - Racial - Unconscious bias.
Situation
A collogue at work kept singing a particular song (unconsciously) - a well known children’s marching song -
“This old man he played one
He played nick nack on my drum
With a nick nack paddy whack
Give a dog a bone
This old man came rolling home”
Task
Nip this mild racism in the bud.
It made me as a Irishman - feel uncomfortable about my heritage & historical mistreatment.
Action
I explained the true meaning his innocent song & he was mortified.
As a friend & close collogue I was concerned about how other collogues or members of the public would perceive him, if they heard him singing or humming this tune.
Results
Successfully expressed my point of view & listened to my collogues points as well. We peacefully & amicably resolved the issues.
Reflection
Wish I had spoken to my friend colleague sooner. As this small racial annoyance could have been stop sooner & even thou it was a small thing, it’s annoyance to me grew over time - small insults (micro inequity,) over a long time period has a cumulative effect.
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT ✅
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Community engagement - how have you achieved this.
Describe 3 events
STARR
1.Situation
I approached a local school to engage with them to spread CFS through fun learning.
Task
Learn about this event.
Sept 6th 1666 Great, Fire of London group class
PELHAM Primary school (Next door to Wimbledon FS) - Year 4 ,5 & 6 (8 -11)
Head teacher - Mrs Parker
Action
Day trip to the monument arranged by the school - I was invited along off duty. - Got clearance from my Guv & SC.
I produced a Class quiz’s & led the school quiz.
Trips to Wimbeldon Fire Station
LFB, old and new equipment.
Gave out CFS leaflets & HFSV referral forms + General Fire safety advise.
Held a Q&A session for the students.
Results.
Got 50 referrals in total.
Reflection
The children and school staff really enjoyed this project. Would be worth thinking about contacting other schools in Wimbledon to reach a larger audience.
- Junior arson reduction team - JART - referrals to the LIFE & Fire Cadets
- Stn open day - Inclusion pre opening for children with autism.
- Contacting local Care Homes for a Coffee Morning.
NEURO DIVERSITY
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Neuro diversity in your workplace.
STARR
Situation.
FF on my previous Watch going for LFF exams has failed twice.
Unknown to himself he was suffering from dyslexia.
Spotting the signs : Poor inconsistent spelling - confidence did not match ability - Poor reader - very hesitant to present a lecture at work (reading aloud required to present the subject). - Is a Visual learner. Very hardworking & determined.
Task
To help him pass his LFF exams
Actions
I offered my help & asked if he wanted my help. I mentioned the fact that I’m dyslexic. Suggested he goes for a test - which confirmed he was dyslexic. Told him to inform the assessment Center. He get reasonable adjustment for his exams. - more time to read the questions.
Results
He has now passed his LFF & is excelling in his new role.
Refection, I wish I had served with this FF before his 1st LFF exams as I could have spotted the signs and symptoms before his first exams and therefore saved him several years & exam failures.
DIVERSITY
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What does diversity mean to you?
Describe a time you supported this in the workplace .
S.T.A.R.R.
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A diverse workforce has more skills & experience ie. languages
Situation
A member of my watch was getting married in the foreseeable future. I arranged a hen do for her in Brighton - In THE ZONE BAR - LGBTQ PH.
Task
To bring the Watch & member of the Brides family & friends together for a night out to celebrate her upcoming wedding.
Actions
Booked the venue & B&B, organised the overall event.
Results
Everyone had a great time.
Reflection
Brought the moral & bonding of the watch closer together. Much more understating of each others cultures from heterosexual lifestyles and LGBTQ lifestyles.
Example 2
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Siliva on my previous watch is a member of LGBTQ community she is also of Italian origin & a fluent Italian language, which she have used more than once in the course of her duties at work.
EMPOWERING OTHERS ✅
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Describe a time you Empowering others.
- Describe the Benefits the Empowered person & the Empowerier (T/LFF & Sub/O) what they both gain from the experience.
S.T.A.R.
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Situation
A FF on my watch was looking to act up to T/LFF & receive guidance on working towards the next LFF round.
Task
To give this FF the tools & skills to empower herself to deliver lectures & drills at station.
Actions
I consulted with my Stn/O & expressed my thoughts on giving this FF some extra responsibilities on stn & act her up the rank of T/LFF.
I gave the T/LFF the responsibility of delivering the Line Level 2 - Damop training for the following month.
I would mentor & support if & when required. They would plan & deliver lectures + plan & run drills as the OIC.
Conduct all briefs & debriefs & address any extra training requirements (if needed).
Also, complete training records with the Stn Diary & line training log books.
Results
T/LFF preformed very well in this task.
We had weekly meeting throughout.
Reflection
T/LFF did not require as many meetings as we did because they were progress with the task very well on their own - however I wanted them to feel that I was supporting them throughout the process.
NB
Better to support to much than NOT enough.
Example 2
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Empowering a FF on my watch to improve the CFS figures on the watch.
MISOGYNY
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What is the dictionary definition of misogyny?
Common dictionary, definition:
Hatred of, aversion to, or prejudice against women
Oxford, English dictionary:
A person who hates or dislikes women or believes they are not as good as men
What is the Interview Answer format
S.T.A.R.R.
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Situation
Task
Actions
Results
Reflection
PROFESSIONAL ✅
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Why is it important to be consistent and professional?
S.T.A.R.R.
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It is very important to remain professional in the eyes of the public . As firefighters on the front line, We are seen by members of the public, we are the public face of the organisation and must look and act smart and professional at all times to try maintain public confidence.
We are here to serve and protect the people of London
Situation
Human beings and mammals are fearful of uncertainty & unknown change. This is a basic human instinct.
Task
If your actions and decisions are random and erratic, this causes uncertainty in the workplace for staff. This in effect causes staff to be unhappy.
Actions
Be fair, balanced, logical and consistent in your decision, making. By doing this, your crew will know what to expect from you. Eliminating the uncertainty. Also be cool calm and collected on the incident ground.
Results
Watch are in the happy place.
A happy watch is a productive watch
Reflection
In the past as a new LFF , I can reflect back where emotions/adrenaline sometimes was driving factor in decision-making, especially under high pressure incidents (not as much on stn) but as I’ve developed my incident command and managerial skills, I’ve become much more calm under pressure through experience and knowledge.
INTEGRATION
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Explain a time you helped a member of staff to integrate into the watch.
S.T.A.R.R.
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Situation
Recently, many new members of Staff have transferred into London form other Brigades. (Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire and Surrey)
Task
To make them feel welcome to the watch.
Augment there 1 weeks transfer course to bring them up to speed with the rest of the watch.
Explain stn topography, risks LFB procedures (Radio Comms & Callsigns).
Actions
Made Bespoke training plans (TNA) - VARK & E-DIP
Provided support & mentoring as required on a case by case basis.
Results
Marked improvement in local knowledge & integration into the overall Watch structure.
Reflection
Spoke to training team (T&PT) to increase the number of days training the transferees get on LFB BA procedures - Hot wears.
TAKING OWNERSHIP & RESPONSIBILITY
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S.T.A.R.R.
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Situation
Taking the lead & Ownership on monitoring performance tracking Watch figures using P.E.T. (Performance evaluation tool).
Task
Improve watch figures across the board for the next Quarterly Stn management meeting - Brough/Stn review.
Actions
Reviewed the following areas to spot where improvement needed to be made to achieve/surpass Service Standards.
CFS - 10%
Visual Audits - 4 p/m
(2 planned/2 unplanned)
Attendance times:
1st truck <6 min
2nd truck <8 mins
Turnout times <90 sec
Figures Confirmed <10 mins
Damop - > 74%
Outstanding Hydrants
Outstanding RTW
As Wimbledon is a FRU & TL stn time management & task delegation is the key to achieving this goal & still being able to meet our training requirements for specialist crews. I enlisted 1 x LFF & 2 x FF’s to assist me is completing tasks. This was empowering other to complete tasks & improve there organisational skills.
Results
Figure were good overall but there were areas for improvement in CFS & Figures Confirmed area.
Put a new Community Engagmebt plan in place & made a amendment to the Daily tasks on the Rollboard for a ‘Confirmed Figures Duty’ to be assigned to a specific at ever Rollcall & they are to report it as done to the OUC when it done.
Reflection
After 3 months of very hard work the figures are much improved. We will now maintain this momentum & keep the figures where they need to be.
SELFLESS
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Lost Girl at St. Patrick’s Day Parade.
S.T.A.R.R.
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Situation
At this years LFB Emerald society St.Patrick’s day parade I took part & marched in the parade along with 50 other LFB FF’/Officers & their families.
I took both of my kids too. They loved it! Great atmosphere.
Once the parade was finished in Trafalgar Sq , we started to make our way home. Thomas, Clara & I were crossing over Westminster Bridge. I noticed a young girl following us close behind. We stopped at a red pedestrian crossing, Clara shoe lace was undone so I knelt down to tie it, meanwhile the pedestrian crossing light turned green but the young girl did not cross the road. Upon finishing tying Clara’s shoe lace I got up to cross the road & the unknown young girl followed with us.
Once we all reached the other side of the road safely I turned to the young girl & asked if she was following us? To which she answered ‘YES!’ to my surprise.
She started crying, I asked if she was ok & why she was following us. She said - “I’m lost & got separated from my Daddy. I was following u as u have the same uniform as him’.
I calm her down, said everything will be ok & she was safe.
Task
Reunite lost Child with her Father.
Actions
Long walk back to the parade - piece together the details of who this lost child was, she was called, Paula, & her dad was a STn/O at Kentish Town. She had no phone on her & didn’t know her dads phone number.
So I called Kentish Town FS to see if the on dirty watch would have a mobile number for her Dad, which they did. I called his mobile & he answered in a panic - obviously looking for his daughter.
Results
After a very long day,, father & daughter we’re reunified at Charing Criss train Station.
Reflection
Always keep your kids close at big mass gatherings!
Next step to locating the girls, Toby was for me to call officer of the day and explain the situation & get the fathers details through the OOTD. - Bring Paula to HQ Union Street.
Everyone loves a happy ending!
UNDER PERFORMANCE ✅
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How to address under performance
What are the key issues?
- Training Need
- Lazy
- Complacency (Old Hand!)
- Inattention during training/lectures.
- Personal Welfare issues
- Neuro diverse condition.
- use VARK Questionnaire, E-Dip, SMART, TNA, PDP, three procedure if necessary
- Bi-Spoke training plans to improve performance.
- Positive Learning = Positive learning experience.
NOT - Negative learning = Poor outcomes, puts students on the back foot, defensive & feel threatened.
- use VARK Questionnaire, E-Dip, SMART, TNA, PDP, three procedure if necessary
Be aware of the signs and symptoms of dyslexia/ADHD and the traits of neuro diversity, puppy self-aware, as you are not a subject matter expert, but signpost staff to the people who are.
Example
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S.T.A.R.R.
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Situation
A number of FF’s on my watch were suffering from operational skill fade on the PL as they were always riding the FRU or TL.
Task
To increase the number of personnel on the watch to allow crew rotation.
Actions
Positively promote the advantages for the watch and for firefighters own personal development to increase their skills into specialisms like FRU, LINE UPS, LEVEL TWO, TL & USAR.
Results
A number of firefighters have put themselves forward for courses and completed them
Reflection
Allows for easier allocation, different trucks and crew rotation on a regular basis.
