LFB 2018 - Perry

[Perryb91]

Put the kettle one...it's not quite war and peace but won't be far off! 

I finally after 8 years of constant applications to London fire brigade received my provisional offer on the 24/08/18. It's been a hell of a slog, my first application was when I was 18 years old as like most it was always a career I had my eyes set on and it was the first time I would experience the dreaded "not reached the required standard" email. Just to clarify It never got any easier lol!

Looking back now, I know that I was never ready at that age, not to say that a younger recruit wouldn't be but I honestly don't think I would of been mature enough to become a firefighter back then and can truly say I feel I have far more to offer now besides just pure enthusiasm.

I took a breather after a few applications between 18-22 ish and finally decided to give it another crack I'd say around 2015 ish. I had done SO much homework on hitting the PQA's during the old style application format, where you would be asked to demonstrate how your experience correlates to the role with I think a 300 word limit per question to the point I was obsessive! I remember running buckets of concrete at work hearing my phone go off with 2 emails from the recruitment team, I had passed and was offered an interview! Unfortunately, my education certificates did not actually meet the equivalent requirement so that was me binned, triffic...

I decided at that point no matter what I'm gonna make this happen. I took 6 weeks off work (self employed) and fully funded my maths and English level 2 courses one of them meaning I needed to go to Coventry twice for exams, I managed to smash all that out studying day and night which probably cost about 4 grand including lost wages but didn't care. I haven't come this far, to only come this far...

Recruitment opens again that's it I've got this I tell me self, i could hit your PQA's describing how I get showered in the morning.... ah lovely, no need for formal qualifications needed just need to pass online tests ? LFB changed the way the app process goes down meaning I didn't need to do any of that stuff prior. honestly, I'm completely fine about it my girlfriend was dreading going to Mexico that year anyway. 

The brigade ran a number of recruitments I think from 2016 onwards under their new system and honestly it tripped me up massively. During these tests (situation/behaviour) I actually doubted my self, do I actually have what it takes? Eventually I made the grade, and I realised I wasn't very good at telling someone/computer what I was good at. Anyone who knows me knows how driven and dedicated I am but in fear of coming across as arrogant maybe came across luke warm. 

I'm still haunted to this day about the mechanical reasoning lol. Cogs, leavers pulleys, force etc etc fine but some questions on there I truly have no idea. I finally had my assessment day in early/mid june I think of this year, terrified was an understatement. I had my interview pretty much as soon as I finished getting my documents scanned. I remember the two watch managers offering me a glass of water and I was shaking putting it on the table ? they could see how scared I was and gave me every opportunity to take my time of which I cannot thank them enough for their patience!

I really thought I'd fluffed the interview so everything else that day wasn't actually a big deal as I was so sure I was there as a formality. Quick tip, don't be afraid to pause and ask them to repeat the question so you can make sure your not going off on a tangent. I really recommend using the STAR technique when giving your response, stops you blabbering on about nonsense.

• Situation - what was going on
• Task - what was your job/role
• Action- what did you do? 
• Response - what happened/outcome 

The group exercise and the role play for me wasn't a big deal, I knew that I was there to just be my self and if I passed at least I knew I wasn't pretending to be anything other then that. Treat it like it's real is all I will say as I know we are not allowed to disclose what happens in there. Fitness test & Medical went by without a hitch bumping into somd people I saw at my assessment day and going for a beer after was nice! 

I have waffled on and I am sorry but this journey has meant so much to me and taken a lot to get to where I am now, I just wanted anyone who's going through the process to not give up. My friend has shown me this forum and the info he passed on from it has helped to much hopefully I'll be able to now help in any way I can. So I start training on 22nd of October it's time to keep my mouth shut and eyes open 

Perry 

[Keith]

Well done Perry.

[Mx19]

Nice one mate!

[CaptainFlack]

Excellent post! Well done Perry

[Carefree]

Fantastic effort Perry, you deserve it.

Welcome to the (still) best job in the world.

[HoldFast]

Great effort mate happy for you ?

[Perryb91]

Thank you so much guys/girls cannot wait to get started ?

[Steve]

Well done Perry,

If you enjoy it even a fraction of what I did then it'll all be worthwhile.

[Perryb91]

Thanks @Steve just excited to get stuck in now! Any advice for training school?

[Luminoki]

Never be late for anything! Congrats mate

[Kamran]

Hi, was informative reading your experiences,  sounded very genuine and has motivated me so thanks for that.

Anyway good luck on your new journey!!