When interviewing for a fire protection specialist position, preparation is key. Remember that an interview is a two-way street. While you’ll face a variety of questions (for preparation tips, check out our guide on 27 Interview Questions for Fire Protection Specialists), it’s equally important to come equipped with your own questions.
Asking questions demonstrates your genuine interest in the job and helps you assess whether the position aligns with your career goals. Since switching jobs is a major decision, gather all the necessary information to make an informed choice.
- Why are you hiring fire protection specialists?
New hires typically signal positive growth or the promotion of existing staff. If the shop is expanding and needs more technicians to handle the increased workload, it suggests success and progress.
On the other hand, if the hiring is a result of someone being fired, it might be a red flag. In such cases, understand why the previous person left and if the shop frequently experiences turnover. If someone resigned, consider whether this is a common occurrence.
Ask questions like, “What is your turnover rate?” or “On average, how long do your technicians stay with the company?” to gauge if you’re stepping into a high-turnover environment.
- What is the availability of overtime, and is it mandatory?
Overtime often constitutes a significant portion of a technician’s income. Ensure that the shop is busy enough to offer overtime opportunities and understand the shop’s overtime policy—whether it’s mandatory and if senior technicians have priority access.
- Do you provide training for your technicians?
Look for a shop that invests in OEM training for its technicians to keep their skills current. A lack of training opportunities might hinder your career growth and skill development.
- What are the career growth opportunities?
Inquire whether the company typically promotes from within. If there’s no advancement potential and that’s not a concern for you, then it’s less critical. However, if you’re interested in career progression, it’s worth knowing what opportunities are available.
- What do you personally like about working here?
To get a genuine sense of the work environment, ask “What do you like about working here?” rather than “Why do people like working here?” The former question tends to elicit a more honest and personal response, while the latter might result in a standard company spiel.
These questions should help you make a more informed decision. For additional interview tips, check out our guide on How To Ace The Interview.
If you’re struggling to land interviews, reach out to Rockstar Fire. We can help you secure interviews for your ideal job. Contact us at 1-833-937-3546 to explore your options.
