Got a question about tests scores.

[rec24]

Does anyone know of anybody getting hired on any city with a score on a CPS test lower than lets say 80% or like 85%. Or do they onlty take the scores that are in the 90%. Like for the Joint Recruitment Guelph, Kitchener etc.....earlier this year, does anyone know if they hired anybody, and if so, how many, and do you know what they got. I scored an 83%, no phone call or anything. So i want to know if anyone has at least got an interview somewhere with a score of like 75% or something. Just like to know. Also anyone get an interview with Belleville? Or heard of anyone getting an interview? And has anyone heard from Welland yet? They say they are suppose to call by the 17th of Dec, i know it's only the 9th, just wondering if anyone got a call early. So get back to me if anybody's got any info.
P.S. Happy Holidays everybody!

[DoubleHelix]

I don't know it usually isnt test score alone its everything together. Is your resume really solid?

[Newb on Fire]

I scored an 86% on the joint recruitment and received no phone call. I don't know what the percentage was of those who did get a call. My resume could use some work though. I need to finnish that Pre-Service. I have a feeling only Pre-Service grads or previous volunteers are getting on. That's just my opinion though.

[JohnS]

I made a list and never took that course.

[Red_Devil]

if your in pre service they wont hire ya until you complete it, its almost like you either have it or you dont

[jamielopes]

Not true.

I am currently in the pre-service program, and I know of 8 people hired right out of my class, all were hired prior to; or at the half-way point of the course.

[DoubleHelix]

John S, you made Toronto's list without but theyve been known for that. Lots of guys who get hired with Toronto don't have anything. But thats changing forsure in the future.

[JohnS]

Your right, they are moving in the pre-service direction. But right now they do not have a large enough qualified pool of applicants who currently have the pre-service course. If is very important to build your overall qualities.

[DoubleHelix]

Forsure but I think its pretty stupid to say just because someone is young and hasnt been a truck driver or doesnt have a trade that someone who does would make a better candidate.

I hate when people say stuff like you've never lived on your own and all that bs. I'm 20 years old so sure im young and I do live at home but ive been fortunate enough to have a good upbringing and parents who are supportive and also don't restrict me in what I do so why wouldn't I want to live at home and save money while im young.

[TomC]

if anyone ever figures it out let me know...I had written the cps test that we wrote for the joint kitchener/guelph.......about 4 times, scored 92, have Humber pre service, paramedic experience, yadda yadda yadda....my application package is 30 pages....still no call...I really dont know what the secret is...I hate to think its who you know but am starting to see people get hired that have relied on it....????? what about the other test...like the Barrie one...occupational specific....cant crack that one.. any suggestions?

[DoubleHelix]

Yeah I went to Humber aswell. By Paramedic experience do you mean like patient transferring? And if so which company?

[Jurassic]

TomC, listen man...i'm in the same boat with the joint recruitment. I think it's a joke. In fact, another testing session is to come with another million applicants forking out cash for it and there are approx. 700 in the pool already! My opinion on it is that they are taking co-op students and giving lotsa points to conestoga students etc. Or it's who you know. Whatever...apparently they are supposed to revamp their scoring matrix soon. And Guelph is delaying their new station until the fall of 2005 now.

As for the OS. Only written is once and didn't pass but I know why (went TOO much for team work and not enough on individual). Just answer in extremes 1's and 9's and be honest. Should be easy to crack after a write or 2. I'm looking forward to it again actually in London soon after this crappy mississauga CPS! Should be an easy pass i think and it eliminates ALOT of candidates.

[TomC]

I've considered the patient transfer route for a job, have some fellow students that are doing that for the time being..my experience was as a Level 1 paramedic in the Yukon, trianed through B.C. unfortunately not transferrable to Ontario as EMCA and would require 2 more years of school...$$ cant do it right now (besides, who wants to be a paramedic when you can be a FF...) as for the Joint Recruitment, if your on the list from last year you dont have to write again. Just make sure you keep updating your file and praying.

[TomC]

A CLASSMATE OF MINE THOUGHT HE HAD IT ALL FIGURED OUT..ANSWERED 1 OR 9 FOR MOST QUESTIONS, GOT A 53%...NOT THE SOLUTION. YES, YOU HAVE TO BE FIRM AND DECISIVE, NOT WISHY WASHY ON YOUR ANSWERS BUT THEY SOMEHOW KNOW IF YOUR SCAMMING IT. I THINK I GO WRONG WITH THE QUESTIONS RELATING TO TAKING CHANCES AND BEING RISKY. YES, THERE IS A LOT OF RISK IN FIREFIGHTING BUT I THINK THEY WANT TO HEAR THAT YOU DONT DO IT IN YOUR PERSONAL LIFE.

[Jurassic]

Well I used extremes in my answers and nearly passed. But i DID mix it up with some 2's and 8's etc. But yes, consistency is key. I actually think i got a pretty decent score...just didn't pass the team player section (simply because i revolved around the team).

The joint recruitment is a farce. I can't believe they are going to add hundreds more to the database...something fishy is going on around here. Well, here's hoping for London...looks like they will need lots. Cool city too.

[FFWannabe]

Originally posted by TomC
I've considered the patient transfer route for a job, have some fellow students that are doing that for the time being..my experience was as a Level 1 paramedic in the Yukon, trianed through B.C. unfortunately not transferrable to Ontario as EMCA and would require 2 more years of school...$$ cant do it right now (besides, who wants to be a paramedic when you can be a FF...) as for the Joint Recruitment, if your on the list from last year you dont have to write again. Just make sure you keep updating your file and praying.

Hey Tom, I've also been told that they want to know you aren't going to be a hotshot and put yourself at risk on the job as well, which essentially puts your team at risk if you hurt yourself. From my experience writing (we don't get our test scores here in Ottawa, but on the psych portion I was given the highest number, above average, on all 6 portions... kind of like getting 6 A's, basically), the questions seemed very much geared to your own safety first and the safety of your team and then rescuing others and saving the structure.. .if you're dead or injured, what good are you to anyone else?

I also answered almost all 1s and 9s, with less than a dozen 2s and 8s and I scored extremely well. I do think they can detect a pattern so if you answer a few way off, they can see you're bullshitting. I was as honest as I could be and tried to put myself in each situation... took me a while that way, but I faired out well. Still not hired though, my resume is pretty hollow, working on filling it in.

Sue :)