When applying to join a Fire and Rescue Service in the UK, you will probably have to undertake a Behavioural Styles Questionnaire or similar personality test. During this test, you will be presented with a number of statements that deal with work-like situations as well as more generic behaviour. Some Behavioural Styles Questionnaire examples could be: ‘I always see out commitments I make.’ You will then decide how well this applies to you, by selecting a response ranging from ‘Completely disagree’ to ‘Completely agree’.
The test will take place at an initial stage of the recruitment process, as it allows recruiters to get a sense of an applicant’s suitability for the role very quickly. It also allows applicants the chance to show their strengths and convey some personality. Please note, however, the logistics surrounding the test will vary from county to county, so make sure you check your relevant Fire and Rescue Service’s website. There, you will be able to out find whether you’ll be timed, and at what point of the process they will ask you to take the test.
As you will have guessed, it is quite easy to see the responses recruiters would want from these statements. An impeccable ‘Completely agree’ from questions about working hard, and a resolute ‘Completely disagree’ from questions about being lazy or lacking integrity, surely?
However, it is vital that you answer honestly! Recruiters want to get a sense of who you really are. Answering on the nose in that way for every single question will arouse suspicion, and make recruiters question how genuine your application is. Not only this, but your honest answers will allow you to get a clear sense of how good a fit you are for the role, and if it’s something you really want to commit to and make your full-time occupation.
So, see below for a some Fire and Rescue Service Behavioural Styles Questionnaire examples. They don’t have objective ‘correct’ and ‘incorrect’ answers, so just answer honestly. Then, look over your responses and think about how well suited you are to the life of a firefighter.
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How did you answer? However you did, recruiters will take this part of your application into account alongside any application forms and interviews you may have done, so it’s not the be all and end all! These other factors are more important than the Behavioural Style Questionnaire, but of course you should take it seriously. It could be the difference between you and another candidate making it to the next stage of the recruitment process!
