999 Call Handler Interview Questions
- How do you function under duress?
- What do you think we do or what happens at the call centre?
- What do i know about the role of an EMD?
- What skills can I contribute to this position?
- Which of the four Met principles do you live by and what does it mean to you?
- Tell me about your experience with the emergency services and how did you feel?
- Why do you want to work here?
- Do you understand the role?
Read Monster’s guide on how to respond to specific police dispatcher and 911 operator interview questions. Dillon Price, Monster contributor
Dispatchers respond to a variety of crises, including violent crimes and incapacitating falls. As they manage numerous calls, log calls, calm anxious callers, send out emergency personnel, and provide life-saving advice, dispatchers’ average days can be hectic. While 911 dispatchers handle all emergency calls and connect callers with the appropriate police, fire, and medical services, police dispatchers handle both emergency and non-emergency calls and coordinate a response from law enforcement. Jobs as dispatchers are not always simple. To guarantee they are employing the best candidates for the position, prospective employers will pose challenging dispatcher interview questions.
Basic interview questions concerning your qualifications for the job, your limitations and skills, and your career objectives may be asked. But it’s crucial to be ready to respond to inquiries about dispatcher positions in particular. When preparing for your interview, you can consult our list of frequently asked questions and model responses for dispatcher interviews.
Hello all, named changed for this as I dont want anyone to know about my interview/assessment for this role for now, avoiding any jinxing Have assessments coming up for fire control 999 operator, anyone have any hints or tips they can offer? I know I have to do a phone assessment first then attend an assessment day which I assume will include typing tests etc. and role play. Any tips greatly received; if you do the job already how do you find it? Bricking it already.
Well I didnt get it but found out there were 400 apps and I was in the 40 that were assessed, so pleased about that. The assessment day was interesting and I actually enjoyed it – gutted as I really wanted it but hey ho back to the drawing board. Thank you all for your help, appreciated it all so much.
Sound confident and clear . At work our radio mantra for anyone who uses one , be it dispatcher , call handler or officer , is Accuracy , Brevity , Clarity, and it translates well as the qualities needed to be a really good operator .It means getting the important info right , like locations , and confirming it to make sure . Spellings need to be accurate . Just be calm , clearly spoken , reassuring , and patient , and you should be fine. Training will help you with the rest .
Yes I do shifts, actually just about to get ready for a night shift – which today is a struggle as didnt sleep well. I have done shift work for 22 years so for me it is normal. With night shifts different people cope differently. The most I do is 3 in a row, although many years ago I used to do 7 in a row so 3 isnt too bad! to prepare for the first night shift I sometimes get up as normal in the morning then go back to bed in he afternoon, the trouble is you cant always sleep. Other times I stay up as late as possible the night before. Often into the early hours and sleep late. Getting over them can be tough. Sometimes I try and stay up, if I have slept well the day before, and then go to bed early. Although as I didnt sleep well today I will get a few hours sleep when I get home then force myself to get up and move around so I go to bed at a decent hour. Ultimately you just need to try different things and find what works for you. I actually find the early shift a lot harder, I am not a morning person so having to be at work at 0630 is a killer for me.
Thanks, a nice surprise after lots of rejections of late. Not a job I thought I would be up for, popped up in my job alerts and turned out lots of my skills applied so fingers crossed. All great suggestions, mind has gone a bit blank so grateful for these. First assessment is a 30 minute call which is also some kind of assessment, with a task to be given apparently.
Emergency Dispatchers are the first line of communication between citizens and first responders. They walk people through what are typically the most frightening, heart-wrenching moments of their lives. They are level-headed, detail-oriented individuals who know how to effectively support people who are panicked and in often dangerous situations. Their response and guidance can make the difference between life and death in many cases.
A good Emergency Dispatcher works well under pressure and knows how to multitask without becoming overwhelmed. They can naturally lead a conversation and administer directions without becoming too forceful or aggressive. Their ability to provide responsive support requires quick thinking, resilience and a high tolerance for stress. The right candidates will be balanced individuals who are able to stay grounded during distressing situations and help protect people until help can arrive.
General interview questions (such as “Can you tell me about yourself?” and “Why are you looking for another job?”) are a great way to get to know your candidate’s personal history, interests, and goals. However, be sure to add inquiries specific to the role they’re interviewing for, so you can gain valuable insights into their likelihood of success in that position.
Save time when interviewing emergency dispatchers. Get one-way video applications for just $9. Sign-up to HelloCecil for a free trial.
If a caller is screaming, cursing and difficult to understand, how will you help them?
What you want to hear: Empathy is required among anyone who is dealing with people in crises. Your ideal candidate will know that their reactions are understandable. They should calmly but firmly let the caller know they have to lower their voice so they can be helped as quickly as possible.
Red flag: Some candidates may say that they would end the call if they could not understand the person speaking; others may react aggressively and try to “scream over” the caller and get their attention. Neither of these responses is appropriate. The candidate should always strive to deescalate rather than perpetuate a stressful situation.
How do you prioritize calls for emergency dispatch?
What you want to hear: Every state has its own priority system for emergency calls. First priority calls are always dispatched for situations involving immediately life-threatening situations. Non-critical situations can be responded to by order of severity.
Red flag: Candidates should recognize that critical calls always take precedence. Relying on an established prioritization streamlines the dispatch process and avoids overloading first responders or misdirecting them to non-critical situations.
FAQ
How much do 999 call handlers earn UK?
Must-have skills
You’ll need to stay calm under pressure, be able to deal with people who may be angry or upset and work well in a team. You’ll also need excellent communication and keyboard skills. In most ambulance trusts, call handler and dispatcher are separate roles, but some trusts combine them.
How can I be a good call handler?
- Study the day-to-day duties of a dispatcher.
- Familiarize yourself with the communications equipment dispatchers use.
- Be aware of the challenges dispatchers face on the job.
How do I prepare for a dispatcher interview?
- Study the day-to-day duties of a dispatcher.
- Familiarize yourself with the communications equipment dispatchers use.
- Be aware of the challenges dispatchers face on the job.
How do you prepare for a 111 call handler interview?
- Study the day-to-day duties of a dispatcher.
- Familiarize yourself with the communications equipment dispatchers use.
- Be aware of the challenges dispatchers face on the job.
