I applied online. The process took 2 months. I interviewed at Singapore Civil Defence Force
Interview
It seems they do not know how to choose their people, going by random gut feel and convenience. HR process is haphazard and unstructured, with a lack of transparency. Takes very long to get updates on status of application, when the status is already decided after each interview. Overall a waste of time and energy.
You would be required to write several essays by hand (how archaic..) . Interviewers also like to put words into your mouth so better think twice before you answer. Finally, I would advise you to look at what people say about their working experience in this place, and think twice about applying. But if you do...Proceed with caution, and call and bug them for status updates, don't bother waiting as they are an inefficient bunch.
There are many stages to the interview. 2 physical sessions, have to go all the way to Ubi for the interview. The first session is with only one major, followed by the second session with roughly 4 people.
I applied online. I interviewed at Singapore Civil Defence Force (Singapore) in Apr 2025
Interview
There were 4 parts of the hiring process, which are listed in chronological order:
1. Psychometric assessment
This is an online assessment which tests critical thinking in a few sections (eg. they will give you a statement, and you have to pick an MCQ option that is a valid conclusion from the statement). It also includes something like a personality test (think along the lines of MBTI).
2. First in-person interview
When I arrived at the SCDF HQ, they first gave me a 15-min quiz to complete. The quiz included 2 questions: Where do you see yourself in 5 years? and Name 3 accomplishments/missions of SCDF. Obviously a closed-book assessment. Please do research for this part eg. read their annual report as I was given feedback that I did not seem to know what I was getting myself into (I gave very vague answers for both questions as I was unprepared).
The interview itself was quite brief, the Major asked me about my educational/familial background, and as I was applying for both Paramedics and Fire Rescue side, he told me which side he was going to interview me for and why based on my resume (you can decline if there is a side you really want). Finally, he gave me a statement and told me to just respond however I wanted, "Young adults are engaging in polyamourous relationships in a bid to find a suitable candidate for marriage." (This question will differ for each person I assume) I think this tests how you speak and argue your point so you can probably ask for some time to process your thoughts (I didn't and regretted it).
3. Meeting with psychologist
The psychologist contacted me about a week after part 2 to arrange a date. The purpose was to clarify some statements made in part 1, as well as to see your personality and how you cope with situations. Some questions he asked were, "Tell me about a time when you faced a stressful situation, and how did you deal with it?", "When you face a risky situation, how do you made a decision on what to do?" and "Have you ever made a decision without thinking, and what happened?"
4. Panel interview
I didn't manage to pass to this stage so I have no comments. But I was told this is where you need to impress the hiring panel by telling them how you can be of value and why you really want the job.
I interviewed at Singapore Civil Defence Force (Singapore)
Interview
Had to conduct a psychometric assessment followed by a preliminary interview. Question includes family background, education, and situational questions to test your morals. Just with one officer after which you pass you will be offered a panel interview.