View Full Version : 911 telecommunications position
After waiting quite a while I am finally scheduled for a test.
It will be this week for the 911 dispatcher position. Its 3 hours long and I am quite anxioius. When I asked what I could study for it they answered "not much".
Have worked in customer service for many years and I am ready for something a bit more challenging. I have a feeling this will be it!
Any advice/encouragement would be greatly appreciated!
The test is in Broward, Florida (North Fort Lauderdale).
All that I know is that it is part data input and part geography.
Duckie911
02-08-2002, 20:36
Know how to type. Good luck on your test. :)
MrJim911
02-08-2002, 23:39
Lily,
There are a few books you can order on line that have examples of 911 dispatcher tests. If you would like the sites let me know and I'll e-mail them to you. But what their people told you is pretty much true. You really can't prepare too much. 911 centers are usually so different from each other that a standardized test is not possible. If this test your about to take is only data input and geography then it sounds like they are interested in typing skills and maybe understanding if computers and also to see if you have a understanding of the area you will be dispatching for. So maybe grab a map and get to know the major roadways. If you already live in the area then you don't have much to worry about. I wich you luck! My advice is just to do your best. When I got hired my written test was a general knowledge test that had spelling, math, etc... Then we had to listen to some old tapes to see if we could understand what we were hearing. Let us know how you do!!! :)
Thanks for your replies! The test is this Wed. I have waited a while for it. Hope they don't take too long to give out the results.
The waiting is the worse part.
Will certainly keep you posted on how it works here in north Broward, Fl.
Thanks again for your encourgement.
Took the test in the Broward area (North Fort Lauderdale, Florida).
The good part is that after taking each test you know if you pass right away. No waiting period. Geography was first. If you pass , then you go to the data entry portion. If you pass that then you go to a pre-interview.
There were 12 in our group. (They were performing tests all day).
Out of 12 only 4 names were called. The succesful ones. Mine was not one of them.
I took my purse with my head down and headed for the elevator.
As I got to the elevator I heard my name. I thought I had forgotten my glasses. What do you know they had forgotten to call me! I was the fifth one!
I passed it all. The pre-interview was short and it helped that I read all of your posts. Questions such as: Why do you think you would qualify? were asked. I was ready for that, thanks to you guys.
Now its on to the background check. Info on ten years of past work history. I have had many, many jobs. Won't look good. Ill take it one more step at a time, though. After background check, then more interviews!
Thanks for the support.
L.
JazznDBluz
02-13-2002, 20:54
Woooo Hoooooo Lily!!! Congratulations girlfriend!!! . . . ok, it's time for a big 'ol group hug gang!
I'm excited for ya Lily! Keep us posted on everything, k?
:star:
MrJim911
02-13-2002, 21:18
LOL :bounce: Good thing you didn't get on that elevator! Great work Lily! I'm sure the background will go fine. Keep us posted!
I really appreciate your support!
The process is really a lot of hurry up and sit down kind of thing.
When I was given the background forms it all had to be returned in two days! Thank goodness I had the original school transcripts etc.
More waiting time now.
Couldn't help myself and called HR today to ask about how long does it take for a background check. "Just a ballpark figure please!"
Didn't give my name of course. She said that they go by the list. Whoever is given priority will be checked first. Still doesn't tell me much but I didn't dare push it any further! :eek:
MrJim911
02-19-2002, 16:30
I think mine took about 2 weeks or so. It was pretty thorough. The detective even called my, then, current employer and asked to speak with me to confirm I was really working there at the time.
Cyclone911
02-20-2002, 11:41
Background checks are always thorough for law enforcement. The Captain of our Sheriff's Office called my best friend in New Jersey and she thought that I was in some kind of trouble because of the numerous questions that were asked. (I kinda forgot to tell her that I had put her down). So just let everybody that you put down know that they will be getting a special phone call.....
:wink:
Lily,
Can you give some details as to the geography part of the test? Do they give you an example map of the area with questions pertaining to the map? With points of interest that you need to locate? Just curious how detailed it may be if I ever come across such a test.
Thanks,
Lynn :)
Certainly, for once I can offer some info!
I had been told that there was nothing to study by the Human Resource personnel but that was not true. We got maps of Broward to look at. (The area were I would be covering). All the questions were taken from there. It helped that I lived in the area and was familiar with it.
Lily,
Great!! Thank you. Will pulling out and dusting off maps of the area :D
Lynn
ladymoonlite
03-06-2002, 23:10
Lynn,
You should be aware that Lily is testing in Florida, and there's not really a single, definitive test being used anywhere, so you may NOT need to dust off the maps at all. Our test does use maps, but they are of fictional places, simply to check your ability to mapread, not your knowledge of any specific location. While many job advertisements include that knowledge of the area covered is helpful, I've found that proven ability to learn quickly is a good substitute. I was (in a previous life <grin>) a Navy wife, and moved to completely new cities every 3-5 years. Dispatching in a city you don't know at ALL is a challenge, but not impossible, especially with a good CAD.
Ladymoonlite,
Good to know! There is no substitute for good ol' fashion common sense (and a compass):wink:
Lynn
That is what makes it so frustrating. The rules are different everywhere. I have heard some get their background result in a few weeks.
I have been waiting almost a month and nothing. Not even an "I dont want you". It does make it a bit confusing and disheartening! But I am sure it is worth it.
:eek:
MrJim911
03-07-2002, 17:02
Have you called them to see what is taking so long? Of course don't phrase your question like that to them... But it is ok to call and check up on them. :)
Not allowed to reach the background dept. I only get as far as Human Resources and the person in charge guards it all as if she has state secrets. No information comes out of her lips.
:wink:
They are still testing for the dispatcher positions. I have decided to write the sheriff. Dont think I have much to lose anyway at this point, since all they seem to be doing is gathering resumes.
Here is what I wrote the Sheriff in charge:
I have a comment and a question on your Human Resources Department. First of all, the job Hot line where you have a recorded message that says "I guarantee we will contact you promptly" I guarantee, it never happens. I have left messages and have never been called back.
For the question: I took the Dispatch Communications Operator test. After passing the test and hurrying to give all my background information the next day, I never heard from the dept. again. Either good or bad.
When I tried to get a "ball park figure" of how long a background check can last, Just in case I actually need to go to work, I can't get any sort of answer. That information is guarded closer than a State Secret. Yet more and more people are tested for what reason?
Just wanted to update you, because you sound so nice on the hot line, like something will actually happen if we apply.
Thanks for reading this.
Well, I thought after that letter, there goes my chances.
However, I received this from the Sheriff. He was gracious enough to email back:
- -
Thank you for writing and bringing this to my attention. I take what I say
very seriously and it concerns me that you have not received a call-back.
Let me internally investigate our process and I will get back to you with an
answer in the next few days.
Sincerely...
- -
Let's see what happens. HR will probably shred my resume into tiny little pieces! But, someone had to tell them. :rolleyes:
I am so glad we do not have test to get jobs here lol. I know KSP dispatch has a typing test and that is it. If I would have had to take a typing test (which I think is stupid as he$$) I would not have my job today. I can type with speed and accuracy, BUT I have to be looking at the keyboard. I do not recall a time I had to be looking elsewhere when taking a call lol just makes no sense to me.
MrJim911
03-26-2002, 02:03
They are kind of pointless, after a few weeks of dispatching your going to be a fast typist anyway. :D
ladymoonlite
03-26-2002, 02:50
ref Quote: "after a few weeks of dispatching your going to be a fast typist anyway."
Oh, I don't know about THAT. We once gave an overlong trial period to a gentleman who was essentially a hunt-and-peck typist, and he NEVER picked up any speed at all. It was very frustrating to the trainee as well as the trainer, and obviously he didn't work out in the long run.
I think that if you don't have basic keyboarding skills, you should at the very least show some initiative in developing them before considering taking a position where speed may be a matter of life and death.
MrJim911
03-26-2002, 04:05
There are always exceptions. If you can't make it past the hunt and peck then your correct in that they shouldn't be doing this and CAN'T do this type of work.
I started off as a 2 finger typist. Today doing 85 WPM I only use my middle finger on my left hand and all my fingers on my right hand. Very weird. :confused:
ladymoonlite
03-27-2002, 03:19
Wow, that is an interesting typing style! You'd burn up keyboards if you used your entire left hand.
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