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Firefighters
Since 100% of your score in obtaining a firefighter badge is in the oral
board, what are you missing that's keeping you from gaining that badge?
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FireZine
Cutting edge interview skills to get that badge from Fire Captain Bob.
More than 2,157 candidates have received their badges from this program!
April 1, 2004. Copyright Code 3 Publishing 2003
captbob@eatstress.com web site: www.eatstress.com 888-238-3959
(see bottom to leave "FireZine")
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No one ever lost credibility by
being interesting.
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Nothing counts til you have the badge . . . Absolutely Nothing!
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Please forward or recommend this FireZine to anyone you
know that wants to shorten the learning curve to get
that badge!
If you are receiving this issue as a forward, and want
your own subscription, visit
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To leave this list see below
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In This Issue
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1. Quick Presentation Skills Tip
2. Entry Level Skills Tip
3. Robs Corner
4. Promotional Level Skills Tip
(Entry level should read this too)
5. New Badges
6. Humor
7. Resource Websites for Candidates
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1. Quick Presentation Skills Tip
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First this:
Captain Bob will give a FREE presentation on What is keeping you from
getting a firefighter Job? at Chabot College in Hayward (CA).
DATE: Sunday April 18, 2004
TIME: 1 pm to 3 pm
LOCATION: Room 916, Building 900 at Chabot
The free seminar is hosted by Captain Steve Prziborowski, Fire
Technology Coordinator at Chabot. If you’re planning on attending
please RSVP sprziborowski@chabotcollege.edu to reserve a spot.
The Psych!
The psych evaluation is another part of the interview process to get
hired. You need to be prepared before you walk in. This is why:
Captain Bob, I was invited to a captain's interview, and did well enough
to be invited on to the background and psych evaluation. I completed
those, but was not invited to progress to the next step - the physical.
When I called to inquire what had happened, they wouldn't give me an
answer, but my gut tells me it was the psyche because I don't think my
background would raise any concerns. Two things that concerned me about
the psyche: one was the emphasis placed on psychological counseling, the
other on arguments. I had recently seen a therapist for two years
regarding relationships I've had. The psychologist seemed to really
scrutinize that. Am I going to be automatically disqualified because
I've seen a shrink?
And I admitted to two confrontations with co-workers
in my current job and I feel like that reflected poorly on me. I can't
change the past and am naturally a pretty honest person, and I almost
feel now like I may not have a chance. Should I keep trying and will the
advice in your package help me be able to provide answers to their
questions in a genuine and honest, but positive way?
Thanks so much. It seemed like you have really helped so many people.
Thanks for what you are doing. Best, Adam
Reply:
If you continue to reveal the information in your psych tests you can
expect the same results. If had read our psych report prior to the
interview with the psychologist you would have been better prepared.
This is a segment from the psych report contained in our Gold Package:
http://www.eatstress.com/honest.htm
"Just because your paranoid . . . doesn't mean they're not after you."
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Check out http://www.eatstress.com/newpage2.htm and learn how entry
level and promotional candidates are improving their interview scores up
to 15 points and nailing that badge!
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Want Captain Bob to come speak to your group? See
http://www.eatstress.com/seminar.htm
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2. Entry Level Skills Tip
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You come into the locker room and see a firefighter going through
another firefighters gym bag. He looks at you startled and puts a candy
bar in his pocket. What are you going to do?
One candidate said, I wouldn’t do anything. Hey it’s only a candy bar.
Another said, I am going to assume the firefighter gave him permission
to be in his bag and take the candy bar and it is none of my business
and I am done with the question at that point. The "I'm done with the
question at that point" kind of just blurted out of my mouth and I
couldn't get those words back. Also I wonder if it might have been good
to ask the firefighter if he had permission to be in his
bag? Should I have asked that?
Oh, yes you should have. What if it was a wallet instead of a candy
bar? Would that change your response? Well, yea was the reply. Then
treat is like it was a wallet and what is the question about now?
Stealing? Yes, it is! It’s one of the standard oral board questions
disguised in a different way using a candy bar.
Understand if they fire up a question that sounds like stealing what’s
it going to be about? Stealing? Yes. If they fire up a question that
sounds like drinking on the job what’s it going to be about? If they
fire up a question that sounds like using drugs on the job trust me it’s
not going to be about aspirin.
Your job is to take off the disguise, ask questions to confirm and then
take action. Why? Is stealing tolerated? No. So instead of taking
action why start watering down the situation that was given to you (yes,
you’re being scored by what action you would take)? Well, yea, everyone
or “they said” you had to give the person the benefit of the doubt. So
you start creating this soap opera of all the possibilities why maybe he
could not be, or somehow it could have been another radio, he had
permission, or some other make believe soap opera shuffle off to buffalo
dog and pony show while the panel watches you die a slow death.
For more on the formula on how to handle scenarios look here:
http://www.eatstress.com/scenario.htm
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If someone asks you what you need to help you get a firefighter badge,
tell them you want our new Gold Package!!! Check it out here!:
http://www.eatstress.com/goldpackage.htm
If you really want a firefighter job you will want to have every tool
available to shorten the learning curve between you and that badge! Our
new Gold Package gives you every skill and tool you will need! It
includes:
The Oral Board Entry Level CD/Video Program that has helped over 2,100
candidates nail that badge! And, Captain Bob's new book! Becoming a
Firefighter----The Complete Guide to Your Badge!
Step by step, this new book has everything you need to know in the
process,
starting with the application, written, physical, oral, psych interview,
background, polygraph, and medical to gain a badge. The Gold Package
contains the inside "Nuggets", tips and resources you can't get anywhere
else to shorten the learning curve and the distance between you and that
badge. As a bonus, the book includes our Special Psych Report (a $20.00
value).
Take a free test drive of sample chapters from the new book Becoming a
Firefighter here:
http://www.eatstress.com/firefighterbook.htm
Check out the Gold Package here!:
http://www.eatstress.com/goldpackage.htm
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Bottom line getting a badge is all presentation skills!
Check out http://www.eatstress.com/faq.htm for the FREE 101 Inside
Secrets How to Get a Badge!
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Check here for government job listings
http://www.usajobs.opm.gov/
https://ww2.afpc.randolph.af.mil/resweb/
http://www.cpol.army.mil/
http://www.donhr.navy.mil/
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Ask Captain Bob any questions
E-mail Mailto:captbob@eatstress.com
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3. Robs Corner
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Crossing the bridges
In the last few days I have received a few calls from people that want
help for the oral portion of a test. I ask when is the date, and they
say it’s not scheduled yet, they just put in the app.
What great news, it is so hard to work with people who have a short time
before their interview. This is what I’ve been trying to get people to
do, to call when they still have plenty of time to schedule, practice,
refine, and memorize their presentation.
This is where I found the problem. When I asked them if their written
was weighted, one said yes, two didn’t know. In all three tests, they
had a written test that would count in their final score, and affect
their placement on the list. None of these guys had been working on
their written. “I’ve passed every written I’ve taken”, one guy said. I
asked him if he had gotten a 100%. If the answer is no, then you had
better be studying. Think of the increased pressure you would have, if
you were going into your next interview and know you were already 10 or
15 points behind the competition.
We’ve all seen this happen in a football game. The quarterback throws a
perfect bullet to the tight end. But before the catcher has caught the
ball, he is looking to see where he is going to run. You know what
happens. By getting ahead of himself the ball is dropped and the play
is dead.
Be sure you aren’t getting ahead of yourself. Don’t worry about the
chiefs oral, before you’ve gotten your application and resume in order.
Planning ahead is good and I encourage people to start on their oral
presentation work a month before their test, but you do have to pass the
written first.
CAPTAIN ROB (Thank you)
NRTC@SONIC.NET
http://www.eatstress.com
You can read more of Rob's wisdom by visiting
http://www.eatstress.com/robs_corner.htm
Captain Rob is Captain Bob's Son. He does all the entry level coaching
by phone nationwide. You can contact him direct with your questions or
set up a coaching appointment at 707-869-1330. or e-mail Rob at
nrtc@sonic.net
For more on entry level coaching visit
http://www.eatstress.com/private%20coaching.htm
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4. Promotional Level Skills Tip
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You’re a captain of the first in unit to an apartment fire with a known
rescue in a tactical assessment center exercise. You give a size up,
assign your unit to another company and take command as the IC at the
fire. While in the middle of the rescue you are notified of a
firefighter down. What do you do?
Too many candidates take the bait of diverting all their resources to
the downed firefighter. We all know there are few scenarios where we
would not make this attempt. But, this is put into the exercise to
confuse you. Too many drop the ball here and lose the fire in the
process. There is one tool that can help you here. Triage. By
assigning a crew to gain to triage the victims the best use of resources
can be used to make an aggressive attack on the fire and complete the
rescue.
Captain Bob,
Just writing to let you know the results of our promotional process. I
need to start out by saying that my interviewing skills have always been
my downfall. I went from a number four spot after my written and
physical in my first hiring process to a number nine spot from a poor
interview. Fortunately I did get hired that time around. Since that
process I have participated in two other hiring processes being knocked
out both times at the interview portion.
I always knew what I wanted to say but could never make the words come
out together the right way. I tried to clone to many answers without
show casing the real me. When the opportunity came to try for a
Lieutenant promotion I knew I had to do something to turn the tables. I
found your tapes while doing a search for fire department promotion
help.
After reading your site I was sold on the program. I scored first on
the written test, but was still apprehensive about the interview and
assessment center. When I called I felt like you took a genuine interest
in my situation and valued your suggestion of a personal coaching
sessionThis step is what turned the table. The experience I gained from
the more than two hours you dedicated to helping me is unfathomable. I
learned how to compose my answers in a sure fire way to draw and hold
the attention of the board. Learning how to use my "nuggets" and draw on
past experience was amazing. For anyone reading this when Captain Bob
says you can feel the switch flip on in the back of your head and feel
yourself "in the zone" you can believe it is true! I would recommend the
programs to anyone who asks it is an invaluable tool for any interview
you may face. Oh yeah and by the way I finished first in the process.
Beating out our department "interviewing master" Thanks Captain Bob!
New Lieutenant
Billy MacLeod
Franklin Twp Fire Dep
For more on our promotional program visit
http://www.eatstress.com/promo.htm
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5. New Badges
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It has been a busy month at a time when there aren’t supposed to be any
jobs. Here’s some of the testimonies:
Your program taught me how to personalize my presentation to the oral
board. Well, it got me a job offer in Seattle! Ken
Capt. Bob,
In 2000 I decided to pursue a career in the fire service. I put myself
through a fire academy, became a Volunteer Firefighter then became a
Paid-Call Firefighter, volunteered my time with the American Red Cross
and other organizations, and then went to Paramedic school. I worked as
an Ocean Lifeguard for a Fire Department and for an ambulance company.
I have taken over 30 fire department tests over the last four years.
My first year testing I found myself learning how to take the tests and
score high enough to get to the interviews. My second year testing I
started passing the tests I get to the interviews, but couldn't get to
the Chief's Oral Interviews. My interview scores were in the mid 70's.
Well, I figured go to Paramedic school and I would get hired. My
thought was to become a Paramedic to become a Firefighter, WRONG.
My heart was not set on becoming a Paramedic, in turn I spent 7 1/2
months in paramedic school and ending up getting dropped from the
program during my internship. A couple months passed and a few more
tests, same results, I still could not make it to the Chief's Oral
Interview. Frustration was really starting to kick in.
I got on the Internet and searched "Passing Fire Department Interviews".
At the top of the list was www.eatstress.com, I read all the material
in the web site and decided I would buy the available material.
After buying the material from the web site, I watched the video,
listened to the audiotapes, and followed all of Captain Bob's
instructions to a "T". My next 3 tests I took, I scored in the high
90's and one of them was 100%, much better then mid 70's. I am now working for a
large department in Northern California.
The interesting thing about my journey to become a Firefighter is that I
spent 4 years of thinking that, MORE EXPERIENCE IS BETTER, THIS IS NOT
TRUE!
My journey has proven that Captain Bob's material is outstanding. I was
hired with 15 other guys, and it turns out that one of them has zero
experience in the fire service and no experience in the medical field.
He and I both received Captain Bob's material and followed his
instructions, and look at us now.
Thank you for all your help Captain Bob!Sincerely, Dave
Thank You!!!!!! My name is Dave Blatchford.I have been a call
firefighter
for 2 years. I have been through Firefighter 1 and 2 and got my EMT-B.
Your
program was referred to me by a Lt on my department about 2 weeks before
I
was to go to my first Oral board which happened to be with the town I
live
in. It was very helpful, the 30 questions and quick notes. Much to my
surprise when I went into the board he was a person asking the
questions. I
didn't get the job that time, but I was told that for my first time in I
did
well, he also said he could tell I did my homework because I came up
with
some NUGGETS. Since that oral I have applied to every opening that has
come
my way. For Christmas my kids got me your program. I read the book that
day
and listened to the CD everyday on my way to work. I am proud to say
that on
February 19th I got the call from the Chief of a near by town to offer
me a
job. My start date is March 15th. When I went to sign my letter of
acceptance
it said I finished with the top score out of the guys that were hired.
Not
bad for a 39 year old truck driver. You and your program have set me off
on
the career that I have been dreaming of for the last few years Thank
you!!!!!!!!! Also Thank You to Lt. Justin Cutting of the Hampton NH Fire
Department without his suggestion to just check out the web page I
never
would have gotten those NUGGET that were needed.
Dear Capt. Bob,
After trying to pass 3 oral boards with clone answers, I watched your
videos. I worked with a tape recorder and was offered a job, and start
the academy within the next 3 weeks. I am so excited. Thank you for
giving me the edge over the competition.
Thanks Again, Pat
Captain Bob,
I'd just like to say thank you for all of your help in attaining
the career of my dreams. After a four year college degree in Molecular
Biology, almost 3 years of testing/interviews, emt training, paramedic
training, a firefighter I academy, and numerous "you were so close...you
just missed it" pep talks, I have been hired by an excellent department
in North Bay Area as a Firefighter/Paramedic. Although I've
incorporated many of the things that I had heard in your cd and video
into my interview style, the most important thing that has stuck with me
over the past few years is your phrase about keeping hope alive inside
you. I've learned that if you really want this job, you just can't
quit---and the thought never crossed my mind. During my years of
testing, I was told that I was "so close" so many times that it drove me
out of my mind. One time, I was the number 1 candidate on the chiefs
list, but was told near the end of the process that the county could not
financially support an academy. Other than being prepared for the
opportunity to show what a good candidate a person can be, I think that
the most important thing that anyone can do is to Never stop trying bad
you want this job everytime you see an engine in the street or you hear
that siren off in the distance. Thanks again Captain Bob, we've only
met, in passing, on a couple of occasions, but your help has proven
invaluable in achieving my life goals. ---Dave---
Just wanted to thank you and your Dad for helping me out. I just
received My letter from Colorado Springs and I start the academy April 5. Thank
you Once again Gary
Captain Bob,
I have been going through the process at CoCo County and I made it
through the 2nd interview and I'm now going to start background. I think
I had my best interview ever at the 2nd interview and I can thank you
for that I took every test I could with in reason and had one each week
for the last three the third being CoCo County and you know that feeling
you get when you had the right answer for every question while I had
that feeling on top of leaving that 75% of butterflies at the door which
allowed me to be myself at the interview. I don't think I can begin to
thank you enough, with out your book and CD I don't know how I would
have done. I love being able to use the CD as a motivational tool and it
allowed me to go in feeling confident about myself.
Thanks Mike
To see how candidates have improved their position in gaining a badge
visit http://www.eatstress.com/newpage152.htm
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Check out the current "Bonus Nugget" oral board tip
http://www.eatstress.com/bonusnugget.htm
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Check it out Captain Bobs book, Eat Stress For
Breakfast.
www.eatstress.com/stressfire.htm
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The Formula
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This is from a different angle:
Captain Bob:
I just received my oral board score for the City of Glendale. The score
did not represent how I felt I did during the interview. This is a big
problem for me because I now realize that I DON'T KNOW what the board
was looking for. I make presentations for a living, so I felt confident
in what I did to prepare. I was sure that I just about nailed it. I've
always been competitive about what I set out to accomplish, using every tool
that I can utilize to reach my goal. Sir, I would greatly appreciate your
training to help me be the best that I can be at the oral boards.
I've been preparing for these orals for months and felt extremely
prepared. I don't want to waste another oral board
without knowing that I've done all that I can to be the best candidate
possible. If you or your son have the time to help, I will make the
most of that training. Please advise me on how to begin the process.
I look forward to your response. Thank you for your time Sir.
Regards, Fire Recruit Jeff
Reply: Jeff, You're not alone here. You have discovered like many
other's that a fire department oral board is different than anything you
have encountered. Too many candidates beat there heads against the wall
for years getting to the point where you are now. Here’s how to turn it
around: http://www.eatstress.com/formula.htm
Check out the specials on for entry level and promotional testing
http://www.eatstress.com/newpage6.htm
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6. Humor
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Hangover Ratings
One-Star Hangover (*) No pain. No real feeling of
illness. You're able to function relatively well. However,
you are still parched.You can drink 5 sodas and still feel
this way. For some reason, you are craving a steak & fries.
Two-Star Hangover (**) No pain, but something is
definitely amiss. You may look okay, but you
have the mental capacity of a staple gun. The
coffee you are chugging is only increasing your rumbling
gut, which is still tossing around the fruity
pancake from the 3:00 AM Waffle House excursion.
There is some definite havoc being wreaked upon your bowels.
Three-Star Hangover (***) Slight headache.
Stomach feels crappy. You are definitely not productive.
Anytime a girl walks by you gag because her perfume
reminds you of the flavored schnapps shots your
alcoholic friends dared you to drink. Life would be
better right now if you were home in your bed watching Lucy
reruns. You've had 4 cups of coffee, a gallon of water, 3 iced teas
and a diet Coke --- yet you haven't peed once.
Four-Star Hangover (****) Life sucks. Your head
is throbbing. You can't speak too quickly or else
you might puke. Your boss has already lambasted
you for being late and has given you a lecture for
reeking of booze. You wore nice clothes, but that
can't hide the fact that you only shaved one side
of your face. (For the ladies, it looks like you put
your make-up on while riding the bumper cars.)
Your eyes look like one big red vein, and
even your hair hurts. Your sphincter is in perpetual
spasm.
Five-Star Hangover (*****) You have a second
heartbeat in your head, which is actually annoying the
employee who sits in the next cube. Vodka vapor is
seeping out of every pore and making you dizzy. You still
have toothpaste crust in the corners of your mouth from
brushing your teeth in an attempt to get the remnants of
the puke fairy out. Your body has lost the ability
to generate saliva so your tongue is suffocating you.
You don't have the foggiest idea who the
stranger was passed out in your bed this
morning. Death sounds pretty good about right now.
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7. Resource Websites for Candidates
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Perfect Firefighter Candidate. Job listing and a complete resource web
site with a community bulletin board.
http://www.firecareers.com
Don McNea Fire School, Inc. is the #1 Firefighter Preparatory Entrance
School in the Country. They have the inside information how to tackle
those psychological and personality questions on the written.
http://www.fireprep.com
Learn how entry level and promotional candidates are improving their
interview scores up to 15 points and nailing that badge!
http://www.eatstress.com/newpage2.htm
FREE 101 Inside Secrets How to Get a Badge!
http://www.eatstress.com/faq.htm
Check out the specials for entry level and promotional testing:
http://www.eatstress.com/newpage6.htm
FIREHIRE, Entry-level firefighter examination process:
http://www.firehire.com
Firenuggets.com "The magazine dedicated to keeping firefighters safe"
http://www.firenuggets.com
Firemanjobs: firefighter employment job listings
http://www.firemanjobs.com
You can learn more about physical agility training from
www.firefightersworkout.com
B-Pad Assessment Devices. If you're an agency looking for a new
dimension to evaluate candidates, or a candidate wanting information on
how you can orientate your skills for this evaluation check out their
web site:
http://www.bpad.com
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ARTICLES FOR YOUR PUBLICATIONS
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I have many articles available for reprint in your
publication, newsletter, etc. You may use
articles written by me that you see in FireZine or
visit our web site @ http://www.eatstress.com/faq.htm
All you have to do is print the article in its entirety along
with the by line, the credits, and complete contact
information found at the bottom of the web site page. I would
appreciate a tear sheet or electronic copy too. Thanks
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For Back Issues of Fire-Zine
http://www.eatstress.com/firezinearchive.htm
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THE SMALL PRINT
Please Recommend fireZine to anyone you
know that is interested in shortening the learning
curve to get a badge. Just press "Forward" on
your email program.
To subscribe or leave
http://www.eatstress.com/firezine_signup.htm
TIME TO SHARE. Please send your
ideas, questions, your success stories and when you
nail that badge to captbob@eatstress.com
==========================================
Nothing counts til you have the badge . . . Absolutely Nothing!
==========================================
Code 3 Publishing. Fire Captain Bob Smith, Speaker, Author, Publisher
Information Products on How to Get a Badge.
Web site: http://www.eatstress.com Over 300 pages of helpful
information.
5565 Black Ave. Pleasanton, CA 94566 (near San Francisco)
Phone: 888-238-3959 local 925-846-3959 Fax: 925-846-9650
E-mail Mailto:captbob@eatstress.com
