It’s not the interview questions that are the problem, it’s the answers! Unfortunately many candidates become clones and give clone answers.  And the bigger problem is they don’t know it. I hate to say, but often they are cloned in fire colleges and academies. Clone answers can doom your oral board.

A friend Donna stopped me at Starbucks.  Two Sons of a family friend had graduated from a fire academy last year.  Both were having trouble getting hired. She wanted my card to have them get in touch with me.  While we were in line one of our candidates Nick walked in and yelled, "Captain Bob" I got hired two months ago.

Donna had dinner with the family and gave them the card. Two weeks later Donna was surprised they hadn't called. She said, "My gosh one son has had 10 interviews and he hasn't been hired.  I told her that's not uncommon.  Candidates coming out of fire academies are pumped up like Marines with their bulletproof academy T-shirts.  They have been given mock orals, use 3X5 flash cards with oral board questions and answers, run these by their friends and think all they have to do is show up for the oral and the job is theirs.  Even after not getting a job after several attempts they have some how convinced themselves between the four inches between their ears that just around the corner at the next interview they will get the job.

One of our officers was on an oral board for a big city. Several boards interviewed 965 candidates. His board interviewed 135 candidates over a period of 10 days. Imagine you were this officer and it is the fifth day of interviewing. You have just come back from lunch where the city has wined and dined you. You’re tired and you know you have another five days of interviews ahead of you.

Stories Get Badges!

Why Do You Want to be a Firefighter?

This is one of the toughest questions to answer without sounding like a Clone.  Often it could be one of the first if not the first question.

I want to clear the air about using clone answers.  It’s not that you can’t use clone answers. You can. But first you need to deliver a personalized signature story about you relating to the question. Not a clone answer of anyone else. I haven’t met a candidate yet that couldn’t come up with signature stories. Signature stories demonstrate experience. They also tell that you not only know the answer to a question, you’ve already lived it.

One reason stories work effectively is because they go directly to the brain and entertain. They do not require the mental processing of more formal nonfiction writing. Stories have heart and ring true.

 “Put it before them briefly so they will read it, clearly so they will appreciate it, picturesquely so they will remember it and, above all, accurately so they will be guided by its light.”—Joseph Pulitzer, (1847-1911) American journalist.

Firefighters love firefighter stories. If you open up with a signature story, you instantly separate yourself from the other clone candidates. Stories show the oral board who you really are. You capture the board and take them on a journey with a story they have never heard. Is this making sense?

Case in point.  I talked to a candidate who was dumping only clone answers on this question.  Then he realized he could begin his answer with a signature story.  He remembered a story he could use about a prank being played on him when he did a ride along with his brother.  He couldn’t believe the difference.  The story brought smiles and laughter from the panel members.  Along with the calls they went on by the end of the day he knew this was the job that blended all his needs. He followed this story with his standard landmark clone answers. This was the first question on his oral. His answer made everyone more comfortable and the interview flowed a lot smoother than before.

The toughest thing for candidates to do in an oral is to be themselves on purpose. When you're yourself, you become conversational because you are on your own turf. This alone can lower the stress and the butterflies.  Every one has butterflies.  The trick is to get all the butterflies to all fly in the same formation.

Stories are more than facts

If you can create the excitement, emotion, the color and magic to relive the actual event, you will capture the interest and a top score on that question. A big part of getting this job is convincing the oral board that you can do the job before you get it. Stories are convincing and can demonstrate your education and experience even if they’re not fire related.

During coaching with a candidate one day and he was giving me those clone answers why he wanted to be a firefighter. I stopped him and had him rewind the videotape of his life.  He remembered  being a life guard at age 14.  Take it back further (this is one of the values of a coach). He said, "Oh, I'm from South America. When I was growing up, we lived with my grandfather who was the fire chief of the city. I got to go with him and be exposed to the who department."

I asked if he had ever told that story in any of his oral board interviews? He said, "No". Why not? I will bet you big money you are a clone candidate right now. But, I bet you also have some personal signature stories that could instantly change your interview scores.

Practice those stories with a tape recorder. Condense them down to a minute or less. Don't go on a journey. The oral board is not packed for the trip. Once you answer an oral board with a signature story, you can marry the rest of your answer with those clone answers you have been using. Try it and see the amazing difference.

You won't have time and it's not appropriate to use a signature story for every answer. Tell the story. Make the point.  Move on.


I asked a candidate, who was testing for Oakland, one day why he wanted to be a firefighter. He gave me the typical "Clone" answer, "It's giving back to the community, public service, helping other's, blah, blah, zzzzzzzzzzzz."

I stopped him and asked, "What really got you interested in being a firefighter?" He said, "Oh, well I grew up in Oakland, but moved to Shasta during high school. After graduation I went to hotel management school in Reno. That didn't work out, so I moved back to Oakland and started going to Chabot College. I met an old friend who was in the fire science program. We ended up over at his house. His father was a Captain for Oakland. They got me all fired up, I signed up in fire science, got my firefighter 1, became a medic and I'm currently a federal firefighter."

I just sat there amazed. I asked him if he had ever used this (his signature) story before? He said no. You gave me the "Clone" answer and you had this beauty sitting here? He polished up the story and practiced it with a tape recorder. He works proudly for the City of Alameda.

Another candidate remembered he had the Gage and Desoto dish and cup set from the TV series Emergency.  His mom had a picture of him in front of the TV as a kid eating off it when the show came on. He took that picture to his orals.  Did it work?  He works for San Jose Fire.

After a written test I asked a group of six candidates why they wanted to be firefighters.  They were amazed that what they thought was unique was only a “Clone”.  After I worked with one in the group with his signature story of why he wanted to be a firefighter, the rest of the group used the formula to put together their own too.

I have yet to find a candidate who doesn't have signature stories. The problem is they don't know how to use them. You might not know yours today. But, after reading this article, you will have some aha’s in the next few days.

I know you have been number 3 in Seattle, in the top 5 at Ontario, made the cut on the CPS test,  waiting for the next call from LA City, and tested in Portland, Stockton, and passed the CPAT physical agility test in Phoenix.  If you're a medic, you had the advantage of taking more tests. But you still don't have that badge.  You're still the brides maid!  Never the bride.

I'm Going to Disneyland!

Captain Bob and Captain Rob: First off I would like to say THANK YOU!!!!!!

The two of you have really helped me find the tools that I needed to ACE the Oral board and get the best career in the world and TO GET THAT BADGE!!!!!

I have been testing sense 1993 and in that time I took a total of 73 tests. While I was testing I got really close a couple times however, I would fall short from receiving the badge.

Something was holding me back from getting the badge and I had no idea what I was doing wrong. I was striking out in the oral boards, and I felt demoralized hearing about someone who just got their badge after taking only two or three tests. “What on earth were they doing to get the badge“??????? As you would say Captain Bob and Captain Rob, “Presentation, preparation, patients and practice“.

After reading the material, listening to the CD’s and watching the DVD, I started to understand I needed to change my ways of thinking. I grew extremely excited to learn your material and I could see where I messed up on past oral boards. I studied your material, practiced and tapped into the coaching session. NOW I CAN SEE HOW TO DO IT THE RIGHT WAY! The coaching was extremely helpful and gave me the confidences for my up coming oral boards. I thought I was seeing the process in 180 degrees. The program and coaching enabled me to view the oral in all 360 degrees.  What an advantage.

The next oral board I had went incredibly well and, a few weeks after the board I received the best phone call. “We would like to hire you on to our Fire Department”, (MY ANSWER- YES, YES, YES, AND YES) (STATED WITH THE UP MOST EXICITMENT). I get emotional every time I think about that phone call. I won‘t ever forget that moment! This is the moment in my life that I have been waiting for. It’s finally here (THANK YOU GOD)!!! My recruit class starts in early March and I’m looking forward to starting what I love doing, FIRE FIGHTING!  Eric

Opps, I almost forgot

Some will say, "Captain Bob" how can you help so many candidates without making them into clones?" Good question. Simple answer. The real reason is nobody else can tell your story! Nobody! When you start lacing your answers with your personalized experiences is where you start to shorten that gap between you and that infamous badge.

Will this Work in my Part of the Country?

We have the GPS to help you get the J-O-B!

Hands down, we help more firefighters get hired in the US of A and Canada than anyone else!  Coast to coast, in every state and major city in the America, 24 hours a day, the citizens are protected by firefighters who went through our program!  To date 2,526 badges have been presented from our program.  Is there anyone who can claim more badges?

Here's one:

From Tim: It doesn't matter where you are from, what part of the country you're in, how old or tall, or fit you are, without these tools you have provided I'd still be a phone man in NYC. Now I'm achieved my dream job and proud to say I'll be a firefighter in beautiful Virginia Beach. This feeling of accomplishment feels like it will last a lifetime, it's an amazing feeling.

For those candidates that think just because they are in the service as a volunteer or EMT, gives them the knowledge and preparedness is just plain ignorant. I was both a volunteer firefighter and EMT several years ago, and would not have known the skills and nuggets needed to get that edge and advantage through each step without Captain Bob’s program. Thank you.  Tim

It's a great feeling if you can be a part of the change in someone's life. Multiply that by over 2,526 badges and you will understand that this is our reward. My fire captain son Rob and I have great passion in seeing candidates get a badge. This is serious work. 

We can shorten the learning curve to the closest point between you and the badge.  Like the Tin Man in the Wizard of Oz, we’re not going to give you anything you don’t already have. We’re just going to show you where it is.  There's a badge out there for you.  You just haven’t seen it yet.  We will show you how to nail it!

NO! You're probably not ready

You've been driving and flying all over the country collecting frequent flyer miles, putting careers on hold, the most income you had last year came from your credit cards, ruining relationships, running out of money and hope, and haven't figured out that with all your education and experience . . . the rubber meets the road in the oral board.  If You Can't Pass the Job Interview, You don't get the Job!  This is where you putt for dollars.  Even golf pros take lessons. 

You have every degree, certificate and merit badge you can get.  A volunteer, paramedic, and great experience.  But you don't have the badge.  The guy you thought was the village idiot went through our program and has his chest all puffed out with a badge.  Over 2,425 candidates have received their badges through this program.  Thousands more have been hired by using the free information from our web site and having their questions answered by phone or e-mail. We have the road map.

How many opportunities have you already wasted by not being really ready to take a firefighter interview? 

How many candidates will look back 5 years from now after not getting hired and realize they took the wrong path?  As my Captain son Rob says "Too many 'Experts' will tell you how and what to do to get hired if they were you.  That's the problem.  They're not you!"
 

Has any what you've read made sense? Would you go on an African safari without a guide?  Then why would you go to an oral interview without a guide to show you where the rocks are so you can make it across the river without being washed away? Haven't you been beat up enough yet?  We would you like to work with you to turn things around?   It's been said that when the student is ready to learn, the teacher appears.  Are you at this point now?  We can help you where ever you're at in the process.

You Can Expect Immediate Results

Step by step, we can help you with everything you need to know in the hiring process, starting with the application, written, physical, oral, psych interview, background, polygraph, and medical to gain a badge.  You'll find 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. 

P. S. I encourage you

Look at the results other people just like you have gotten by using our formula. They simply got positive results by putting simple techniques into action.  You can review what they had to say here:  Success Stories Here  

After using our Entry level program, Dave wrote, "Nothing counts until you have the badge, nothing.  For all of the candidates out there that don't believe this, try passing and ranking #1 on orals with a stuttering problem . . . I did."

"I believe in developing good candidates for the fire service and to get potential employees to bring out the greatness they know and why (the real reason) to join the fire service.  Your program identifies the who, what, where, and when of fire service oral boards . . ."  John White, Fire Technology Coordinator, Shasta College.

You can listen to segments from our CD program FREE from your computer, iPod or MP3.  More here

This from Steve:

I called a week before my oral board in Denver.  I had taken the test with 1900 other candidates.  I had "Captain Bob" FedEx me the Gold Package Program.  I was told that if I got through the script and was ready, I could do the private coaching before my oral.  Three days later I did the private coaching by phone.  I couldn't believe what a difference the "Nuggets" made when I went to that oral.  It was like I was conducting the interview.

You need to know that this was my first fire department test.  I saw the add in the newspaper for the test.  I'm a 32 year old white male with no fire department experience or classes.  I was called back for the chiefs oral.  I ended up #2 on the list and now proudly wear the badge for Denver.  I would not have been in this position if it wasn't for "Captain Bob's" program.  Sincerely, Steve

Click here for The Ultimate Phone Call

This is What Keeps the Passion Alive

My best friend Jeffery got his phone call today that got him on the Phoenix Fire Department. It was his 1st try. As far as raw potential goes I thought he had all along what it took to get onto the force. He put in the time, the classes, and the training. He was indeed passionate about it. But no matter how good you are, no matter how good of a fit you might be, unless you have the proper resources to guide you, I don't believe that he would have been successful the 1st time.  Practically speaking there are just to many unknowns awaiting you, and too many experienced people taking the test for the second, third, or fourth time. It is like getting a 1600 on your SAT. Common sense renders it unconscionable.

But amongst the many things that my friend did right, I think the most important was finding about you. I don't know how he found out about your resources, but without question they were the difference maker. Jeffery would have made the department eventually. 2 years? 5 years? Who knows? But the one thing money can't buy is time and you saved him years of time. All along he spoke very highly of you and your methods to the extent where I must admit even I was skeptical.

But I was wrong, Jeffery once told me of a story about two months before this now infamous phone call. He had got himself into a dilemma. A bit of foreseeable trouble dealing with nothing more than wrong place, wrong time, in the business political fortitude.  Messing with politics at any level is dangerous, but it could have been lethal one month before your second Phoenix interview. Anyway seeking resolution he contacted you and left a message asking your advice on how to best cope with the delicate situation. 2 minutes after putting the phone down you called him right back and told him exactly what he needed to do to fix this dilemma. That's cool. There are a lot of salesman, and a lot of good, genuine, people, but they are not often associated as being one in the same. In that moment you sold me.

To me what is most important about all of this is that I can tell you that you have helped permanently change a life for the better, and that will be as good sounding to you as it sounded to me this afternoon when he called me. Thanks Mark

Reply: Mark: Yes, this is as good sounding to me as it sounded to you this afternoon when he called.  Your touching story warmed my heart with emotions.  What an early Christmas present.

Wait! While you're here Captain Bob wants to give you a 10 day FREE test drive of selected inside secrets how to get a badge.  Learn more here

This says it all:

I ordered your Gold Package and listened to it several times.  I then went for a private coaching session with Captain Rob.  He made me think before I spoke and gave many useful insights.  He helped me on the dreaded question of why do you want to be a Firefighter.  In my last interview they said that they never had responses like mine; they were different from all the other candidates.  Well, it worked. I have just been hired at a Fire and Rescue in South Carolina.   Thank you and Rob for all your help. Jerry

Nothing counts until you have the badge.  Nothing!  And there is no feeling like proudly wearing the badge.

"No college fire program would be complete . . . Without this program!"  Candice Williamson, Columbia College

Our candidates are improving their entry level and promotional interview scores up to 15 points and nailing that badge!   Imagine what would happen to your score by using the secrets from 30 years of experience.

Here's what you can expect to learn: