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Practice Makes Permanent

I talked to a candidate on the phone last night who was going to his first chiefs oral for a big city. He was totally confused after talking to several people on what he needed to do for the chiefs oral. Yes, they want to more about you and how you're going to fit their culture for the next 25+years. But understand you're going to the chiefs oral because of how you presented yourself in the first oral. Are you willing to start reinventing yourself because of what "They" said (I've never been able to find out who they were), creating a person that's not you and not getting a badge?

When I talked to this candidate last night I asked him if he had been practicing with a tape recorder to hear how he will sound to the oral board. Well, no, he said. Ninety-nine percent of candidates I ask say they don't. Here's a testimony from someone who took the time early on to make the difference:

Capt. Bob, Thanks to your help I'm on the hire list for last city department in Nevada. I'm the guy you spoke with on the phone before you went to Hawaii a few months ago. I followed your advise about using the tape recorder to hear what I sounded like and to eliminate the "uhs" and "you know," etc. from my answers. I also personalized my answers as it related to the fire department. I typed up the answers to the 30 possible questions and some additional ones and I rehearsed and rehearsed until the answers flowed smoothly and with confidence. This is my first time testing and I can't believe I have made it this far, I could not have done it without your help. Thank you. Jack

The defense rests!

Absolutely nothing counts 'til you have the badge. Nothing!

"Captain Bob"

Ask "Captain Bob" Any Question

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Fire "Captain Bob" Smith has coached countless entry level and promotional candidates to get their badge. He is a retired 28-year Hayward, Ca. Captain, speaker/author of the audio/video program "Conquer the Job Interview," the book "Fire Up Your Communication Skills" ISBN 09657620-6-8 and a member of the prestigious National Speakers Association. You can book him as a speaker or get a copy of his books and tapes by calling toll free at 888-238-3959.

E-mail: captbob@verio.com  Web site: http://www.eatstress.com