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Since 100% of your score in obtaining a firefighter job 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 2,091 candidates have received their badge from this program!

April 2, 2003.  Copyright Code 3 Publishing 2003

captbob@eatstress.com   web site:   www.eatstress.com  888-238-3959

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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 would
like to get your own free subscription, click here to visit
http://www.eatstress.com/firezine_signup.htm  

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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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 Don’t be chitty chatty in your oral boards.  Click here to learn why:

 

http://131.103.247.166//chitty.htm

 

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Learn how entry level and promotional candidates are improving their interview scores up to 15 points and nailing that badge!  Click here:

http://www.eatstress.com/newpage2.htm

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2.      Entry Level Skills Tip   ===========================================

 

Mock Orals

 

I’m not a big believer in mock orals.  Yea, I know you or someone you know have friends and some are firefighters. They have offered you mock orals.  Or, your fire academy, college or paramedic program offers you the chance for a mock oral complete with a video tape.  Candidates in these programs practice with oral board flash cards.  Play the game of you show me yours and I will show you mine answers.  This only cements most if not all the candidates into “Clones” of everyone else.  We could usually tell by the 2nd or 3rd question which program they came from.  And, you thought you were unique?

For more on Mock Orals click here:  http://www.eatstress.com/mock.htm

 

 

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Bottom line getting a badge is all presentation skills!

 

Click here for the FREE 101 Inside Secrets How to Get a Badge!

http://www.eatstress.com/faq.htm
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To ask Captain Bob any question just click here:

 

E-mail Mailto:captbob@eatstress.com

 

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 3.      Robs Corner  ==========================================

 

One of the most asked questions is “ Why do you want to work for this department”, or “What do you know about our department”. This is the response where enthusiasm is most important. When the people on your board work for that department, you’re doing more than just answering a question.

I’m not a firefighter; I’m a firefighter for Contra Costa County Fire Department. If I was to go to a seminar and someone was to say something bad about my department, I would take it as a personal insult. My department is where I attach my professional ego. Well, the opposite is also true.

If you can make that place sound like the best fire department in the whole world, you’ll see the people who work there puff out their chests. Even if you tried to go so far over the top in describing that department, they would pick up on it; they would love it, and you. You’re stroking the board, and that ain’t bad. In fact the higher someone’s rank, the more they expect to be stoked.

Try practicing your response to this question and over do it to the point it sounds silly. Do that a few times, and then when you go through it the regular way, you’ll find one or two percent has stuck. Do this until you sound the way you want, and then give it to them.

 

FIREFIGHTER ROB

NRTC@SONIC.NET
http://www.eatstress.com 

 

You can read more of Rob’s wisdom by clicking here:

 

http://www.eatstress.com/robs_corner.htm

 

Rob is Captain Bob's Son.   He works for Contra Costa Fire Department. He does all the entry level coaching by phone nationwide.  You can contact him direct with your questions or set up a coaching appointment @ 707-869-1330.  or e-mail me @ nrtc@sonic.net

 

For more on entry level coaching click here:

http://www.eatstress.com/private%20coaching.htm

 

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 4.      Promotional Level Skills Tip  ==========================================

 

Shooting for Top Gun

 

Question:

Captain Bob:

You may not get many questions like this, but maybe you could offer some guidance.

Click here for the Story: http://www.eatstress.com/topgun.htm 

 

For more on our promotional program click here:
http://www.eatstress.com/promo.htm

 

 

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 5.  New Badges

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A lot going on this month.  This is the best part.  A lot of happy folks:

 

I started with your Entry Level Program for the LA City 2000 test.  Step by step, I followed your advice.  I just completed the final step.  The psych!  It was everything you said it would be.  This was my dream department, and I’m in!  I’m packing to go to LA City to be a firefighter.  Kevin

 

Capt.

 

My wife found your web site a few weeks before my next oral and ordered your Entry Level Program.  I had been testing for a while.  Even though I’m a medic, I still couldn’t nail that oral.  That was until this time.  It got down to 6 candidates for 4 jobs.  I finally got the call.  You’re right, there is nothing like getting the call.  I start next week.  Ken.

 

Captain Bob,

My name is Scott and I spoke to you on the phone about two weeks ago regarding the LAFD oral psych.  Good news. I passed the oral psych and I am a recruit in the upcoming April drill tower academy for the LAFD.  Your oral psych special report was very helpful and insightful.  Thank you Captain Bob you helped me achieve my dream job in my dream department.  Scott

 

2090

Hi Captain Bob - Passed the physical - Thanks God. My first shift was two days ago. Going good so far. Thanks for the Entry Level Program and the great books - they helped a lot. - Andi

 

2089

I just wanted to say to all of you out there that no matter what part of the testing process you're in use Capt. Bob's techniques from start to finish. I recently got a conditional job offer for a So. Ca. Fire Dept. pending I pass medical, psych., background, and polygraph. Well here's the proof! I went to www.eatstress.com and got the info I needed for the polygraph and the psych., both of which had me very nervous, I read the material on both and followed it. I passed my poly a couple weeks ago and just found today that I passed the psych. The info Capt. Bob provides is no joke, it works!! Use it and you can't go wrong.  That’s it for me, just wanted to say thank you. DWP

 

2088

My name is Jeff, and this fall it will be 10 years since I first started testing.  In 1996 I went to the Academy and really took testing seriously after that.  I had been able to get to several chief’s boards, but no badge.  I tested last fall for a large joint test and did ok but wasn't on top.   My wife had a friend whom was a firefighter for several years in the area who was helping two of his friends from out of state during the testing process.  They did better than me. The next thing I know they both were offered jobs.  Shortly after that I met them and was told about your Entry Level Program.  One of them even met someone in his academy who was there because of your help.  I got the program and was temped to jump from my moving truck when I listened to them the first time.  I was a big time clone.  I thought back to my first oral board and how I said everything wrong.   Once I started using the tape recorder to practice as you suggested, things started to change.  Mono tone was an understatement.  I was now determined to learn the ways of Captain Bob.  The first oral after that was easy, but my skills were not perfected.  The second oral sent the ball rolling, fast.   The process for this department started in early Feb., And on Friday March 12th at 2:30 p.m. I was offered the job conditional on the medical.  I start April 1st.  With out your help I would still be taking tests.  My life is where I want it to be and I thank you for it.  I have and will tell everyone serious about this profession about you.    You have helped my dreams come true.  I will never be able to thank you enough. 

 Forever grateful,  Firefighter Jeff

 

Dear PFC,

Transforming dreams into reality is just one of the many valuable opportunities PFC provides (www.firecareers.com ). My dream came true, as I am now a Firefighter/Paramedic with the City of Sacramento (CA) Fire Department.

 

After eight years of test taking trials and tribulations, my dream is reality. Through persistence, spurred by a bone-deep desire to be a firefighter, my wife and I are elated about our future. We feel a peace that can only come from achieving one’s God given dream. The dreams of my wife are also coming true through our work together.

 

When a dream comes true for one, often times there is a supporting cast of many. With the sincerest of gratitude, I would like to thank my wife, our family, and the Good Lord for such an opportunity. Additionally, my sincerest appreciation goes to the family oriented company of PFC for continually providing the most current testing information available. From their onset when postcards were sent via snail mail to updates sent via e-mail, their commitment to such a noble profession is commendable, inspiring others to give back to the fire service.

 

Another person influential in my fire department testing success was Captain Bob. He has helped more than words can ever express. He is for real. (www.eatstress.com )

 

Together, the Perfect Firefighter Candidate and Captain Bob comprise a winning team all serious candidates should employ.

 

Years of unsuccessful testing have finally given way to achievement. A candidate may have not succeeded many times, yet it takes only one victory to erase past shortcomings.

 

Thank you to all who have helped this believer have the opportunity to live his dream. The sun shines brightly once again.

 

Aaron Dean Firefighter/Paramedic Sacramento Fire Department

 

Capt. Bob,   2085

First of all I would like to thank you and your son, Rob for all of your
encouragement and coaching.  Yesterday I finally received the call I have
been waiting for 5+ years to get.  I have been hired by the Tacoma Fire
Department in Washington State.  I have passed all phases and will begin
on Monday.  This has been a long and adventurous road for my wife and I.
I have been "close" on many other list just to have the door slammed shut
for some reason or another.  I heard about your site many years ago and
found your information very encouraging.  But, like probably many other
candidates I didn't think I needed a tape recorder.  Well with a lot of
"encouragement"  from my wife I began using a tape recorder and have seen
a drastic change in my oral board skills.  I know that it works.  Through
this journey of test after test there were times that I would get so
discouraged and I would just want to give up because I didn't think it
was meant to be.  I would go to your website and read information or
maybe call you on the phone and talk with you and I would instantly
become motivated and want to go to the next test and give it another shot
and hopefully kick some butt.  Testing for this position I have received
there were 1400 candidates at the written and I interviewed with about 75
of them.  Your help in building the confidence that it takes to go up
against all of these candidates and truly believe that you can compete.
I want to say to those candidates that are out there who were like me and
testing all over and getting discouraged because things weren't happening
please remember that "Perseverance pays off".  No matter how hard it
might be to believe that trust me it will pay off.  I am a model of that.
 Again Capt. Bob I want to say "Thank You" for everything that you have
done for me!! Larry Ritch Washington State

 

Thank you for this great web site!!!!
I have just finished my first month of Probation and I never stopped to write you and say "Thanks!"  (I have been on cloud nine ever since I got "my call") Thank you, Thank you, Thank you Captain Bob.... Just reading the information you give freely and willingly on this web site was vital, and so helpful to me....my life time dream has come true.
  I have told so many others about this great source of information, and they have also received your Entry Level Program.  Thank you again.  Take care.

God bless you.  Rookie Firefighter Isakson

 

Captain Bob,

    First of all I want to thank you and Rob for all of your help. I just got my letter last week from Portland Fire and Rescue and I have been accepted into their training academy. You gave me really great advice on how to deal with issues from my past.  Again thank you so much for all your help, Stan

 

Click here to see how candidates have improved their position in gaining a badge:

http://www.eatstress.com/newpage152.htm

 

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Check out the current "Bonus Nugget" oral board tip on our

web site by clicking here: 

http://www.eatstress.com/bonusnugget.htm
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Hot off the Press!  Captain Bobs new book, Eat Stress For

Breakfast.  Click here to check it out:

 

www.eatstress.com/stressfire.htm

 

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 The Formula

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Here's what we know after 30-years of experience. Candidates

who get our Audio/Video Entry Level or Promotional Program, use the work booklet, practice with the all-important TAPE RECORDER, and come back for a private coaching session, catapult themselves into the Olympic

camp. That's where you get a shot at that badge you have been

looking for.

One on one coaching sessions are where you get dialed into making your best presentation. It can make the difference between being down on a list and being in the top 10 going for the chief's oral. Candidates armed with this information are the one's who are smoking past you in the oral, grab the badge and leave you as the bride's maid again. We know because we get the calls when they get their badge! You can contact my Son Rob direct to set up a coaching session @ 707-869-1330.  Robs e-mail is nrct@sonic.net

Click here to learn more about private coaching  http://www.eatstress.com/private%20coaching.htm

You start by ordering our Entry Level Audio/Video or Promotional Program from the products section of our web site below or by calling our distributor Rayve @ 800-852-4890. This program will keep you motivated!  Consider also getting our new book "Eat Stress For Breakfast" to help you along your journey.

"Nothing counts 'til you have the badge . . .  Nothing!  And, there is no feeling like proudly wearing the badge."

Check out the specials on our products for entry level and promotional testing:

http://www.eatstress.com/newpage6.htm

 

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 6.      Humor

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IDIOTS IN SERVICE
This week, our phones went dead and I had to contact the telephone repair people. They promised to be out between 8:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m.  When I asked if they could give me a smaller time frame the pleasant gentleman asked, "Would you like us to call you before we come?"
I replied that I didn't see how he would be able to do that since our phones weren't working. He also requested that we report future outages by
email (Does YOUR email work without a telephone line?).

IDIOTS AT WORK
I was signing the receipt for my credit card purchase when the clerk noticed I had never signed my name on the back of the credit card. She informed me that she could not complete the transaction unless the card was signed.
  When I asked why, she explained that it was necessary to compare the signature.   I had just signed on the receipt. So I signed the credit card in front of her. She carefully compared the signature to the one I had just signed on the receipt. As luck would have it, they matched.

IDIOTS IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD
I live in a semi-rural area. We recently had a new neighbor call the local township administrative office to request the removal of the Deer Crossing sign on our road. The reason: too many deer were being hit by cars and
she didn't want them to cross there anymore.

IDIOTS IN FOOD SERVICE
My daughter went to a local Taco Bell and ordered a taco. She asked
the person behind the counter for "minimal lettuce." He said he was sorry, but they only had iceberg.

IDIOT SIGHTING #1
I was at the airport, checking in at the gate when an airport employee asked, "Has anyone put anything in your baggage without your knowledge?"  To which I replied, "If it was without my knowledge, how would I know?"
  She smiled knowingly and nodded, "That's why we ask."

IDIOT SIGHTING #2
The stoplight on the corner buzzes when it's safe to cross the street
was crossing with a coworker of mine when she asked if I knew what the
buzzer was for. I explained that it signals blind people when the light is red.
  Appalled, she responded, "What on earth are blind people doing
driving?"
  (I'll bet she was blond)

IDIOT SIGHTING #3
At a good-bye luncheon for an old and dear coworker who is leaving the company due to "downsizing," our manager commented cheerfully, "This is fun. We should do this more often." Not a word was spoken. We all just looked at each other with that deer-in-the-headlights stare.

IDIOT SIGHTING #4
When my husband and I arrived at an automobile dealership to pick up our car, we were told the keys had been locked in it. We went to the
service department and found a mechanic working feverishly to unlock the driver's side door. As I watched from the passenger side, I instinctively tried the door handle and discovered that it was unlocked. I announced to the technician, "it's open!" To which he replied, "I know - I already got that side."

Now don't you feel better?

 

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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 on our products 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 Internet magazine dedicated to keeping firefighters safe"  http://www.firenuggets.com

 

Fireforhire:  firefighter employment job listings

http://www.fireforhire.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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        FREE 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 Fire-Zine or

go to 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

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TIME TO SHARE. Please send your
ideas, questions, your success stories and when you

nail that badge to captbob@eatstress.com

 

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

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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   94566 (near San Francisco)
Phone: 888-238-3959  local 925-846-3959 Fax: 925-846-9650
 E-mail Mailto:captbob@eatstress.com

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