FireZineDec03

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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No one ever lost credibility by
being interesting.
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Nothing counts til you have the badge . . . Absolutely Nothing!

Please forward or recommend this FireZine to anyone you
know that wants to shorten the learning curve to get

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In This Issue
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1. Quick Presentation Skills Tip

2. Entry Level Skills Tip

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If someone asks you what you want for Christmas, tell them you want our new Gold Package!!! Check it out here!:
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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 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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1. Quick Presentation Skills Tip
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Be cautious using too many terms on your resumes like deans list, honor roll, chief of academy, valedictorian, 4.0 GPA, etc. It can send the message to the panel oh, boy, this person is really anal, goodie two shoes, teachers pet. Can I clean the erasers? Sure you can list you were at the top of your academy, but don’t overdo it.

More: OK, you are going to the oral board. The information you received states resumes and other documentation are not encouraged. Still you post the question should I still try and bring a resume in. Some candidates tell you to just bring them and it they won’t accept them nothing is lost. You debate in you mind. What could it hurt anyway, right? You decide after a firefighter tells you if you try and your panel accepts them you will get extra points and kudos. So you quickly redo your resume in one of those binder things and haul four copies into the room.

Just when the oral board panel is starting to shake hands you spring your tome resume on them. The normal flow of the interview process is being upset. They are trying to greet you and at the same time refusing your trunk resume. You finally set your material on the floor next to you and complete the greeting while the panel is trying to get back on track with your interview.

Are you off on the right foot? Nope. I can tell you that many of the panel members could be irritated at you because you didn’t follow the instructions not to bring a resume. If you can’t follow these instructions what’s going to make me believe you will follow instructions when you get hired?

So this drop down killer presentation you had all dialed up is all of a sudden not working. You’re missing your best stuff. Your mouth is starting to dry up and your enthusiasm is on the flow right next to your resume.

Even those candidates from some other postings here that didn’t think it was a big deal when they were refused when they tried to deliver a resume might surprise how it might have impacted their score.

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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 ===========================================

A lot goes on behind the scenes here working with candidates after the oral board until they acquire their badges. Here are a few examples where we were left out of the loop working with candidates and they ended up in trouble:

A question on the background packet asked, “Have you ever been turned down by another agency”? The candidate called me that he had failed the psych and poly for a public safety department and asked what should I put down? I asked him when did this happen? He answered, “A couple a months ago.” Since I know this candidate I asked him how come I didn’t know about this? When were you going to tell me? Had he called before the test, I would have discouraged him from taking the public safety test because the profile they are looking for is different from just a firefighter test. Well, that proved right because he failed the psych and poly and now has to list it; which could open up a can or worms.

A candidate was so focused on the oral portion of a two-day testing they hadn’t kept up like they should have for the first event, the physical agility. They showed up to find some of the events had changed. Even though they had passed the previous physical test, these minor changes and not being in the best possible shape added just a few seconds that caused them to fail. At that point it didn’t make any difference how prepared they were for the oral.

A candidate from Florida was conditionally offered a job on passing the psych and medical. Although he passed his psych he gets an 11^th hour call that his drug test came back positive. He was asked if he had a prescription for medicinal marijuana? He answered no. He was asked two more times and he said no. He in fact did have a prescription from his doctor but he didn’t want to get him into trouble. When he called me I asked him, “Why didn’t you tell me? You have left me out of the loop.” I felt betrayed. What this candidate didn’t realize is that he had signed off his medical records. This person who called on his drug test was looking at them and knew he had a prescription. All he had to do was say yes and he wouldn’t have been DQ’d.

Understand if you sign off on your background packet your medical records they can look at anything your medical insurance has paid. Anything. If you have ever been to a psychologist for marriage counseling, to group counseling for anger management because you got into a beef at work they are going to see it. That thing about doctor patient confidentially? Forget it if you signed off.

Another candidate filling out his background packet calls me. He says it asks if I have ever been in an aversion program? I ask him, well, have you? Yea, kinda. What’s that mean? Well, back in ’97 I was pulled over for what I found out later for was speeding. I was age 19. The officer asks if he can look in my car. Hey, I had nothing to hide. Sure, go ahead. What I didn’t know was one of the other four guys dumped some drugs he had in his pocket under the front seat. Even though he took the blame, I was charged and went into a 12-month aversion program. I had never taken drugs in my life up to that time.

The district attorney said that I shouldn’t have to list this on my background because I completed the program. But it specifically asks you if you have ever been in an aversion program. If you don’t put it down and they find any traces of it, you’re out of the process. So, he decides to put it down and explain he was not the one with the drugs. He turns in his packet.

Two days later he calls again. Oh, my gosh, I was talking to a friend and he mentioned about the time that I told them in the aversion program I had tried mushrooms. OK, call up the investigator and tell them you just remembered it.

My questions were why did you let the cop look in your car or tell them in the aversion program you tried mushrooms when you didn’t have too? His answer was “Hey, I was young and stupid, I didn’t know what I was doing. A lesson to all of you.

You guys are killing me. Here you have gotten education, experience and medic certs and you have some stuff in you history and continue to do stupid things that could take you out of the hiring process.

“The toughest lesson to learn is the one you thought you had already learned.”

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Bottom line getting a badge is all presentation skills!

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

Remember when you bought your first car? How long did you dream of it, work for it, put off dates, trips, movies, all because of the car? You dreamed about it, looked through the ads, even though you didn’t have the money yet, you had to have it and would do anything to get it.

I cleaned the auto repair area at Ozzie Davis Toyota at night while I was in high school. Five nights a week I would go in at 6:30pm and clean until 11:00pm. I also mowed lawns; baby sat, and saved every penny. Today, when I think about that car, I remember it fondly. Not the sacrifices I had to make, or the time I spent. I remember having it and enjoying it.

I could also say the same thing about my fire job. I spent the night on the sidewalk to get applications, drove long distances, worked a suckie ambulance job, and did all I could for three years to get my job. But now when I look back, I have fond memories of my ambulance days, the friends I made while testing and going through the F/F I academy. I don’t remember it as being that bad. It was!

The reason I’m telling you this is that I’ve recently talked to a few people who were on the fence about their next move. Not sure if they wanted to take the firefighter I class, paramedic school. One guy told me he had a wife and kids and a full time job and it would be tough. Yes it will. But when it’s all done, and you’ve got the job, it will all be worth it.

As Captain Bob is so fond of saying, beg, borrow, and do what ever it takes to get to that next test. What if the only thing holding you back from that job is that you have just never really committed yourself to getting the job. How much of you would it be worth if you just got hired a year earlier? Think about it, make the hard decisions. Commit yourself, and just do it. You won’t believe how good it is.

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

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

Staging is another area where you can lose equipment. Although you should ID where staging will be located so you can get credit with the raters, don’t use it! You have assignments that need to be accomplished. The wheels start coming off the wagon for most candidates right about the time they start assigning the second alarm units. Before you start assigning those second alarm units, get an updated report of conditions from fire attack. I’ll bet the fire is going to be getting bigger, requiring more resources. But, before you start placing those resources, call for a third or greater alarm because you are going to need them. They will probably be responding from a greater distance or from mutual aid.

Then, catch those units while they’re responding in and give them their assignments. I find most candidates don’t think big enough here. Stay ahead of the curve. Order the enough equipment early. It’s fantasyland. You can order anything you desire. You won’t be criticized for it. You will certainly be buried if you don’t!

Hi Captain Bob,
I wanted give you and your son Rob the great news. I received my BADGE today. It is the best feeling. I still can’t believe it is true. Thank you for your Entry Level Program that helped me get into the big leagues. I also, wanted to thank your son for the private coaching that I had with him. It was worth every penny and minute.
So here is another firefighter badge you can add to your list. Thanks again,

Andrew deMetropolis
City of Downey Firefighter

Captain Bob,
I just got the call!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I've
driven all over Washington State, I've been up at 3 am
to be in line for applications, I've breathed this job
for almost 2 years and I finally got the call! The
Deputy Chief from Woodinville Fire and Life Safety
just called to say I passed my medical and I will be
starting on December 16th. I owe my oral board skills
to you and Rob. The Entry Level Program and psych report were great!

Your website alone is worth its weight in gold! I know it was the oral
boards that separated me from the pack. This is
unbelievable. Thank You so much, Chris

Capt. Bob:
Your book ("Becoming a Firefighter") and video tape (conquering the job
interview) have been instrumental in the pursuit of my badge. I only wish
that I would had these resources 2 years ago when I began testing. The
only obstacle that stands in the way of me attaining my badge is the psych,
and I'm sure that the information in your book will guide me through this
last step.
I implore anyone considering a career in the fire service to utilize
the resources that you have made available. It is refreshing to finally
listen to someone who actually knows what they’re talking about.
Capt. Bob, your knowledge and experience have made a difference in my
life and I appreciate your efforts. I look forward to the day when I can
pass on the valuable information I have learned from you to an individual
seeking a career in the fire service.
Thank you, Joseph A. Ascione
Chicago, IL

Captain Bob, It's funny your e-mail came today, this morning at a mutual aid
drill I was approached by a BC from another Dept. He was a rater on my
assessment center fire simulation. He congratulated me on my new position
and stated that my simulation was one of the best he had ever seen. He
stressed ever, and he is not a young guy. He continued with how imprested he
was with my "command presence". Thank you again for the great coaching. By
the way, the job has exceeded every expectation and more. My driver has
been a medic in the department for 22 years, and my tailboard is about to
make permanent status. I have a great crew.
Thanks, Captain Jarrett Anderson

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Check out the current "Bonus Nugget" oral board tip http://www.eatstress.com/bonusnugget.htm
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who get our CD/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

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

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."

-----EVENING CLASSES FOR MEN!!! OPEN TO MEN ONLY! Dec03

Topic 1. How to fill ice-cube trays. Step by step with slide presentation.

Topic 2. Lavatory paper rolls: do they grow on the holders? Round-table discussion.

Topic 3: Differences between the laundry basket and the floor. Pictures and explanatory graphics.

Topic 4. The after-dinner dishes and silverware: Can they levitate and fly into the kitchen sink? Examples on video.

Topic 5. Loss of identity: losing the remote to your significant other. Help line and support groups.

Topic 6. Learning how to find things, starting with looking in the right place instead of turning the house upside down while screaming. Open forum.

Topic 7. Health watch: bringing her flowers is not harmful to your health. Graphics and audio tape.

Topic 8. Real men ask for directions when lost. Real-life testimonials.

Topic 9. Is it genetically impossible to sit quietly as she parallel parks? Driving simulation.

Topic 10. Learning to live: basic differences between mother and wife. Online class and role playing.

Topic 11. How to be the ideal shopping companion. Relaxation exercises, meditation and breathing techniques.

Topic 12. How to fight cerebral atrophy: remembering birthdays, anniversaries, other important dates and calling when you're going to be late. Cerebral shock therapy sessions and full lobotomies offered.

Perfect Firefighter Candidate. Job listing and a complete resource web site with a community bulletin board.

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.

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

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:

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

Firefighters