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?
If you are on AOL or having trouble reading this newsletter, click here:
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FireZine
Cutting edge interview skills to get that badge from Fire
Captain Bob.
More than 2,076 candidates have received their badge from
this program!
January 2, 2002. Copyright Code 3 Publishing 2003
captbob@eatstress.com web site: www.eatstress.com 888-238-3959
For Subscribe/Unsubscribe procedures, scroll to end.
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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 FIRE-ZINE 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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What you wear is the strongest non-verbal statement you can make and leaves a lasting impression. You must look professional! Look in the mirror with your full battle dress in place before you leave the house. Have your wife, mother or girlfriend give you the once over before you leave.
I had a candidate tell me he went to an interview wearing a tie, suspenders and no jacket. I asked him, “Who did you think you are Larry King?”
Click here for more on Attire:
http://www.eatstress.com/attire.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 ===========================================
Firefighter Academy
T-Shirt Theory
As we went into a local restaurant for lunch, here was a guy in a firefighter academy T-shirt. I asked him if he was in the academy or just had the T-Shirt. He said he just graduated from the academy. I went to hand him a business card and he said he already received one at the CoCo County written test. He passed the written and physical and was scheduled for his oral in three weeks. His girl friend then said, “Do you get your hair cut by Ed? Yep.” Then I recognized she also worked there. As they left, Beth behind the restaurant counter told me that was here daughter. Small world. I asked Beth to have her daughter call me for information on how to improve her boy friends chances of getting hired. Many women want to know this because they want a ring and a date to get married and their guy has told them that can’t happen until they get a badge.
A few days later, we were back for lunch at the restaurant. I asked Beth if she gave her daughter the message. I wish I had a dollar for every time I heard this answer: Beth said, “It’s covered.” I said what does that mean? Beth said, “He’s all set. The academy has given him all he needs to pass the oral and get his badge.”
I ran this story by Tony who I was helping on his first promotional test. He said that’s the same way he felt, what took him so long to get our program and do the private coaching when he was trying to get hired for entry level a few years ago.
Tony said candidates coming out of the academies are pumped up like Marines with their bullet-proof 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 they all they have to do is show up for the oral and the job is theirs.
Here is what Tony said when he finally realized the T-Shirt Theory wasn’t working:
I was doing work experience at "Captain Bob's" fire department. One day he asked me an oral board question. I thought I answered it O.K.. "Captain Bob" offered me a private coaching session. I didn't think I needed it.
I continued to test and became a paramedic. I still couldn't crack the oral boards. I didn't know what to do next. A year later, I took "Captain Bob" up on his offer for private coaching.
Ten minutes into the coaching session, "Captain Bob" rewound the videotape and showed me the mistakes I was making he had seen the year before. I dropped my head and said, "What took me so long to get here?"
I nailed my next three orals. Three months from that private coaching session, "Captain Bob", in class A uniform, spoke for me as my wife pinned my badge at my fire department graduation.
I can only tell you one thing about the Entry Level Program and private coaching with "Captain Bob" . . . . DO IT! It will be the best money you can spend in gaining a career.
One thing I didn't expect when I became a firefighter. The thrill to ride in the jump seats and have kids and adults wave and give you praise. If that doesn't light your fire, you've got wet wood. Tony
Tony recently came back to go
through our Promotional Program and private coaching. The results have just come in and Tony is number #2 on his
first Captains test. He blew past
many of the senior candidates his first time out.
There are three job openings.
Tony is just waiting for the chief’s interview.
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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
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Luck
is Given to the Prepared-- Thomas Jefferson
By the
time I’m done working a one-on-one coaching session with a firefighter
candidate, they are usually more than ready to get off the phone, or leave my
house. The amount of information we go over is sometimes overwhelming, that’s
why we tape them. The tape becomes a great study guide. Sometimes it really is
hard for some people understand that what they thought was their best stuff,
gets shot down right off the bat. One candidate wrote, “You assisted me
with private coaching back in October. At the time, I had about 2 weeks to
prepare for my 1st round interview with a Fire Department. It had
been a long time since my ego had been slammed the way it did during our
coaching session. You helped me tremendously!! I realized that even though I had
been way off base with my approach the
WORST thing that could of happened is to have never had that painful session
with you!!!” Dave.
The more
stressful I can make a session, the less nervous you will feel in your actual
interview. Even if the some questions we go over might not be all the one’s in
your interview, you’ll still do much better because of all the preparation and
practice you’ve done. Our candidate Dave wrote “ Even though all of the
questions were not related to the material we covered, I went into those
interviews more confident and prepared than ever before -- In fact I believe
that the WAY I answered my questions had as much to do with the outcome as WHAT
I said -- It just came much easier than ever before. . . ”
“So--Where am I now? I got a second
interview in late November and I
just got a call from Phoenix Fire yesterday notifying me that I had been
selected as part of the first group to move on!!!! I still have to pass a couple
medicals and a background check but as for the interviews -- You helped me
tremendously!! I just wanted to say THANK YOU. The cost for your Entry Level
Program and Coaching Session was by far some of the best money I have EVER
spent!!” Dave
I have been overwhelmed in the last few months with the number of people who called me for coaching sessions. Surprised candidates came out of the first day of the recent Oakland agility to be given oral board dates starting the following week. I got 39 e-mails in one day trying to schedule a coaching session. You know that didn’t happen.
I feel
it’s real great that I’ve been able to help so many people. With word of mouth,
I’ve got business coming out me ears. I want to help everyone who calls me for
help, but I can only do so much. So, if you have a test coming up, and you do,
you need to get a hold of me about one month in advance to be guaranteed a
coaching slot. I’ll still try and help everyone as I can. If you want to set up
a session, or you have any questions please feel free to call or email me at 707
869 1330,
nrtc@sonic.net . Good Luck,
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
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Capt. Bob,
I just found your web site today after doing a search on
www.firehouse.com
I have a unique situation and would love to hear your advise.
I am a firefighter/paramedic. The following is
a little history. The department was separated, fire and ems, for many
years (they were two separate departments). A decision to "consolidate"
the departments was made. All qualified EMS candidates were cross trained
and placed on an ambulance/engine rotation. Several ALS engines were
placed in service. The entire program was to be phased in over the
course of several years.
There were obviously several "sticky" issues during the initial phase
in period. Many of the firefighters did not like the idea of people
moving into their department that did not go through "what they had to
go through to get the job". Let me digress here. We EMS people have
been working side by side these firefighters for many years. We worked
the same shifts, were in the same union, part of the same leave and had
the same supervisors. We even wore the same uniforms. The only
difference was we were "civilian" and they were sworn. Many of the EMS
employees took a fire department entrance process during the same time
period. They all were offered conditional employment opportunities on
the condition that the consolidation did not proceed. Well, as you see
from the above, the consolidation did proceed and those EMS employees
entered the department through the consolidation process.
Recently, the department held a
promotional process to add new ems
supervisors. The administrative staff decided, rightfully, to mirror in
entirety the fire officers promotional process. This process included a
written test, assessment center, chief's interview and review of one's personnel
file. Points are accumulated and a ranking is made.
As you can probably anticipate, I went through this process and
succeeded. I was promoted to the give rank of lieutenant.
The question soon arose regarding our position in the "chain of
command". You see, we were the first ems supervisors promoted with
firefighter/paramedic after our name. There is a promotional process
coming up in in a few months. We had to know if we needed to take this
process.
We had a meeting with the fire chief, and reviewed our concerns.
We were firefighter/paramedics, we had three years as firefighters, we
exceeded the minimum qualifications for being an officer, we went
through a competitive promotional process that exactly mirrored the past
fire promotional process, & the department was supposed to be
consolidated, which meant the acceptance of ems supervision into the
department.
We even argued the "common
sense" of making us go through another, exactly the same
promotional process, just a few months later.
After these initial conversations, it appeared that we were successful
in our arguments. Well...the poop hit the fan when the department
heard what was going on. A huge rift divided the department.
It was never explained to me why I should not
be afforded this opportunity. All I heard was "it’s not fair".
There
were attempts at safety, leadership and experience. We successfully
answered these censers, however, when all the dust settled, the chief
reversed his decision.
If I want to promote beyond where I am now I have to go through the fire
officers
process. I am significantly frustrated and am trying without success to
remove
my emotions from future decisions.
What kind of advise can you give. Dennis
Reply:
Dennis: Welcome to the world or EMS
vs. Fire mixed in with large doses of politics and union representation.
This is not the first nor will it be the last
such episode of this never-ending back biting penis envy fiasco.
My advise is to take the poison early. As you have already learned,
nothing
you have tried is working. Stop trying and shut up. It will only
hurt you
at this point. Plus you are probably driving your wife (even in the middle
of the night), family and friends nuts in the process. Gear up for that next
"real Lt." test and put yourself in a position where they can't go around
you (our promotional program might give you that extra edge). Catch them
at
their own game and prove you are the one who deserves it! You are already
up to testing speed with your recent exam. In three years take the
Captain's test.
"If your bent on revenge, you had better dig two graves"
"Success is the best revenge"
Test the waters by testing with other departments just to make sure what you
want to do.
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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Entry Level:
Remember this signature story from the December 02 issue of FireZine?
When I was 10 years old, my father took me to work with him as a captain on the Boston Fire Department. That afternoon we got a call. We rolled out with a lot of other rigs to an apartment fire. I saw my dad get off the rig, direct people for rescue and extinguish the fire. I knew right then that I would not be satisfied until I achieved my badge. Steve
Now this from Steve:
This week I was notified of my appointment to the Boston Fire Department. These things have a funny way of working out. I will be better off and have much more opportunity for promotion in years to come.
Thanks Capt. Bob for the help in preparing for my interview, I know it will be
of benefit in years to come.
Subject: I got the call
Rob, I got private coaching with last month. I got the call and am in rookie school starting on the 21st of January for Clark County, Nv. Thank you so much for your help! Scott.
Rob,
Thank you…Thank you...Thank you.. You’re right
"Luck goes to the prepared". Your dad's videos and the
session I had with you got me hired with the Clark
County Fire Department in Las Vegas, NV. I was so
prepared that I was the second person to get the phone
call for the job offer. I'm still in shock"" WOW'' man
this is awsome... Once again thank you for the next twenty-five
year career. You guy's are great and keep making dreams come
true, because you definitely made my dreams come true.
James C.C.F.D. "FIREFIGHTER"
Captain Robert and son;
I just want to thank you both for the help that you gave me. I just received a
phone call from the Fire Department that I been perusing a career with, I start
my academy in January 2003. Once again thank you for making this Christmas
the best Christmas of my life, I never thought I would be in this position. My
Dreams did come true, with your help. Sincerely, Jesse.
ROB, I JUST WANT TO THANK YOU FOR YOUR COACHING HELP BEFORE MY CHIEFS INTERVIEW, IT WAS AMAZING THE DIFFERENCE IT MADE. I JUST HAD A CHIEFS ORAL FOR A SO CAL DEPT. AND I GOT THE JOB!!!! I START MY ACADEMY ON THE 23RD OF DEC. I AM SOOOO STOKED. I COULDN'T HAVE DONE IT WITHOUT YOUR HELP AND I WILL RECOMMEND EVERYONE I KNOW THAT WANTS TO BE A FIREFIGHTER TO YOU. THANK YOU SO MUCH, STEVE D.
Capt. Bob
I want to thank you for your great internet site. For the last month I have been a frequent visitor. I have looked at it over and over again. Well all the time paid off on Friday. I got the call. I got the badge. My mind set was saying that was on one of your 101 secrets to getting the job and that was, "ride the winning pony" so I did. Thanks again so much. Sincerely Jason
Promotional:
I died on two previous promotional lists. I did not want that to happen again. As I was preparing for my third promotional test, I
remembered I put your business card in my wallet after running into you at the
market. I wanted to make this my
last test for Captain.
Your promotional program gave me the skill set I was lacking in several
areas of the assessment center.
Needless to say I “Smashed” the
test coming out number #1.
Our Chief normally gives a second interview, but the consulting firm who
conducted the test told him that I was so far out in front of the other
candidates to just give me the badge.
So, he came down to the station and presented me the badge.
You can imagine how I felt getting the trumpets.
Mark
Capt. Bob
Thank you for your help in preparing for my department promotional assessment center for the position of Fire Captain. The marks came out and I was excited to find out I was # 1 on the list. Steve
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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Screwups of the Year
1. When his 38-caliber revolver failed to fire at its intended victim
during a holdup in Long Beach, California, would be robber James Elliot
did something that can only inspire wonder: He peered down the barrel and
tried the trigger again. This time it worked.
*********************************************************
2. The chef at a hotel in Switzerland lost a finger in a meat cutting
machine and, after a little hopping around, submitted a claim to his insurance
company. The company, suspecting negligence, sent out one of
its men to have a look for himself. He tried the machine out and lost a
finger. The chef's claim was approved.
******************************************************
3. A man who shoveled snow for an hour to clear a space for his car
during a blizzard in Chicago returned with his vehicle to find a woman had taken
the
space. Understandably, he shot her.
********************************************************
4. After stopping for drinks at an illegal bar, a Zimbabwean bus driver
found that the 20 mental patients he was supposed to be transporting from Harare
to Bulawayo had escaped. Not wanting to admit his incompetence,
the driver went to a nearby bus-stop and offered everyone waiting there a
free ride. He then delivered the passengers to the mental hospital, telling
the staff that the patients were very excitable and prone to bizarre
fantasies. The deception wasn't discovered for 3 days.
***********************************************************
5. An American teenager was in the hospital yesterday recovering from
serious head wounds received from an oncoming train. When asked how he received
the
injuries, the lad told police that he was simply trying to see
how close he could get his head to a moving train before he was hit.
*********************************************************
6. A mother took her daughter to the doctor and asked him to give
her an
examination to determine the cause of her daughters swollen abdomen. It
only took the doctor about 2 seconds to say "Your daughter is pregnant."
The mother turned red with fury and she argued with the doctor that her
daughter was a good girl and would never compromise her reputation by having sex
with a boy. The doctor faced the window and silently watched the horizon.
The mother became enraged and screamed, "Quit looking out the window!
Aren't you paying attention to me?" "Yes, of course I am paying attention
ma'am. It's just that the last time this happened, a star appeared in the
East, and three wise men came. And I was hoping that they would show up
again.
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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.
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!
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:
Firenuggets.com "The
Internet magazine dedicated to keeping firefighters safe"
http://www.firenuggets.com
Fireforhire:
firefighter employment job
listings
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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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
PLEASE RECOMMEND THIS NEWSLETTER to anyone you
know that is interested in shortening the learning curve to get a badge.
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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