Firefighters
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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FireZine
Cutting edge interview skills to get that badge from Fire Captain Bob.
More than 2,181 candidates have received their badges from this program!
July 1, 2004. 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 want
your own subscription, visit
http://www.eatstress.com/firezine_signup.htm
To leave this list see below
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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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Question. Does it look bad on your application to have lots of cities you have previously tested before on your application? Also why do cities require you to submit that information, to make sure you are not on with another city process? One more question, will taking more tests also help your test taking in the long run?
Sorry for all the stupid questions but I would rather have a creditable answer from a professional other than some dude sitting beside me at the entrance exam filling my head with a bunch of "B.S." or "hear-say". Cory
Reply: No it doesn’t look bad. Cities know candidates are testing anywhere they can to get hired. The cities want the information to see if you have been turned down by another agency and want to know if you will stay after they make an investment in you. Some cities will have you sign a contract that you will stay once you are hired or reimburse them for your training.
One more question, will taking more tests also help your test taking in the long run?
You've got to be kidding me!
It doesn’t take long to figure it out this is a numbers game. It’s been our experience that the more tests you take the better you get at taking tests. Use the shot gun approach and test anywhere you can. Because you never know when a city is going to test again, hire and if you will make it through the various hiring processes of the psych, poly, background, medical and final selection.
I have several candidates who have gone out of their state to take tests in preparation for the "city they really want to work for". Guess what? They get offered jobs. How difficult would it be for you to turn a badge down? Guess where they live and work now?
Understand the more tests you take, the better you will be at taking tests. Then, when the one you really want comes along, you're dialed up ready to nail that badge.
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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
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Introducing Pinky
I was checking out the cars at the Good Guys car show at the Alameda County Fairgrounds. Then, I get this feeling that I just walked onto a movie set because right in front of me is a gal out of a fifties movie complete with black peddle pushers, high heal tennis shoes, pink sweater and piled high bright pink and white cotton candy hair.
Lo and behold next to this lady was a bright pink 1958 Studebaker Prudential Station Wagon. I asked who are you? In character, with a lot of excitement and enthusiasm she said, “I’m Pinky. Who are you? I’m immediately captivated and taken back to the 50’s.
Others are coming up to meet Pinky and have their pictures take with her and the Study. Like me, they’re immediately taken in by the experience and made part of Pinky’s group. Just as I asked, “There’s got be a story here”, Pinky pulls out the photo album and takes on the journey telling her story:
Pinky said, “I was walking down the street one day and I saw this car. I walked around it. Then couldn’t leave. I had to have the car. It was soon mine and the restoration began.” Photo after photo revealed the love and attention Pinky used to bring her classic and the persona of Pinky to life. “Here’s a photo of her (yes, the Study is a her) with her makeup off (grill and bumpers)”. Pinky took us all on the journey with the excitement, emotion, the color of as if she were reliving the actual story. You felt like you were there during the creation of Pinky! It was a fabulous experience.
As I passed by several times later, there was a constant gathering around the Study, becoming a part of the Pinky fan club.
Pinky had her package together as you can in your oral boards. She was Pinky. In character living the experience.
This from Pinky:
In case you could not tell I'm a real people person and love the amuse, delight and interact with crowds. I didn't plan on the whole pink car / Pinky persona thing, it just kinda came about, but I always come away with an incredible feeling about the whole thing. It's more then just dressing up for a car show to me. It takes me to "another level" of interpersonal interaction. Believe it or not I used to be shy and am somewhat of a loner. Doing these shows gets me out of my shell to have fun, and get a chance to talk to and encourage others to live their dream. I'm very satisfied with my life right now. I wasn't sure if I'd ever get to this point. But I have and it's great! I know I'm going places! Thank you so much for your words of encouragement, they have really stuck with me! Pinky
Getting this job is all about presentation skills. Pinky has it down and can go as far as she wants to take it. You can too!
Here’s for a picture of Pinky:
http://www.eatstress.com/pinky.htm
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If someone asks you what you need to help you get a firefighter badge,
tell them you want our new Gold Package!!! Check it out here!:
http://www.eatstress.com/goldpackage.htm
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 new book 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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Bottom line getting a badge is all presentation skills!
Check out
http://www.eatstress.com/faq.htm for the FREE 101 Inside
Secrets How to Get a Badge!
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Ask Captain Bob any questions
E-mail
Mailto:captbob@eatstress.com
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3. Robs Corner
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You are doing everything you can to get the job of your dreams. You try
and take every test and class that comes up. There is only one problem,
you still have to eat, pay rent, and put gas in your car.
I have talked to a lot of people who have employers who don’t know they
are testing. They sneak out of work, call in sick, and lie to get to the
tests. Remember at some point your employer will be contacted to find
out what kind of employee you have been.
Try to find a job that is flexible, be up front and ask if there is any
way you can set up a special way to get time off for testing and classes
if you still get your work done. You may have to settle for less pay,
but if you get hired a year earlier would it be worth it?
Another possibility is to find a firefighter with a side business, there
are quite a few. That way you could work for someone who understands,
and can maybe help you with testing skills. Also, most side businesses
are of a construction nature, which would help you with demonstrating
knowledge of building construction.
It’s not always going to be easy, but remember your goal and keep your
head up.
CAPTAIN ROB (Thank you)
NRTC@SONIC.NET
http://www.eatstress.com
You can read more of Rob's wisdom by visiting
http://www.eatstress.com/robs_corner.htm
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
For more on entry level coaching visit
http://www.eatstress.com/private%20coaching.htm
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4. Promotional Level Skills Tip
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As with any other promotional process it is usually agency specific. Not all
departments give seniority points. The test could involve a written, practical
and oral.
Stories Make the Point!
Although the engineer’s test is mostly technical information, adding stories
delivers bonus points. Fred was asked on the practical portion of an engineer’s
test what he would do if he experienced hot brakes. After giving the technical
textbook answer, he told an actual story how he experienced the problem last
summer while fighting a wildland fire.
Steve was going for his third engineer’s test. Even though he had the knowledge
and acting-time experience, he hadn’t made high enough scores on the previous
lists to get the badge. When asked questions, he would just give the standard
technical answers. Everything changed when he started caboosing signature
stories as part of his answers.
Steve was a firefighter in Arizona. He had also been a firefighter in Detroit.
You’ve heard of Devil’s Night during Halloween? Steve had worked many Devils’
Night attacking a fire, picking up and moving to another fire. I asked him if he
had ever used these stories in his answers during testing. He said, "No." I
marvel why candidates have these great "Nugget" treasure stories that no one has
ever heard. These stories can demonstrate their experience and they don’t use
them.
During his next engineers test, Steve was asked if he were fighting a fire and
was given an order to pick up and move, how would he do it? He told the panel
how he would do it technically and then took the panel to Detroit Devil’s Night
recreating the magic, excitement, and the color of the actual events when he had
to pick up and move all night. Steve couldn’t believe the difference in his
testing score. Again, firefighter’s love firefighter stories. He was confident
and conversational because he was on his own turf. His signature stories. His
own experiences. Oh, by the way, Steve got the badge this time!
George was asked the same question about picking up and moving on his engineer’s
test. After his technical answer, he told the story of exactly how he used the
skill as an acting engineer at a commercial fire just a few months ago. His
engine was originally spotted in a safe area to supply water for the fire
attack. As the fire expanded in the 2:00 A.M. fire. There was a danger of
collapse that could involve his rig. He took the panel on the engine with him
with enthusiasm and the excitement of the moment (that most firefighters relate
to), alerted the incident commander to notify the crew he was supplying to pull
out. He shut down, picked up and respotted his engine to a safer location,
hooked up and had water flowing gin record textbook time. George can puff his
chest out now wearing his badge!
Phil is the technical advisor for his department. The toughest part of Phil’s
engineer’s test was his oral panel. Even with acting time on two lists he just
couldn’t get fired up during the interview, until he started using his signature
stories. Remember seeing the news story on national television of a retarded
child that climbed up an electrical tower? Phil was the technical guy who knew
how to get him down. So. When Phil was asked a technical question on his test,
he followed it with BAM, BAM, BAM with that great story. Yep Phil got his badge
too.
So no matter what position you are testing for, your signature stories will help
you pull ahead of the other “clone,” answer candidates.
"Nothing counts 'til you have the badge . . . Nothing!"
For more on our promotional program visit
http://www.eatstress.com/promo.htm
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5. New Badges
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Captain Bob: I was hired this past February by Los Angeles County Fire Department and I will be getting my badge on June 4, graduation day. This e-mail is in regard to the county will be handing out applications for firefighter this coming November and testing in January. I waited over seven years for this opportunity, and hope you will pass the info along to another individual who will honor and respect the badge the way I do.
Capt Bob, add another one to your list as that I got hired today. I did some reading on your site about Age issues... Well here is a little about my story. I graduated high school at 17, turned 18 in the fire academy.... I was a National Registered Paramedic before I was 18. I turned 19 in April and got a job offer today. Sparky Mansfield, Texas
Dear
Captain Bob -
You'll never guess what I did last Friday night!! I graduated from the
Sacramento Metro Fire academy and got pinned with my badge!! Never have I worked
so hard for a little piece of metal (my badge) . . . and I know you'll believe
me when I say that little piece of metal means more to me than anything else I
have!!
I just wanted to thank you again for all the help - your Oral Board cd and
video, the booklet on the Psych test, the emails you sent (as well as the
newsletter) made all the difference in the world!! I felt prepared every step of
the way . . . well, at least a step ahead of the other candidates! Out of 1,400
original applicants, 23 of us graduated this last Friday. And at least 2 other
recruits who graduated were products of YOUR training!!! What a great service
you provided!!
After I get my fill of being a "snot-nosed rookie" (in about 10 years or so)
I'll definitely look you up and buy everything you have on promoting up! But
that's a long time from now, so until then take care and thanks again!!!!!! Tony
Rob,
I wanted to thank you once again for the coaching session the first part
of the year. I wanted to give you the update on my progress. I ended up
number two on the list that I was being interviewed for at that time. But
since that time I have received two job offers. One for a small department
with six paid firefighters and the other for a department just south of
Seattle with about 60 firefighters. I have chosen the bigger department
and will be starting the 16th of June. All of the hard work the past two
years has paid off. Thanks again for all of your insights.
Thanks a lot, Brian Duffy
Good news......
Captain, add me to the list of those you've helped to get a badge, I recieved my phone call at 11:50 today, and I've been smiling ever since! My first day on the job is July 8th, and I can't wait!
Capt bob I had been following you program and got a job offer. The scary psych was the last hurdle. Your psych report was dead on. I start the academy next month. Adam
More badges here: http://www.eatstress.com/badgesnew.htm
To see how candidates have improved their position in gaining a badge
visit
http://www.eatstress.com/newpage152.htm
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Check out the current "Bonus Nugget" oral board tip
http://www.eatstress.com/bonusnugget.htm
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Check it out Captain Bobs book, Eat Stress For
Breakfast.
www.eatstress.com/stressfire.htm
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The secret Formula to get a badge here:
http://www.eatstress.com/formula.htm
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Check out the specials on for entry level and promotional testing
http://www.eatstress.com/newpage6.htm
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6. Humor
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You know you're living in 2004
when...
You know you're living in 2004 when...
1. You accidentally enter your password on the microwave.
2. You haven't played solitaire with real cards in years.
3. You have a list of 15 phone numbers to reach your family of 3.
4. You e-mail the person who works at the desk next to you.
5. Your reason for not staying in touch with friends and family is that
they don't have e-mail addresses.
6. You go home after a long day at work you still answer the phone
in a business manner.
7. You make phone calls from home, you accidentally dial "9" to
get an outside line.
8. You've sat at the same desk for four years and worked for three
different companies.
10. You learn about your redundancy on the 11 o'clock news.
11. Your boss doesn't have the ability to do your job.
12. You pull up in your own driveway and use your cell phone to
see if anyone is home.
13. Every commercial on television has a website at the bottom of
the screen.
14. Leaving the house without your cell phone, which you didn't
have the first 20 or 30 (or 60) years of your life, is now a cause for
panic and you turn around to go and get it.
15. You get up in the morning and go online before getting your coffee.
16. You start tilting your head sideways to smile. :)
17. You're reading this and nodding and laughing.
18. Even worse, you know exactly to whom you are going to forward
this message.
19. You are too busy to notice there was no #9 on this list.
20. You actually scrolled back up to check that there wasn't a #9
on this list.
AND NOW U R LAUGHING at yourself.
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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 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 magazine dedicated to keeping firefighters safe"
http://www.firenuggets.com
Firemanjobs: firefighter employment job listings
http://www.firemanjobs.com
You can learn more about physical agility training from
www.firefightersworkout.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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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 FireZine or
visit 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, CA 94566 (near San Francisco)
Phone: 888-238-3959 local 925-846-3959 Fax: 925-846-9650
E-mail
Mailto:captbob@eatstress.com