FireZineJun03

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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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
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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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1. Quick Presentation Skills Tip
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Adrenalin Junkies

I have a question for you. Where can I tie into the oral that I am a World Champion BMX Bike Rider. I'm a little confused on where to tie it in, but I know it says a lot about dedication and work ethic. Any help would be appreciated. Craig

Reply: You can place it in your answer for "What have you done to prepare for the
position."

Are you still riding? When you mentioned you were a BMX champion, my first thought is has this guy been injured? How do you think this would play out in getting hired?

Dear Captain Bob:
Once again you bring up a good point. Your intuition was right. I was
injured the year I won the World Championships 5 years ago. I was
up for 3 National Titles and watched it all slip away when I torn my ACL in
my left knee. I ended up having surgery and I’m back to110%. I work out everyday and am in excellent shape. I saw a response someone wrote on "Perfect
Firefighter" about surgery, and the response told the individual to get a
note by the doctor letting the department know that the person was a 100%
better to perform the job of being a fireman. Do you think I'll have any
problems with this? Or is this mostly with the bigger departments? Jeff

Jeff: It will depend upon the department, but with the ADA law you should be fine as long as you have a letter from the most important specialist in that field find you fit for duty.

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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:

The following was written on a speaker evaluation form after Fire “Captain Bob’s” Conquer the Promotional Interview” presentation at the Fire Rescue West Convention:

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

A candidate in the mid west passed his oral and was called in for his psych test. This is the same psychologist he went to for a psych test almost three years ago. Although the candidate is suppose to get a fresh look after 3 years, here’s his original file on the desk during his interview.

Although it didn’t come up this time, Jeff felt he was eliminated after a long conversation about his dad abandoning the family of five when he was age 10. His mom worked hard, all the kids went to college and are now successful. Still it was a place where the psychologist could evaluate and pass a verdict. This ain’t right folks!

Sure enough, he was notified that he had failed the psych (or OK, he didn’t meet the profile). He contacted the department recruited and asked if he could gain a second opinion. The guy said yea, but it won’t do you any good because we already have this opinion, which surprisingly he read to the candidate. And, yea it was the dad thing that nailed him.

Now come on children. How would the psychologist have known about this situation if Jeff had not told him? Why do so many candidates create a trail that could open a can of worm and keep them from getting the job of their dreams? Especially if the department is not giving a polygraph test. Many feel they have to be honest to a fault to get this job. Candidates tell me, "They were hammering so hard I felt I had to give them something." Please spare me this part. Think twice before creating a trail that probably no one can find. Especially if it doesn't make any difference.

Those candidates who are honest to a fault diminish their chances of passing the psychological interview! That's right. You folks want this job so bad you will tell the psychologist anything he wants to know. Once you start down this road of total honesty, creating trails where you don't have to, you get into big trouble. Especially when the psychologist says, "Everyone has skeletons in their closet, this interview is not designed to eliminate you from the process”, or “you don't want to be too squeaky clean." So you open up. Then the phone stops ringing and no one will talk to you. You are out of the process Mcfly. And, you don't know why.

Psychologists have been told me what candidates have said during their interviews. I asked, “How did you get these people to say that?” The answer was, we just asked them and they volunteered the information. Before you volunteer information, think before you speak. Present your ideas clearly. Don’t ramble or chat. Be articulate. This is how you’re going to be in the field. Believe it or not this is part of the job interview. You are making an impression of who you are going to be as a firefighter. Make sure you dress up and don’t slouch. Be prepared to audition for the part of being a firefighter. Know your strong points. Be prepared to demonstrate you are a team player.

Now Jeff has passed the oral for a consortium of four departments. Guess where they send their candidates for the psych. Yep, same place. Jeff talked to the personnel person on this situation. She said they were aware of this psychologist because he fails 65% of their candidates. If that happens, she said they will send Jeff to another psychologist with the same firm with a higher second opinion. Let’s see.

The lesson here is to be prepared to pass the psych the first time out so you’re not trying to fight the shrinks to back in with a second opinion.

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Bottom line getting a badge is all presentation skills!

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To ask Captain Bob any question just click here:

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

On occasion I will get emergency calls from people need a coaching session on very short notice. I do what I can for them, I can squeeze them in from time to time, but I’m usually booked up a month in advance.

Last night I got one of these emergency calls. The test is tomorrow, this was short notice, was there anything I could do to help. What was my response to this person? Nothing, because it wasn’t the test taker who called, it was his mother. I get calls from girlfriends, moms, dads, and one guy who was in his car driving to the test!

I answered a voice mail from the night before. It was this candidates wife. She said, “He’s on his way to his oral and he’s waiting for you to call him on his cell phone. I called another candidate back from an overnight voice mail and he said, “Man I’ve already been to my oral and my butt still hurts.”

This guy calls. He’s had our program for three years. He went to a chiefs oral last year and didn’t make the cut. He knows he needs the coaching. He’s taking the same departments test again this year. He made it through the first oral. He knew the chiefs oral was next. Although he wanted to a coaching session before the chiefs, he just got the letter that it’s next week. Is there anything you can do for me guys?

Please if you want coaching, call me yourself. Call me early, and you may have to call me or email me a few times, but don’t panic, I will get back to you. I’m working a full time firefighter job, live 2 hours from home, have two boys that need me to fish and chase them around the park from time to time and a wife that has emotional needs too that I have to satisfy or it’s back into the penalty box.

If you have an application in somewhere, or are going to take a test in the next year and you need help with your interview skills call me now. We can talk about what is involved, get you started preparing in the right direction, and set a date even if it’s a few months in advance. Getting something like this scheduled, doing something to help you prepare, will give you some peace of mind. You can get rid of some of the feelings you’re wasting time and the clock is ticking.

When I get those last minute calls, I can hear it in their voice, the stress of waiting until the last minute, kicking themselves for not doing more, hoping against hope that I’ll drop all my plans to help out. Well I do try, but only one or two a month work out. DON’T BE ONE OF THOSE PEOPLE. Go to sleep the night before your interview knowing you’ve done all you can, and you’ll get your best score, as a well deserved reward for all your hard work and planning.

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

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

Bob,

I am already in the hiring process with my "Dream" dept. I do however wish I had seen your article in Firehouse a couple of months ago !! The last interview I had was in my current dept. for a captains position & they interviewed 23 people & took 2, I was # 3.. I will be ordering your packet/system after payday (the 1st). I did want to get your opinion on a couple of my answers.

Q The question "Describe a stressful situation that you were involved in, how it changed in levels, what you did, how you handled it & what you would do different today ?"

I related a story about when I worked as a correctional officer in a state prison & was assinged as a tower guard with a gun. "There was a riot on the yard, 250 inmates fighting, staff responding, faced with the decision to shoot or not to shoot. Then I put in what I feel was the kicker... In our job as firefighters, we don't think twice about saving a life, it is what we do, but when you are faced with the decision to take a life or not... if that is not stress, then I don't know what is, but the beauty of the situation is that at the end of the day, all of the people that are supposed to go home go to their families & the ones that are supposed to be in their cells are, that is true job satisfaction.".. Opinions ?

Captain Bob’s Reply:

A. I personally would not use a cop story in answering a firefighter promotional interview question. They were looking for a simple answer. You got too heavy. Were not cops.

Q The second one I want to ask you about was one I had for another interview where they asked me about "How would you feel about taking orders from & working for a woman ?

I answered with "I was in the military for 8 years & had females assinged in positions of authority over me & had no problems with it. Also, in the prison system there are females that are also in positions of authority there, but the situation that best attributes my ability to handle that situation is the fact that I have been married for 11 years & have no problem taking orders from a woman in any situation."

Reply:

A. Any time you answer this type of working for a woman question with "no problems with it", somehow relays there could be a problem with it. And you continued with ", but the situation that best attributes my ability to handle that situation is the fact that I have been married for 11 years & have no problem taking orders from a woman in any situation." Please spare me this part. This certainly doesn't convince me or the panel that you have it together to take orders from a woman.

A simple answer would have been "I see no difference." If they ask for more, just be the broken record repeating only what you first said. Anything more would just be opening a can of worms you will never be able to close.

I get the impression from just these two questions you're the type of candidate who feels they need to give the panel so much information so there is not doubt in your mind they understand you. It's this type of intellectual mental masturbation that drives us crazy on the panel. You try to give us a blue print, when we just need a sketch. You want to give us a dump truck, when we only need a trailer. You try to build us a watch, when we only need the time. Is this you?

This came back:

Thanks, I guess that’s why I was 3 instead of 1 or 2. Thanks for your honesty & frankness. So often people tell you “niceties” rather than reality. I appreciate it! Looking forward to learning more from you!

Thanks for your help !!

Capt Bob-

Attached is a picture of me standing by our medic unit outside of my
graduation from the Des Moines Fire Department Drill Academy back in
March. I've been in the station since January and I am loving every minute
of it. I got put at the busiest station in the city with what I believe is
the best crew in the city. I helped pull a burn victim (dead) out of a
house fire last week. Pretty exciting and pretty unbelievable they
actually pay me for this. I've printed out the new rookie page and have it
in a visible place in my house.
You are my hero!!! Thanks again, Dan

The BC list I was on expired. I wanted to be in position after the next test. Not only was I in position, I was number #1 by 2 ½ points. I’m already acting in the position until formal promotions. Brad

You helped me get my first badge and wondered what you could do for a first time out captain’s position? Your Promotional Program, coaching and inside secrets for the chief’s interview placed me in #1 position. Everything happened the way you said it would. Everything. Even nailing my badge the first time out.

I screwed myself on the last test and wasn’t going to let that happen again. You would think that a guy who teaches recertifications and is in front of groups could breeze right through this process. I was really stuck until you pointed out the problem and solutions in the coaching session. You encouraged me that I had what it was going to take to come out on top. I did! Chalk up another number #1 badge. This one was sweet because there was no doubt when you come out 3 points ahead of everyone else.

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

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

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

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."

No- you are not on the list..

TOP EIGHT IDIOTS OF 2002

Number One Idiot of 2002
I am a medical student currently doing a rotation in
toxicology at the poison control center. Today, this woman called in
very upset because she caught her little daughter eating ants. I
quickly reassured her that the ants are not harmful and there would be no need
to bring her daughter into the hospital. She calmed down and at the end of the
conversation happened to mention that she gave her daughter some ant
poison to eat in order to kill the ants. I told her that she better
bring her daughter into the emergency room right away. Here's your sign,
lady. Wear it with pride.

Number Two Idiots of 2002
Early this year, some Boeing employees on the
airfield decided to steal a life raft from one of the 747s. They were
successful in getting it out of the plane and home. Shortly after they took it
for a float on the river, they noticed a Coast Guard helicopter coming
towards them. It turned out that the chopper was homing in on the
emergency locator beacon that activated when the raft was inflated.
They are no longer employed at Boeing. Here's your sign, guys. Don't
get it wet; the paint might run.

Number Three Idiot of 2002
A true story out of San Francisco:
A man, wanting to rob a downtown Bank of America,
walked into the branchand wrote . . . " This is a stikkup.

While standing in line, waiting to give his note to
the teller, he began to worry that someone had seen him write the note
and might call the police before he reached the teller's window. So he
left the Bank of America and crossed the street to Wells Fargo. After
waiting a few minutes in line, he handed his note to the Wells
Fargo teller. She read it and, surmising from his spelling errors that he
wasn't the brightest light in the harbor . . . told him that she could
not accept his stickup note because it was written on a Bank of America
deposit slip and that he would either have to fill out a Wells Fargo
deposit slip, or go back to Bank of America. Looking somewhat defeated, the
man said, " OK "and left. He was arrested a few minutes later, as he was
waiting in line back at Bank of America. Don't bother with this
guy's sign

Number four Idiot of 2002
A motorist was unknowingly caught in an automated speed trap that
measured his speed using radar and photographed his car. He later
received in the mail a ticket for $40 and a photo of his car. Instead of
payment, he sent the police department a photograph of $40. Several days
later, he received a letter from the police that contained another picture $40.
Another sign ( though this guy might be ontosomething worth thinking
about ! )

Number Five Idiot of 2002
A guy walked into a little corner store with a shotgun and demanded all
of the cash from the cash drawer. After the cashier put the cash in a
bag, the robber saw a bottle of Scotch that he wanted behind the counter
on the shelf. He told the cashier to put it in the bag as well, but the
cashier refused and said . . . " I don't believe you are over 21." The
robber said he was, but the clerk still refused to give it to him
because she didn't believe him. At this point, the robber took his
driver's license out of his wallet and gave it to the clerk. The clerk
looked it over and agreed that the man was in fact over 21 and she put
the Scotchin the bag. The robber then ran from the store with the loot.

of the robber that she got off the license. They arrested
the robber two hours later. This guy definitely needs a sign !

Idiot Number Six of 2002
A pair of Michigan robbers entered a record shop
nervously waving revolvers. The first one shouted . . . " Nobody
move!" When his partner moved . . . the startled first bandit shot him. This
guy doesn't need a sign, he probably figured it out himself.

Idiot Number Seven of 2002
Arkansas: Seems this guy wanted some beer pretty
badly. He decided that he'd just throw a cinder block through a liquor
store window, grab some booze, and run. So he lifted the cinder block and
heaved it over his head at the window. The cinder block bounced back
and hit the would-be thief on the head, knocking him unconscious. It
seems the liquor store window was made of Plexi-Glass. The whole event was
caught on videotape( The store window is made of Lexan by GE). Oh, that
smarts . Give him his sign.

Idiot Number Eight of 2002
Ann Arbor: The Ann Arbor News crime column reported that a man walked
into a Burger King in Ypsilanti, Michigan at 12:50 A.M., flashed a gun and demanded cash. The clerk turned him down because he said he couldn't
open the cash register without a food order. When the man ordered onion
rings, the clerk said they weren't available for breakfast. The man,
frustrated, walked away. Sign please.

Please note that all of the above people are allowed
to vote.

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!

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

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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Adrenalin Junkies

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

Firezine

Adrenalin Junkies

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

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