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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?
Over 2,278 badges and counting have received their badges from this
program! Thousands more have been hired by using the free information
from our web site and having their questions answered by phone or
e-mail.
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"Words are vehicles that can transport us from the drab sands to the
dazzling stars."
--M. Robert Syme
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know that wants to shorten the learning curve to get
that badge!
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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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First this: It's Your Turn in the Hot Seat!
Captain Bob will give a presentation; It's Your Turn in the Hot Seat.
What are You Going to do to Stun the Oral Board into Giving you the
Badge! at Chabot College in Hayward (CA).
DATE: Wednesday June 22, 2005
TIME: 6 pm to 8 pm
Can't make the seminar? Get the Gold Package Program taped at our live
seminars here http://www.eatstress.com/goldpackage.htm
More information here:
http://www.eatstress.com/seminar.htm
New! It's here. We're excited to announce that now you can listen to
segments from our CD program on your computer or iPod/MP3. More here
http://www.eatstress.com/mp3entryintro.htm
Too High?
Capt Bob: Have been listening to your CDs almost daily and working hard
to get that badge. One concern I have is aerial ladders - I am a big
skier and have done high angle rope training, and ground ladders and
being in the bucket is fine, but climbing the stick at 70 degrees gives
me butterflies something fierce - the volunteer department I'm on
doesn't have aerials so I'm not use to them. At a recent CPAT I did
great on everything except the aerial climb, which I did in 1:37 when
they were looking for me to get up and down in 1:30 - they let it slide
since they said the big thing they wanted to see was whether you could
do it or not.
Any tips on helping me get over this? Thanks Gordon
Gordon: This is not unusual even for in service firefighters. It seems
the higher you climb the goosier you get and the closer you hug the
ladder. Next time don't look down, pace yourself and do self talk how
this is going to get you 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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Be Prepared!
Hello all,
I recently took a polygraph for a department in Orange County. The news
I received from the department was heart breaking to say the least. I
had failed the polygraph. The incident involved happened 14 years ago
while I was a bartender at a local restaurant. I worked so extremely
hard to get to this point; it was devastating news for my kids, my wife
and me. I was very truthful in my responses. I'm 37 years old; I've been
married for 12 years with two young boys. This was my very first test. I
was nervous going in but I did not think there would be any problem at
all. So my dreams of working for the department I so badly wanted to
work for are over.
In closing, looking at it in every direction, I chose to take this test
knowing I had nothing to hide and being truthful was the best route I
could take. The next test I take, I assure you, I will be better
prepared.
Thanks for your time, Scott
Reply from CB: The first time I ever had contact and talked to Scott was
45 minutes after he got the call that he had failed his poly. Needless
to say he was devastated. When I asked him what he had done to prepare
for his polygraph he said he used the free information from some of the
"experts" on some of the firefighter Internet forums. Using those
guidelines he said he went in and spilled his guts, just like going to
confession.
Just a few minutes into our conversation he realized that he had become
too familiar with the evaluator, got chatty, volunteered too much beyond
what was requested, was really nervous but thought everything was going
just great.
Scott wrote: The next test I take, I assure you, I will be better
prepared.
I believe Scott is only referring to understanding the process better.
I'm a firm believer in preparing for every step in the hiring process
before you get there.
According to Doug Williamson a 35-year veteran polygraph evaluator from
www.polygraph.com
"It is a very serious mistake to believe that you will
pass your polygraph or CVSA tests just because you are telling the truth
- they are not "lie detectors". Scientific research proves that simple
nervousness will cause a truthful person to fail!"
I talked to Scott after he checked out polygraph.com. He realized he
had not been as prepared as he could have been before his polygraph and
revealed information beyond what was required. If he had it to do over
again he would have been better prepare on the process before his
evaluation and could have had a better opportunity of passing without
compromising his truthfulness as others are referring to here.
Being prepared for every step of the hiring process before you show up
will place you in a better position to end up wearing a badge than being
caught flat footed wondering what happened when the career you have been
intensely pursuing evaporates before you eyes.
I know you've heard that you can't get a fire job on your first attempt.
Don't tell these candidates:
I recently took the LA City Oral. This was my first Oral board EVER! I
had no idea what to expect, or what they could even ask me. I was
asking what to expect from some Firefighters at different departments.
I got different answers from just about everyone of them. So through
the advice from a friend of mine, I checked out Fire Capt Bob's web
site. He seemed like he new what he was talking about, so I ordered his
Gold Package. Well I followed his advice on what to do and how to
answer the questions the Oral board gave me. I felt very confident
during the interview, I felt like I had an edge. Well I know have a
Background schedule with LA City. THANKS CAPT BOB! John
Steve Wrote:
Capt Bob got me to the Chiefs on my first time out and with my dream
dept.I guess I had something to do with it too.
Thanks Capt Bob, now let's go get the badge.
Jeff wrote:
I also made it to the Chiefs interview my first time with Capt. Bob.
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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
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Wait! Captain Bob wants to give you a 10 day test drive of
selected inside secrets how to get a badge. Learn more here:
http://www.eatstress.com/testdriveintro.htm
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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The secret Formula to get a badge here:
http://www.eatstress.com/formula.htm
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3. Robs Corner
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Sell Yourself
There was a commercial on T.V. not long ago were a lady puts a whole
cake on a plate into a dishwasher and turns it on, after it's done the
cake is gone. We all know that even though that is a great dishwasher,
if we owned it we would still rinse the dishes before putting them in.
The guy at the fair selling the knives, will cut through a tin can and
then make a flower out of a tomato. We all know the knives won't do
that for us, but they are good knives.
When you are in your interview, you are that dishwasher, or those
knives.You are selling yourself. Most people that are, or are going to
be firefighters, don't do a good job at selling themselves. It's not in
our nature. We will go and pull a whole family out of a burning
building with no problem, but when they turn on the T.V. cameras, we all
go hide.
You have a very short period of time, and very few responses to
questionsin which to get the job of your dreams. You need to make sure
you get credit for all of the things you have done.
Even two years as a manager of a video store is worth mentioning. That
is a 100% customer service job, and being in charge counts. Not for a
whole lot, I wouldn't talk at length about it, but it definitely needs
to be covered.
In the last week, like most, I have worked with people who didn't feel
comfortable bragging, or tooting their own horn. It made them
uncomfortable. One guy worked for AMR as an EMT. I asked him if he
ever worked on a 911 responding unit and he said, "No, I usually work a
transport car." I asked him again, have you ever worked on an emergency
responding ambulance, ever? He said, "Well yea, but only five or six
shifts".
There is a huge difference between, "I just do transports", and
" I work for AMR as an EMT I do transports and have worked on the 911
responding ambulances, I have worked with them medics, I have driven
code 3, used the dispatch radios and worked closely with the local fire
departments." It's not lying, or stretching the truth, it's what he did
and he needs to get credit for it. He isn't working to get the joy out
of taking people back and forth to the Con homes, he is working to get a
job as a firefighter, and should us every thing he can.
I asked another guy, "What have you done to prepare for the job of
firefighter"? He said," I graduated high school, enlisted in the Army,
I did three tours and now I work in an office". I asked him if he got
any special training in the service and he said he became a medic, and
he was precepted by New York City Fire dept over 45 shifts. I'm thinking
now we're getting somewhere. I asked, " Why did they make you a medic?"
He said, "Because I was in special forces." I asked him if he did
anything exciting or special while on duty and he said, " I was the lead
medic and one of the first to rescue Jessica Lynch, but I wasn't sure I
should mention it, I don't want to sound like I'm bragging". This guy
can get a job at any department in the free world with this story,
except France.
Be sure you are getting credit for all of the things you have done in
your past. Very few will have a story as incredible as that, but I have
yet to work with someone that doesn't have something worthy of
mentioning that they forgot, or decided to leave out. I work with a lot
of people who were told to only mention things that are fire and EMS
related. This is very bad advice and they aren't getting hired.
Make a showcase out of the things you have done, make it concise, keep
it simple, but you have to let us know what you have done and where
you've been so we can give you all of the credit you should get. If you
hold back, the guy who puts the shopping cart back in front of the
grocery store is going to get your job, I have seen it happen.
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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Oral Resume or Biography
This could be a two-part interview with a five-minute presentation on an
oral resume and thirty minutes to answer questions from the panel.
Five minutes will fly by and you won't have enough time to deliver a
stand up dog and pony show. You can use an easel with your major points
with color marking pens. You can use a pencil to write your notes
lightly in the margin that the panel will not see.
This is all about presentation skills! Try not to stand behind a
lectern. Be out in front with the panel.
Remember this. Nothing can replace the power of your words! Nothing!
Keep it simple. Too many candidates will try to pull something off, get
delayed and get time called on them just as they were getting to their
best stuff. One candidate got time called just before he was going to
cover his 3 years of acting captain time.
An oral resume is really the answer to the question what have you done
to prepare for the position. It's your resume verbally. Start out with
your education (keep it in chronological order), then experience, any
volunteer work you have done in your life and any projects you can
attach your name to. Make it sound exciting.
Nothing more. Nothing less. Practice with a tape recorder to get your
timing, inflection, take out pause fillers like an, um etc, until it
comes out of your mouth the way you want the panel to hear it.
For more on our promotional program visit
http://www.eatstress.com/promo.htm
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5. New Badges
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Some Great Stories here:
I started my quest for a badge a little over three years ago and am
proud to say at 41 I am starting with a great dept in ten days. I am
married with two young kids and run my own business. The last two and a
half years have been rough. I became a reserve FF, an EMT, went to a
Fire Academy and took at least 15 tests, did station visits, learned
about departments, took PATs, went to interviews, read books, daily
Firecareers.com all while working full time and being a family man. My
wife is very supportive and helped me along the way. There were some
stressful moments, like the time last year when I had to miss a family
vacation to go to two interviews in one week. My sister-in-law went in
my place since it was already paid for.
Communication with your wife is VERY important! If you have a good
relationship now you can get through it. Prioritize. Family first and
friends last. They will understand. Do every thing you can to make sure
you are a top candidate and get the chief's interviews. The best $200 I
ever spent was with Capt. Rob. After my coaching session my interview
scores soared and I started getting Chief's interviews. I knew then the
badge was possible. My wife could see it and the time I devoted to my
quest was less noticed. You will need to sacrifice some personal time
for family time. Good Luck!
Dear Captain Bob,
Sorry I didn't write sooner but I have been very busy with my new job.
I got hired at the Edwardsville Fire Department on February 8th in
Illinois which is approximately 20 minutes east of St. Louis, Mo. I
applied for 2 departments which are approximately 10 miles apart with
different results thanks to your material (by the way these 2
departments joint tested). I found your material the night before my
first interview and came out 2nd on the initial list which wasn't bad
but after preference points I dropped to 6th. I then ordered your cd's
and my buddy ordered your book and after sharing information I went to
my interview for Edwardsville FD and came out #1. I dropped to #2 but
the first guy was eliminated in background so I moved back to #1. As of
today I am the only person hired out of the 2 cities. All I can say is
thanks for the help it is a dream come true and I love every day of my
new career. Many THANKS Mark
Just wanted to express my gratitude to you for the wealth of knowledge
that is on your website and in your book Becoming a Firefighter it
truly helped me "win the lottery". I am so excited that I am going to be
doing the job of my dreams.
I would not have done as well as I did in my oral board interview if it
was not for your information.
I start my Job with Halifax Fire on June 6th Its true what u say
"Getting the job of your dreams is like winning the lottery!" Thanks
Duane
Captain Bob,
I am so glad I ran across your program on the web.
Here's my story:
At the age of 29, I had a "successful" career in
management. I was making great money. But I was
miserable working long hours behind a desk struggling
to meet my employer's payroll week-in and week-out. I
decided on a career change.
I joined my community's volunteer fire department to
see how I'd like being a firefighter. I loved it. I
enrolled in EMT school and applied for several
departments in middle TN. After my first miserable
interview experience, I did some research on the web.
I had always interviewed well and received most
positions I had applied for, but this interview was
not like any I had previously encountered. And then I
found your website. It changed my life.
I relentlessly studied your materials. I practiced my
interview skills. I watched your video. And I went
into the next Oral Boards prepared.
In October 2003, I placed #34 out of 500 that applied
for my dream department. The interview panel told me
that I interviewed extremely well, but my lack of
experience had hurt me.
I reapplied, discovered more nuggets, and got a job
with my county's EMS Department. Last October, I
interviewed again and placed #17 out of over 550. I
placed higher than many other individuals that had
much more experience than me.
I started my first day on the job this past Monday. I
couldn't be happier!!! I could not have done it
without your help. I am finally doing what I love.
There is no better place to be in life. I only wish
words could do justice to the gratitude I have for you
and your program! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!
Chad Hollingsworth, Franklin, TN
Capt. bob,
I was #3 on the list but unfortunately they were only hiring 2
candidates ... but let me tell you it is well worth it to be # 3 out of
86 candidates. Also I just thought id let you know that I also
interviewed for a different dept. and in the middle of the interview on
a "what would you do if..." question, one of the captains stopped me and
asked if I "had been through EEO training or some type of workshop", I
new I had my shit together at that point. I was #1 on the list there,
but was passed over. According to the townships bylaws I was 1 1/2 years
to old!! Oh well, gotta just keep going.
Another story... in an interview I actually saw all 3 board members put
their pens down, stop writing and pay attention to what I was
saying....WOW, that just blew me away. Awesome, Awesome,
Awesome!!!!!!!!!
Your program works!!!! I appreciate you and your willingness to help
me, and others, out. It is without a doubt a no gimmick; this is how
you do it programmed. I tell everyone about it that I can, but then I
realize that I am giving him or her my competitive edge by telling them
of your program. I cannot say enough about how you have single handily
made my interviewing and testing easier. Currently I'm #6 on a list now
and am going for my psych. test and polygraph on the 5th of May. Thanks
again to you, I feel that I am prepared and aware of what not to say.
Thank you and ill keep you posted
Mike Schultz
Columbus Ohio
ps??? Questions to ask candidates???
What 6 easy things can you do to get a job?
1) Buy the program. 2) Read the book. 3) Watch the DVD. 4) Listen to
the CD. 5) GET A TAPE RECORDER!! 6) TAKE EVERY TEST YOU CAN!!
6 things = dream job, its that easy... swear to god!!!!!
Thanks for your time Capt Bob!!
Hey man, in all seriousness!!!!! Once you pass the written you need to
check out capt bob's site and get his information, preferably his "gold
package". He will walk you through a lot of common since things that you
just won't think of on your own. He will give you a leg up on the
competition and you will score a lot better on your orals. Example; I
took my first oral boards and no call back, I got his gold package and
next test I took I scored #3 on the final list. Its not a gimmick, this
**** works.... tell your family to get it for you. Good luck
Capt. Bob:
This is just about the happiest day of my life (along with my
wedding day and the birth of my daughter. I just sat
there numb and in shock after the call for about a
half an hour. It's just starting to sink in now. Not
only did I get the plum of all jobs, I got on at the
department I have been dreaming of working for the
past 14 years. Thank you again for your support and
advice (I still have your video, cassettes, and
workbook I bought and used over the past 7 years).
I'll send you updates throughout the academy.
Sincerely yours, Tracy Frantz
SFFD 110th Fire Academy
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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6. Humor
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Audio : KOMO 1000 NEWS
The ten things every guy should have in the fridge to help impress the
lady in his life.
SEATTLE - Guys, if you're out to impress your lady, did you know there
are ten things that should be inside your fridge?
Let's run down the list with the help of GQ's style editor. It may sound
trivial, but Adam Rappaport says he just wants guys to find success.
"I think what we do in this magazine is offer a lot of advice,"
Rappaport tells KOMO News.
Inside the GQ that hits stands next week, you'll find a top ten list of
refrigerator "must haves."
"With these, it allows you to make a number of different dishes,"
Rappaport insists.
So, here we go guys:
10. Mayonnaise
9. Butter
8. Champagne - Adam says this adds a special touch and "always impresses
the ladies."
7. Lemons
6. Eggs - For breakfast, late nights, cakes.you gotta have plenty of
eggs on hand.
5. Italian Flat Leaf Parsley - He insists this is an all-purpose herb
that is way underused.
4. Dijon Mustard
3. Parmesan Cheese
2. Bacon - And not the cheap fatty stuff either. Think "thick and meaty"
here.
And the number one item that should be in your 'fridge?
1. White Wine - For two reasons. White wine should always be chilling,
and it's great to cook with.
There you go, guys. These basic 10 items will help you create easy meals
in the kitchen. So stock the fridge and be a winner!
"And that always impresses the ladies," Adam adds.
firemanpat from Florida wrote:
Maybe in Seattle that's what you need
If you want to impress redneck girls
I have a list for you in random order
Beer
Pepsi
chocolate
whip cream
beer
wine
bacon & eggs
bottled water
Twix candy bar for mid night snack
and don't forget BEER
Reeveo from Dallas asked: Do you suggest the tub or spray can?
Firefighter from Florida: Gotta go with the spray. It's inconvenient to
spoon cool whip on body parts and have fun with at the same time.
>From Reeveo: Cool whip? Body parts?!?! For what???
>From Mymedic Ohio I'm impressed
As a female anything that doesn't have green crust or pcn in the fridge
is a good thing. I guess as long as you have the liquor anything looks
and tastes good to us. But for me as long as there is some type of
chocolate it'll be a good time.
FDNY101TRUCK from New Jersey
Wine!? I don't think so if you want to impress a redneck girl you will
probably have a bottle of everclear or homemade moonshine and some sour
apple skoal...
Also from Ohio kentbwj responded with:
Well, if you really want to impress her and you're willing to invest a
little something, you should have plenty of chocolates in any
combination from the following creators of fine chocolates (not in any
particular order):
1. Gorant
2. Ghirardelli
3. Chantal Coady
4. Valrhona
5. Callebaut
6. Scharffen Berger
7. Amedei
8. Lindt
9. Valor
10.Godiva
Chocolate=Love
Ladder 8 chimed in with: I guess that there are some things to NOT have
in the fridge...
1. Chianti wine
2. Fava beans
3. Your last date
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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
Polygraph---Don't even think about going to polygraph without first
checking out www.polygraph.com
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
=============================================
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
Please Recommend fireZine to anyone you
know that is interested in shortening the learning
curve to get a badge. Just press "Forward" on
your email program.
To subscribe or leave
http://www.eatstress.com/firezine_signup.htm
TIME TO SHARE. Please send your
ideas, questions, your success stories and when you
nail that badge to captbob@eatstress.com
==========================================
Nothing counts til you have the badge . . . Absolutely Nothing!
==========================================
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
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