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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?

 

 

FireZine

Cutting edge interview skills to get that badge from Fire Captain Bob.

More than 2,097 candidates have received their badge from this program!

May 1, 2003.  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 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

 

First this: 

Captain Bob will present “Conquer the Fire Department Oral Boards” at Chabot College in Hayward (CA). on May 28, 2003, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. (room 916).   The free seminar is hosted by Captain Steve Prziborowski, Fire Technology Coordinator at Chabot.  If you’re planning on attending please RSVP sprziborowski@chabotcollege.edu   to reserve a spot.

 

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1.      Quick Presentation Skills Tip
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 I recently watched your video and it really opened my eyes and my mind.  I have a quick question though.

 

What is the proper way to address the interview panel?

What order should they be greeted? (chief then deputy then H.R. rep.)

 

One of the raters will usually come out, escort you into the room, and introduce you to the other panel members.  Don’t try to turn your self inside out trying to remember their names (they are often on cards in front of them).  As you’re introduced, look the rater in the eye and give a firm handshake.  Practice hand shakes.  Too many times candidate give a dead fish handshake.  Come on folks.  When shaking hands with a female rater don’t wait for their high beams to come on in her eyes with too much pressure.  Just match the pressure in their handshake.  At the end of the interview they will usually stand and shake hands again.  Same eye contact thanking (by rank if you know) them for the opportunity.  

 

 

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

 

Captain Bob,

 My name is Stan, I just recently ordered your Entry Level Program and it helped me greatly on preparing for my oral board testing.  Just recently though I was testing at a department and I got called back for an oral board, and I went in confident.  The oral board did not surprise me with any questions and I was well prepared until........  The second to last question they asked me.  The question was you are in a fully involved fire and your partner and an infant are both down, they are both right next to you and you can only grab one which one do you grab and why?  I remembered your steps to answering a question and I asked the oral board after thinking over it for a moment some questions of my own, but I was still stumped as to the answer I should have given them I was just wondering what they were looking for in this particulars question. Thanks Stan

 

Reply:   What was your answer first?

 

Stan: Well, first I asked if I knew where both of them were located, then I asked if there was anyway possible in all my power to save both of them, then I said I would take the firefighter because if anything goes wrong in a fire with you and your partner you are suppose to get out immediately.  Then after that they told me when you get out of the building you see the infants family and what do you say to them.  So I said that I would say I was sorry for what happened and explain the situation the best way I was able under the circumstances.  Then they told me that next the media approaches me and what do you say to them.  So I said that I would given the circumstances of what I had just been through I would have another officer speak to them because now just wasn't a good time.

 

Reply:   Like most candidates you took the bait on saving your partner.  What would
you do now?

 

Stan: Save the infant now, but don't I face the same scenario with my partner's family, as well as the department and the media, from how I am seeing it, it seems like a lose lose situation. The question seems like they want to see how you think and that there is no right answer am I right?

 

Reply: Wrong!  You are missing the whole point here.  There is one word from your
EMT training that is the key to what you would do?

 

Stan:   Could it be TRIAGE?

 

Reply:   Bingo! Now what is your answer?

 

 

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

 

Manage Your Time
  

If you are planning to go on a camping trip, you start to think about it
well before you and your dog get into the car and drive.  First you list all
the things you have to do. You've got to get the tents, sleeping bags,
de-hydrated Hungry Man Dinner, and all of the other stuff you need from the
sporting goods store.  Then you change the oil, and clean the car. I don't
know why we clean it before a trip.  You list all the things you have to do,
figure out how many days it will take and then count back from the date you
want to leave, and that tells you when to start.  A smart, experienced
person will add a few days for the unexpected stuff that happens to
everyone.
  

Take the time to make a list like this for how long you think it will
take you to get ready for an oral interview.  You want to plan out your
script, get information on the city or agency you're testing for, make sure
your suit is clean, practice and rehearse, make or update your resume, and
maybe visit a station or two. Now all you need to do is count back from the
date of your test, include days you have to work, in some way showing your
wife or girlfriend some kind of attention, add a couple of days for the
unexpected stuff and you're ready to go.

Oh, there's a problem, you don't know the date?  And what's that you say?
You hardly ever get more than a weeks notice and you need more time.  Well,
I see two options.  You can wait until your notice for the test arrives,
quit your job, let your girlfriend leave with your dog, and try and cram
three weeks of stuff into a week.  Or you can plan ahead and do things in a
calm easy way, keep you dog and job, and go to your next interview being the
only guy in the room that wasn't ironing his shirt that morning, while
trying to think up a good closing.  The choice is up to you.

 

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 firefighter 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 @ 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  ==========================================

 

Your Strengths:

 

A common problem I see with candidates preparing their presentation for an interview is they don’t focus on their real strengths.  They attempt to represent themselves as what they think the board would want instead of their real strengths of leadership, training, haz mat, confined space rescue, etc.  Paul was going for a captain’s position in a large city.  He faxed me his proposed script for his presentation.  Buried in the third page was his true strength . . . Training!  Paul had a long history training in his department, sheriff’s department, and county swift water rescue.  Once training was moved to his opening and main theme, he was operating from his strength.  

 

This was Paul's first Captain's test.  He tested with 500 other candidates.  He was fighting seniority credits and experience.  All he was hoping to do was get on the list and get some acting time.

 

In his second interview, a panel member from training asked him what part training would play as an officer.  Paul asked to use the white board to demonstrate.  It was show time!  It was Paul’s true love and strength.  He was in his element up at the board asking more questions and demonstrating he was an experienced trainer.   The training chief beamed.  Paul’s confidence exploded. How could they not consider him for the position?  He blew the doors off his oral board panel.

 

He didn't just make the list.  He ended up number six out of five hundred his first time out.  Thanks Paul for the announcement on your promotion.

 

For more on our promotional program click here:
http://www.eatstress.com/promo.htm

 

 

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 5.  New Badges

 

Captain Bob,

Another success story for your program. I have been testing for the fire service for about 7 years. I am the classic example of someone who had all the certifications, including Paramedic experience, but could not make it past the oral board . I ordered your Entry Level program and prepared my answers to your 30 oral board questions. I scored high on the list for my local department (which happened to be the Department at the top of my wish list) and I just found out that I am hired. My academy starts April 14. After years of taking tests unsuccessfully, your program gave me the skills I needed to pass the oral board and fulfill my dream of becoming a Firefighter/Paramedic. I would also like to thank you for the time you took to personally answer my e-mails regarding my oral board and the background process.  Thank you,   Jeff

Captain Bob,

I bought your program and used your suggestions and even though I had to put my skills to the test with a few departments before getting hired. I'm glad to be writing this and telling you that I was hired on March 27 with a growing department here in Florida, we currently have 3 stations but are looking to put 3 more in the city within the next 5 years, even though many people look at this department as a stepping stone compared to others in the area, I'm looking forward to getting my career underway. Many thanks! Alan

Promotional:

Capt. Bob, I just wanted to let you know that I had a promotional exam last week and had previously ordered your promotional package. I watched your video and listened to your tape several times and took your advice serious.  I blew everyone else away! I just found out I ranked out #1 on my Lieutenants exam.  I will be promoted soon!  Your advice and materials paid off.  I couldn't thank you enough.  You're awesome! Thanks again,  Troy Hicklin

 

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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If you yelled for 8 years, 7 months and 6 days you would have

produced enough sound energy to heat one cup of coffee.

 

(Hardly seems worth it.)

 

If you farted consistently for 6 years and 9 months, enough gas is

produced to create the energy of an atomic bomb.

 

(Now that's more like it!)

 

The human heart creates enough pressure when it pumps out to the

body to squirt blood 30 feet.

 

(O.M.G.!)

 

A pig's orgasm lasts 30 minutes.

 

(In my next life, I want to be a pig.)

 

A cockroach will live nine days without its head before it starves

to death.

 

(Creepy.)

 

(I'm still not over the pig.)

 

Banging your head against a wall uses 150 calories an hour.

 

(Do not try this at home. Maybe at work.)

 

The male praying mantis cannot copulate while its head is attached

to its body. The female initiates sex by ripping the male's head

off.

 

("Honey, I'm home. What the....?!")

 

The flea can jump 350 times its body length. It's like a human

jumping the length of a football field.

 

(30 minutes... lucky pig. can you imagine??)

 

The catfish has over 27,000 taste buds.

 

(What could be so tasty on the bottom of a pond?)

 

Some lions mate over 50 times a day.

 

(I still want to be a pig in my next life...quality over quantity)

 

Butterflies taste with their feet.

 

(Something I always wanted to know!)

 

The strongest muscle in the body is the tongue.

 

(Hmmmmmm........)

 

Right-handed people live, on average, nine years longer

 than left-handed people.

 

(If you're ambidextrous, do you split the difference?)

 

Elephants are the only animals that cannot jump.

 

(OK, so that would be a good thing....)

 

A cat's urine glows under a black light.

 

(I wonder who was paid to figure that out?)

 

An ostrich's eye is bigger than its brain.

 

(I know some people like that.)

 

Starfish have no brains.

 

(I know some people like that too.)

 

Polar bears are left-handed.

 

(If they switch, they'll live a lot longer.)

 

Humans and dolphins are the only species that have sex for

pleasure.

 

(What about that pig??)

 

 

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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 on our products 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 Internet 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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        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

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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