FireZineNov05

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?

Over 2,328 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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             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 LA City update:

Just thought I would pass on that I took the written test for Los Angeles City Fire Department this morning (Oct. 22nd 2005) at the Hotchkins training center and there was practically no one there. No more than 75 people. Its kind of weird, but now is a great time for people to be testing, go get that CPAT its key to this recruitment. I wish everyone the best. Later---

More on the LA City testing process here: http://eatstress.com/la_city_test.htm

They Said!!!!!

I got a call from a candidate looking for advice. I asked him what his approach was to oral boards. Ted said, "I've tried to be open and honest to let them know who I am." Who told you to do that? A friend who is a firefighter. Well, how are you ending up on the list. Ted said, "I haven't passed any."

That's my point. Everyone becomes an expert once they've taken a few orals, has a friend who is a firefighter or someone tells them, "They said" this is the way to do it. I marvel. I've never been able to find out who "They" are.

This is what some college fire science programs and fire academies do and it creates candidates that are clones like everyone else. During their oral board clouds start coming out of their mouths. It's like hearing a soup opera. I know because I've been on over 100 fire department oral boards. Yes, be informed.

But, the great opportunity is being missed here by not focusing on who you really are. Yes, I've seen the recent postings like, "I smoked that oral, or I kicked butt on that oral." But, don't touch that dial. I hope those folks will get back to us when the final scores are made available. And, get back to us on the day when your head drops after reading the letter that you didn't make it again. I hope they do make it. God only knows how much they have invested to deserve the job.

This from Fred:

Sorry I didn't get back to you sooner, but things have been crazy. I just wanted to let you know that I'm in my second week at the academy. Your Gold Package Program and the Private Coaching made the difference. You said, (not they said) "If I concentrated on my own stuff, used a tape recorder to practice and did the private coaching miracles could happen. It did in a big way. Faster than I thought. Not only was I hired, I was number one of the five they hired. Imagine me number one!

Eternally yours, Fred

The defense rests!

Advice is free here anytime you want to call like Ted. Ask Fred if it was worth the investment in a career.

Egotism is the anesthetic that dulls the pain of stupidity. —Frank Leahy, Look magazine, 1955.

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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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Going to college or getting the badge

First leave no doubt that I believe in education. If you want to get a Public Administration, Engineering or any other degree as a career track, great. Don’t think it will be the key to get into the fire service to ride big red.

Where are you going to get the most bang for your buck in gaining a badge? We have enough chiefs. We need more Indians.

What’s the time line? If you’re just starting college and want to get your BA, it could take you 4 maybe 5 or more years depending on when you can line up and complete all your classes and requirements. Then, if you wanted to go further the timing it to get into and academy and or paramedic school and get some street time another 2+ years? So around 7 years give or take to get in position to go after the badge. Are you going to need student loans? Do you have a special person in your life who is going to wait while you pursue your career? How long can you tread water?

Everyone has an opinion, there are exceptions and more than one road to a badge and there are no guarantees in life which ever path you take. This might help:

Ask yourself who is getting the badges? The vast majority of candidates we see get hired do not have advanced degrees. They're more in the line of EMT, FF1 academy, working on or have an AA or AS degree or medics. Some have no fire education or experience. Their biggest asset was they leaned how to take an interview.

The following is from:

Michael J. Ward, MGA, MIFireE
Assistant Professor
http://www.gwumc.edu/ems/ward.html
Fire Science Program Head
Northern Virginia Community College
Annandale, VA

In my preferred world, a high school graduate will attend college and obtain an undergraduate bachelor’s degree PRIOR to getting a “real” job. This illustrates the values of going to college and getting to experiment and become an adult in a semi-protective environment.

Lets cut through the testosterone and turf wars and consider the question of which is the best way to get a badge. First, I will agree when considering a major in college, fire science provides a poor return on investment if the goal is a career as a paid firefighter.

There may be another reason why an 18 year old wants to go to work right away. Many graduates of American high schools lack the reading, mathematic or study skills to start freshman college.

Firefighting is one of the few middle-class jobs not requiring college education as a pre-employment requirement. I think that distinction will evaporate in the next generation. As Captain Bob repeatedly points out, most fire departments do not provide preferential considerations for someone with a two-or-four year degree. If you are going to college to prepare for a career in fire-rescue, your best investment is to obtain paramedic certification.

THE BRUTALITY OF THE HIRING PROCESS

Fire departments continue to hire as if it was 1899 – you are a slab of meat evaluated for your physical, mental and moral capabilities. The regional or local fire academy will provide the needed on-the-job training. Most of them do not care about your volunteer experience or existing fire service certifications. But many will treat you preferentially if you are a National Registry EMT/Paramedic.

You may have forgotten what it is like to be on the outside with a burning desire to be a full-time firefighter. That desire results in an endless “what-if” game that reminds me of high school dating.

Captain Bob’s approach to focus on only doing things to get the BADGE is like the suggestions I provide to younger wanna-be’s.

MY OPINION:
If you can, go to college and get a bachelor degree. Have fun, try out new things, see the world. Get your degree in whatever interests you, since 80% of your fellow graduates end up in jobs different than what their degree says.

After you get your badge and get off probation, you can take whatever fire science, emergency management, WMD, ICS, or XYZ classes required by your department. Generally, they will pay for those classes.

My teaching experience goes from high school vocational EMT (three years) to community college (20 years) through university (four years). My personal educational journey includes flunking out of engineering school, while living in a fire station and spending my parent’s money. I returned to obtain a bachelor and master degree years later.

There is a huge amount of diversity in "fire science" academic programs. From community college credit for Firefighter I to graduate engineering and hard science research university PhDs.

Michael J. Ward, MGA, MIFireE
Assistant Professor
http://www.gwumc.edu/ems/ward.html

This just in:

Dear Capt Bob, You do not know me ,I would like to thank you for your help with becoming a firefighter. I have been trying for two years to get a badge. When my time expired from the hiring lists I thought that I still needed more certs, education etc. Well finally after two years I decide to buy your gold package. I did what you said and with in three months I got hired by my dream department. All I can say is thank you for what you do and please keep helping people like me achieve their dreams.

Oh and I got the call the week before my wedding how is that for a happy ending.
Thank you so much, Eron Sunshine

For more on the different fire degree programs go here:

http://eatstress.com/degree.htm

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Check out our Best Bargain Offer Ever here:

http://eatstress.com/special_offer.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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Too Many Words

Two guys go into their interviews for “Hometown” fire department, and say basically the same thing. Which do you think would sound better.  Imagine you are a captain, 20 years on the job, it’s the fifth day of interviews, 1330 hrs, you just had lunch and are used to having a nap just about now.

     Guy # 1, we’ll call him Brian, has been told to talk as much as they will let you.  He was asked what he has done to prepare for the job of firefighter.  Here is his reply, “I graduated high school, while I was there I played sports, I was big into sports, I played baseball and learned teamwork, I played football and that was very team work oriented as well as a diverse group of people that I played with. I lettered in both sports.  I also wrestled and played basketball, which taught me even more about teamwork.  I graduated form high school and went straight into the fire science program at the local junior college.  They have the best fire science program in the state, and as you know we use the training tower right here in “Hometown”.  I was able to climb Hometown ladders, roll Hometown hose, ride on Home town engines, and everything else I learned was with Hometown equipment.  What I learned most in the class was team work and how to work in a team.  We grouped into engine companies and after the first week they elected me the captain.  I not only know how teamwork works when everyone is at the same level, but how it works when you are in charge.  I was able to do roof top work, worked in the burn trailers, as well as doing two training burns.  I probably pulled 2 miles of hose, threw hundreds of ladders, and folded hundreds of salvage covers.  All of this equipment was Hometown equipment, in the hometown training center.  I was elected class leader, and graduated at the top of my class.  During the class I also received my confined space awareness, haz-mat awareness,  swift water awareness, and a certificate in nozzle dexterity.  All of the instructors in the class said they thought I would make an excellent firefighter for this department, they wrote me letters of recommendation, which I will give to you now.  (At this point he stands up and goes to each board member and hands them letters from five people that instruct for the local junior college).  I also took my EMT class and learned more in that class than in any other in my life.  I got the highest score on every test but two, and would come in early everyday to help set up the class for the instructor.  I received a letter of recommendation form him also which I will give you now….  I graduated top in my class and cannot wait to start using what I learned there, on your team, the Hometown team.  I am 22 years old and everything I have done I have been the best at, and I will be the best team member you have ever had”.

     Guy #2, is Randy, he has learned to keep it simple.  He is asked the same question.  Here is his reply, “I graduated high school here in town, I played sports throughout, and also worked at the local hardware store.  I was in charge of inventory, and helping with customer service.  I went to the junior college and received my firefighter I and EMT certificate, During the process I earned numerous certificates, which you will see listed at the bottom of my resume.  I have volunteered my time here in town with Habitat for Humanity, which has allowed me to give something back to the community, as well as taught me a lot about building construction.  I have also visited your stations and think I would be a good fit here, and through those visits I believe I am beginning to learn about the culture of this department.

     These were both people I worked with for the same test, for the same department, these are as close as I can remember to the actual responses they both gave. Both guys are the same age, and have basically the same qualifications.  Based only on this one response, if you were on the panel, who would you hire?  Please remember the K.I.S.S. principle, keep it simple sweetie. You will get a better score, and it will make life so much better for those of us that sit on the other side of the table

Where ever you might be stuck in the hiring process from the written or video testing, physical agility CPAT, oral interview, psych interview, background, polygraph, or medical, you can find new powerful information on Captain Rob’s new web site here: www.myfireinterview.com

CAPTAIN ROB (Thank you)
NRTC@SONIC.NET
http://www.myfireinerview.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.myfireinterview.com/private%20coaching.htm

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4. Promotional Level Skills Tip
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In-and-Out Basket:

I encouraged a lifelong firefighter friend Son Ray to come in for private coaching for his first Captains test after he had received our Promotional Program. He thought he didn't need it. He ended up fourth on the list. Just when he thought he would get the next job, they announced they would give another test. I told him if he had come in for the private coaching session, he probably wouldn't have had to take another test. Again, he didn't take advantage of the coaching offer. I can not figure this out, because his brother Kevin complete our program with a coaching session and came out number 2 his first time out. He had a badge within a week. I guess you can not take people kicking and screaming.

I bumped into Ray at the coffee shop and asked him how he ended up. He started talking about the guys with less seniority, the salesman type that jumped ahead of him. When he told me it wasn't fair he had lost value points in the In-and-Out Basket because those newer medics had the advantage of doing all their reports, I said do not tell me you were not helping your captain out with his reports. He said he did not know it would be part of the test. This is covered in our Promotional Program because the In and Out Basket segment of the assessment center is changing. Ray ended up number six, when he should have had a badge already.

In-and-Out Basket:

During the in-and-out basket exercise you will be given tasks to make a decision and complete in a specified time. You probably won’t complete all the tasks. The “Nugget” here is to go through the in basket completely and separate the tasks in order of importance and amount of time they would require to complete. Do the simple tasks first. It will help you feel less overwhelmed with the pile. Try to handle the task the first time you pick it up. Make a decision and move on.

Some items just need your signature of approval. Leave the tasks that will require the most time until last. You may never get to some of them. That is O.K. If you can do a hard in-basket item the raters will know you can do the simple ones.

Many candidates get bogged down trying to complete every task. The secret “Nugget” here is to delegate, delegate, delegate as much as possible. If you're lucky, just a quick note to delegate and calendar a follow up date in your day timer will get it to the out basket and onto the next task. Often though they will want you to write out what you would actually do.

Like Rays situation, they changed the process for the In-and-Out Basket. You could be given a computer to log onto and do a line up, response reports, handle training reports and customer complaints.

Another test gave the candidates the assignment to prepare a speech to be delivered to the mayor at 6:00 p.m. that same evening. Some candidates lost valuable time attempting to write the entire speech. A simple outline of an opening, three major points, a summary, question and answer time, and a conclusion would have covered this assignment. It’s time and presentation that’s being tested, not the subject.

At the end of this exercise they will want you to justify what you have done. This is another great opportunity to use your personal experience stories relating to the tasks.

Ray called the following week that he was headed for an interview with the Chief and now wanted to take advantage of that coaching session. Believe me like most candidates, he needed it. The session helped because he jumped to number 4 position after the Chiefs interview. Pretty amazing considering the circumstances.

Promotional Badges:

I want to thank you for the emails and inspiration on the oral exam. I have recommended you to numerous young firefighters that I feel would be a good as an officer in our department.

The oral exam determined 100% who would be promoted (written scores were all very close). I did finish second and it was because I nailed the "Tactical" part of the oral exam.

FYI, people who called back too many resources were penalized in our tactical (it was a single family home with two people trapped and fire threatening a 50 unit exposure). I did not call back too many (it was common sense to me on what was needed). Your comments truly set the tone for my response on the oral. Thank You!!

Respectfully, Jim Bennett

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

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5. New Badges
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Capt. Bob,

I just want to take this opportunity to thank you

from the bottom of my heart for your program and the

help it gave me. I am happy to report that I was hired

my the dept I always wanted to get on, and it is all

thanks to the prep and conditioning that I found in

the Gold Package. Anyone out there who has any doubts

this man knows what he is talking about consider this:

I have used EVERY tool and suggestion he gives you and

was just told today that I am one of the most

qualified and enthusiastic candidates the City in Ohio has had.

If you don't think that will send you thru the roof, I don't know what will!

Capt. Bob, the prep tool you provide for the Oral

Board portion is second to none. I was soooo confident

in my presentation going into it, and it was all from

using the tape recorder and practicing until it came

out naturally. Also, the cookies I baked when I went

for my station visit probably didn't hurt either!

Anyway, thanks for helping make my dream come true.

Sincerely and eternally grateful, Gabe

Captain Bob, I just want to say thanks for developing a program that not only concentrates on orals, but many other aspects of achieving the badge, and keeping the candidate motivated. Just recently I was appointed a badge as a Firefighter/ Paramedic. I bought the Gold package and studied from there. I didn't make in time for the coaching session, but I was able to talk to Rob for a few minutes and he gave me some good ideas to think about. This was my first oral interview and didn't feel so nervous until I walked into that room and then it hit me. I thought I was prepared, but you can never be prepared enough. I came out on the list number one, but if I ever do it again I will definitely contact Rob or yourself sooner for a coaching session, and practice more. After the interview I couldn't believe that I got so nervous. I understand now why you say go and take tests to get better and then you will be more relaxed. Thanks again Captain Bob and also to your son Rob, now you can add one more badge to your successful program. Sincerely, Anthony Gasporra

Capt. Thanks for a great product. I am in the second week of the fire academy for the city I wanted to work for – I got the badge! Rich

Capt Rob and Capt Bob:

I recently had my Oral Boards in CT. I have the gold package and have been practicing. I did private coaching with Rob a few weeks ago and man was that a learning curve. I just got my results and I am number 5 on the list. I am so so excited. I gotta hand it to you guys this program really really works. I am still keeping up my practicing, as there are a couple of other tests coming up. Only thing left to do I guess is wait. Meriden from what I am told is going to hire 4. My hope is that someone is a better test taker than me and another town scoops them up and bumps me up on the list. I guess I should call and ask Meriden but what should I expect now as far as what’s to come.

Man I can’t thank you guys enough and I don’t even have my badge yet. In my oral I was answering questions so freely and thoroughly that every time they moved to the next chief for the next question he would chuckle and say that I already answered a good part of his next question. I guess I knew I always had the tools in me, but the gold package and Rob really helped me to put them to work.

Thanks, Mark

Sorry this email took so long, but I wanted to let you know I got the final offer with El Cerrito Fire Dept. I start on Oct 3rd. If anyone wonders if your program works tell them to look at me. Three fire jobs in 19 months. I can't thank you enough for all the time you have spent with my on the phone and through email. Chris

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

You Know You're a Redneck When... (2005 Edition)

1. You take your dog for a walk and you both use the same tree.

2. You can entertain yourself for more than an hour with a flyswatter.

3. Your property has been mistaken for a recycling center.

4. Your boat has not left the driveway in 15 years.

5. You burn your yard rather than mow it.

6. You offer someone the shirt off your back and they don't want it.

7. Your working TV sits on top of your non-working TV.

8. You have the local taxidermist on speed dial.

9. You come back from the dump with more than you took.

10. You keep a can of Raid on the kitchen table.

11. Your grandmother has "ammo" on her Christmas wish list.

12. You think a subdivision is part of a math problem.

13. You've been involved in a custody fight over a hunting dog.

14. Your kids take a siphon hose to show and tell.

15. You think a hot tub is a stolen indoor plumbing fixture.

16. You took a fishing pole to Sea World.

17. You go to the stock car races and don't need a program.

18. You have a rag for a gas cap.

19. Your father executes the "Pull my finger" trick during Christmas dinner.

20. You wonder how service stations keep their restrooms so clean.

21. You can spit without opening your mouth.

22. Your lifetime goal is to own a fireworks stand.

23. You sit on your roof at Christmas time hoping to fill your deer quota.

24. You have a complete set of salad bowls and they all say Cool Whip on the

side.

25. You've used your ironing board as a buffet table.

26. You think a quarter horse is that ride in front of K-Mart.

27. You've used a toilet brush as a back scratcher.

28. You missed 5th grade graduation because you had jury duty.

29. You think fast food is hitting a deer at 65 mph.

30. Somebody tells you that you've got something in your teeth

and you take them out to see what it is.

You can Live in the Deep South where...

1. You can rent a movie and buy bait in the
same store.
2."y'all" is singular and "all y'all" is plural.
3. After five years you still hear, "You ain't
from ' round here, are Ya?"
4. "He needed killin' "is a valid defense.
5. Everyone has 2 first names: Billy Bob,
Jimmy Bob, Mary Sue, Betty Jean, MARY
BETH, etc.

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7. Resource Websites for Candidates: http://www.eatstress.com/hotlinks.htm

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==> SHARE YOUR TIP or STORY. Send it 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.
Phone: 888-238-3959 local 925-846-3959 Fax: 925-846-9650
E-mail Mailto:captbob@eatstress.com

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