FireZineOct08

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?

Estimated reading time 1 - 3 minutes for any segment!

Thousands 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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No one ever lost credibility by being interesting.

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Please forward or recommend this FireZine to anyone you
know that wants to shorten the learning curve to get
that badge!

If you are receiving this issue as a forward, and want
your own subscription, visit
http://www.eatstress.com/firezine_signup.htm

http://www.eatstress.com/firezinearchive.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

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1.      Quick Presentation Skills Tip
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I've got an interview next Monday and I've gotten almost everything down except for these types of questions. I hope to hear from you soon!!! Shane

I'm not really sure how I'm supposed to answer the questions like "What is the job of a firefighter?"

Reply: I’ve had some great reviews. If ever there is an area for improvement I want to know about it because I can’t improve on something I’m not aware of unless it’s brought to my attention.

"What are the quality traits of a firefighter? Which one is the most important to you?", etc.

Reply: You're usually asked to give 3 strengths and on weakness. You can personalize one of your strengths, but not a weakness. On the weakness state what it is and what you have done to improve it.

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Check out http://www.eatstress.com 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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Some of our products are now available with a payment plan. More Here: http://www.eatstress.com/special_offer.htm
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2. Entry Level Skills Tip
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The Perfect Score!

You’ve heard of the “Perfect Storm”? That’s where all the right
elements combine and create huge storms, tornados and hurricanes.

What’s it take to make a “Perfect Score” on your oral board?
Take a journey with me.

Could it be getting your EMT, FF1 & FF11, being a volunteer, academy, AS
degree, BA degree, experience, lateral, medic and every other merit
badge you could think of?

Sure all could play a part. Is there anything missing? No, looks
pretty good.

How about the most important one of all? Learning how to take the
all-important oral board that is usually 100% of your score to get
hired? Without this skill set you will have a real tough time making a
seamless no surprised presentation that will stun the oral board with
your credentials, life experience and the burning desire into giving you
a high enough score to get a shot at that badge.

I've seen candidates with great credentials, but can't present the
package at the interview. And, if you can't present the package, you
don't get the job . . . Period! Never! Ever!

I had a 911 call Sunday from a candidate who was scheduled in 3 days for
his next oral for his dream department. A Captain friend finally let
him look at the DVD portion of our program. He said, “Even though I
have been testing I couldn’t believe how unprepared I was. Now I’m
really scared. Is there anyway I can download the CD’s? I now know if I
can get this material what a huge advantage I will have over the other
candidates.”

This is not uncommon. But too many candidates have convinced themselves
through the four inches between their ears that just around the corner
they have what it takes to get that badge on the next test.

Here’s what can happen:

Hey Captain,
Bob or Rob, I went to private coaching with Rob last week. I was really
excited about testing in Emeryville, but I also had an interview in LA
first. I was going for my very first oral board. Well, I studied all my
material like you said, went to the oral board in LA, and did exactly
what I had prepared for. I waited in the waiting room with the rest of
the candidates for about five minutes and then one of the interviewers
came out and asked to talk to me in the hall. She gave me a card that
had directions for furthering in the process. Then she smiled and told
me that I got a perfect score. A PERFECT SCORE!! I was smiling and
laughing the whole way out. Thank you so much for your help, I know

Sale: Half-Off Our Most Successful Program! Get our entry level Gold Package Program with the companion CD series "It's Your Turn in the Hot Seat" CD series with this blow out special! Check it out here: http://www.eatstress.com/special_offer.htm

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If someone asks you what you need to help you get a firefighter badge, tell them you want our Gold Package with the companion “It’s Your Turn in the Hot Seat” CD Series!!! Check it out here!:
http://www.eatstress.com/special_offer.htm

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While You’re here get a 10 day test drive of selected inside secrets how to get a badge. Learn more here:

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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Minimum Requirements

The statement that you can’t be hired with the minimum qualifications is true.  If a department is requiring an EMT, F/F1, or medic cert and you go in and put it on the table I would be very surprised if you got a job.

But, even if you are 19, you should have more to offer than the minimum requirements.  By that point you should have played team sports, had a job, volunteered your time, gotten other education and be able to lay out your plan for the future.

In the last year I have coached four guys that were 19, they got hire with just an EMT cert.  Two were parking cars for a large hotel in Las Vegas and got on with Las Vegas.  Two got on with L.A. city, one of which was told he was the only 100% they had given in months.  But were they hired with the minimum requirements?  No.  The guys parking cars went on to describe how they were working, being the first customer service agent people met when they arrived, How they had to be very aware of the ethnic and cultural differences of the arriving guest and pass them along to the hotel, and be familiar with all of the makes and models of cars.  They all four had more than the minimum, most everyone does; they just need to know how to present it properly.

What I tell people is that it is possible to get hired with the minimum, but don’t count on it.  Get all of the minimums out of the way and start testing.  Plan on having to get your EMT, F/F1, and go through medic school if you want to have your best chance.  Then you can be pleasantly surprised if you don’t have to finish all of it.

Right now my department is trying to hire a group of medics.  All we required is a medic cert and to pass the stupid video team test in the “A” band.  We invited all 83 to a practical evaluation.  A basic National Registry based practical medic test and a medic based oral interview.  A lot were no-shows, and of the 62 that came only 12 passed.  All these people needed was to have the minimum qualifications, and be able to pass a National Registry test. We have now moved to our “B” band and hope those people come with the minimum, they will start in our academy if they do.

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

In the panel interview, there was a Fire Chief from a neighboring department who had this habit of looking at me rather questioningly as I answered the question he posed, then after I finished the answer, he would just keep looking at me, staring actually, with a puzzled or bemused look and some strokes of a finger along his jaw, as though he was contemplating a follow up question. I remembered your advice that if you've said what you came to say, shut up, don't dig yourself a hole by trying to add to your answer. I just met his gaze and waited. Towards the end, when he would do this staring routine, the other panelists would ask him if he was done yet, could they ask their next question. It actually got a bit comical. Afterwards I was informed by an inside source that during the debriefing he told the other panelists "I would stare at him, and he wouldn't blink !", and that he was a strong advocate for me in their discussions, saying that he felt that my answers were from the heart, not just something that I thought they wanted to hear. I"m glad I remembered your advice and stuck to my script!

I finished #1 on the list, was offered the position, and started there July 1st.

I used your nugget concept, too. I have an amusing story about how I got into the fire service, more or less by accident, in 1979. It fits well in answering questions about why I am in the fire service, or questions about motivations. It really beats the heck out of the old stock line about saving lives and serving the public.

Anyway, I want to say "Thank You" for your program. My new department has a student sleeper program, we have 6 fire science students who live in our dorm and attend the local community college. Naturally they are taking every test that they hear about. I have shared tidbits from your program with them, and told them that besides their degrees and that suit from Men's Wearhouse, your program is one of the best investments they can make in their career.

Captain Bob, Chalk me up as another success story! I pinned on my Captains bugles yesterday! I can’t tell you enough how grateful I am for all your help, support, encouragement, and most of all the knowledge and nuggets that gave me the edge in both the assessments and the interview! As this is my second time using your system to promote, (Lieutenant in 2003), I am a convert to what you preach. I tell all of the firefighters here preparing to promote about you and even share your nuggets with them. It is amazing how your easy steps and teachings really put me into the driver’s seat and from saying “almost” to “I got the Badge!” I know where I am coming in 4 years when I am eligible to take the Battalion Chief’s test: right here! Thank you again sir! If you go to FDIC in Indianapolis let me know, I would love to shake your hand and buy you a cold one!

Wait! While you're here Captain Bob wants to give you a 10 day FREE test drive of selected inside secrets how to get a promotional badge. Learn more here: http://www.eatstress.com/promointro.htm

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

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5. New Badges
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Thanks Captain Bob, I'm getting hired on with Dallas. This is my first time through the process and it was really a piece of cake. I had 5 people sitting in front of me and they all asked at least 5 questions. It took about an hour to complete. Good news is that I'm in the top 25 and I really don't feel like I tried that hard. Sean

I didn’t purchase your product however I used your website info to the fullest.

I studied hard and acted like a sponge absorbing every word you spoke. It didn’t put me first on the list - but it did however put me high enough on the list where I am now "living the dream." I can only imagine where I would have placed if I had purchased your program. It was like I had a pre-interview and I knew everything they were going to ask me. I answered every question with confidence and some - with real experiences to assure not to sound like a "clone"

Thank you to Captain Bob's website and along with firefighter Rob.

I have been testing for about 7 years now and finally reached a point where I finally got picked up with a well respected So. Cal fire department (my #1 choice). I will be starting the academy at the end of this month. It's funny, I guess when it rains, it pours! I actually had the chance to choose between two great So Cal departments. I am so grateful for this opportunity. You really have to understand and master each step of the process. I think it might have taken me a little longer than normal. It did become very frustrating especially over the last few years coming so close and falling just short. I have to say, never give up! As long as you stay positive, master and really understand each step of the process, you can achieve the ultimate goal! Now the hard work really begins! I am going to make sure to keep a great attitude, a great smile, and continue to work hard! So everyone, thank you once again! To all the aspiring candidates, never give up!

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Interview tips from a savvy observer:

I'll keep it short....

1. SHAVE...If you're a woman and have facial hair....SHAVE!
2. Dress appropriately: Males - Suit, tie, dress shoes, dark socks (no white socks), and don't wear your Saturday Night Fever dancin' outfit. Females - Business Suit. Make sure your clothes match, are clean and pressed. Take it easy on the makeup. Basically, don't dress like a lush.
3. Don't take your cell phone or pager with you. Nothing ****es off the board members like a cell phone or pager going off.
4. Be on time!
5. Prepare your answers. If you know some officers, ask them about their board, but come up with your own answers, and then REHEARSE your answers. And DON'T give that "because I want to help people" answer.
6. Yes sir, no sir / yes ma'am, no ma'am. (enough said).
7. If you're a smoker, DON'T smoke right before your interview. First impressions are important, and like it or not, there are a lot of non-smokers out there who are personally offended by smokers.
8. Use deodorant.
9. Brush your teeth.
10. Pop your zits.
11. Zip up your pants.
12. Don't eat onions or spicy food right before your lunch.
13. Don't take a coffee cup in with you.
14. Be humble.
15. Don't hang around afterwards. Even if you know some of the officers. Go home. It looks bad if you are seen hanging out with officers afterwards.
16. We have you're numbers. Don't call us, we'll call you.
17. Review your application. Hopefully you made a copy of your application before you turned it in. Review it and be prepared to answer questions about what you've put in it.
18. Don't chew gum or candy.
19. Get a haircut, and then COMB or BRUSH YOUR HAIR.
20. Lastly, pass gas.

Although our products are sold separately, I would suggest you order Gold Package Program and our companion "It's Your Turn in the Hot Seat" CD series here: Special offer program