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?
If you are on AOL or having trouble reading this visit
http://www.eatstress.com/FireZineSept03.htm
FireZine
Cutting edge interview skills to get that badge from Fire Captain Bob.
More than 2,124 candidates have received their badge from this program!
September 3, 2003. Copyright Code 3 Publishing 2003
captbob@eatstress.com web
site: www.eatstress.com
888-238-3959
(see bottom to leave "FireZine")
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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 want
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To leave this list see below
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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 was listening to your CD and I was wondering how to use a tape
recorder in a productive way? Also thanks for being out there for
people who want to get the job, but are stuck even after getting
thousands of certificates. Russell
Try this. Take 3X5 cards and write down your oral board questions.
Practice your answers with the tape recorder. If you hear something you
do not like when you play it back, turn over the 3X5 card and write it
down. The next time you go after that question, turn over the card first
and see what you don't want to say.
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Captain Bob's new book is here!
Becoming a Firefighter----
The Complete Guide to Your Badge!
Check it out
http://www.eatstress.com/FirefighterBook.htm
If you really want a firefighter job you will want to have every tool
available to shorten the learning curve between you and that badge! Our
new Gold Package gives you every skill and tool you will need! It
includes:
The Oral Board Entry Level CD/Video Program that has helped over 2,100
candidates nail that badge! And, Captain Bob's new book! Becoming a
Firefighter----The Complete Guide to Your Badge!
Step by step, this has everything you need to know in the process,
starting with the application, written, physical, oral, psych interview,
background, polygraph, and medical to gain a badge. The Gold Package
contains the inside "Nuggets", tips and resources you can't get anywhere
else to shorten the learning curve and the distance between you and that
badge. As a bonus, the book includes our Special Psych Report (a $20.00
value).
Check out the Gold Package here!:
http://www.eatstress.com/goldpackage.htm
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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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A concerned candidate called asking if he could do something about
getting back on a hiring list. He had taken the last test and was
somehow misguided into believing that the old list would be merged with
the new list after testing. He only found out about the new test after
it was given. I asked him if he subscribed to a service that would let
him know when the tests were being given. His answer was no. Come on
folks, this is a career you're looking for here. You need to have a
heads up on who is testing. For $7.50 a month the good folks at
www.firecareers.com will notify you by
e-mail when, where and the
qualifications to take upcoming tests. Firecareers web site also has a
great community bulleting board for questions and answers, and a
complete products section.
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2. Entry Level Skills Tip
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Hi, I have a small question for ya. I had an interview with this city
last Thursday with only two days notice. I felt the interview went well
but received a thanks but no thanks letter. When I received the letter I
called HR to find out any info I could as to why and what they told me I
didn't know enough about the city. The HR manager said the notes the
chief wrote indicated that is the only reason they didn't pick me up. So
I guess what I want to know is...Is this common? I have asked the chiefs
in the department I work for (as a Mechanic) and they could not believe
that is why they didn't pick me up and I feel the same, there has to be
another reason. Any suggestions? Tom
Reply: This is not uncommon especially for a small department. The
chief can set any criteria he wants. Knowing more than a little
something about the department is a must have if you're going to an
interview.
This might help: Shot Gun Effect
Is my answer too long?
Capt. Bob Sir, I Just completed my oral interview with a big dept. on
the 17th. I feel that everything went great. It seems that they asked
questions that I specifically studied for. Although I do have to say
that I was still very nervous. I had practiced with a tape recorder as
you had advised and my script came out great.
I do have one question for you though. I was asked the question of,
"What do you know about the City of ------- and their fire dept?" I
responded with the type of city they are, the location, major freeways,
target hazards, square mileage everything imaginable that someone would
need to know about the fire dept. and the city.
As I was giving my answer he looked up at me and gave a look like he did
not even want to hear anything more that I had to say. This concerned
me. Should I continue with my answer or somehow try and cut it a little
short.
Reply:
You give your answer as planned. Although you can't tell what the board
is thinking, if the panel looks puzzled ask them if they want more. They
will tell if they have heard enough and you can be onto the next
question.
The best way to handle this type of question about the city and
department is to use the shot gun effect. Give them a smattering of
areas like square miles, population, type of city government, number of
stations, engines, trucks, number of personnel and target hazards.
What would you think if you were on a oral panel and the candidate gave
you a sample smattering answer? Right, you would think he had done their
homework.
You don't want to go endless here. Just a sample smattering. I had a
candidate one day tell us so much he got down to the grid water system
the city used. Definitely overkill. Another candidate during coaching
had a good answer for city information. In the next two weeks before his
oral he piled more information onto his answer. He ended up making a
long answer endless, finally telling them the number of convention hotel
rooms that were available. He committed suicide in his efforts to over
impress the panel. Oh, yea, this is the guy we want to put in a station
that would drive EVERYONE NUTS!
This mindless, endless, rambling not only hurts your score, it robs
valuable time that you could be using to let the panel know the
important stuff that could improve your chances to make the final cut.
Because as you know:
Absolutely nothing counts 'til you have the badge. Nothing!
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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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This from Chris:
My suggestion to you is to contact Capt. Bob. He has made it his life's
work to help people land the greatest job in the world. He takes great
pleasure in seeing people get hired. He is very selfless with his time
and will continue to help and give good advice throughout your career.
Take it from me, without Capt. Bob's help, I probably still would have
gotten hired at some point, but he shortened the learning curve, helping
me get on the job much sooner than I would have without his help.
Equally important is the help he gave me once I was on the job. He
helped guide me through the probationary period, giving me good advice
on how to be a good rookie and how to fit in regards to station life.
When it came time to promote, he's been right there by my side the whole
way. Don't get me wrong,, he has not been my only mentor. It is
important to get as much advice from people that you respect as
possible. You will find that the people that know what they are talking
about will give you generally the same advice. That's the best way to
determine that you are getting good advice. If you notice, there is a
common theme among all of the experienced firefighters who give advice
on this board. It's all about the interview. The better you do in the
interview, the better your chances are of getting the job.
Good luck to you and we'll see you at the big one! Chris
Ask Captain Bob any questions
E-mail Mailto:captbob@eatstress.com
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3. Robs Corner
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Don't let freezing up freeze you out!
We've all had it happen in a job interview, high school book report,
talking to a girlfriends parents, you freeze up. It's like that dream
where you want to talk but your mouth won't work. But this isn't a
dream, it's real life.
There are two reasons this happens. Nerves of course are the main
reason, you aren't prepared or you've psyched yourself out. The other
reason is vapor lock, or analysis paralysis, you get to thinking and you
just can't reach a conclusion.
The cure for nerves is to be prepared; when you know you're ready you
can even get to the point where you look forward to the interviews. I
know guys that kept testing even after they got their dream job, not
because they wanted the job, but because they got to enjoy themselves.
Practicing with a tape recorder, mock interviews, working with me, and
speaking in front of others are the best way to get rid of the jitters.
If you can't tell your buddies why you want to be a firefighter, how can
you do it when it counts during the oral board?
Analysis paralysis is completely different. You start taking apart the
question like it's an onion, layer by layer. The oral board asks you a
question and they watch you shut down, go on a journey and leave them
behind. Far better for you to talk out your thought process than to just
sit there. You can ask them clarifying questions. After a while anything
is better than silence.
If you plan on saying, oh, I don't know the answer to a question; try to
get a few points out of it first. I know a guy who was asked what NFPA
stood for. Instead of saying I don't know, he looked them straight in
the eye and said, " Well, I could guess, but I'm not sure. But, I can
tell you after I walk out that door I'll find out, and I can guarantee I
will remember it for the rest of my life."
If you do mess up on a question, don't let it mess you up for the rest
of the interview. Everyone else my have made the same mistake, it's how
they overcome it that matters. I was asked to give an oral resume and I
was ready. The only problem was I had a seven-minute presentation, and
they allowed five. I thought I'd just talk fast. It didn't work, I ran
out of time and they stopped me. It threw off my whole game plan. In
front of the same panel, I then had to give a class on the hazardous
materials guide. I knew it backward and forward. But I was off my game.
When I got the results from the assessment center, boy was I surprised.
I had gotten a 94% on the oral resume, and a 76% on the Hazmat book. I
was my own worst enemy. I psyched myself out. Don't let that happen to
you. If you mess up, just move on, take a breath, clear your head and
start over. Good Luck,
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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Hey Capt Bob,
I am currently a Lieutenant on a Paid Department. I have an oral
interview for a Chief Officer position in a neighboring Department.
Would it be appropriate to wear my current departments dress uniform to
my interview?
Never! Don't wear your current, military, or dogcatcher uniform. You
have no time with that department. How would you feel if you walked into
the holding pen and you were the only one wearing a uniform? Everyone
else looked like they were just out of GQ Magazine?
Attire: What Do I wear to a Job Interview?
I had a candidate tell me he went to an interview wearing a tie,
suspenders and no jacket. I asked him, "Who did you think you were Larry
King?" I asked him if they called him back for a Chief's interview? No.
The defense rests.
The strongest non-verbal statement you can make in the oral board is
what you wear. It is time to step up and make the investment.
Men: Do wear a wool suit in dark blue or gray. Pinstripes are fine, but
avoid brown, black, or high fashion brightly colored suits. Sport coats
or blazers are out, so is polyester. Tie should be in a solid color such
as navy, red, maroon, yellow stripe, or paisley print. Wear a white, off
white,or pale blue long sleeved shirt in cotton or a cotton blend.
Starch it no matter what the instructions say. No patterned shirts!
Don't: Wear casual or novelty watches, too much jewelry, monograms,
religious, political, or fraternity affiliation accessories. Beards are
out; mustaches are a gray area. When in doubt, shave it off. Don't wear
cell phones, pagers or any other electronic leases.
For more on our promotional program visit
http://www.eatstress.com/promo.htm
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5. New Badges
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Dear CAPT Rob:
Congratulations on the promotion. I know you see
a lot of guys, and don't know if you remember me. I'm from OR. I came
down to do coaching with you in Feb of this year. I
worked at Rural Metro fire dept. I was preparing for
the city of Portland fire test. Anyway I'll get right
to the point. I bombed Portland, didn't make the
list (first interview jitters I think). Next tested at
TVF&R # 2 dept in OR. Ranked 74th, the next test I
took was for the city of Roseburg, OR... Bam! got the
job. That's right I'm a full timer and loving it. It's
all thanks to you and your dad and the help you both
gave me. You didn't give me the answers; you showed me
how to find them. I can't thank you enough. I wish you
and yours all the best, Dan
Captain Bob,
I would like to thank you and your son for putting out a wonderful
product that actually helps! I received the audio/video package from a
friend who used it to get hired by the City of Tacoma, in Washington. I
had no clue what I was doing wrong in my interview skills until, I
listened to the audio tapes. Wow! That did it! I followed your
advice, streamlined my info to draw from and I found myself being
invited to Chief Interviews. Well, the third time was the charm
because, after my 3rd Chiefs' I was offered a position with the City of
Redmond, near Seattle! This is my dream department and using your tips
I made that dream a reality! I will send all my friends who are
striving for a fire job your way. Thank you!
Grinnin' Ear to Ear, Nate
p.s. you might be getting a call from some of my friends who have
suddenly become very interested.
Capt Bob, You helped me land 2 job offers from Everett and Seattle!! I
just got the second job offer 4 days ago. What a position to be in.
Thanks a lot Capt. Bob. Thanks also for talking to me before my psyche
interviews. The time you spent was much appreciated. Capt Bob can give
you the tools to use....but it's still your responsibility to use them.
He wont give you a magic answer but he will tell you how to come up with
your own, goose bump makin' answers.
Thanks again Capt Bob. You guys give a great service and I'll continue
to recommend you and your services to my friends.
~SN
A note here: As SN was moving forward in the hiring process, he told me
he had a lot of his buddies trying to get fire jobs too. He tried to
share our CD/Video program with them. He was surprised that they
weren't interested. They told him they didn't need it. They had it
all
figured out because of their FF1 academies, education, experience and
buddies they had given them the inside track to get hired.
Well, all of a sudden SN gets not one but two job offers. How many
offers have all his buddies receive? Zip, Zero, nada. Now, all of a
sudden they're interested in getting what was the name of that web site
and program again?
Well, after 2 years of hard work I finally got the call I've been
waiting for. Turns out I was #2. To make it even better, the #1
candidate passed on the job (nuts, I know). I went form placing only as
high as 30 on lists to now placing in the top 10 on the last 4 tests
I've taken. Thanks again Cory
Over 700 people applied for this position and only 27 were hired. I am
one of them thanks to you and Rob! This feeling of accomplishment feels
like it will last a lifetime, it's an amazing feeling. It doesn't matter
where you are from, what part of the country you're in, how old or tall,
or fit you are, without these tools you have provided I'd still be a
phone man in NY. Now I'm achieved my dream job and proud to say I'll be
a firefighter in beautiful Virginia Beach. Thank you. Tim
Metro-Dade just finished an application process, which took about 1 year
to complete, and began with approximately 7000 applicants (yes, not 700,
7000). Since 60% of the final score was based on the oral interview I
knew that this would be the most important part. I began searching for
any tips I could get and came across your web site.
I definitely thought I'd be able to wing it, but my wife and I had spent
too much time, money and effort trying to get me onto a fire department
to just wing it. I sucked up my pride (which was extremely difficult)
and spent a lot of time sitting with a tape recorder just listening to
my voice and tone inflection.
Just feeling confident and knowing that I had done as much as I could
before walking in made me sit up straight in my chair, look the
interviewers in the eye and give them the best answers I could. Walking
out I felt as though I answered the questions way to quickly as there
was still time left on the clock, but it turns out that out of all the
people (they took about 24 people per turn) who were interviewed at the
same time, they all finished quite a bit before I did and were outside
waiting for me to finish. My attitude and confidence must have made an
impression because I missed the top score by 1 point.
Just knowing that I did everything possible to get the job helped me
sleep at night. I ended up 36 out of an original 7000 applicants and
1510 that made the final list. I have not been offered a job yet, but I
hear they are hiring approximately 300 persons and at the very least put
myself in the best possible position to obtain a badge. Wish me luck.
Thank you for all your advice. I will keep you advised of any job offers
because I would like to add to your growing list. Ryan
Cpt Bob,Just wanted to say thanks for your program. It helped my son
get the badge. He starts recruit school tomorrow.
C. H. Ellis III, VA
Reply: How do you think I feel when I get these e-mails? My heart is
full, warm and full of emotions . . . every time!
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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Check it out Captain Bobs book, Eat Stress For
Breakfast.
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 CD/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. Our candidates are improving their interview scores up to
15 points and nailing that BADGE!
They begin by getting our CD/Video Entry Level Program and our new
book: Becoming a Firefighter-The Complete Guide to Your Badge! (both are
available with our Gold Package). They use the work booklet, practice
with the all-important TAPE RECORDER, and come back for a private
coaching session. They 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
To learn more about private coaching visit
http://www.eatstress.com/private%20coaching.htm
You start by ordering our Entry Level CD/Video, Gold Package 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 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 for entry level and promotional testing
http://www.eatstress.com/newpage6.htm
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6. Humor
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=> The original point and click interface was a Smith & Wesson.
Is this just a coincidence?
=> Is reading in the bathroom considered Multi-Tasking?
=> A journey of a thousand miles begins with a cash advance.
=> I started out with nothing & still have most of it left.
=> Please remove all your clothes when the light goes out. (Sign
seen in a Laundromat)
=> I thought I wanted a career, turns out I just wanted
paychecks.
=> Would a fly without wings be called a walk?
=> Start each day with a smile....and get it over with.
W.C. Fields
=> I have proof there is no life on mars, . . . It isn't on my
teenagers cell phone bill.
=> Minister at graveside, "What we have here is a mere shell,
the nut inside is gone."
=> Isn't it wonderful that wrinkles don't hurt?
=> Dogs have owners, cats have a staff.
=> Charisma is that special quality that bald, boring,
overweight billionaires have.
=> What if there were no hypothetical questions?
=> Show me a sane man and I will cure him for you.
Carl Gustav Jung
=> Marriage is the triumph of imagination over intelligence.
Second marriage is the triumph of hope over experience.
Oscar Wilde
=> The best way to get even is to forget.
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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
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
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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 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
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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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