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Firefighters or Officers
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?
September 1, 2006
Estimated reading time 2-4 minutes for any segment!
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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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A great fire department quickly announced their oral boards catching the
candidates flat footed. Only three candidates were able to schedule a
coaching session with Rob before their interviews because he only had a
few slots open. These 3 candidates ended up coming out number 1, 2 and
3 at the top of the list. Ask them if it was worth doing a coaching
session. More on coaching here:
http://www.eatstress.com/private%20coaching.htm
The 5-Minute Interview
Many candidates are caught flat footed when they show up for the
interview to find out the interview is only going to be 5 – 10 or 15
minutes. They often panic. Well how long do you think you have to hook
the panel into listening to your stuff before you put them to sleep?
Thirty-two seconds! That’s right. So, the rule of thumb is if you
can’t do it in 5 plus minutes you can’t if you had an hour.
The key here is to come out swinging! It’s having your script ( you can
get a script here:
http://www.eatstress.com/workboolette.htm ) practiced
with a tape recorder so no matter what they throw at you just scan down
the key points in your mind to the appropriate prepared presentation and
it will flow out. The problem is most candidates aren’t prepared to
this point.
Being prepared gets you the badge!
Hey thanks to your packet I start Austin fire on 8/27/06. Your program
really helped me through the process. I have taken 13 fire civil
service test prior to buying your packet, but this time I had your
packet and beat out 3,320 other applicants ....Thanks Chris
Captain Bob and Captain Smith I cannot thank you two enough. The
information you two provided me through the gold package and private
coaching was priceless. I am your newest career firefighter at the
young age of 21. THANK YOU! Jared
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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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2. Entry Level Skills Tip
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You have to pass the psych test first time out!
I received one phone call and two e-mails from relatives of a
firefighter/medic candidate who failed a psych test before the candidate
called asking “What can I do now?” He had been testing for 5 years and
this was the first job offer. I asked him if he knew who we were? Yes.
Did you know we had a preparation program for the psych? Yes. Why
didn’t you get it? I wish I had a dollar for every time I’ve heard
this, “Things were going so great I didn’t think I needed it.”
Most candidates are more than surprised when I tell them up to 40% fail
the psychological test given by many departments.
Imagine after all the education, experience and time preparing to get
this job like the above candidate . . . and you're eliminated. Then no
one will talk to you to find out what happened. I've talked to too
many candidates who were devastated and didn't know what to do next.
This is a critical part of the testing process you need to prepare for
and pass the first time out.
You’ve jumped through all the flaming hoops and made it through the
background check. Then, you’re conditionally offered the job pending the
medical, which includes a psychological test. You take the test, no big
deal right? Then the phone stops ringing.
You are out of the process. You are told that you didn’t meet the
profile. What profile?
What do you mean I didn’t meet the profile? I’ve got training,
experience, education, every degree, certificate, merit badge, and a
paramedic certification. I’ve been a volunteer, paid member of another
department for 10 years, and lived and breathed this job. And, I don’t
meet the profile?
What’s included in the psych test? There is a written test that sets up
a profile of you. Then, there is an evaluation by a psychologist.
Written Test: The most common written portion of the psychological
evaluation is the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory interview
test of up to 1000 questions. The aim here is not to pass the test but
to go into the job fully prepared. Put your pride and natural
defensiveness aside. They ask a few questions in several different
ways. You want to answer questions “strongly for” or “strongly against”
instead of being in the middle undecided. Answer questions to present
yourself as a more social, interactive, team playing type of person,
i.e., you would rather be in a conversation with others than reading a
book alone.
You can get some insight on how the written test is scored here:
http://www.bigdeadplace.com/psyche_eval.html
Here is a link to a book with the entire MMPI 2 exam in the appendix and
most of the relevant scales.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0816618178/002-9448704-2847250?v=glance
&n=283155
The Evaluation: This is where the wheels start coming off the wagon for
many candidates.
Before the interview, the psychologist will often have you take a
separate personality test, fill out a personal family history, a
biography and additional information forms.
What gets candidates in trouble here is they want this job so bad that
they will say and do almost anything to get it.
Those candidates who are honest to a fault diminish their chances of
passing the psychological interview! That's right. You folks want this
job so bad you will tell the psychologist anything he wants to know.
Once you start down this road of total honesty, creating trails where
you don't have to, you get into big trouble. Especially when the
psychologist says, "Everyone has skeletons in their closet, this
interview is not designed to eliminate you from the process”, or “you
don't want to be too squeaky clean." So you open up. Then the phone
stops ringing and no one will talk to you. You are out of the process
Mcfly. And, you don't know why.
Only answer the question your being asked. Before you volunteer
information, think before you speak. If they want to know more they will
ask. Present your ideas clearly. Don’t ramble or chat. Be articulate.
This is how you’re going to be in the field. Believe it or not this is
part of the job interview. You are making an impression of who you are
going to be as a firefighter. Make sure you dress up and don’t slouch.
Be prepared to audition for the part of being a firefighter. Know your
strong points. Be prepared to demonstrate you are a team player.
A large city fire department called in twelve candidates for the
psychological interview. Only three passed. They sent in six more, only
two passed. Another six more were tested. Again, only two passed. All
those who passed were our people. They our special report that took us
over a year to prepare, to let them know where the land mines were
before they went in. Ask them if it was worth knowing the inside
secrets?
This from a new firefighter:
I want to comment on the psych test. I had to take one for two
departments. Well all I know is that I went into the test and followed
your advice. I tried to answer the questions as honestly as I could,
while presenting myself as a very positive social person. Some of the
"experts" out there say that you should be brutally honest on the test.
Well 3 good guys I know did just that, and they did not pass either
test. We lost 10 out of 25 guys on one test! In all honesty I might
not have passed either if I hadn't followed your advice. I feel that is
a very dangerous test, and some of the advice these people are giving
out is costing great candidates a job. I wanted to let you know that
your advice worked, and I owe you much thanks!
This from an in service firefighter: During the last hiring process 2
years ago the psychologist passed 10 people. Of those 10, 2 have quit,
2 have been fired, and 1 committed suicide. I wonder if he is worth what
the city pays him to evaluate prospects? Have a nice weekend.
More on the psych here:
http://eatstress.com/psych.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:
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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I coached a guy years ago for an interview with a department. He was
just out of the J.C. had his F/F1, and EMT and lived at his parents
house. He was just turning 21.
He called me a few weeks later and told me he was going to the chief’s
interview. He called me a week later and told me he had come out number
one and was starting the academy.
A few weeks later I got a call from a guy who wanted help with his
interview skills. As we talked, I learned that he was 29, had a B/A,
F/F1 and worked for the department he was testing for as a reserve for a
few years, was a medic and had started and then sold a very profitable
ambulance company, he then worked for a few years as a flight medic on a
fixed wing jet that transported people back to the U.S. from other
countries.
He told me he had been taking tests for five years, and while he felt he
was doing O.K., he wasn’t getting the job offers. He said the thing
that got him to call for help was that he met a guy at an interview who
I had worked with and that person got that job. It turned out that it
was the 21-year-old guy that was living with his parents.
I get a lot of calls from people that are motivated to get help by
similar situations. These people feel they have all of their ducks in a
row. They talk to people who are not quite up to speed with interviews,
that tell them they are going to do great. A lot of times this is a
department they have worked for or with in some capacity. They are
shocked and mystified when an unknown person from out of town, with just
the minimum qualifications takes the job right out from under them.
The reason is simple and very basic; you get your score in an interview
based on the words and emotions that come out of your mouth. Nothing
from your resume or application will help your score unless you tell
them, and frame it in the proper context. The key is to get your oral
presentation designed to get the best score and then memorize it to the
point that when you respond to one of the questions you have prepared
for, it just flows right out.
I like to compare testing to golf. You could spend years buying the best
equipment, talking to people, watching videos and reading magazines, but
you won’t be a good golfer until you have learned the proper techniques
and practiced. Another factor that comes into play is your mind. A new
golfer a lot of times has no problem with his swing or putting, but
after a few years his mind starts talking to him when swinging and he
starts messing up. I have seen young and barely qualified people get
the job because nobody told them that they couldn’t.
Keep up the good work and if you want it bad enough it will happen. I
have worked with and talked to so many people who are right where you
are, frustrated and depressed by the process. Then something clicks and
they are getting not one, but multiple job offers.
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
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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Game Day!
Capt. Bob, I just received a letter yesterday confirming that I am on
the list for a chiefs' interview this week. Thank you for the
information you have provided me lately. This will be my second chief's
interview over the years. The present chief knows me. He hired me when
he was a B/C. It is a small dept. so everyone knows everyone.
The rumor is to avoid a lot of information during the interview about
education. He does not ask standard questions but does hit on the point
that the candidate should support his office and administration and she
can't stress that enough. Question's and comments related to dept.
policy and loyalty etc. can be expected, not the "Where do you plan to
be in 5 years?"
The remaining candidate's are mostly senior guys with time on and most
are all state certified etc. in Fire Officer I and Instructor I etc. I
don't want to hit on that too much to the chief. I do like the good
candidate, best candidate and right candidate. This could be my closing
along with the fact that he hired me 13 years ago; it would be nice to
have him promote me too?!...
Where should I go with the loyalty to the dept. and such...I have a
voice recorder and I've been practicing some...
Sincerely, Fred
Reply: Good work! You will be prepared more than the other candidates on
game day with your preparation.
Understand though even if this chief knows you and you don't think the
education route would be noticed if it doesn't come out of your mouth,
you won't get the badge. More here:
http://www.eatstress.com/vol-pd.htm
One possible question could be what have you done to prepared for the
position; what do you think qualifies you to be an officer or why do you
want to be an officer. These are the same question. I suggest you
start off with your education in chronological order, your experience in
or, then anything during your career you can attached your name to;
projects, programs, etc. This will be your longest answer. Practice
this with a tape recorder until it comes out of your mouth the way you
want it. Don't leave anything out.
The other candidates will not know that using personalized stories will
separate you from the others. Where you can answer a question and lace
your answer with a your personalized story this is convincing evidence
that you have already lived the experience and can do the job.
You could be asked why should you be selected over the other candidates
or you're given a chance for a closing or would you like to add
something. Consider this:
Only you can evaluate the qualifications of all the candidates, I can't.
But this is what I know about myself. With my education, experience,
integrity, and ability if I were given this opportunity for this
position, when the emergencies take place the least my Captain or BC is
going to have to worry about it is (big long pause) -----ME.
Let me know how you do.
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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>From Australia:
Dear Captain Bob,
The best job in the world!
I just wanted to let you know that your advice and approached helped me
through in Australia.
I started drill squad with the South Australian Metropolitan Fire
Service on April 3rd 2006. The drill squad was rewarding and demanding
but at the end of the day was a great experience. On July 14th 2006 I
graduated and have started my career as a fire fighter. As we went
through the drill squad we heard the phrase “the best job in the world”
on a daily basis but even after my four short weeks in the job I would
have to agree. Day one in the job I went to a third alarm house fire and
got to help save someone house. In no other job have I experienced a
sense of pride and satisfaction in helping other people and being a
worthwhile part of a team.
It has been an interesting journey to get here and I thank you for the
nuggets, they have been invaluable.
I have attached a couple of fires from that fire on day one. You can
check out the pictures here:
http://www.eatstress.com/aussie.htm
Regards and thanks,
Fire Fighter Dean Howell (SAMFS)
Dear Captain Rob,
I'm writing to let you know that I made it! I called and did the
private coaching with you last October. I had just finished my Chief's
Boards for two large departments in the northwest. I called pretty early
in the testing process because I figured it is far too competitive to
wait and put things off.
I can't stress how much your private coaching helped me. The coaching
session really got me squared away and showed me how to avoid some of
the answers that get you DQ'd. I probably played and replayed that tape
500 times! I can't stress how important it is for people going through
the process to get as much coaching as possible. If you aren't willing
to make the investment on books/coaching, then I say you aren't serious
about becoming a firefighter - period end of story.
I proved that fact with one agencies test. I got my coaching in October
and didn't even have my oral boards until late April. I told all my
friends about the coaching and really pushed them to get it. None of
them wanted to. I got excuses like "too much money" or "I get coached
at the stations" etc. Well I am one of the 15 out of 2500 candidates
that got hired - none of my friends got selected. I later ran into one
of the Captains from my board at the gym, and he told me that I simply
"rocked" the boards and just blew them away. If you hadn't gotten your
coaching I know that wouldn't have been the case.
To make things better, right after my first oral board, the other Fire
Department called me for a second Chiefs board, and I must have done
well, because I received job offers from both departments with a few
days of each other. I’ve now completed everything and received my final
offers from both - no more hoops to jump through - I'm done!!! The
only problem is now I have to decide between two outstanding departments
here in the valley!!
I also want to comment on the psych test. I had to take one for each
department. Well all I know is that I went into the test and followed
your advice. I tried to answer the questions as honestly as I could,
while presenting myself as a very positive social person. Some of the
"experts" out there say that you should be brutally honest on the test.
Well 3 good guys I know did just that, and they did not pass either
test. We lost 7 out of 25 guys on one test! In all honesty I might not
have passed either if I hadn't followed your advice. I feel that is a
very dangerous test, and some of the advice these people are giving out
is costing great candidates a job. I wanted to let you know that your
advice worked, and I owe you much thanks!
Again, with your help and coaching, I was able to get hired by what are
arguably the two best fire departments here in the northwest. Both
rookie schools start this month. Now I just have to make up my mind
today about which one I'm going with.
Your program rocks and gets people hired and I highly recommend it.
Sincerely, Drew
Capt Bob,
I am just writing to you today to add to another one of your success
stories. I took my first test in September of 2005 and did terrible in
the interview. I purchased your gold package and did private coaching
with your son Rob. After that I made it to two Chief's interviews and
then finally got the call after only my fourth test. I am proud to say
that I am starting the fire academy next week. Thank you for all the
help and I couldn't have done it without you. Greg
Dear Capt Bob:
Your website and Gold package were recommended to me by a friend of a
friend who through using your materials had gained his dream job about a
year before. I ordered it that very night. I had already tested once
and was half way through testing again for the same dept (not my dream
job) again a year later. By the time I got the materials I had already
been passed over, but I had just submitted my application to my dream
job with the a great city department in Oregon. I studied your
materials; wrote out, refined, and practiced my answers to the 30
interview questions, and researched the department. When I interviewed
I was able to feel confident, and I got the job. Now I get to start
their academy on 9-11. How awesome, and what an honor to the fallen
brothers of FDNY.
I attribute my rapid success to your materials and the grace of God.
Thank you for caring, Jerry
Captain Bob...I already used your program about a year ago. I was hired
by a full time department pretty much out of the chute much to the
amazement of my friends. My probationary year will be up on November
15th. Now, I am in the position to interview for my dream department.
Thank you for all your help, your program is the best by far. By the
way, I am only 21....When i was hired I was 20. That's right. Age
doesn't matter. All that matters is the oral boards. As you know...
All my old academy mates are actually threatened by my testing alongside
them! IT'S THE GREATEST FEELING IN THE WORLD. The ABSOLUTE best advice I
got from your website was to test all over so that I will be prepared
when it's time to compete for the dream job...And believe me I'm
ready... Thank you very much.... Joe Probationary Firefighter/EMT
Capt Rob. I tried an oral board without doing the coaching. I bombed
it. After that I got serious I did your program and a phone interview
with you. I took your principles with me to 3 more interviews. Each
time I was more confident than before. Finally about a month ago I had
an interview with my local district. They were hiring only 8. I had
previously tested for departments hiring up to 60+ people. I thought I
had no chance but did it for the experience and had to drop out of
another process with a very good department for it. I studied for the
written test, geared up for the PAT, studied for the practicals, and
prepared for the interview. With my previous oral board experience, my
knowledge of the local area and what was happening with the expanding
fire district and of course the questions I had prepared for; I was able
to put together a coherent interview. I start the transitional academy
on the 28th of August, which just happens to be 4 days after my 20th
birthday. That's right I'm only 19 right now. My advice to others
would be KEEP TRYING. It may take you two, five, or more interviews but
do not give up. Also be ready to talk about yourself.
Follow up questions killed my second interview for one agency, which
went straight to the chief’s oral. So be ready; think about all areas
of your life, where you want to be what you have done, and what you
would do different. Be ready to elaborate. They are trying to get to
know YOU. When it comes down to a few people the ones who have shown
themselves will be ones who are chosen.
I just want to say Thank you again Capt Rob. Without you I would have
been terribly lost in the interview process. It took me a while to
figure it all out but once I did I had the job pretty quick. I just
have to pass the academy. That will be tough but there is no way I am
giving in now. Thank you.
By the way. I think you have done so many of these interviews you could
probably sell ice to an Eskimo or a heater to me in the summer. It is
obvious that practice does make perfect.
Andy Tucson, Arizona
Dear Capt. Bob,
Your "Nuggets" and time on the phone with me really changed my
perspective on FD interviews. And the "Your turn in the Hot Seat" CDs
were invaluable.
Tuesday Evening I received "The Call" from the Reno Fire Dept. with
a job offer contingent on Back Ground and Medical Clearance.
I wanted to thank you for your time and input, your ideals are
Priceless in this arena. I will tell others about you and your learning
aids, and that your help is a must to get The Badge. Thanks again,
George
More badges here:
http://eatstress.com/testbest.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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Darwin Awards 2006 -
(Tragically Hilarious)
In case you haven't received them yet, here are this year's Darwin
Awards
--the annual honor given to the person who improved the "gene pool" the
most by killing themselves in the most extraordinarily stupid way. As always,
competition this year has been keen. And the candidates this year are.........
* In Detroit, a 41-year-old man got stuck and drowned in two feet of
water after squeezing head first through an 18-inch-wide sewer grate to
retrieve his car keys.
* A 49-year-old San Francisco stockbroker, who "totally zoned when he
ran," accidentally jogged off a 100-foot-high cliff on his daily run.
* Buxton, NC: A man died on a beach when an 8-foot-deep hole he had dug
into the sand caved in as he sat inside it. Beach-goers said Daniel
Jones, 21, dug the hole for fun, or protection from the wind, and had been
sitting in a beach chair at the bottom Thursday afternoon when it collapsed,
burying him beneath 5 feet of sand.
People on the beach on the outer banks, used their hands and shovels,
trying to claw their way to Jones, a resident of Woodbridge, VA, but
could not reach him.
It took rescue workers using heavy equipment almost an hour to free him
while about 200 people looked on. Jones was pronounced dead at a
hospital.
* Santiago Alvarado, 24, was killed in Lompoc, CA, as he fell face-first
through the ceiling of a bicycle shop he was burglarizing. Death was
cause when the long flashlight he had placed in his mouth (to keep his hands
free)rammed into the base of his skull as he hit the floor.
*Sylvester Briddell, Jr., 26, was killed in Selbyville, Del, as he won a
bet with friends who said he would not put a revolver loaded with four
bullets into his mouth and pull the trigger.
HONORABLE MENTION:
* Paul Stiller, 47, was hospitalized in Andover township, NJ, and his
wife Bonnie was also injured, when a quarter-stick of dynamite blew up intheir
car. While driving around at 2 AM, the bored couple lit the dynamite and tried
to toss it out the window to see what would happen, but apparently failed to
notice the window was closed.
RUNNER UP:
* TACOMA, WA Kerry Bingham had been drinking with several friends when
one of them said they knew a person who had bungee-jumped from the Tacoma
Narrows Bridge in the middle of traffic.
The conversation grew more heated and at least 10 men trooped along the
walkway of the bridge at 4:30 AM. Upon arrival at the midpoint of the
bridge they discovered that no one had brought a bungee rope. Bin gham, who had
continued drinking, volunteered and pointed out that a coil of lineman's cable
lay nearby.
One end of the cable was secured around Bingham's leg and the other end
was tied to the bridge. His fall lasted 40 feet before the cable
tightened and tore his foot off at the ankle. He miraculously survived his fall
into the icy river water and was rescued by two nearby fishermen. "All I can
say" said Bingham, "is that God was watching out for me on that night. There's
just no
other explanation for it." Bingham's foot was never located.
AND THE WINNER:
Overzealous zookeeper Friedrich Riesfeldt (Paderborn, Germany) fed his
constipated elephant Stefan 22 doses of animal laxative and more than a
bushel of berries, figs and prunes before the plugged-up pachyderm finally let
it fly, and suffocated the keeper under 200 pounds of poop!
Investigators say ill-fated Friedrich, 46, was attempting to give the
ailing elephant an olive oil enema when the relieved beast unloaded on
him.
"The sheer force of the elephant's unexpected defecation knocked
Mr.Riesfeldt to the ground, where he struck his head on a rock and lay
unconscious as the elephant continued to evacuate his bowels on top of him" said
flabbergasted Paderborn police detective Erik Dern. With no one there to help
him, he lay under all that dung for at least an hour before a watchman came
along, and during that time he suffocated. It seems to be just one of those
freak accidents that proves that "S--t happens!"
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7. Resource Websites for Candidates:
http://www.eatstress.com/hotlinks.htm
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For Back Issues of Fire-Zine
http://www.eatstress.com/firezinearchive.htm
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http://www.eatstress.com/firezine_signup.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!
==========================================
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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