Multiple Opportunities
Hi Capt. Bob!!
Once again I am here to ask you some more questions. I am still in
the process of getting hired with my dream department. I just received a phone
call for the chiefs interview. They have set a date for the psych the next
morning if all goes well...so I was told by the admin. who called me. I know I
need to stay on the winning pony. I have your video and the psych booklet.
I now have a question on what do you think I should do. I
have been offered an interview with another department that I am not really
interested in working for...I run calls with them and there are some less than
desirable people there. I feel I have a commitment to my employer and it would
be difficult to get the time off to interview. I also don't want my DREAM
department to find out...I feel I have a commitment
to them.
I am also worried about my medical background. I have asthma....I am on
medications but have not had an asthma attack EVER!! The medications are to
prevent any problems. AND...I had a back injury 1 1/2 years ago when another
person let go of a patient. I sprained my whole back. I was off for 6 weeks and
have fully recovered without any problems. Do you think this will disqualify
me?? Should I mention both or not during my medical if I get that far?!? Any
advice would be greatly appreciated!! Thank you so much for your
time!! Pat
"Captain Bob's Reply:
Pat:
It's not uncommon for our candidates to start getting multiple opportunities as
they get dialed into our program.
Go to that other interview no matter. You never know how the hiring process
will play out. Keep all the options you can. Don't tell the departments about
each other unless they specifically ask. Go forward in the process with both
departments until job offers, then make the decision.
You do not have a back injury. You had an accident with no future problems. It
was only a sprain. Would you report a sprained ankle? You might have to mention
the asthma because they could find the medication in your blood sample. You
need your doctor to write you a letter that your condition does not interfere
with your future position. Only if the asthma situation comes up do you produce
the letter.
An update on Pat:
Capt. Bob!!
Well, it is time!! THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR ALL OF YOUR HELP!! Your audio/video
program, other info and advice through e mails paid off!! I was testing for my
dream department. During that time I received phone calls from 3 other
departments.(By the way, I have only been testing for 1 1/2 years!)
It seemed like a long wait between each process but it was worth
it!! I received a phone call today offering me the position. I obviously
accepted. I could not believe out of all of the lateral applicants, I was the
only entry level to be offered a position...guess that makes me #1 or #2. Can't
beat that!! You are definitely an inspiration!! I couldn't have done it without
your help!! I start the academy on the 28th of Sept. THANK YOU,
AGAIN!!! 
Pat
As we all know . . .Nothing counts 'til you get the badge . . . Nothing!
Getting the job of your dreams is like winning the lottery!
How would you like to get ahead of the curve with the cutting edge interview
skills to get that badge? Then you want to sign up to receive Fire "Captain
Bob's" exclusive information rich FREE e-mail FireZine Newsletter by clicking
here:
http://www.eatstress.com/firezine_signup.htm
"Captain Bob"
Ask "Captain Bob"
Any Question
Top of Page
Home
Fire "Captain Bob" Smith has coached countless entry level and
promotional candidates to get their badge. He is a retired 28-year Hayward, Ca.
Captain, speaker/author of the audio/video program "Conquer the Job Interview,"
the books "Eat Stress For Breakfast" ISBN 09657620-3-3, "Fire Up Your
Communication Skills" ISBN 09657620-6-8 and a member of the prestigious National
Speakers Association. You can book him as a speaker or get a copy of his books
and tapes by calling toll free at 888-238-3959.
E-mail: captbob@verio.com
Web site: www.eatstress.com