Becoming A
Firefighter or Officer-----The Complete
Guide to Your Badge! Fire "Captain Bob"
|
|
|
Short or Long Opening?On some departments they will ask tell us a little about yourself and what have you done to prepare for the position, why you want to be a firefighter, why do you want to work for our agency, etc. We suggest you still break it down into two questions. One brief icebreaker tell us about yourself and then whatever other question they tie it to. The dilemma is shall I have a short or long answer for the typical opening question "Tell us a little about yourself". Remember "a little". This is just an ice breaker question to get you comfortable in the chair. A one minute or less answer about you and your hobbies is all that is needed here. They don't need your name (they already have it) and NEVER tell them your age (they don't have that and never will until you're hired). A "Nugget" here: If they look baffled after your short answer, ask if they want more. They usually won't. Most candidates make a big error on this question by dumping the whole load on why they want to be a firefighter, what they have done to prepare, why this city and on and on. That's not what this question is about. It's only to get you comfortable in the chair. Then, when the panel starts asking why they want to be a firefighter, what have they done to prepare and the other standard 30 possible oral board questions, they have to reiterate what they have already said. They lose valuable time and points here. When some candidates start talking in an oral, it’s like going on a journey. There could be no final destination. Most panel members aren’t packed for the trip. I asked a candidate to tell me a little about himself during private coaching one day. I stopped him 12 minutes later some where in Montana. I said you have just used up 12 minutes of a 20 minute oral. What do you think we have time for now? Fire "Captain Bob" Author, Becoming A Firefighter You can get more than 300 pages of free testing information here Remember, absolutely nothing counts 'til you have the badge. Nothing! Get a Bonus when you sign up for our Free Newsletter here 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 Have confidence in your purchase knowing that this site is run by firefighters.
This program is also available on an easy payment plan "Nothing counts 'til you have the badge
. . . Nothing!" |
