promoquestions

The question "Describe a stressful situation that you were involved in, how it changed in levels, what you did, how you handled it & what you would do different today ?"

I related a story about when I worked as a correctional officer in a state prison & was assigned as a tower guard with a gun. "There was a riot on the yard, 250 inmates fighting, staff responding, faced with the decision to shoot or not to shoot. Then I put in what I feel was the kicker... In our job as firefighters, we don't think twice about saving a life, it is what we do, but when you are faced with the decision to take a life or not... if that is not stress, then I don't know what is, but the beauty of the situation is that at the end of the day, all of the people that are supposed to go home go to their families & the ones that are supposed to be in their cells are, that is true job satisfaction.".. Opinions ?

“Captain Bob’s Reply:

I personally would not use a cop story in answering a firefighter promotional interview question. They were looking for a simple answer. You got too heavy. Were not cops. The whole last part is a clone answer. I have heard that story many times. Clone answers will dome your oral board.

The second one I want to ask you about was one I had for another interview where they asked me about "How would you feel about taking orders from & working for a woman ?

I answered with "I was in the military for 8 years & had females assigned in positions of authority over me & had no problems with it. Also, in the prison system there are females that are also in positions of authority there, but the situation that best attributes my ability to handle that situation is the fact that I have been married for 11 years & have no problem taking orders from a woman in any situation."

“Captain Bob’s Reply:

Any time you answer this type of working for a woman question with "no problems with it", somehow relays there could be a problem with it. And you continued with ", but the situation that best attributes my ability to handle that situation is the fact that I have been married for 11 years & have no problem taking orders from a woman in any situation." Please spare me this part. This certainly doesn't convince me or the panel that you have it together to take orders from a woman.

A simple answer would have been "I see no difference." If they ask for more, just be the broken record repeating only what you first said. Anything more would just be opening a can of worms you will never be able to close.

I get the impression from just these two questions you're the type of candidate who feels they need to give the panel so much information so there is not doubt in your mind they understand you. It's this type of intellectual mental masturbation that drives us crazy on the panel. You try to give us a blue print, when we just need a sketch. You want to give us a dump truck, when we only need a trailer. You try to build us a watch, when we only need the time. Is this you?

Captrain Bob,

Thanks, I guess thats why I was 3 instead of 1 or 2.. thanks for your honesty & frankness. So often people tell you "niceties" rather than reality. I appreciate it! Looking forward to learning more from you !

Absolutely nothing counts 'til you have the badge. Nothing!

"Captain Bob"

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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 programs "Conquer the Job Interview," "Conquer the Promotional Interview" the books "Eat Stress For Breakfast"ISBN 09657620-3-3 and "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: http://www.eatstress.com

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