Even when things should have been slow the week between Christmas and New Years, we got 3 calls from candidates who got badges and two more that were notified they were going into back ground checks.
One of the badges was for a promotional for Kevin. We now have three Special Reports: Conquer Fire Department Oral Boards, Conquer the Psychological Interview and Conquer the Promotional Interview. Here’s part of how this happened for Kevin from our new Special Report "Conquer the Promotional Interview":
Projects:
Be able to identify projects that have your name attached to them. Here is how Kevin handled this situation on his first captain’s test:
Kevin’s oral board asked him if there were any projects or programs that carried his name. He asked the board to turn to his resume which was several pages into his file (we had reworked his resume to make it look killer. We caught that he had forgotten to add in his time as acting captain). This was a great way to have the board take a first or second look at his resume. While they were all looking at his resume, he pointed out how he had developed and implemented a knox box colored coded key system city wide. All keys for elevators were red, front door keys were blue, etc.. Kevin’s name was on a program to place tape measuring wheels on every engine to calculate hose lays for all apartments and commercial buildings. He continued with a high rise pack, the implementing of a department speakers bureau and a new program for ride alongs. The raters were doing lots of writing.
I coached Kevin several years ago on his entry level testing. It was a treat to revisit this candidate as he prepared for this first captains test. He was a strong candidate. He made a special note in his oral board presentation of his third generation heritage of firefighters.
The results of the test were mailed to the candidates homes. Kevin lived outside the area. As the candidates received their results, the chalk boards at the stations started filling in the slots.
Along with two other candidates, Kevin still had not received his letter two days later. The slots that were still left open were 2, 9, and 13. I knew Kevin wasn’t a 9 or 13 candidate. The magic was confirmed the next day. He hit a home run his first time out and nailed the number two position. Two weeks after the test the chief called Kevin and told him he was being promoted to captain. Along with a scheduled department raise and the promotion, it raised his pay a $1,000 more a month. That’s real money. Congrats Kevin!
Dream Teams:
Relationships are everything in trying to get this job or promoted. Almost everyone you come in contact can add to that success. By establishing a dream team of employees, citizens, politicians, vendors, relatives and friends can pave the way for entry level jobs and future promotions. Be part of dream teams that have a good track record. Try to get into stations where the officer has a track record of his people getting promoted. Take on projects to completion. Establish a track record. Place yourself in a position where they can’t go around you. This will give you a road map and hope. And, hope is the anchor to the soul.
Nothing counts ‘til you have the badge! Nothing! We have the road map to get you into the Olympic camp. That’s were you can make the cut to get the badge.
When you’re tired of beating you head against the wall, we’ll show you how to take two steps to the right and walk through the door and get your badge pinned!
"Captain Bob"
Ask "Captain Bob" Any Question
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 book "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