Becoming A
Firefighter or Officer-----The Complete
Guide to Your Badge! Fire "Captain Bob"
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HomePsyche InterviewUnfortunately most candidates don't understand the psyche interview and end up stepping on the land mines that can take them out. It's another one of those guy things where you think you can wing it yourself. A little education would have keep you in the hiring process. This is a segment from our "Conquer the Psychological Interview" Special Report: The Interview The written test is designed to show a profile of you where possible psychological problems and job difficulties might exist. There are three general areas: 1. Psychological problems or conflicts.
If your profile rated you in the severe category in any of the areas, your interview will concentrate on those to verify these findings. Psychologists can use different rating scales that range from three to seven. They are similar to school grades of A, B, C, or marginal etc. Although doctors may say they will not disqualify you to get you to open up, they will turn your evaluation back to the administration stating that you are poorly suited for the position. This will usually drop you out of the process. What the evaluation is trying to find out are variables on a real basic level. Is this guy honest? Does he have integrity? This is partially measured by how straight forward does he present himself. Does he talk like a guy that has nothing to hide? How does he resolve conflict? Does he let things fester into a grudge? What kind of leadership or fellowship characteristics does he demonstrate? Is he disciplined and mature? The main theme is maturity. Unfortunately twenty-two year olds don’t have a lot of maturity. Most of those who make it to the psychological test are solid. A lot of people think that when they don’t pass the test that there is something greatly wrong with them. It is not that they have serious shortcomings. All it means is they just aren’t scoring high enough to meet the cut on the strengths and high standards they are looking for. It can be compared to being invited to the Olympic camp or being a walk on at a team practice. The fact that you get that far is a sign that you are pretty darn terrific. But not everybody makes the team. What do you do if you have not passed the psychological test? Most agencies are not aware that if you are conditionally offered a position if you pass the medical, that a clinical assessment by a psychologist is considered part of the medial examination. Pre-employment medical examinations must comply with the Federal Americans with Disabilities Act and in California with the California Fair Employment Act Section 7294.0(d) of title 2 of the California Code of Regulations states:
What this states is that if you have not passed a psychological test that was part of a medical, you should be given the chance to obtain a second opinion. Cities and agencies might not be aware of this law. Most people are unaware that they can appeal the decision. But if you take advantage of the law and have a qualified attorney represent you in obtaining a favorable second psychological opinion you could be reinstated. Do not attempt this without an attorney. Claudia Baldwin in Oakland is a qualified attorney. Phone 510-536-3500. "If you're bent on revenge . . . you better dig two graves!" Absolutely nothing counts 'til you have the badge. Nothing! "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
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