they

I just got off the phone with a candidate looking for advice. I asked him what his approach was to oral boards. Ted said, "I’ve tried to be open and honest to let them know who I am." Who told you to do that? A friend who is a firefighter. Well, how are you ending up on the list. Ted said, "I haven’t passed any."

That’s my point. Everyone becomes an expert once they’ve taken a few orals, has a friend who is a firefighter or someone tells them, "They said" this is the way to do it. I marvel. I’ve never been able to find out who "They" are.

This is what some college fire science programs and fire academies do and it creates candidates that are clones like everyone else. During their oral board clouds start coming out of their mouths. It’s like hearing a soup opera. I know because I’ve been on over 175 fire department oral boards. Yes, be informed. But, the great opportunity is being missed here by not focusing on who you really are. Yes, I’ve seen the recent postings like, "I smoked that oral, or I kicked butt on that oral." But, don’t touch that dial. I hope those folks will get back to us when the final scores are made available. And, get back to us on the day when your head drops after reading the letter that you didn’t make it again. I hope they do make it. God only knows how much they have invested to deserve the job. Check out our updated web site below to learn much more.

This from Fred:

Sorry I didn’t get back to you sooner, but things have been crazy. I just wanted to let you know that I’m in my second week at the academy in Santa Rosa Fire Department. Your Audio/Video Program and the Private Coaching made the difference. You said, (not they said) "If I concentrated on my own stuff, used a tape recorder to practice and did the private coaching miracles could happen. It did in a big way. Faster than I thought. Not only was I hired, I was number one of the five they hired. Imagine me number one! An early Christmas present.

Eternally yours,

Fred

The defense rests!

Advice is free here anytime you want to call like Ted. Ask Fred if it was worth the investment in a career.

Nothing beats getting 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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