writtenpsych

A candidate who just finished his psych called me.  During his interview with the psychologist, he asked him why it had taken so long to complete the written portion or the test?  It usually takes 4-5 hours to complete the MMPI2.  It took this candidate 9 hours.  He finished around 6 p.m. and had to come back the following morning for the interview portion.

I said, let me guess, you were so freaked out by what all you buddies had told you, knew how many had failed, you were reading too much into the questions and had trouble answering the questions?  He said, that’s right.

A few months ago, another candidate had just completed his interview, was checking out his new apartment when his cell phone rang.  He was informed that he had failed the written portion of the psych and they were going to let him take it home and redo it because he lived in another state.  The psych was the last segment of the hiring process.  This guy knew he had the job when he got a conditional offer, so he gave notice at this job and apartment in NYC and found a place to live in VA. I don’t believe you should put the wheels in motion until you have a job offer in writing.

So, I return this guys phone call at 8:00 p.m. not realizing it was 11:00 p.m. in NYC.  He tells me the whole story.  He said, what am I going to do?The movers are coming in the morning. Then, he tells me his wife and him just stared doing the MMPI.  They are going question-by-question and deciding TOGETHER!!!!!!!! (they’re a team you know) what could be the correct answer?  I told him, PUT DOWN THE TEST AND STEP BACK.  In the morning, get somewhere alone and complete the test.

Both candidates had been spooked about this test.  Rightly so, because more than 40% of firefighter candidates fail the psych. They were trying to read too much into the questions.  One said, well if I answer no to the question do you go TO WORK high, does it still mean I do drugs?  What’s a mother to do?  Let’s keep it simple.  Just answer the question.  Fortunately, both candidates passed.

This from the now Virginia rookie firefighter:

Over 700 people applied for this position and only 27 were hired. I am one of them thanks to you and Rob! This feeling of accomplishment feels like it will last a lifetime, it's an amazing feeling. It doesn't matter where you are from, what part of the country you're in, how old or tall, or fit you are, without these tools you have provided I'd still be a
phone man in NY. Now I'm achieved my dream job and proud to say I'll be a firefighter in beautiful Virginia Beach. Thank you. Tim

For more on the psych check here: http://www.eatstress.com/psych.htm

“Nothing counts ‘til you have the badge . . . Nothing!”

Fire "Captain Bob"
Author, book Becoming A Firefighter--The Complete Guide to Your Badge! http://www.eatstress.com/goldpackage.htm

www.eatstress.com

888-238-3959

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Fire "Captain Bob" Smith is the author of the new book, Becoming a Firefighter — The Complete Guide to your Badge! He has coached countless entry-level and promotional candidates to get their badges. Over 2,100 candidates have received their badges from this program. He is a retired, 28-year veteran firefighter from Hayward, Calif. "Captain Bob" is a well-known speaker, author of the CD/DVD programs "Conquer the Job Interview" "Conquer the Promotional Interview" and the books Eat Stress For Breakfast and Fire Up Your Communication Skills. 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@eatstress.com or Web site: www.eatstress.com.