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IN THIS ISSUE
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1. Quick Presentation Skills Tip

2. Entry Level Skills Tip

3. Promotional Level Skills Tip

(Entry level should read this too)

4. Robs Corner

5. New Badges

6. Humor

7. Resource Websites for Candidates

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1. Quick Presentation Skills Tip
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Using Humor in an Interview

Don’t plan on laying something funny on the panel during your oral. I’ve seen candidates that weren’t funny to begin with try to include humor in a presentation. It bombed. How would you feel in that situation if the room went dead silent and everyone just stared at you? What if this humor was in your opening statement?

This happened to Ted. He said it threw off his timing and confidence and he really never recovered. If something funny happens naturally during your interview or presentation, that’s a gift. Don’t plan on it happening.

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Learn how entry level and promotional candidates are improving their interview scores up to 15 points and nailing that badge! Click here:

http://www.eatstress.com/newpage2.htm

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2. Entry Level Skills Tip ===========================================

Captain Bob,

Thanks for creating a useful and informative sight. I
have been with a Department for a little
over a year and used your tips to get there. I do
however have a question. Recently, I applied for a
job with the another agency. I went through every stage
and passed everything. The last step was the
interview with the staff psychologist. I went in there
and things were going good until he asked me about
drug usage. He asked whether I had ever experimented
with drugs and I said no. But, then for some reason I
admitted that once I did try it but it was in the form
of a marijuana brownie and that I disclosed it to the
investigator and polygraph examiner. Obviously this
wasn't a problem because I got to the final stage.
After making this omission to the psychologist he
asked why I never put it on my initial personal
history statement. I told him the way it was worded I
never thought I had used drugs on my own free will. I
told him that I only new about it after I had consumed
the brownies.

The examiner starts to say to me that I
was a liar. He said that I lied on my application. I
said sir I think it was more of a misunderstanding.
I'm not used to being talked to like this and my
character questioned seeing as how I'm already a
in a position. So he continues with his interrogation
and I stick to my story about how all this was
disclosed and how I made a mistake and I thought it
was fixed. He abruptly ends the interview and says I
have heard all I need to. People asked me how it went
and why my interview was so short. I told them what
had happened and they said it didn't sound too good.
They all had longer interviews and were asked to
describe what they saw in pictures and what animal
they thought they were. He never asked me any of
that.

I'm asking for you honest opinion to this and what my
chances are of getting in. Will his decision make or
break my chances? You are the only one that I think
will have an answer.

Thanks and keep up the good work, Stan

Reply:

Stan:

I'm not sure of the motive used by the doctor. I'm a firm believer in not
creating trails where you do not have to. Why did you bring this up? Who
else would have known?

Bob,

Thanks for the response. I'm befudled why I even
brought it up in the first place and regret having
done so. He tried to brand me as a liar and that I
was being dishonest but that couldn't be further from
the truth. I brought it up because I wanted to be
completely honest. When I responded to the online
personal history questionnaire I said no to the
question asking if I have ever experimented with
drugs. So when he asked me I said yes. That’s when the
whole thing started. I had already told the polygraph
examiner and my background investigator about this one
time event. I know it all relates back to honesty but
I was being honest. The doctor could have been
setting me up to see what I would say, whether I would
admit it or not to him.

I was just curious if the psychiatrist could sink my
chances after passing everything. My investigator
already said that he found no adverse information.

Thanks again for all the help.

Reply:

This is a perfect example how you can fall into the trap of tossing something out that becomes a land mine. Candidates want this job so bad, they will tell the psychologist anything he wants to know. Once you start volunteering information, being honest to a fault is where the wheels start coming off your wagon. Think twice before you answer a question.

Another recent candidate went through a two-hour interview with a psychologist. That’s right TWO HOURS. The doctor told him he was too perfect on the written and the interview. She said, no one is this perfect. He has been asked to come back and take the written again.

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Bottom line getting a badge is all presentation skills!

Click here for the FREE 101 Inside Secrets How to Get a Badge!

http://www.eatstress.com/faq.htm
==========================================

==========================================
To ask Captain Bob any question just click here:

E-mail Mailto:captbob@eatstress.com

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3. Promotional Level Skills Tip ==========================================

Part of getting a promotional position is convincing the panel you can do the job before you get it. That you have been there. Done that. Got the ball cap, T-shirt and played the game. I can’t tell you how many times I receive a resume for review from a promotional candidate that does not include their acting time as an officer. The most recent left off six years acting time. Wouldn’t it look better if your resume started off with:

Captain Sacramento Fire (acting) 1997-2002

For more on our promotional program click here:
http://www.eatstress.com/promo.htm

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4. Robs Corner ==========================================

If you are going to spend all the time and effort to get the most points you can from your oral presentation, make sure you look for all of the easy ones. If you look at the job announcement, there is an area for things that are required like: age 20, having a drivers license, and a G.E.D. Then, there is a section for items that would be nice to have, like f/f1, E.M.T., speak a second language, etc.

Make sure you look at the requirements and mention them in your interview. If it doesn’t come out of your mouth, you don’t get credit for it. If it was important enough to put in the job announcement, there’s a good chance it will be on the oral board’s rating sheet. On one test, San Jose fire asked candidates type 25 words a minute. Only two people mentioned they could type. It’s also a good idea to talk to the people who were last hired and see what they thought was important, whatever they did was most likely the right thing and what the board was looking for.

FIREFIGHTER ROB

NRTC@SONIC.NET
http://www.eatstress.com

Rob is Captain Bob's Son. He works for Contra Costa fire department. He does all the entry level coaching by phone nationwide. You can contact him direct with your questions or set up a coaching appointment @ 707-869-1330. or e-mail me @ nrtc@sonic.net

You can read more of Rob’s wisdom by clicking here:

http://www.eatstress.com/robs_corner.htm

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5. New Badges

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Friends and Family,

I wanted you all to know that I finally received a formal job offer.

I would like to thank all of you who helped me achieve this goal during the past five years. I would not have been able to do it without your help, support and friendship.

I will be starting the fire academy August 30, 2002.

Once again, thank you very much! Sincerely, Cliff

I saw the ad for a fire job in my local paper in Washington State. I had no fire experience and classes at age 33. I found your web site on the internet to help me prepare for a written test. When I was notified that I had passed, I used your audio/video program to get ready for my first ever oral board. I was surprised to get a call to come to a chiefs interview. As I was going around to a couple of stations to gather information, the firefighters asked me how many tests I had taken. When I told them this was my first one, they groaned they had tested 3,5 and 7 years to get a job.

When the dust settled after the chiefs interview, I received a call offering me a job. They hired two. I was #1. Thank you for being there. Craig.

Rob-

My interview with a mid west Fire Department went VERY VERY well, thanks for the coaching. It was a preliminary interview so they only asked four questions. All of which I had worked on extensively. I'm not concerned about moving on because I think it was just an interview to eliminate the people without a chance.

Their process is slower than time, hopefully they'll have another interview later this month.

The good news is, this morning I got a call this morning for a fire
fighter job I interviewed for sometime last fall. The job is now pending passing a physical and drug test, of course I took it. It is with the same city Airport Fire Department. Not the most exciting job in the world but I still get to go to work as a fire fighter and I still get paid. I'm continuing in the process with the city fire department because the pay starts about 6 thousand more. thanks for all your help. Dave

ps, does this mean I get to count as one of the badges for Capt. Bob????

Reply from Captain Bob:

Yes, of course, you join the prestigious family of firefighters. We hereby bestow upon you badge number 2,045 in our program. This position will give you some experience to put on your resume. Often, it’s easier to get a firefighter job if you already have one. Keep us informed on your progress.

I'm a good test taker, very athletic, a people person, but everyone has a
weakness. The oral board is what I needed help with in order to get hired. I
found your site and the top 30 questions that may be thrown at you in the
oral board. It was unbelievable when they threw question after question
almost verbatim from your list. It was like they went to your website to use
as a reference. I was completely prepared for all of them and I knew the job
was mine when I walked out. Thank you sir for giving me the competitive
edge I needed to secure a job in this extremely sought after profession.

Dave

Bravo on your badge! You are badge number 2,044 in our program. What
department did you get on?

We are just starting the academy here in Norfolk, Virginia. When completed, I will be an EMT-I/shock trauma Firefighter. We split our 24 hour shift into12 hours in each capacity. There is no question in my mind our class will get through it together. It was the boost you provided to get in the door that I needed.
Thanks again

Captain Bob,

I spoke with you right around a year ago inquiring about your program.
After you asked me some questions, I did go ahead and buy the audio tapes.
I got hired with the city I was interviewing with at the time and am almost
done with my probationary year. Thanks for your help and sincerity.

Matt

Promotional:

Capt. Bob

Just wanted to update you on my promotional process. The list came down two days ago, I am number 1!! The Chief should make his appointment in a few weeks......I have done all I can do now its just wait and see!

Thanks again Capt. Bob, I will keep you updated! Jim , MA

Capt. Bob:
It's been a while since we talked. I sat at number two (and on needles and pins) since mid May waiting for the official word. While on vacation, word un-officially leaked out. Officially, I had my post promotion interview with the chief and finally heard the C words. Congratulations Captain! Effective August 1.

Thank you again, this probably would not have happened without your assistance and know how! I recommend you to everyone who is a quality candidate and who really want to be a firefighter!

I owe you a bottle of good cabernet sauvignon! Thanks Again Terry

Well Capt for a "6 year guy " was the intro to every question asked I came out tied 6th on the list out of 88 candidates. My first ever-formal interview. I beat out a lot of veterans and they don’t like that. Our chief likes it to be 10yrs or more to get promoted. The list is out tonight and I know im not gonna get picked on the first round so patience is my friend right now.... so are tums!!

However being now 4th (4 out of 9 that made it to a interview were 6 year guys we all came in together). funny how all of us "young guys" toped the list. in retrospect our fire chief made lt at 4 yrs our dep chief in 5 3 assitant shiefs made lt in betwewn 47 yrs so they cant go off of time . A good subjuect for you to head on is younger guys making the grade early in their career, shoot if I studied hard did good on the assessment and survived the interview why cant other "go to" guys do it. I’m in a station with 5 companies largest sta in dept (14 engs 7 trks 2 hvy squads -I’m youngest on one of them - 3 batts 10 rescues) about 500 strong. lot of admin and job experince there 16 people in the house. well i look forward to your reply and thank you.
Robert

Robert:

You got to love it! The proof is in the list!

You are right. We are having great success getting the younger guys in position the first time out. Hey, if the old guys do not prepared and the young stallions are ready to go, this is what happens.

Keep me informed.

Capt. Bob

I got the results of my assessment center yesterday. My mark for the assessment portion was 84%. My overall mark is 82%. I am waiting to see where I fall with my competition. There is only one other guy in the running for a permanent and an acting position.

We both have been made Acting Captains and I start tomorrow. Hopefully I will come out on top and get the first badge.

Thanks for your help, I will keep you updated! Jim

Click here to see how candidates have improved their position in gaining a badge:

http://www.eatstress.com/newpage152.htm

==========================================
Check out the current "Bonus Nugget" oral board tip on our

web site by clicking here:

http://www.eatstress.com/bonusnugget.htm
==========================================

Hot off the Press! Captain Bobs new book, Eat Stress For

Breakfast. Click here to check it out:

www.eatstress.com/stressfire.htm

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The Formula

==========================================

Here's what we know after 30-years of experience. Candidates

who get our Audio/Video Entry Level or Promotional Program, use the work booklet, practice with the all-important TAPE RECORDER, and come back for a private coaching session, catapult themselves into the Olympic

camp. That's where you get a shot at that badge you have been

looking for.

One on one coaching sessions are where you get dialed into making your best presentation. It can make the difference between being down on a list and being in the top 10 going for the chief's oral. Candidates armed with this information are the one's who are smoking past you in the oral, grab the badge and leave you as the bride's maid again. We know because we get the calls when they get their badge! You can contact my Son Rob direct to set up a coaching session @ 707-869-1330. Robs e-mail is nrct@sonic.net

Click here to learn more about private coaching http://www.eatstress.com/private%20coaching.htm

You start by ordering our Entry Level Audio/Video or Promotional Program from the products section of our web site below or by calling our distributor Rayve @ 800-852-4890. This program will keep you motivated! The program comes with a no questions asked full refund if you're not satisfied. You're at no risk except you might get a badge. Consider also getting our new book "Eat Stress For Breakfast" to help you along your journey.

"Nothing counts 'til you have the badge . . . Nothing! And, there is no feeling like proudly wearing the badge."

Check out the specials on our products for entry level and promotional testing:

http://www.eatstress.com/newpage6.htm

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6. Humor

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Job Application

This is an actual job application that a 17 year old boy submitted to McDonald's in Florida... and they hired him because he was so honest and funny!

NAME: Greg Bulmash.

SEX: Not yet. Still waiting for the right person.

DESIRED POSITION: Company's President or Vice President. But seriously, whatever's available. If I was in a position to be picky, I wouldn't be applying here in the first place.

DESIRED SALARY: $185,000 a year plus stock options and a Michael Ovitz style severance package. If that's not possible, make an offer and we can haggle.

EDUCATION: Yes.

LAST POSITION HELD: Target for middle management hostility.

SALARY: Less than I'm worth.

MOST NOTABLE ACHIEVEMENT: My incredible collection of stolen pens and post-it notes.

REASON FOR LEAVING: It sucked.

HOURS AVAILABLE TO WORK: Any.

PREFERRED HOURS: 1:30-3:30 p.m., Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday.

DO YOU HAVE ANY SPECIAL SKILLS?: Yes, but they're better suited to a more intimate environment.

MAY WE CONTACT YOUR CURRENT EMPLOYER?: If I had one, would I be here?

DO YOU HAVE ANY PHYSICAL CONDITIONS THAT WOULD PROHIBIT YOU FROM LIFTING UP TO 50 LBS?: Of what?

DO YOU HAVE A CAR?: I think the more appropriate question here would be "Do you have a car that runs?"

HAVE YOU RECEIVED ANY SPECIAL AWARDS OR RECOGNITION?: I may already be a winner of the Publishers Clearing house Sweepstakes.

DO YOU SMOKE?: On the job no, on my breaks yes.

WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE TO BE DOING IN FIVE YEARS?: Living in the Bahamas with a fabulously wealthy dumb sexy blonde super model who thinks I'm the greatest thing since sliced bread. Actually, I'd like to be doing that now.

DO YOU CERTIFY THAT THE ABOVE IS TRUE AND COMPLETE TO THE BEST OF YOUR KNOWLEDGE?: Yes. Absolutely.

SIGN HERE: Aries.

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7. Resource Websites for Candidates

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Perfect Firefighter Candidate. Job listing and a complete resource web site with a community bulletin board.

http://www.firecareers.com

Don McNea Fire School, Inc. is the #1 Firefighter Preparatory Entrance School in the Country. They have the inside information how to tackle those psychological and personality questions on the written.

http://www.fireprep.com

Learn how entry level and promotional candidates are improving their interview scores up to 15 points and nailing that badge!

http://www.eatstress.com/newpage2.htm

FREE 101 Inside Secrets How to Get a Badge!

http://www.eatstress.com/faq.htm

Check out the specials on our products for entry level and promotional testing:

http://www.eatstress.com/newpage6.htm

Firenuggets.com "The Internet magazine dedicated to keeping firefighters safe" http://www.firenuggets.com

B-Pad Assessment Devices. If you're an agency looking for a new dimension to evaluate candidates, or a candidate wanting information on how you can orientate your skills for this evaluation check out their web site:

http://www.bpad.com

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FREE ARTICLES FOR YOUR PUBLICATIONS
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I have many articles available for reprint in your
publication, newsletter, etc. You may use
articles written by me that you see in Fire-Zine or

go to our web site @ http://www.eatstress.com/faq.htm

All you have to do is print the article in its entirety along

with the by line, the credits, and complete contact

information found at the bottom of the web site page. I would

appreciate a tear sheet or electronic copy too. Thanks

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