Fire-Zine Newsletter

FIREZINE

Cutting edge interview skills to get that badge from Fire Captain Bob.

More than 2,021 candidates have received their badge from this program!

March 4, 2002.  Copyright Code 3 Publishing 2001

captbob@verio.com  web site:  www.eatstress.com  888-238-3959

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     No one ever lost credibility by

           being interesting.

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Nothing counts til you have the badge . . . Absolutely Nothing!

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Please forward or recommend this FIRE-ZINE to anyone you

know that wants to shorten the learning curve to get

that badge!  

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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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Keep It Simple

Question for Captain Bob,

I will soon be testing in my first recruitment. I would like to ask you

one of the sample questions from this departments oral boards that they

passed out to help us prepare for the test.

You are a firefighter at Station One. You go out to eat at a malt shop

with your fellow firefighters and when you go to pay the bill, the malt

shop owner offers a 50% discount off the total price. Another customer

in the malt shop overhears this and states, it must be nice to receive

half price!

Why should you guys get such a deal?  How would you approach this

situation and what would you expect to accomplish by using this

approach?

My answer to this would be since these are the very people that I am

employed to serve I would treat this as a delicate matter. I understand

fully why this customer is upset and would do my best to keep him happy,

I would even go as far paying his bill. By this action I would hope to

at the very least improve his image of civil servants.

What do you think, Captain Bob? Am I way off, or somewhere in the ball

park?

Any insight that you could provide would be greatly appreciated.  Ben

Captain Bobs reply:

Like most candidates you are putting too much into the question and

answer. Often candidates complicate and over analyze the question until

they get analysis paralysis. They ask anyone that will stand still long

enough what they think. They end up with answers like yours. You end up

sounding like canned Clone; concentrating more on what the citizen

thinks than the answer you need to give.

Although I do not like giving direct answers to questions, this is a

short and simple one. Use K.I.S.S. (keep it simple sweetie).

Consider this: Just keep it simple. Do not accept the offer. Forget the

part about paying the other persons bill. If the board wants to pursuit

it, be the broken record with, I would not accept the offer.  The board

will be onto the next question.

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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:

www.eatstress.com/newpage2.htm 

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2.      Entry Level Skills Tip  

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Just Hundreds of Points Will do it.

You have seen it when you receive your oral scores in the mail.  Scores

that end in hundreds of points i.e. 89.22, 92.17, and 78.42.  Just like

in the Olympics. Our program builds on 100s of points because by the end

of the testing process it is not uncommon to have the top 50 to 100

candidates with a spread of just 3 to 5 points. 

Using the Nugget principal, you're trying to gain your best score on

each question, satisfy the panel, and cause them to go on to the next

question.  The bonus points, sometimes broken down into 100s of points,

usually consisting of your personalize stories, can move you into the

top 10 going to chiefs oral, instead of being 40 and below on the list

(again; how did this happen again).  So you see, it doesn't take much to

turn things around and getting the call to go forward in the hiring

process.

Our candidates are improving their oral board scores by up to 15 points

(building on 100s of points) and nailing those badges.  These are the

candidates that get it, run with it and blow past you in the oral board.

 Now, you know how they are doing it!

It is a great feeling to take a candidate who wants to turn things

around.  An adjustment of attitude here, a personal story there, a few

sessions practicing with a tape recorder, a coaching session with Rob to

cement the presentation and . . . bingo . . . a badge!  All by building

on 100s of points.

It is an emotional moment when these new firefighters call saying, I am

calling you first before calling my mom, wife or girlfriend (soon to be

my wife).  We am truly honored.  Rob and I will be here to take your

call when you finally decide our program is within you grasp to make the

difference.

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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

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 3.     Promotional Level Skills Tip 

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Your Command:

Are you prepared to tell a panel what you would do as a new officer? 

The answer I can work for the ass or be the ass is not what they are

looking for.  Dennis answered that question with: My first objective

would be to evaluate my crews ability to respond to any emergency.  I

would review training records, perform drills, provide training to those

who needed it to achieve a level of readiness.  My crew will be ready to

go out the door for any response.

I would step-up the depth of inspections and pre-fire planning.  Not

just tag an expired extinguisher.  But, to inspect at a level to

understand and write up code violations that would impair firefighters

safety.

For more on our promotional program click here:

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

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 4.     Robs Corner  

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So, you want to be a firefighter?   Stop for a second and make a mental

list of the things you have done to prepare to get the job of your

dreams.  

Are you in shape and able to pass the physical agility? I bet most of

you have spent hundreds of hours pushing weights and seeing how big you

can make your chest.

Can you pass the written test?  If you have tested enough you have seen

the same written test more than once.  You wish it were weighted

heavier.

How are you doing in the oral interviews?  This is the response I hear

all to often.  I have got this guy who gave me some questions and I have

been thinking about them, or I have been really busy, but when things

slow down I am going to do some practicing with some buddies.

I bet most of you guys out there have spent more time trying to get laid

in the last month, than you have practicing for you oral interview. I

bet most of you have paid more for videos you did not return on time,

than you have on your preparation. 

What is it going to take to get you going, get you motivated, get you to

the point where your next interview is the one were you walk out and

say, that felt good. I nailed it!?

You have to understand, for those of us in the fire service, we know how

good this job is, and to see people not doing all they can makes us

think they do not understand.  THIS IS AS GOOD AS IT GETS. 

I compare it to being in a nice warm pool, and trying to explain to

someone on the diving board to jump in.  You guys testing see us

firefighters in the pool, you see us going skiing on our four days,

going to a job we love every day, going home with that satisfied feeling

of knowing you have made some difference in the world.

COME ON IN, THE WATERS GREAT.  Get off your butts and get to work. No

one is going to do it for you.  Do the work and invest the time and you

will never be sorry.

FIREFIGHTER ROB

Nrtc@sonic.net

www.eatstress.com

707 869 1330       

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 5.  New Badges 

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Entry Level:

Very well, made the first draft so to speak.  I am 6 and 1/2 weeks into

the academy, and it's not going by fast enough.  Thanks for all of your

help, I am sure that your information and help with my resume helped me get hired the first try out here. Adam 

Dear Bob

I had a rough time taken test for big departments until, I discovered

your web site and purchased one of your program and reports. I landed the

badge on the first try with a large Sheriff's office. Thanks Bob you provide a great service. Sincerely Keith

Where do I start?

Yesterday at 3:34 pm Atlantic Standard Time I got the call.  The senior

Human Resources Manager called me to congratulate me on my offer of

employment with the Halifax Regional Fire and Emergency Service.  When I

asked he where I stood on the list she told me that they were calling

candidates by their rank on the list and that I was the first one that

they called.  It is hard to believe that after all of the training,

volunteering, experience and sacrifices that I have made over the past

three years, after all of that the only thing that separated me from the

other candidates was the interview and thanks to you guys you have

turned probably my weakest area into a area of superiority where no

other candidate could compete with me.  Thank you so much and I will

seek your help again in the future for promotional interviews and if you

ever for some reason come to Nova Scotia you have a place to stay and

food to eat.

Forever in Debt Dave

Captain Bob,

Just a quick line to say thank you for your audio/video product for

conquering the oral interview.  I ordered your program appx. one year

ago, and have placed between #2 and #15 with six fire departments since.

Today I recieved a conditional offer of employment w/ the Department of

my dreams pending the Medical Examination.  I just ordered your

Conquering the Psych packet today to help me learn as much about that

process as possible before my evaluation.

Thanks again for a fine product. Sincerely, Kevin 

Nothing can express the feelings and emotions over the last 24 hours

since I received the call from the Fire Chief offering me the job.  Now

I understand the enthusiasm as I read previous testimonies to Captain

Bob.  Nothing compares.

I have been testing for some time without gaining the badge.  Even

though things dramatically improved after getting Captain Bob's

audio/video program, I didn't make the cut in Oakland.  I already knew

from the tapes and other successful candidates that I needed to make the

difference by doing the private coaching with Rob. One of my good

buddies, who works for Oakland, finally convinced me it made the

difference for him in getting hired.  I don't know why I was holding

out.

The price of the program and private coaching are nothing compared to

the career I just received.  I know it was directly related to the focus

Captain Bob and his Son Rob had me concentrate on.  Dennis

Promotional:

Capt. Bob, I've been meaning to send this email for several months.  I

took the Lt.s test for the fourth time and finished number two.  The

assessment center was a lot easier when I went in with the right

attitude and had a better idea of how to answer many of the questions. 

There will be several openings coming up, so I will make it off this

list.  Thanks for the program.  Todd

Dear Captain Bob,

I didn't find out about your Fire-Zine Newsletter until less than a week

from my testing for Fire Captain. This did not leave much time for me to

benefit from any of your knowledge. What I was able to get from just one

of

your newsletters that you sent to me was very limited but also VERY

valuable. I want to thank you for giving me some of your time via a

single

phone conversation where you asked me questions and made me think about

the

testing process. Imagine how helpful your programs could be for a

firefighter that had more than one week to absorb your advice...

Thank you again for your assistance and advice, it worked! I promoted

this

week and working my first shift today at a new station with a new badge!

Dreams can come true with a little help from your friends.

"If one confidently advances in the direction of their dreams and lives

a life in which they imagine, they will meet with a success uncommon among men."  Thoreau...

Fraternally, Michael Fire Captain

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

a badge:

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

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

web site by clicking here:  

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

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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

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Here is 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 ones 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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Try this one on for size....the male perspective: 

Martha Stewart and the guy way 

1. Martha's Way: Stuff a miniature marshmallow into the bottom of a 

sugar cone to prevent ice cream drips. 

--My Way: Just suck the ice cream out of the bottom of the cone, for 

Pete's sake! You are probably lying on the couch with your feet up 

eating it anyway. 

2. Martha's Way: To keep potatoes from budding, place an apple into the 

bag with the potatoes. 

--My Way: Buy Hungry Jack Mashed Potato Mix and keep it in the pantry 

for up to a year. 

3. Martha's Way: Spray your Tupperware with non-stick cooking spray 

before pouring in tomato-based sauces and there won't be any stains. 

--My Way: Feed your garbage disposal (dog) and there won't be any 

leftovers. 

4. Martha's Way: When a cake recipe calls for flouring the baking pan, 

use a bit of the dry cake mix instead and there won't be any white mess 

on the outside of the cake. 

--My Way: Go to the bakery. They will even decorate it for you. 

5. Martha's Way: If you accidentally over-salt a dish, drop in a peeled 

potato and it will absorb the excess salt. 

--My Way: If you over-salt a dish while you are cooking, that's too damn

bad. My motto is: I made it, you will eat it, and I don't care how bad 

it tastes! 

6. Martha's Way: To determine whether an egg is fresh, immerse it in a 

pan of cool, salted water. If it sinks, it's fresh, but if it rises to 

the surface, throw it away. 

--My Way: Eat, cook, or use the egg anyway. If you feel bad later, you 

will know it wasn't fresh. 

7. Martha's Way: To cure a headache, take a lime, cut it in half and 

rub it on your forehead. The throbbing will go away.

--My Way: Martha, dear one, the only reason this works is because you 

can't rub a lime on your forehead without getting lime juice in your 

eye, and then the problem isn't the headache anymore; it is because you 

are now blind. 

8. Martha's Way: Don't throw out all of that leftover wine. Freeze into 

ice cubes for future use in casseroles and sauces. 

--My Way: What leftover wine? 

9. Martha's Way: Potatoes will take food stains off your fingers. Just 

slice and rub raw potatoes on the stains and rinse with water. 

--My Way: Mashed potatoes will now be replacing the anti-bacterial soap 

in the handy decorative glass dispenser next to my sink. 

10. Martha's Way: Place a slice of apple in hardened brown sugar to 

soften it. 

--My Way: Brown sugar is supposed to be ";? 

11. Martha's Way: Now look what you can do with Alka-Seltzer: To clean 

a toilet, drop in two tablets, wait 20 minutes, brush, and flush. To 

remove a stain from a vase or glass cruet, fill with water and drop in 

two tablets. 

To polish jewelry, drop two Alka-Seltzer tablets into a glass of water 

and immerse jewelry for two minutes. To clean a thermos bottle, fill 

with water and drop in four tablets and let it sit for an hour or more 

(if necessary). 

--My Way: Put your jewelry, vases, and thermos into the toilet. Add a 

bottle of Alka-Seltzer tablets and  you have solved a whole bunch of

problems at once.

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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.   

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.

www.fireprep.com  

Learn how entry level and promotional candidates are improving their

interview scores up to 15 points and nailing that badge!

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"  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:

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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For Back Issues of Fire-Zine

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

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ideas, questions, your success stories and when you 

nail that badge to captbob@verio.com 

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Nothing counts til you have the badge . . . Absolutely Nothing!

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Code 3 Publishing.  Fire Captain Bob Smith, Speaker, Author, Publisher

Information Products on How to Get a Badge.

Web site:  http://www.eatstress.com  Over 300 pages of helpful

information.

5565 Black Ave. Pleasanton, CA   94566 (near San Francisco)

Phone: 888-238-3959  local 925-846-3959 Fax: 925-846-9650

E-mail Mailto:captbob@verio.com