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Since 100% of your score in obtaining a firefighter badge is in the oral
board, what are you missing that's keeping you from gaining that badge?
May 1, 2008
Estimated reading time 1 - 3 minutes for any segment!
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In This Issue
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1. Quick Presentation Skills Tip
2. Entry Level Skills Tip
3. Robs Corner
4. Promotional Level Skills Tip
(Entry level should read this too)
5. New Badges
6. Humor
7. Resource Websites for Candidates
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1. Quick Presentation Skills Tip
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San Jose testing. Written scores will be out soon. If you passed the next step
is the oral. Time to get ready:
http://www.eatstress.com/sanjose.htm
Hiring lists
Would it be all right to mention
that I have been testing at a lot of different fire departments and will
continue until I fulfill my dream? Or should I not mention anything about other
fire departments in an interview? Scott
Reply: Convince me why you would
bring this up? You’re not in charge of the interview. Leave it out.
Captain Bob,
I am working on my script for
the 30 sample oral board questions
http://www.eatstress.com/thirty22.htm you have listed in Becoming A
Firefighter - The Complete Guide To Your Badge. I have listened to all the
CDs that came with the gold package and watched the DVD as well and I have a
question regarding the following question:
22. Are you on any other hiring
lists? What would you do if another city called you?
I have my first oral board with
Tempe Fire Department in Arizona on May 12. I have followed your advice and
have put in applications all over the place (Phoenix, Atlanta, Raleigh, NC,
Wilmington, NC and a few others). Do you recommend telling them about all of
these other applications? So far I have only tested for Tempe and Phoenix, none
of the others have scheduled any tests as of yet. My plan is basically to move
anywhere I get hired. That's what I did when I became a police officer thirteen
years ago, I tested all over the country and wound up moving to Milwaukee,
because they hired me first. It doesn't strike me as a very good strategy to be
brutally honest and tell Tempe that I will take the job if they hire me first,
but that if another city offers me a job, I would take it. At the same time if
this question comes up I don't want to lie and tell them I won't take another
job if it's offered to me. That would be a lie and a pretty transparent one at
that. Why would I apply to these places and then not take the job if they
offered it to me?
Do you have any insight as to
how most fire departments would want this question answered?
I spoke with a Battalion Chief
here in Florida who sits on their oral boards and he told me I need to convince
them that Tempe is my top choice. He suggested playing up any connection I have
to the area, such as family in the area, etc. but the only problem is that I
have no connection there other than they are a fire department that is hiring.
That's it. I'd appreciate any advice you might be able to give me.
Reply: Any agency has to know
candidates are testing anywhere they can to gain their badge. They want to know
if you will stay if they invest all the time and money to get you through the
academy and put you on the floor. It could cost 50-75K depending on the
department.
I really don’t hang much on the
connection angle but it might work.
If they ask you if you’re on any
list tell them the truth. It can sometimes cause them to act faster if they
really want you.
Would you stay if another
department called you off their list? The only correct answer is that you’re a
loyal person. If the department hired and trained you this is where you’re
going to stay for your entire career.
PS I don't know if you remember
our phone conversation. I told you that I had made it all the way to the Chief's
Oral for Madison Fire Department in Wisconsin, but that I had tanked the Chief's
Interview and had blown my shot. Well, after listening to your CDs, DVD and
reading your book, I can tell you that I did so many things wrong in that
interview it wasn't funny. You said not to ask any questions at the end, I
asked questions. You said not to list weight loss as something you did to
prepare for the job, I told them I had lost over 30 pounds preparing for the
physical test and the fire academy. I had to laugh out loud at some points as
you basically laid out all my mistakes for me one after the other. This time I
intend to be prepared. I'm working out my script, I will be working with a tape
recorder and if my finances permit, I will try and set up a coaching session.
Reply: This is way too funny
Chris.
Keep us informed.
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Check out
http://www.eatstress.com and learn how entry
level and promotional candidates are improving their interview scores up
to 15 points and nailing that badge!
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Want Captain Bob to come speak to your group? See
http://www.eatstress.com/seminar.htm
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2. Entry Level Skills Tip
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Subject:
Hiring process question
Hi Captain Bob,
I am a frequent listener to your
CD's and have taken your advice to heart. I have run into kind of an
unexpected situation with a fire department I tested with in Minnesota and I am
hoping you can help me.
I tested for this particular
fire department in 2006. I interviewed with them in mid 2007 (regretfully
before I knew about your program) and their HR said that I was put on an
eligibility list for the next two years from the date of the interview. They
were planning on starting a new list at the beginning of 2008 and they said that
I would be merged into that new list if I wanted to or I had the option of
reapplying and taking the written test over again. I chose to keep with my old
score.
I called the city's HR before
the application period was up to make sure that I still could keep my old test
score and be merged in. Their HR told me there was nothing that I would need to
do and that my name would automatically be merged over. After the test was over
and all my friends were getting their scores and their interview dates, I called
HR, and they said that I needed to wait until the interviews were over toward
the beginning of April, at which point they would contact me with my place in
the list after my score had been merged in.
About a week ago, I still hadn't
heard anything so I called their HR and left them a message saying that I was
wondering what my place was on the list. They never got back to me until
yesterday when I received a letter stating that (according to their Civil
Service Rules) since the test they used this time around was different than the
test that I had taken initially, my score from that old test is void and that I
will have to reapply and retest with them. They are giving me the opportunity
to reapply and retest.
The problem is that the
interviews are done. They did them a few weeks ago. This was a mistake made by
the HR department of the city. They had many chances to rectify the situation
and inform me of the problem now seems like it is too late. I don't feel that
even if I do retest, that I will be given a fair shot at the positions since
they have already interviewed. Even if I did interview, I would be rated on the
fact that I am the one (maybe there is one other person) that is holding up the
process and I feel it would have negative connotations towards me.
What can I do to try to fix
this? Are they responsible to freeze the hiring process until I am able to
test? Do I have any rights in this situation… or am I pretty much screwed?
What do you think I should do? Greg
Reply: This is not the first
time I’ve heard this kind of story.
Greg: Are they responsible to
freeze the hiring process until I am able to test?
CB: You're kidding right?
Greg: Do I have any rights in
this situation… or am I pretty much screwed?
CB: Sorry. You have no rights.
Greg: What do you think I should do?
CB: Take advantage of the
opportunity, be gracious to retest and see what happens. Although you can never
know the outcome of retesting of risking merging your score onto a new list this
is an example how things can go very wrong.
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If someone asks you what you need to help you get a firefighter badge, tell them
you want our Gold Package with the companion “It’s Your Turn in the Hot Seat” CD
Series!!! Check it out here!:
http://www.eatstress.com/special_offer.htm
==========================================
While You’re here get a 10 day test drive of
selected inside secrets how to get a badge. Learn more here:
http://www.eatstress.com/testdriveintro.htm
Bottom line getting a badge is
all presentation skills!
Check out
http://www.eatstress.com/faq.htm for the FREE 101 Inside
Secrets How to Get a Badge!
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Ask Captain Bob any questions
E-mail
Mailto:captbob@eatstress.com
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The secret Formula to get a badge here:
http://www.eatstress.com/formula.htm
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3. Robs Corner
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Psych Test Questions
I get calls quite often from
people asking about the psychological testing given to prospective firefighters
and police. While the police interview is much longer and more in-depth, they
both have one thing in common. There is no standard question.
You can be asked in your interview anything and everything. There are no
off-based questions, and they may even look for things to ask that you weren’t
ready for. They may try to bait you, make you sad or angry.
But what they do have in common is they start with asking questions based on you
personality profile. There are a few different tests out there; the most famous
is the Myers-Briggs test. It separates people into four personality traits, and
when combined the profile is used to ask you questions.
If it indicates you are shy, they may ask how you will handle large groups. If
you seem to be portrayed as a hot head, they may ask you in-depth questions
about anger, fights and handling you emotions.
So, while I can’t tell what questions you could be asked, you can figure some of
them out for yourself. Take this sample test, and then it will tell you what
strengths you have and what weaknesses. While the test they give in a hiring
process has far more questions, and is far more in-depth, this is a sample. I
took it with two of the people we hire recently and they said it was right on
with the questions asked in their psych.
http://www.humanmetrics.com/cgi-win/JTypes2.asp
I have no idea what other things this web site has, and don’t endorse them, it
was just the best, simplest test I could find. Have fun and don’t take it too
seriously.
Where ever you might be stuck in the hiring process from the written or video
testing, physical agility CPAT, oral interview, psych interview, background,
polygraph, or medical, you can find new powerful information on Captain Rob’s
web site here:
www.myfireinterview.com
CAPTAIN ROB (Thank you)
NRTC@SONIC.NET
http://www.myfireinterview.com
For more on entry level coaching visit
http://www.myfireinterview.com/private%20coaching.htm
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4. Promotional Level Skills Tip
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Asking the Panel Questions?
Others have told
candidates that you always have to ask a question, if you're given the
opportunity at the end of an interview, or you will lose points. Not true in a
fire oral! In a regular or corporate interview that might be true. But not here.
You never, ever, ever, have a question. We don't expect you to have any
questions. I had a guy one day ask, "Since I live so far away, can I start at
second step pay to help pay for my gas?"
Here’s a prop idea.
Ahead of the interview take a 3X5 card and write down a few questions. Then put
this card in your shirt pocket before your interview. If that question is asked
(here's the "Nugget") you can pull out the 3X5 card, look at it, pause as if
your gathering your thoughts and then say, "No, I think we covered everything."
You’ve just complimented the panel for covering everything you wanted to know.
A candidate was
interviewing for a high position in a department. As the interview was coming
to and end he was asked if he had any question? He asked as the fire chief do I
have authority to talk to the elected member and other politicos about issues
facing my department? The City Manager who was sitting on the panel had a knee
jerk reaction feeling like he was going over his head. He immediately realized
he had stepped in it big time. In trying to recover he said I was just trying
to find where the boundaries were for the job. Oh, yea, he found out. Next
time. No questions.
Subject: Testing results
Captain Bob, I am writing you
to let you know that after 6 years of testing for Captain and coming up just
short, I decided to seek coaching with you. I am happy to announce that I got my
results today, and I scored number one! I am scheduled to get promoted in July.
Thanks for your help. Jim B. Spring Hill Fl.
Success
story
Capt. Bob: Recently, our department gave promotionals
for Batt. Chief, Captain, and Lieutenant. I tested for the Captain's position
and came out #1 on my first try. I finished with a 96.25% on my oral board. I
used your Gold Package and, once again, your advice paid off. I was badge #2396
in 2006 when I finished #1 on the Lieutenant's test when I first purchased your
Gold Package. I applied what you said and you've changed mine and my family's
life forever. I get sworn in Monday 4-21-08, and I start my new position on
4-22-08. I can expect a raise of almost 20%, better holiday and vacation picks,
and I'm 2nd-in-command of our shift of 25 and I've only been with my current
department for 8 years! Thank you so much for your wisdom and insight. Please
feel free to use this testimonial in any way that would help you. Sincerely,
Captain-to-be Will Anderson
Sir, I
wanted to thank you for your help with the recent promotion process that I went
through. Even though there were some parts of the assessment center that I had
no idea about the interview tips and suggestions still landed me in the #2 spot
with 4 badges up for grabs. I get mine next month. The program along with your
help with my resume helped get me there. We will be having another promotion
exam in about two years for Captain and I believe that my next step will be your
coaching program
Thank
you, Daren Greening
Lieutenant (to be) North
Washington Fire Dept.
Wait!
While you're here Captain
Bob wants to give you a 10 day FREE test drive of
selected inside secrets how to get a promotional badge. Learn more here:
http://www.eatstress.com/promointro.htm
For more on our promotional program visit
http://www.eatstress.com/promo.htm
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5. New Badges
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Captain Bob, After a lengthy process of written test, physical agility tests,
interviews, more interviews, I was finally called in for my conditional job
offer with the fire chief and two assistant chiefs. I walked in very calm and
confident but not over confident to were they could tell. I introduced myself to
the chief and then the assistant chiefs. I had made it a chore to stop by the LR
training academy on several occasions so that the training chief would remember
me. He did and passed that on to the Fire Chief before I ever walked into the
Fire Chiefs office. Needless to say, the interview was AWESOME. I was offered
the job pending me passing my physical. Later that week, I passed the physical,
got a final call from the OPS Chief with the final job offer and I start on the
14th of April. The Oral Board Entry Level CD/DVD Program that I purchased was
worth more than what I paid for it. I can't believe how well I interviewed and
it was all about the NUGGETS. Thanks Captain Bob. Jason
I am
scheduled to receive my second fd badge here in a few weeks. Thanks for all the
help. Karl
Subject: Testing results
Captain Bob, I am writing you
to let you know that after 6 years of testing for Captain and coming up just
short, I decided to seek coaching with you. I am happy to announce that I got my
results today, and I scored number one! I am scheduled to get promoted in July.
Thanks for your help. Jim B. Spring Hill Fl.
Success
story
Capt. Bob: Recently, our department gave promotionals
for Batt. Chief, Captain, and Lieutenant. I tested for the Captain's position
and came out #1 on my first try. I finished with a 96.25% on my oral board. I
used your Gold Package and, once again, your advice paid off. I was badge #2396
in 2006 when I finished #1 on the Lieutenant's test when I first purchased your
Gold Package. I applied what you said and you've changed mine and my family's
life forever. I get sworn in Monday 4-21-08, and I start my new position on
4-22-08. I can expect a raise of almost 20%, better holiday and vacation picks,
and I'm 2nd-in-command of our shift of 25 and I've only been with my current
department for 8 years! Thank you so much for your wisdom and insight. Please
feel free to use this testimonial in any way that would help you. Sincerely,
Captain-to-be Will Anderson
Sir, I
wanted to thank you for your help with the recent promotion process that I went
through. Even though there were some parts of the assessment center that I had
no idea about the interview tips and suggestions still landed me in the #2 spot
with 4 badges up for grabs. I get mine next month. The program along with your
help with my resume helped get me there. We will be having another promotion
exam in about two years for Captain and I believe that my next step will be your
coaching program
Thank
you, Daren Greening
Lieutenant (to be) North
Washington Fire Dept.
More badges here:
http://eatstress.com/testbest.htm
To see how candidates have improved their position in gaining a badge
visit
http://www.eatstress.com/newpage152.htm
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Check out the current "Bonus Nugget" oral board tip
http://www.eatstress.com/bonusnugget.htm
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6. Humor
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GEORGE CARLIN'S NEW RULES FOR 2008
New Rule: No more gift registries. You know, it used to be just for weddings.
Now it's for babies and new homes and graduations from rehab. Picking
out the stuff you want and having other people buy it for you isn't gift giving,
it's the white people version of looting.
New Rule: Stop giving me that pop-up ad for classmates.com! There's a reason you
don't talk to people for 25 years. Because you don't particularly like them!
Besides, I already know what the captain of the football team is doing these
days --- mowing my lawn.
New Rule: Don't eat anything that's served to you out a window unless you're a
seagull. People are acting all shocked that a human finger was found in a bowl
of Wendy's chili. Hey, it cost less than a dollar. What did you expect it to
contain? Lobster?
New Rule: Stop saying that teenage boys who have sex with their hot, blonde
teachers are permanently damaged . I have a better description for these kids:
'Lucky.'
New Rule: If you need to shave and you still collect baseball cards, you're a
dope. If you're a kid, the cards are keep sakes of your idols. If you're
a grown man, they're pictures of men.
New Rule: Ladies, leave your eyebrows alone. Here's how much men care about your
eyebrows: Do you have two of them? Good, we're done.
New Rule: There's no such thing as flavored water. There's a whole aisle of this
crap at the supermarket, water, but, without that watery taste. Sorry,
but flavored water is called a soft drink. You want flavored water? Pour some
scotch over ice and let it melt. That's your flavored water.
New Rule: Stop screwing with old people. Target is introducing a redesigned pill
bottle that's square, with a bigger label. And the top is now the bottom. And by
the time grandpa figures out how to open it, he will be in the
morgue. Congratulations, Target, you just solved the Social Security crisis.
New Rule: The more complicated the Starbucks order, the bigger the jerk. If you
walk into a Starbucks and order a 'decaf grandee, half-soy, half-low fat, iced
vanilla, double-shot, gingerbread cappuccino, extra dry, light ice, with
one Sweet-n'-Low, and One NutraSweet,' ooooh, you're a huge jerk.
New Rule: I'm not the cashier! By the time I look up from sliding my card,
entering My PIN number, pressing 'Enter,' verifying the amount, deciding, no,
I don't want Cash back, and pressing 'Enter' again, the kid who is supposed to
be ringing me up is standing there eating my Almond Joy.
New Rule: Just because your tattoo has Chinese characters in it doesn't make you
spiritual. It's right above the crack of your butt. And it translates to 'beef
with broccoli.' The last time you did anything spiritual, you were praying to
God you weren't pregnant. You're not spiritual. You're just high.
New Rule: Competitive eating isn't a sport. It's one of the seven deadly sins.
ESPN Recently televised the U.S. Open of Competitive Eating, because
watching those athletes at the poker table was just too damned exciting. What's
next, competitive farting? Oh wait, they're already doing that. It's called 'The
Howard Stern Show.'
New Rule: I don't need a bigger mega M&Ms. If I'm extra hungry for M&Ms, I'll go
nuts and eat two.
New Rule: If you're going to insist on making movies based on crappy old
television shows, then you have to give everyone in the Cineplex a remote so
we can see what's playing on the other screens. Let's remember the reason
something was a television show in the first place is that the idea wasn't good
enough to be a movie.
New Rule: And this one is long overdue: No more bathroom attendants. After I zip
up, some guy is offering me a towel and a mint like I just had sex with
George Michael. I can't even tell If he's supposed to be there, or just some
freak with a fetish. I don't want to be on your webcam, Dude. I just want to
wash my hands
New Rule: When I ask how old your toddler is, I don't need to hear '27 months.'
'He's two' will do just fine. He's not a cheese. And I didn't really care in the
first place.
New Rule: If you ever hope to be a credible adult and want a job that pays
better than Minimum wage, then for God's sake don't pierce or tattoo
every available piece of flesh. If so, then plan your future around saying, 'Do
you want fries with that?'
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7. Resource Websites for Candidates:
http://www.eatstress.com/hotlinks.htm
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==> SHARE YOUR TIP or STORY. Send it to
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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.
Phone: 888-238-3959 local 925-846-3959 Fax: 925-846-9650
E-mail
Mailto:captbob@eatstress.com
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