FacebookInstagramYouTube

Get Your Badge!

Yearly Archives: 2021

New Rookie

2022-02-01T22:41:45+00:00

New Rookie A few years ago, I talked to a devastated candidate at a written test. This paramedic had been hired with four other medics by a good fire department. After four months he was fired. He said he thought things were going fine. Then, the captain started telling him that the other firefighters didn't like some things he was saying, starting counseling and documenting him for not taking down the flag, rolling up the hose, etc. He said he was busy doing other assignments. I could see the writing was on the wall. I asked him what the other new [...]

New Rookie2022-02-01T22:41:45+00:00

Know the Formula!

2022-02-16T20:59:02+00:00

Know the Formula! If I have said it once, I have said it a hundred times, after 40 years in Fire Service, we know a thing or two. Some things have changed in fire service, but not the basics. What I mean is that the written and physical ability tests are still pass/fail while the ORAL BOARD carries all the weight of getting you that badge.  After sitting on more than 100 Oral Boards, I have seen quite a few things. I have seen awesome candidates with great credentials. Yet, there is something missing. These candidates couldn’t present what I [...]

Know the Formula!2022-02-16T20:59:02+00:00

Don’t Chit-Chat – PUT A CORK IN IT!!

2022-02-16T21:07:05+00:00

Don't Chit-Chat – PUT A CORK IN IT!! Often, we get phone calls or emails from candidates after they have completed portions of the firefighter hiring process. This guy wrote to me about his experience during his Oral Board. Read what he wrote and my response below. Captain Bob, I recently passed a written and agility for a department. I had my oral interview the next day. Honestly, I felt the interview went pretty well. I am waiting to see if I made the final cut. Here is my concern. During the interview, I was asked what I had done to prepare [...]

Don’t Chit-Chat – PUT A CORK IN IT!!2022-02-16T21:07:05+00:00

Having Trouble with the Written?

2021-11-29T22:13:31+00:00

Having Trouble with the Written? The firefighter hiring process is unlike any other job interview process you will ever experience. And, if you have read my other blogs, you know how I feel about being prepared. It is a MUST! Even still, no matter the preparation, you might get hung up as you move along. Let’s talk about the written. Is this where you are having trouble? Are you trying to raise your score to make the CPS cut? Do you want and need to improve your score on those few tests where the written is still weighted? We get [...]

Having Trouble with the Written?2021-11-29T22:13:31+00:00

Really? YOU GOT FIRED FROM A DEPARTMENT?

2022-02-16T21:10:51+00:00

Really? YOU GOT FIRED FROM A DEPARTMENT? Let's get real here! One of the most difficult hurdles to get over is being fired by another department. It is a blow for sure. But, the cold, hard truth is that there has been an alarming rate of new firefighters fired in their academy and during probation. So, what is going on here? Here is what we know: The number one reason new hires are getting fired is simple. These folks are showing up for their academy without being in good enough physical shape. That’s it. They are not physically ready for [...]

Really? YOU GOT FIRED FROM A DEPARTMENT?2022-02-16T21:10:51+00:00

Attitude is Everything

2022-02-16T21:12:19+00:00

Attitude is Everything. Attitude – ever since you were a kid, your parents have told you to mind your attitude. Behave yourself. Respect others. Be kind. And, so much more. In school, teachers may have praised you if you had a positive attitude in the classroom. Maybe you helped other kids or stood up to the bully. Your good attitude was noticed. Later in life, your first boss may have noticed you were a positive influence on others because you were a natural leader with a good attitude. What’s my point? My point is this - Although it seems like [...]

Attitude is Everything2022-02-16T21:12:19+00:00

It’s Finally Here!

2021-11-15T17:28:04+00:00

It’s Finally Here! Well, it's finally here. Your day has come. Congratulations! And, welcome, Brother. There were ups, downs, twists, and turns. No matter what happened and however long it took, you stuck with it. Persistence is key. You now have your badge. Let's back up and talk about the road traveled to get here. Sharing your experience could help others get the badge, too. Don't be too big for your britches. Share what happened along the way. Be open with recruits who may be so green behind the ears that a bit of encouragement could change his path. Yes. [...]

It’s Finally Here!2021-11-15T17:28:04+00:00

When You Think the Process is Easy – YOU ARE WRONG!

2022-02-16T21:14:56+00:00

When You Think the Process is Easy – YOU ARE WRONG! Here is the situation. Let's say that someone you know is a NAVY SEAL. Imagine the process that this SEAL went through to earn his status in the military – and it is quite prestigious to be a SEAL. Now – imagine that this SEAL has always wanted to be a firefighter. One would think that this person would easily be fit for duty and earn the firefighter's badge. Right? Wrong! Yep, that's right. This super qualified candidate couldn't get hired.  Why?  He couldn't score high enough on the [...]

When You Think the Process is Easy – YOU ARE WRONG!2022-02-16T21:14:56+00:00

They Call Me Poodle

2022-02-16T21:16:40+00:00

They Call Me Poodle The pressure is on. There is no turning back. You have wanted this your whole life. If there is ever a time when you feel as though you are under a microscope, it is during an intense series of job interviews – like the ones you will experience in the firefighter hiring process. Here is what I mean: A guy goes in for his oral interview in Berkeley, Calif. He had education, experience, and street cred. He is ready to knock 'em dead. He was asked to tell the board about a stressful situation at work. [...]

They Call Me Poodle2022-02-16T21:16:40+00:00

There is No Need to Create Trails!

2022-02-16T21:18:56+00:00

There is No Need to Create Trails! In all my years in Fire Service, one thing stands out and shocks me again and again. I cannot believe what many candidates will freely and willingly reveal! Let me explain: Often, candidates call me after an oral board, background check, or psychological interview. They are concerned by some information they have revealed. Usually, this is related to something from their past. Did you hear that correctly – I SAID SOMETHING FROM THEIR PAST. My first question is, who besides you knows the ins and outs of this past event. Whom could they [...]

There is No Need to Create Trails!2022-02-16T21:18:56+00:00

Title

Toggle Sliding Bar Area
Using Capt Bob’s program I was called back for the chiefs oral. I ended up #2 on the list and...
Becoming a Firefighter
5
2018-04-22T16:44:54+00:00
Using Capt Bob’s program I was called back for the chiefs oral. I ended up #2 on the list and now proudly wear the badge for Denver. I would not have been in this position if it wasn’t for “Captain Bob’s” program.  
“I tested for 10 years taking 73 tests. My next oral was in two weeks. I wanted to figure out...
Becoming a Firefighter
5
2018-04-22T16:47:33+00:00
“I tested for 10 years taking 73 tests. My next oral was in two weeks. I wanted to figure out what the heck I was doing wrong… with Captain Bob’s program and coaching, I was shocked to see I had ranked number one and got my badge.”  
“The only hinder that I found myself with was not passing the oral… For all of the candidates out there...
Becoming a Firefighter
5
2018-04-22T16:51:46+00:00
“The only hinder that I found myself with was not passing the oral… For all of the candidates out there that don’t believe this, try passing and ranking #1 on orals with a stuttering problem…I did.” – Dave, FF/PM  
Using Capt Bob’s program I was called back for the chiefs oral. I ended up #2 on the list and...
Becoming a Firefighter
5
2018-04-22T17:01:21+00:00
Using Capt Bob’s program I was called back for the chiefs oral. I ended up #2 on the list and now proudly wear the badge for Denver. I would not have been in this position if it wasn’t for “Captain Bob’s” program.
“Well, I never thought I would be writing this to you, Captain Bob, but it happened to me also… Out...
Becoming a Firefighter
5
2018-04-22T17:02:45+00:00
“Well, I never thought I would be writing this to you, Captain Bob, but it happened to me also… Out of a possible 120 pts, I scored 119.87 pts! I couldn’t believe it! … Just wanted to say THANK YOU!” – Armando  
5
5
Becoming a Firefighter

Contact Info

Phone: +1 888-238-3959

Go to Top