New hires- What can you learn from American Idol? Plenty.

[CALFFBOU]

Last night we were watching American Idol at the station. Like most people, we were laughing and wondering where do these people come from and what were they even thinking when trying out?

It was clear these people did little to no prep. work. They lacked in vocal skills, eye contact, didnt know their lines, lacked knowledge about the show and couldnt even dress for the part. As Captain Bob says- "They could not build a bridge between the Candidate and oral board."

Those exact same qualities next to exist when applying for a fire service job and advancing on to the oral boards. You need to dress and look for the part, know your lines, know your background, the agencies background and have an understanding for the part. Know your resume, background and show you have the talent and background need for the job. If not, youre only wasting your time and theirs.

And at the end, only 17 people advanced out of over 10,000. Those numbers are real and can paint a picture on how the masses fair in some major fire department's testing process.

Hope this helps some. Looking back on my testing days and sometimes sitting on an oral board, I can tell you, its obvious who does their homework and simply "rolls the dice".

[DeputyChiefGonzo]

I can see the corrollary that Brett is putting forth..

American Idol : being able to carry a tune.
Fire Service : being physically fit.

American Idol: looking like a star.
Fire Service: looking professional to the interviewer.

American Idol: tage prescence.
Fire Service: future command prescence.

American Idol: connecting with your audience.
Fire Service: connecting with your potential Brothers and Sisters.

American Idol: if you want to make yourself look like an inspid moron... do it on national televison... if you want to be a star.. do it on national televison and make the cut every week!

Fire Service: if you want a to be a firefighter: score high on the exam, wow the interviewers at the oral boards.. make the cut, get the badge, go to the Academy, keep on learning and begin the climb up the ranks!

[CALFFBOU]

Bump- Saw all the exact same stuff on the new season 8 this week. More unprepared Candidates going in front of expert judges competing for the golden ticket.

There is a lot a Firefighter Candidate could learn from watching the opening season to American Idol.

[cap6888]

American Idol: if you want to make yourself look like an inspid moron... do it on national televison...

Sadly we see this time and again on both American Idol, and the latest recruits!

Stay Safe

[Dickey]

Sadly, some of the people I have seen come in the door think they are an American Idol and deserve a job.

[slipperypete]

Sadly, some of the people I have seen come in the door think they are an American Idol and deserve a job.

So true!!! I think they want us to thank them for showing up and gracing us with their presence.

[Dickey]

So true!!! I think they want us to thank them for showing up and gracing us with their presence.

I smell what you are stepping in for sure.


Or they ask "why" a lot of the time. Guess that's for another thread.