Stuck?

[CaptBob]

Too many pack on lots of credentials thinking that alone can get you hired. Then they can have trouble in the steps to get hired. You’re stuck at the first step the with math on the written. For math, you only need to know about twelve formulas. Once you know the formulas you just plug in the numbers for your answers.

Take this simple test to check how you’re doing getting a badge.

Are you subscribed to a service like Firehouse.com here that notifies you when a department is testing?

l Are you taking every test you can?
l Are you passing the written?
l Are you passing the physical ability?
l Are you preparing for your oral interviews (100% of the score)?
l Are you passing the oral?
l Are you getting conditional job offers?
l Are you passing the psychological interview?
l Are you passing the medical?
l Are you passing the background?

If you can’t answer yes to all these questions, you will never see a badge! Wherever you answer no, you cannot go onto the next step to gain a badge. Where are you stuck? You need to prepare for each step of the process before you show up to get on with getting that badge.


I get calls from candidates all the time telling me about all their wonderful credentials. They have been testing 3, 5 or 7 years, have been number 30 on this list, 22 on that list, volunteer firefighter, AA in Fire Technology, some medics and every certificate and merit badge you could imagine. I have to stop them before they get into warp speed with all their stuff. I do this with one simple statement: Do you have a badge? They go off again with more of their great stuff. I bring them back with: But, you do not have a badge? You are the bridesmaid. Never the bride.

Many write e-mails like this: I know I have what it takes to make it as a full-timer.

My reply: Yeah, they all say that. You know that. But you have to convince the oral board panel that you really do if you get that far.

[nwadler]

CaptBob Thank you for all you have posted and written over the years. I am new to the hiring process and am waiting to see if I get my first letter. I have been paying attention to your advice. Even though I don't have my badge in a paid department yet, I know eventually it will come if I keep working hard. I am currently in process with a few departments and am scheduled to take a few more test.

[DeputyMarshal]

What's this? More spam? Are we surprised? Nah!

[DennisTheMenace]

Sounds like Capt Bob deals with a lot of 18 year olds and morons.