1. How to Master the Fire Service Testing Process Firehouse World February 20 & 21, 2013 – San Diego, CA Steve Prziborowski, Deputy Chief Santa Clara County (CA) Fire Department Steve Prziborowski, Deputy Chief Santa Clara County (CA) Fire Department

2. Objectives: Define the most common phases of the fire service hiring process Identify various mistakes to avoid during the fire service hiring process Identify various key points for success in the fire service hiring process

3. Take EVERY test you qualify for – if you dont qualify for many, start getting qualified!

4. Locating Fire Service Jobs Word of mouth Old-fashioned research Internet Testing notification services www.firehouse.com www.firerecruit.com www.firecareers.com

5. What it takes to be a Firefighter Personal traits / characteristics Minimum qualifications Desirable / highly desirable qualifications Sacrifices youll have to make

6. Ensure Excellent WRITTEN Communication Skills They will be evaluated Take English classes Have others review your work

7. Ensure Excellent ORAL Communication Skills Take speech classes Join Toastmasters Use audio / video recordings Practice & rehearse Watch newscasters

8. Pass ALL Phases of the Hiring Process Cant get hired if you dont pass ALL phases Dont settle for 70s – shoot for high 90s

9. MISTAKES to avoid Stretching yourself too thin Lying / stretching the truth Getting poor grades Forgetting you dont always get 2 nd chance Getting fired from a job

10. MISTAKES to avoid Accidents / Traffic tickets / DUIs / Arrests / Legal issues, etc. Not keeping contact info up to date Not having appropriate clothing Not keeping resume up to date Letting certificates / licenses expire

11. MISTAKES to avoid Missing out on job opportunities / not taking advantage of opportunities Not keeping background investigation info up to date Not properly preparing for EACH phase Late submission of required materials

12. MISTAKES to avoid Not being able to test with dream FD since you dont qualify Not following instructions Not keeping up the knowledge, skills & abilities youve acquired

13. Most Common Phases of the Fire Service Hiring Process The job flyer / announcement The application Application review / screening Written examination Physical ability test Oral interview Chiefs interview

14. Most Common Phases of the Fire Service Hiring Process Background investigation Conditional job offer Medical evaluation Psychological evaluation Job offer Recruit academy Probationary period

15. Oral Interview Preparation Tips

16. Above all – you are in control of your own destiny……. Dont just prepare for the test, prepare for the position!

17. QUESTIONS??? Contact Information Steve Prziborowski (408) 205-9006 – cellular sprziborowski@aol.com www.code3firetraining.com www.chabotfire.com