The Promotion Playbook

One of the biggest challenges with writing assignments is knowing what to write. This process will give you several guidelines to help improve your writing skills. The guidelines are organized into three steps. Using these three steps will help organize your thoughts and develop a systematic writing process.

The three steps are…

Compare this writing process to the process of building a house. The set up is like laying the foundation. Writing is like building the frame and completing the structure. The review is similar to passing your final inspection.

SET UP - Lay the Foundation

WRITE - Build the House

REVIEW- Pass Inspection

Use this process anytime you create written communication. The three steps covered are set up, write, and review. Practice using these three steps, and you will develop a habit that will help you effectively communicate in writing.

The following page gives a visual metaphor to help you "hit a home run" oral board answer. The analogy is a baseball game where you are up to bat with each oral board question. It provides an excellent structure to follow when answering your oral board questions.

In this metaphor, each question is a ball, and the evaluator is the pitcher. The first step is to connect with the "pitcher" by listening to and understanding the question. When they "pitch" the question, you make it to first base by answering the question.

You reach second base by giving a personal story or example to enhance your answer. To reach third base, you must make your answer relevant to the position you are testing for. To bring your answer in for the home run, tie your answer into the department you are testing for.

These are the elements of this metaphor.

Batter: You

Pitcher: Person asking you the question.

Ball: Each question

First Base: Answer the question.

Second Base: Give a personal story or example to back your answer.

Third Base: Relate your answer to the position you are testing for.

Home Run: Relate your answer to the department.

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The 4 categories of questions you are likely to encounter during an oral board are explained here. The 4 categories are character, position-specific, conflict management, and personnel management.

1. Mindset, Values and Character 👨🏻‍🚒

These questions seek to understand your mindset, values and character. Be prepared for these by knowing what you stand for and have stories prepared that reflect your strengths in character.

2. Position Specific 🚒

These questions test your knowledge and competency in the position. They may include a scenario-based question or simply ask you about a policy or procedure. Do your homework in advance. When you answer these, elaborate your answer with a personal example of how you apply this, then relate to the position and department.

3. Conflict Management 🥊

These questions evaluate how you deal with challenging situations in your work relationships. Prepare by having some examples in advance. Share examples of how you faced conflict to create a positive outcome. In most situations, it is ok to use a personal example as long as you make it relevant to the position you are testing for.

4. Personal Relationships 🤝

These questions are looking at how well you work with other people. Showing that you have the ability to work in a team and get along with others is important. If this is a company officer test you also must demonstrate your ability to successfully lead others.

When asked a question, seek to understand the intent behind the question and be prepared to answer accordingly.

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SQ3R is a reading strategy that conditions the skills necessary for active reading. The method offers a more efficient and productive approach to reading textbook material. It is composed of five steps, survey, question, read, recite, and review.

Step #1: Survey

Before reading, survey the text. Notice the title, subtitles, illustrations, and graphics. You can also read the first paragraph, last paragraph, and the text summary (if provided). The purpose of surveying the text is to trigger background information and focus the mind on the task of reading.

Step #2: Question

After the survey, formulate questions about the text to engage, concentrate, and build general awareness of the text topic. Generating questions before reading will create a sense of purpose and help you remain focused on the text.

Step #3: Read

Actively read the text with your self-generated questions in mind. Ideally, you will find answers to the questions that arose during step two of the strategy. It is essential to re-read unclear portions of the text. When you have a purpose for reading, reading becomes intentional, making active reading a smoother and more natural experience.

Step #4: Recite

After reading the text, think about the information in your own words. Summarizing the text will help you conceptualize the material. You are more likely to remember the information from the text if you can clearly describe it.

Step #5: Review

The last step in the SQ3R method is to review the text in a more detailed manner. At this point, you should be able to answer the questions you formulated before reading the text. You can enhance this with a group discussion, teaching this content to someone else, creating flashcards, using a study guide, or a variety of other options.

The SQ3R method promotes concentration while reading. If done correctly, it is a valuable skill that empowers you to extract as much information as possible from a text.

9 Game Day Guidelines to Smoke the Firefighter Written Exam:

#1:  Protect the test space at all costs.

#2: Get enough sleep the week before the test.

#3: Optimize your nutrition.

#4: Show up dressed to win.

#5: When in doubt, go with your first choice.

#6: Manage your time well.

#7: Preplan the testing location.

#8: Use your 5 senses.

#9: Remember to breathe deeply.

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https://www.amazon.com/Promotion-Playbook-Proven-Path-Department/dp/1735739502

Most assessment centers include some form of a written exam. These tests can be multiple-choice, essay questions, and various other formats. Many times these are pass or fail tests. If you don’t pass the initial test, nothing else matters.

Many people don’t understand the importance of the written exam. Failing to adequately prepare for the written test has been the downfall of many would-be promotions. At the same time, many people thrive because they understood the importance of this test and they showed up prepared.

These 7 tips will help in your preparation for the written test:

1. Read the books and policies cover to cover several times.

2. Don’t prepare alone.

3. Don’t just learn it…teach it.

4. Use repetition.

5. Use rewards to keep you motivated.

6. Use various resources to learn yet not as a substitute for reading.

7. Make use of all the time you have.

Use these 7 tips to enhance your learning and don’t be surprised if you actually enjoy the process. Remember to review the testing announcement from your organization because it may have critical information relevant to the written test.