PREPARING FOR FBI (PHASE II/FED LAW)? FINANCES AN ISSUE?

Carole Martin, The Interview Coach

What I offer is TIP, TOOLS, TECHNIQUES, AND FEEDBACK. The rest is up to you. I have no way of controlling what you do with the information.

I realize budgets can make a difference regarding what you can afford – or want to invest.

Here are some possible options for you.

BOOK RECOMMENDATION

A book recommendation – quiz book/quick read (learn how to write a good “behavioral story.”) 

(This book link is included in Premier Package)

You can purchase on Amazon.

Boost Your Interview IQ – Second Edition (white cover – published – 2012) – for a quick brush up on Behavioral Interviewing as well as other questions. It’s a quiz and you determine which is the strongest answer.

The book is available at many bookstores.

On line —- Paperback and Kindle

FROM SOMEONE WHO DID NOT PASS THE FBI EXAM THE FIRST TIME

“Boost Your Interview IQ” by Carole Martin provides you with the essential skills and techniques you need to apply in any real life interviewing scenario. If you are truly interested in exploring the fundamentals and learning the essentials of job interviewing, then this book will be an important guide.

Before I read Carole Martin’s book, I must admit that I was lost when it came to interviews. As a young lawyer with three years of experience in my field, I truly thought that I knew everything it took to effectively express myself and market my skills to a potential employer. I had conducted countless client interviews myself, and so I thought I had most question and answer techniques down to a science. But when I flunked my first major interview for a dream job with a prestigious employer, I realized that I needed help from an expert. In hindsight, I wish I had sought out this information earlier.  Perhaps because I was too accustomed to being sought out by others as an expert in my own field of law that I did not realize I needed an expert’s advice on basic interview techniques. 

I am thankful that I contacted Carole Martin and found her book “Boost Your Interview IQ.”  I feel that I have begun the journey towards interview success. In my opinion, learning real life interview techniques should not be about “gimmicks” or “tricks”.  Instead, Carole Martin provides a wide-range of examples that point you in the right direction.  You will learn through a question and answer technique designed by Carole that will give you a thorough understanding of the basics.  Reading this book is the beginning of a journey that will equip you with the essentials of interviewing.  So if you are curious about how to interview, then I recommend you read this book first.  The rest is up to you!”

OR, YOU CAN DO THE SELF-HELP PACKAGE  –

From a Client — 5/11/19

Carole, 

I wanted to let you know that I passed phase two.

 I am grateful for your program – I could not have done it without your help.

I did just as we talked about and was myself. I made sure they could see how bad I wanted the job and I think that goes a long way. Thanks again, 

(ONE STORY CRITIQUE AND A CHAT INCLUDED)

FBI – PHASE II

“Self-Preparation Package” and start the prep now.

https://fbiinterviewcoach.com/fbi-package-3.php

I will critique a story for you with this package – important to know if you’re writing the stories in an acceptable manner.

If, you decide to add on the coaching (we take into account what you have already purchased – and never charge for the same thing twice.)

FED-LAW ENFORCEMENT INTERVIEW PREP

“Self-Preparation Package” and start the prep now.

https://fbiinterviewcoach.com/federal-package-3.php

$199

I will critique a story for you with this package – important to know if you’re writing the stories in an acceptable manner.

If, you decide to add on the coaching (we take into account what you have already purchased – and never charge for the same thing twice.)

***** 

PURCHASED – SELF-PREP

Received 5/18/19

So very happy. Thank you for your guidance. Preparation of stories is the key. Luckily I had a whole bank of them to pull from.

Can’t stress enough how important it was to be yourself and be personable with the agents as well.

(INCLUDED ONE STORY CRITIQUE AND A BRIEF CHAT)

WOMEN RULE THIS MONTH!

PHASE II – FBI Interview

KUDOS – KUDOS – KUDOS  — PASSED – PASSED – PASSED

APRIL/MAY

WOMEN RULE THIS MONTH

5/09/19

Out of the 4 people that I know that applied and made it to this phase I was the only one who passed to the next. Thank you so much for working with me. I used most of my stories, there was only one question that I couldn’t figure out what factor they were looking for so I morphed the story a bit and actually ended up combining two factors. It was such a great experience. At the beginning of our session, you told me that you weren’t sure how the feel of the interview would go and you suspect that the person can encourage a different atmosphere. I completely agree with this. The other two applicants from Oklahoma said they were nervous and that the interviewers were very cold – no smiles, no eye contact, nothing. 

I went in and the first thing I did was made a casual joke about the hotel room we were interviewing in. I received immediate smiles and they talked to me like I was a colleague. Relaxing at the beginning of the interview set the cadence for the rest of the interview. I even had some time to ask them questions at the end of the interview such as where they were from, if there were as nervous as I was and the most rewarding thing about their positions. 

I think my strongest part was my “why” section. They were extremely engaging with me between taking notes. I got some head nods and even a solid smile.

Again, thank you for your help. I don’t think I would have passed if I wasn’t as prepared as I was. 

*****

Listening to the audio of our sessions, incorporating your feedback into my stories, and rehearsing my stories were vital to my success.  Your framework of listening to the question, identifying the factor, and morphing a story worked flawlessly.  I learned how to open up and show “Kelly Ann” to the three agents a week ago.      

Once again, thank you so much for your guidance and support.  I highly recommend your coaching services and enjoyed your book, too.

***** 

PURCHASED – SELF-PREP

So very happy. Thank you for your guidance. Preparation of stories is the key. Luckily I had a whole bank of them to pull from. Can’t stress enough how important it was to be yourself and be personable with the agents as well.

(INCLUDED ONE STORY CRITIQUE AND A BRIEF CHAT WITH ME)

*****

5/13/19

I would like to inform you that I PASSED!!! 

I couldn’t have done it without you! Your help in prepping me, explaining to me the process, and telling me to be myself was crucial in being prepared and confident! But you didn’t just tell me! You were able to remind me who I am and what I should tell them!

I made them laugh multiple times and they smiled and wrote down when I corrected myself when I said girls instead of women. They seemed pleased. 

Anyway, thank you again! I would recommend you to other candidates in a heartbeat!

I PASSED!!! The interview went really well. I kinda fudged my five points but eventually got everything out that I needed to. And then the question responses just came so naturally. I morphed some and some I had the perfect stories for (I think writing about 30 of them helped!). I topped it off with a variation of the moose story and I think that was icing on the cake. I just kept thinking “chill the eff out and be yourself”. And when I left the room, I thought, “I nailed that”. Anyway, I could not have done it without you and your guidance!! Thank you thank you!!! Second time’s the charm for sure 🙂

————-

I just wanted to inform you that I passed my interview! I was very nervous but happy that I passed on my first try!

Thank you so much for all your help. It was very, very helpful! I learned so much from you and will use those tips for the future. 

I will most certainly recommend you to anyone applying to the FBI. Only I would recommend they don’t wait a few days before the interview date to get started =)

Can’t Afford Coaching?

CAN’T AFFORD – OR DON’T WANT TO SPEND/INVEST – OR, JUST DON’T HAVE ENOUGH TIME – CHECK OUT MY SELF-PREP PACKAGE

RECEIVED 05-02-19
“Just wanted to update you – I just received word that I passed Phase 2.

While we didn’t get a chance to do a full coaching package, your self-help package was the right type of material to get me on the right track that I needed to be on.


Thank you so much for your services, it proved to be crucial!”


——————————————————

What I offer is TIP, TOOLS, TECHNIQUES, AND FEEDBACK. The rest is up to you. I have no way of controlling what you do with the information.

I realize budgets can make a difference regarding what you can afford – or want to invest.

All I can tell you is that I have worked with over 3500 candidates in the past six years with a high rate of passing.

Here are some possible options for you.

A book recommendation – quiz book  – to teach you how to write a good “behavioral story.” 

This book link is included in Premier Package.

You can purchase on Amazon.

Boost Your Interview IQ – Second Edition (white cover – published – 2012) – for a quick brush up on Behavioral Interviewing as well as other questions. It’s a quiz and you determine which is the strongest answer.

The book is available at many bookstores.

On line —- Paperback and Kindle

FROM SOMEONE WHO DID NOT PASS THE FBI EXAM THE FIRST TIME

“Boost Your Interview IQ” by Carole Martin provides you with the essential skills and techniques you need to apply in any real life interviewing scenario. If you are truly interested in exploring the fundamentals and learning the essentials of job interviewing, then this book will be an important guide.

Before I read Carole Martin’s book, I must admit that I was lost when it came to interviews. As a young lawyer with three years of experience in my field, I truly thought that I knew everything it took to effectively express myself and market my skills to a potential employer. I had conducted countless client interviews myself, and so I thought I had most question and answer techniques down to a science. But when I flunked my first major interview for a dream job with a prestigious employer, I realized that I needed help from an expert. In hindsight, I wish I had sought out this information earlier.  Perhaps because I was too accustomed to being sought out by others as an expert in my own field of law that I did not realize I needed an expert’s advice on basic interview techniques. 

I am thankful that I contacted Carole Martin and found her book “Boost Your Interview IQ.”  I feel that I have begun the journey towards interview success. In my opinion, learning real life interview techniques should not be about “gimmicks” or “tricks”.  Instead, Carole Martin provides a wide-range of examples that point you in the right direction.  You will learn through a question and answer technique designed by Carole that will give you a thorough understanding of the basics.  Reading this book is the beginning of a journey that will equip you with the essentials of interviewing.  So if you are curious about how to interview, then I recommend you read this book first.  The rest is up to you!”

Or, you can do the self-help package  –

“Self-Preparation Package” and start the prep now.

I will critique a story for you with this package – important to know if you’re writing the stories in an acceptable manner. I will also chat with you to answer questions.

If, you decide to add on the coaching (we take into account what you have already purchased – and never charge for the same thing twice.) you can do that at any time.

“Basic Package”

$399

“Premier Package”

$599

THE BIGGEST DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE BASIC PACKAGE AND THE PREMIER PACKAGE IS TIME SPENT BY ME – EITHER IN COACHING (2 ½  HOURS VS 1 HOUR 40 MINUTES)

AS WELL AS THE WRITING FOR YOU OR HELPING YOU WRITE THE 5 POINTS – WHAT YOU HAVE TO OFFER THE BUREAU.

*The five-point system is a summary of what you bring to the position – matched to what you bring to the Bureau.

The system is aligned with your five fingers to keep you focused and succinct.

Basic package – you receive a template and I will help you with what to write.

Premier package – I write the 5 points for you based on our sessions

Here are some questions that could be answered with the same 5 points.

Q. Tell me about yourself.
Q. What can you bring that the other candidates can’t bring to this job?
Q. What are your strengths?
Q. What makes you unique?

Q. Why should we hire you?

Also can be used as a summary at the end of the interview.

“Before I leave I would like to summarize what I would bring to the job.”

Questions/problems – let me know.

Best wishes

Carole

RESUME REFERRALS

www.careerproplus.com

Phase II client referral –

“This is who helped me with my resume. She was awesome. She works for a resume company but I’ve could email her directly and get set up. I highly recommend her.”

A CRUTIAL PART OF THE PHASE II OR III INTERVIEW IS WRITING STORIES.

THE INTERVIEW FOCUSES ON BEHAVIORAL INTERVIEWING TECHNIQUES.

HOW TO ANSWER A BEHAVIORAL QUESTION – WITH A STORY

PROPORTIONS OF A BEHAVIORAL ANSWER

The proportions of the story are almost more important than the story itself.

ALWAYS START WITH THE FACTOR YOU ARE GOING FOR FIRST

FACTOR – Planning, Organizing, Prioritizing

PROBLEM/SITUATION  (20%) 5-7 sentences

Setup –

One of the successful projects I had in college was a presentation Asian and Pacific Islander American-VOTE, a non-governmental organization aimed at addressing and ending Asian American voter apathy.

 My team was assigned to report on key management personnel, divisions and number of employees.

I was selected as the team lead by my teammates.

Transition sentence – feelings, thoughts…

I felt pressured. This was an intense assignment, and I knew I would have to put time and energy into the preparation if my team was to do a good job. 

ACTION (60%) 7 -9 steps — more or less

“WHAT I DID WAS……” (use this phrase to signal to them and to you that the main part of the story is beginning. Once you begin the ACTON you can’t go back to the problem.)  —

I arranged a meeting with my team and facilitated an active discussion on our topic so that everyone felt included.  Once the group of myself and three other students agreed on a plan of action I laid out our groundwork for the project.  

I divided each subject matter into categories, i.e. mission statements, coalition partners, number of employees, etc.

Then I evenly distributed the work amongst the group members in accordance with what I felt were there strengths and weaknesses. There was some push and pull about the division, but in the end we were in agreement.

I also was able to arrange and organize a trip to HQ in Washington D.C. to interview employees and gather visual aids for the presentation.  This took a lot of effort on my part, but was the highlight of the project. Everyone became very motivated when we were able to see what we were working toward.

I then collected and coordinated all of the information.  Each respective member prepared the pieces and articles relevant to our goal.

I put in extra effort, organizing and writing the final presentation.  Many late nights, while still trying to keep up my class load. There were times this was a real challenge to meet all of my deadlines.

Then I spent time reviewing my portion of the speech over a period of several days, keeping in mind that I had a time commitment.

Spending weekends and late evenings was very difficult sometimes, but I persisted and it paid off in the end.

RESULT (20%) —-  3-5 sentences

 As a result, I felt calm and confident while giving the presentation and that helped the others feel the same. I received an “A” for my portion of the project.  

The team’s overall grade was an A+.

I received many comments from my team and my professor telling me what a great job I did.  One team member told me that he had never felt more organized on a project.  

KUDO

(If there was any kind of kudo or comment given – be sure to include that in the end of your story.) Third party endorsement is like a “gold star.”

TEMPLATE
 
The structure above is the “template.” 

Once you write the story, you will turn it into a conversational dialogue. Would you talk this way if you were talking to professional colleagues?  Probably not.

Make it a conversation where you were sharing the story with others. We tend to write more formally than when we speak – especially to colleagues. These people who are interviewing you are equivalent to your colleagues. At least you hope that they will be.

RULE – THE ACTION MUST MATCH THE “FACTOR” –

WHEN YOU BEGIN TO WRITE YOUR STORIES – CHOOSE ONE FACTOR AT A TIME. AS YOU BECOME MORE CONFIDENT, YOU CAN BE MORE CONFIDENT ABOUT MOVING THE STORIES AROUND – AS THOUGH THEY WERE ON WHEELS.