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.
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 – 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.”
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!”
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.
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.”
“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.
It’s looking like Law Enforcement is alive and well –
business is picking up.
I am seeing an increase in women clients – keep coming
ladies!
FBI IS BUSY AND SCHEDULING INTERVIEWS
KUDOS AND RESULTS FOR DECEMBER/JANUARY/FEBRUARY
INTERVIEWS
Left over from 2018
2ND
TIMER
I passed my second try at Phase 2, and I know it was your coaching that made the difference. I walked in my first time over a year ago with confidence that my prior job experience was more than enough and failed. I walked in this time, humble but ready to share more of myself and be genuine, and as you already knew, that made all the difference.
I gave them as much as I could in my first question to include my five points in case I didn’t have an opportunity later; as it turns out that was a very good move. I definitely had to morph almost all my answers. Only one question did I have to pull a story that I had not previously prepared.
Again thank you.
——-
From Puerto Rico
Last
Thursday I received notice of passing phase 2. I have to say that I followed
everything we talked about in the sessions. I kept it simple with the factors.
The day of the interview, I went in feeling very comfortable. The panel was
friendly and that really helped.
Absolutely
everything we covered that I was expecting. I was able to answer all questions
without any problems. I was talking the whole time and they were writing at the
same time so that was good. At the end I had to your morphing technique a
couple of times.
The
interview finished and I walked out feeling great. Two of the guys that were
came out of the interview and weren’t feeling the same.
I thank you for your service. It really made the difference in my performance.
——-
2019
Female
I wanted to thank you so much for your help in preparing for the phase 2 examination- your coaching made me feel prepared for the examination and I really believe it is one of the reasons I passed! Thanks so much!
——-
First Timer
Just
wanted to follow up with you. I found out last night (exactly a week
after my interview) that I passed! Honestly I was a bit unsure of myself after
I left (I was the first one done – it only took 37 minutes). Honestly
that interview was one of the most challenging things I have ever done and I
don’t think I would have passed without your help. I was prepared for the
questions and only had to skip one to come back to it at the end. The
agents had their heads down writing most of the time – as soon as they stopped
and looked up at me I just picked another Factor from the list to bring into
the story and they got right back to taking notes. Thank you so much for
helping me!
One thing – With the way they broke down the questions the agents said I should keep stories to 4 to 5 minutes. I think mine (2-3 min) were done a bit too quickly.
—–
Female
The interviewers were so professional and nice that I was put to ease pretty quick. I had a story for every question but one ! And weirdly enough I kept forgetting the question ! I would hear the question, determine the competency, tell my story that spoke to that competency, and them scramble to tie it back to the original question! So I felt like a complete mess but it must have gone better than I felt, I am so thrilled, thank you for your help!
—–
MALE
So I
got my results back from my phase 2 testing and…..I passed! I just wanted to
thank you for all your help. I can honestly say that the interview would be
next to impossible to pass without proper preparation.
I did get a lot of
reactions from them, laughs, smiles etc so I feel like I came across really
genuine which may have compensated for my forgetting to tell them about my
personal life. “Show don’t tell” was also something I believe really
helped me, I actually caught one of them staring at me a few times very
interested in what I was saying, when she realized she wasn’t writing she very
quickly switched back to being head down haha.
I will keep passing your info along to others I come in contact with that are attempting to get FED LAW jobs. Thank you again!
—–
Female
I
passed phase 2. WOOT WOOT!! And honestly, it’s all because of
you. My biggest challenge was to relax, just like you predicted.
BUT, I was able to take some deep breathes and remember that the agents are
just regular people and it was up to me to prove myself.
I
answered every question without hesitation and did not pass on any
questions. Why – because I was able to instantly figure out the value
they were seeking and had a story ready.
I
did use your morphing technique on quite a few questions and because of your
coaching, it was smooth and instant.
I
had a “runners high” post interview because I knew I gave it my all.
I
can’t thank you enough for your guidance throughout this process. It was
a life lesson that will help me in the future.
In
my humble opinion, I think you have the right to charge more. I would pay
double for what you did for me.
I
will keep you posted on my final outcome. Next step, background and then
lie detector. If all goes well, Quantico! YIPEE!!
Thanks again for everything. For future applicant’s my advice would be to really focus on team/group experiences in all aspects of their life.
—–
MALE
Carole, simply… Thank you
U.S. Department of Justice
Federal Bureau of Investigation
This is what I received today –
Washington, D.C. 20535
Special Agent Phase II
Congratulations, you achieved a
passing score on the Special Agent Selection Process (SASP) Phase II.
Under the current SASP, your scores will never expire. You have clearly
differentiated yourself, and the FBI encourages your continued participation in the
recruiting process.
—–
FEMALE
I passed!
I just got the email today. It’s
been exactly two weeks. I can’t thank you enough for your training. Holy cow
were you right about how useful morphing would be, and also having two stories
per factor. But MORE importantly – at least with MY interview – the 5 points
about myself and “Why you want to be an agent” training was extremely
valuable. Having those two things (slightly) memorized gave me a lot o
confidence.
I also took your advice
about BEING MYSELF. Two of the agents smiled during some of my stories, and one
even chuckled. I got stuck on 1-2 questions, but I morphed the heck out of my
stories. Those stories weren’t exactly perfect but they were good enough.
It was not a perfect interview –
i did get nervous and I did get stuck for a few seconds here and there – but I
would urge everyone sitting for this interview to just show confidence…even
if they have to FAKE IT. Your advice to just give them a story when I get stuck
could be more true. Just GIVE A STORY.
Thank you again. Definitely worth the investment. Hands down.
—–
FEMALE
! I want to thank you for your guidance, encouragement,
and “tough love” on my writing samples and verbal practice sessions.
I am so excited for this next chapter of my professional
life.
With gratitude.
—–
MALE (SENT FROM QUANTICO)
Carole,
This
is massively delayed but I wanted to let you know I got the offer and have been
at Quantico for the last few weeks. There were some delays (as expected), but I
made it. I couldn’t have gotten this far without your help too so thank you
again!
There is a change in the FBI interviewing process.
You will take the “written test” before you do the interview – through a testing site.
Some tips to help you through this part of the process.
As For The Written Test –
FEEDBACK FROM OTHERS WHO PASSED –
I agree that the best and only advice for the writing section is to read the directions carefully.
____________________________________________
Learn
from another’s mistake
“My written assessment was BAD. It wasn’t difficult, but I got so much into writing my stuff that I just forgot to give what was specifically asked for. I felt good about it when I was done, but then some of the other guys were talking about it and then I realized that I left out the most important thing. All I ended up doing was summarizing the case given to me. I felt very frustrated that I messed up something so simple. The written assessment was by far easier than the interview, but I got so caught on my line of thought I didn’t follow the proper instructions. I’m writing you this email and I am still angry thinking about that. It’s just embarrassing really.”
“The writing portion was very easy but time consuming. I stuck to the facts and I wrote like my life depended on it. I didn’t waste any time reading everything I skimmed and then went to work. Just stick the facts and proofread as you write the report. I was able to write everything I needed to within an hour and half.”
If you have your interview scheduled in a hotel –BEWARE – the Agents are staying in the same hotel!
Funny story and a piece of advice to your future candidates when going into Phase 2.
On the day of my Phase 2, I got dressed and went down to the lobby to get some breakfast before the big day.
On my way down, I ran into a woman in the elevator that was in a T-shirt, sweatpants, and looked like she just woke up 2 minutes ago. She obviously was going down to get some breakfast and go right back to sleep.
I greeted her in the elevator and let her leave first when it was time to exit. As I suspected she was going down to get breakfast as well. We were both in line and she was indecisive on what you wanted to eat and almost ran into me with her food getting real close to spilling her food on my suit. She apologized for almost running into me but instead of me getting mad at her or telling her to be more careful, I smiled at her and told her don’t worry about it she is totally fine.
She thanked me and asked my name. I told her and said it was great to meet her and we both went our separate ways.
As the seven of us Phase 2 candidates had just got done with our writing portion, we were asked to wait in the lobby while we were assigned our panel rooms in preparation for the interviews. She asked us to line up and head to our panel rooms.
I get to my panel room, knocked the door to be let in and sure enough I was greeted by the lady that I ran into in the elevator and at the breakfast line. This time she was dressed up and I now found out she was the special agent that wanted to interview me.
She smiled at me, told me I conducted myself this morning just like she would want an FBI agent to be with the public and we went about our interview.
I would like to think that I passed my Phase 2 interview because of all the preparation I did and not how I acted before the interview but I’m sure it didn’t hurt either.
Although my behavior wouldn’t have changed the way I normally treat people regardless of this situation or who is watching.
My advice to any candidates going into the interview, is to treat everybody kindly, respectfully and professionally from the minute you board your plane to when you get back home because you never know who you will run into throughout the Phase 2 process and how your behavior could affect the opportunity of a lifetime.
2019 Defense Budget Promises Big Changes
for Post-Secondary Students, College Graduates, Civilians and Job Seekers
On August 13, President Trump signed into law the John S. McCain National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2019. The $717 billion spending plan, and the accompanying restructuring proposals for many government agencies and departments, has all kinds of implications for federal employees and job seekers.
Expedited hiring authority for younger workers
Maybe the most radical element of the 2019 NDAA is the Expedited Hiring Authority for College Graduates and Post-Secondary Students, which will empower agency heads to bypass certain hiring preferences (for veterans, members of minority groups, and disabled people) in order to increase hiring of educated young workers. Each qualifying unit of government will be allowed to speed up hiring for any competitive service, professional or administrative position at the GS-11 level or below with as many as 15 percent of the number of hires that the unit made in the previous year.
The hope is that this and other expedited hiring authorities will draw new grads and other young professionals, who are underrepresented in the federal labor force, and who expect much faster resolution of job applications than Uncle Sam usually provides. Appointees under this provision must have a bachelor’s or graduate degree and apply within two years of graduation, or be military service people who apply within two years of discharge.
Direct Hire Authority for recent Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics Graduates. (Direct Hire – jobs do not have to be advertised). Applies only to graduates of minority serving institutions and recruiting for veterans. Career Fairs will be highly effective at these colleges.
Engagement with Historically Black Colleges and Universities and minority-serving institutions for the purposes of technical workforce enhancement. For the purpose of increasing the number of graduates of such institutions to accept positions in Department of Defense Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics-related positions important to the national security functions of the Department.
Expedited Hiring Authority for College Graduates and Post-Secondary Students. This provision would be applied government wide (NOT just DOD agencies) and would provide for appointments at GS-11 and below for students and recent graduates (within 2 years). It provides an extension for military service members. It is not a direct hire authority, because it requires that the positions be advertised. Agencies would have to follow regulations prescribed by OPM, and appointments would be limited to 15 percent of the number of competitive appointments an agency made to similar positions during the previous fiscal year.
The John S. McCain Strategic Defense Fellows Program. This is described as “a civilian fellowship program designed to provide leadership development and the commencement of a career track toward senior leadership in the Department.” Limited to 60 participants per year, the program would require participants to have recent (within 2 years) graduate degrees or to receive a graduate degree within 6 months of entering the program.
SUMMARY: IMPORTANT NDAA POST-GRADUATE HIRING PROGRAMS BECAUSE OF THE LOW NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES UNDER THE AGE OF 30 AT DOD! Recent Grads – take advantage of this.
Big changes in store for Education, Labor and the Postal Service
The reorganization plan would combine the departments of Education and Labor, to improve the transitions students into workforce programs. This merger is likely to eliminate some positions, but also create new opportunities for professionals with expertise in workforce development. The new agency would be named the Department of Education and the Workforce.
The plan also would restructure the Postal Service to prepare it for a possible transition into a privately held corporation, impacting the more than 500,000 career employees working there as of 2017.
Do note that many of these major organization changes would require congressional approval. Other changes would have to jump regulatory and bureaucratic hurdles.
IF YOU DON’T PASS THE PHASE TWO INTERVIEW PROCESS – YOU WILL HAVE TO WAIT A YEAR TO REAPPLY.
A year can feel like a very long time if you’re waiting for something that you want NOW.
FROM SOMEONE WHO DID NOT PASS 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!”
Boost Your Interview IQ:
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 answer is the strongest answer. This book is not specifically geared toward law enforcement – it is about “behavioral interviewing.”
I PASSED the FBI, IRS CI, and Dept. of Energy OIG interviews
Thank you so much for your help with the process! Getting the feedback on my interview question answers was invaluable.
The material that you have for the FBI interview is also spot on, and concentrating on the factors helped immensely.
Even though I was nervous going into each of the interviews, it was not for lack of preparation, and once the interviews started I was comfortable and was able to “be myself” due to feeling thoroughly prepared with your help.
Your advice of “talking to the interviewers as if they are my coworkers” really helped set this very useful mindset.
Thanks again for being so flexible and responsive to my tight interview timeframe.
I would not hesitate to recommend you to anyone looking for LE interview preparation, or general interview preparation as well!
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IS THIS FOR REAL – OR, DOES SHE KNOW WHAT SHE IS DOING?
(FROM A SECOND-TIMER)
So I gotta admit. After our first interaction, I felt as though I had been suckered. I mean…I had been through the process and you hadn’t. How could you possibly know any better than I what to expect!! But you stuck with me, despite me thinking I knew what was best, and helped me through my interview.
When I got in the room, I panicked a bit. After the second question…after I got over the fact that I was in an interview and there were three pairs of eyes staring into my soul, I relaxed, listened, thought, and provided a response. Each subsequent question became easier (until I thought I ran out of experiences in which I morphed some of my other answers).
WHEW!! I PASSED!!!
I can’t thank you again for sticking with me. You helped to ground me and keep me
I’ve already referred you to a couple colleagues here in my office as well as a few people I met there who didn’t pass this time around. I am sure they will all be in touch.
*Diversified (all other backgrounds or skills not specified above)
*What is meant by Diversified?
Besides needing agent candidates with the specialized skill sets, the FBI also seeks well-rounded applicants with unspecified degrees and diverse
backgrounds who have demonstrated experience in the Special Agent core competencies.
** From an FBI Agent — “On a personal note, I served with an FBI Agent who was a former elementary school principal and another who was a full-time youth minister.”
**From Carole Martin, The Interview Coach—
“I have coached — a Middle School Band Director, a High School Teacher, and a Lancome Cosmetics Marketing Manager – who all passed Phase II.
My biggest achievement came last year when I coached a “chef” through the process – and he passed.
It’s not easy, but with some hard work, you can make it.”
Taken from the FBI website – www.fbi.gov
Below are specific elements that will automatically disqualify job candidates for employment with the FBI. These include:
• Non-U.S. citizenship
• Conviction of a felony (Special Agent candidates only: conviction of a domestic violence misdemeanor or more serious offense)
• Violation of the FBI Employment Drug Policy (please see below for additional details)
• Default on a student loan insured by the U.S. Government
• Failure of an FBI-administered urinalysis drug test
• Failure to register with the Selective Service System (for males only, exceptions apply – please click here to find out more)
• Knowingly or willfully engaged in acts or activities designed to overthrow the U.S. government by force
• Failure to pay court ordered child support
• Failure to file federal, state, or local income tax returns
Please note that if you are disqualified by any of the above tests, you are not eligible for employment with the FBI. Please make sure you can meet FBI employment requirements and pass all disqualifiers before you apply for an FBI position.
Phase II can be taken a 2nd time – for the FBI Agent position. Here is some feedback from a female who didn’t pass the first time. She worked with me this time around.
“I even had one of the other applicants come up to me about 5 minutes after arrived in the waiting area and say, “You were radiating swagger when you walked in and that can’t be taught.
I thought you were one of the agents! What is your secret?!” He and I laughed and of course I replied “Well that’s a good sign.”
SHE PASSED this time around after working with me.
Learning to “morph” your stories will help you get out of a tough spot when you cannot think of a story to match the answer.
I am writing to inform you that I……passed! Thank you again for your coaching. I believed it gave me the extra edge necessary to pass Phase II. In regards to feedback: morphing morphing morphing and BEING YOURSELF was the key to victory here.
I was just goofy and honest, which I think they appreciated. I laid it all out on the table for them, which I believed not only made me more relaxed, but made them a lot more relaxed too.
Great working with you and I hope you continued success.
Intelligence Analysts at the FBI analyze information, provide judgments and make recommendations to support decision makers to take action to mitigate all threats. Having the right information and guidance is critical to protecting the United States. Intelligence Analysts’ knowledge, recommendations and strategies help identify and combat threats, while their collaborative networks with state, local and federal partners and with members of the
Intelligence Community help mitigate risks before they happen. Intelligence Analysts at the FBI analyze information, provide judgments and make recommendations to support decision makers to take action to mitigate all threats. Having the right information and guidance is critical to protecting the United States. Intelligence Analysts’ knowledge, recommendations and strategies help identify and combat threats, while their collaborative networks with state, local and federal partners and with members of the Intelligence Community help mitigate risks before they happen.
“I just wanted to follow up and say thank you so much for your help and services! Today I received notification that I passed Phase 2. Even with the short timeline I had to prepare I felt like I was on top of all of the questions they asked me.” 3/27/18
SECOND TIME AROUND
“I had my phase 2 interview on Dec 4. I just wanted you to know that I passed this time! The way you broke all of the information/interview structure down was very helpful. I found myself much more confident and prepared this time. I had a different story prepared for each question asked. The 60 minute interview felt like it went by much quicker. The agents interviewing me were a pleasure to talk to.”
From a client who passed – 3/28/18
“Please pass on – RELAX, RELAX, RELAX! Drink the water. It’s not a trick. Take your time, think about your answers, and don’t try to be who you think they want you to be.”
“I prepared a lot on my own, but the info I received from you, the 5 points, are really why I passed.”
Here are things I did good and some things I didn’t do so good:
Smile, Be yourself, Be imperfect and personable. That is normal, they get your nervous, they’ve been there. It’s ok.
Talk with all of the applicants you can in the beginning, be personable, this will also calm your nerves, get you talking.
Be personable with the Applicant Coordinator, again Smile.. (there were many applicants that weren’t)
Go into the interview with good positive energy, this will extend to your interviewees. Everyone there wants you to succeed. (I heard you say that the energy you bring into the room is extremely important, and that stuck with me)
5-points!!! Hit them early! (This is what allowed me to pass in my belief and I would have never considered building this well rounded picture for them this way)
Have a well thought out story. I missed many good details at times but they knew I was prepared. I even passed on 2 questions, went blank on 1, but mustered up a different story that was actually unprepared. I even had 2 times where they asked for additional detail and had 1 time when they reminded me of the time constraint. Just show them they you put in the hours to prepare in one way or another, they respect it, even if it’s not delivered perfectly. Again, the energy I brought in, and the 5-points upfront allowed me to be imperfect.
I slightly re-framed their questions at times so that it could fit the story I wanted to tell, still just trying to show them the factor they were looking for which worked well.
RECEIVED – 3-8-18
I passed my interview and it’s all because of you! Thank you very much! You’re strategies and tough critiques allowed me to do very well on the interview.
Your style and your approach allowed me to excel in the interview. I couldn’t have done this without you and thank you again! Best money I have ever spent.
SHORT NOTICE – One/Two Weeks To Prepare for your FBI interview
I received emails asking it there is enough time to prepare. I have worked with people who have been VERY short on time – as little as a few days to prepare, but we managed to pull it off. It’s not ideal, but just knowing the basics is better than going in cold.
Thanks for the help. Due to time restrictions and late notification of my phase II nomination, I only had about a week to prepare. With your help, I was able to prep myself in about a week. I have no doubt that without your assistance and tough criticism, I would not have passed. I’m very glad I was able to find you!
THE IDEAL SITUATION –
FOR YOUR FEDERAL LAW ENFORCEMENT INTERVIEW
Ideally, and believe me most are not ideal.
– you would begin to work with me after you have your date assigned. You would contact me 4-6 weeks – depending on your life’s schedule to get the materials to begin your preparation.
– ideally, you would take a week or two to get prepared and then contact me for our first session. You would send me your stories to critique.
– ideally, in our first session we would go over the “Why this Agency?” and “What makes you qualified – what you bring to the position?” questions. We would go over story-telling techniques and tips.
– ideally, after the first session I would send you the 5 points that I have summarized and written, (depending on which package you purchase) or you will write your own 5 points.
Your 5 points will be your roadmap to answer the big questions – “Why this Agency?” – and “Why do you think you’re qualified?”
– ideally, you would take a week or more to prepare using the tips and techniques you have learned from our first session. All of our sessions are recorded and you will be sent a link to the recording to listen to – at least that’s what I recommend.
– ideally session #2 would be one to two weeks or so prior to your actual interview.
NOW, all that to say that the greater majority of my clients have NOT had “ideal situations.”
I have coached with as little as three or four days and still have helped people pass. This is not my preferred manner, but sometimes that’s what life deals.
I will support you through email – critiquing anything you send me after our sessions.
I only give straight-forward feedback. Clients send me their written stories and I critique them.
I will tell you if you are ready after our two sessions – most of the time you will be ready. My goal is to get you to pass the interview and I will do everything that I can to do just that. The rest will be up to you.
Any other questions or problems let me know.
Best wishes
Carole
THANK YOU so much for your time, insights, and patience working with me and through my stories. I am very glad to have followed my instincts and preparing for this test with you. You brought a lot of value to this experience and to my successful outcome. You also instilled much needed confidence in me through giving me your objective evaluation of my personality, the pros and cons of my background and professional skills. It helped me to adjust and show the side of me that the agency was looking for.
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Hi Carole!
I just wanted to let you know that I passed Phase 2. Thank you for your help and for making sure I focused on them getting to know the real me.
I passed my fitness test yesterday and will start the background process shortly.
Thanks again 🙂
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Carole
I wanted to send you a message. I’m not sure if you remember me, you helped me prepare for my 2016 panel interview for the Intelligence Analyst position with the FBI.
I just wanted to let you know that I just graduated from Quantico, and am currently at my new field office. I just wanted to say THANK YOU so much again!!
I truly don’t think I would have passed without you. I’m hoping to go for Special Agent in a few years, and I would love to work with you again if the time comes!
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Phase 3
Carole,
I’m very happy to report that I have passed Phase 3! Thank you so much for all of your help!
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Carole
Good evening Carole, I just wanted to share the great news I received today. I passed my Phase II interview and written exam! I wanted to tell you how grateful I am for your help throughout the process. From telling my stories out loud during our phone conferences, showing me how to morph my stories and think of them on wheels, to reminding me over and over again to be myself–I entered and exited that interview with confidence. Your guidance was invaluable and I would encourage anyone preparing for Phase II to use your services.
Thank you again!!
Hi Carole
I arrived in D.C. 10 minutes ago and I report to New Agent Training on Sunday. I’m glad that my referral found you – I was happy to send another female your way 🙂
Thank you again for the much needed support and confidence you instilled in me!
THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT IS THE LARGEST EMPLOYER IN THE US
There are 2.1 million employees total and the government hired a total of 174,311 in 2017, even with the Hiring Freeze for almost three months!
FED JOB SHUTDOWN SUMMARY: I just recommend that you be patient, continue all your positive thinking about your career goals with the US Government, and wait and see what’s next.
I’ve heard that an applicant might only have a two week window from the time they are invited to Phase 2 to their actual Phase 2 test. Do you think two weeks is enough time to complete your training course and be adequately prepared for Phase 2? That’s my main concern.
From past experience with my clients – once it starts up, it will move fast. It is in your best interest to continue to prepare – at least the basics so that you are not caught off-guard.
FROM SOMEONE WHO DID NOT PASS 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!”
The answer, more often you will have two to three weeks notice for your FBI interview – sometimes more – sometimes less.
Ideally – and believe me most are not ideal –
– you would begin to work with me after you have your date assigned. You would contact me 4 or so weeks – depending on your life’s schedule – to get the materials to begin your preparation.
The greater majority of my clients have not been “ideal.” I have coached with as little as three or four days and still have helped people pass. This is not my preferred manner – but sometimes that’s what life deals.
I will support you through email – critiquing anything you want me to look at after our sessions. Some candidates like to send their written stories and have me comment on them. That is part of the deal and I am glad to do that.
My goal is to get you to pass the interview and I will do everything that I can to do just that. The rest will be up to you. Get more information about how I coach, the successes of my clients and what to expect at FBIInterviewCoach.com INTELLIGENCE ANALYST – PHASE III
You helped me prepare for my 2016 panel interview for the Intelligence Analyst position with the FBI. I just wanted to let you know that I just graduated from Quantico, and am currently at my new field office. I just wanted to say THANK YOU so much again!!
I truly don’t think I would have passed without you.
FROM A CLIENT WHO JUST PASSED PHASE II
I really appreciate all the effort you put into helping me prepare. I would use your service again and recommend you to others without a second thought.
Here’s a few of the highlights and a bit of advice for your own knowledge and for your future clients.
-Helping me convert my stories from technical, overly detailed logic/jargon into smooth stories (really just conversations) that highlighted the core competencies. Once I got one or two of them down, my preparation got much, much easier.
A bit of advice to any future clients would be to practice the stories out loud. Sometimes when writing the stories down I felt like I was getting a point across but when I spoke it out loud, I realized I wasn’t. This helped me a ton.
Overall, I’d say that my experience appears to fall in line with the majority of your clients that I’ve seen feedback from. The FBI Agents were very professional, and because I felt very prepared I wasn’t nervous, simply told my stories, morphed a few, and went with some off the top of my head.
Thank you again, DSS/BEX
I just wanted to write to let you know that I received an offer for the Diplomatic Security Special Agent Position after passing the oral examination this week. I am certain that the preparation and practice sessions from your program were instrumental in my success.
The advice given by former candidates is still accurate overall, even if the format changes every so often. Having plenty of stories available and being comfortable with walking the panel through your thought process during hypothetical scenarios is very important.
Many thanks for your guidance and coaching and I wish you continued success in your program. I’ll be sure to recommend your coaching services to others who seek to career paths in Federal law enforcement.
Carole,
Thanks to your program and confidence in me I passed the Phase II portion SASP. I have to admit after I heard about you from one of my former colleague, who is now an FBI special agent, I knew that I would enlist your services when the time came. From our first conversation, you built my trust in you, which lead me to go for the full package. After our first session and listening to that painful recording, it was apparent that my money was spent well. I learned so mush about behavior interviewing techniques, the SAR response structure, and the importance of adding the human element when interviewing.
I really appreciate all the effort you put into helping me prepare. I would use your service again and recommend you to others without a second thought.
Here’s a few of the highlights and a bit of advice for your own knowledge and for your future clients.
-The way you summarized my “why FBI” from our first session. This really helped me get a handle on how I wanted to present a combination of my personal feelings and skills, as well as the overall process I took to get myself in the interview room.
-Helping me convert my stories from technical, overly detailed logic/jargon into smooth stories (really just conversations) that highlighted the core competencies. Once I got one or two of them down, my preparation got much, much easier.
-One thing that I felt myself doing during the interview was trying to create images throughout my stories…a trick I took from you after you explained the importance of being able to “see” things. I got great feedback from this.
A bit of advice to any future clients would be to practice the stories out loud. Sometimes when writing the stories down I felt like I was getting a point across but when I spoke it out loud, I realized I wasn’t. This helped me a ton.
Overall, I’d say that my experience appears to fall in line with the majority of your clients that I’ve seen feedback from. The FBI Agents were very professional, and because I felt very prepared I wasn’t nervous, simply told my stories, morphed a few, and went with some off the top of my head.
“If I had it to do over again, I would just come up with 2 good stories for each of the “elements being measured.
While I have no way to judge, I agree with you that its important to weave in some stories that reveal your non-work self. I was able to do that once or twice and one story elicited a brief smile from one of the guys and was the sum total of the reaction I got from them. I think they are trained to keep a poker-face.”
Hi Carole,
I want to inform you that I passed my Secret Service panel interview.
The panel was very interested in my stories. I had some amazing stories lined up and they stopped writing to listen. I made sure that my result was a positive one. They congratulated me with my accomplishments from my stories. I had 5-6 stories about teamwork, difficult situation, time management, problem solving, communication and most importantly why I want to be a Secret Service Special Agent.
My background as a federal law enforcement officer and my IT background surely helped but they want agents that could bring their skills to the table.
The Phase II FBI interview for the FBI Agent position is one of the most challenging interviews ever.
For starters – it’s a blind interview. That means that the three interviewers who will interview you will only know your first name (official name). Oh, they will have four numbers from your Social Security number as an ID.
Besides being very nervous to sit in front of three FBI Agents (the interviewers) the candidates also have to keep in mind that these three individuals know nothing about them. Where they’re from or what they’ve been doing with their lives.
It’s primarily a “behavioral-based” question interview. These are those questions where you have to supply an example – a story. Preparing your stories ahead of time will make you ready to answer those questions, but will also make you feel more confident in front of these Agents.
Here’s a book recommendation on learning about the “behavioral story.”
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.
FROM SOMEONE WHO DID NOT PASS THE FBI EXAM THE FIRST TIME
“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.”
