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Confidential Interview Preparation sessions held in person or via online Zoom Video services.
FIRE SERVICES
INTERVIEW COACHING
Entry Level Firefighter
to
Fire Chief Promotional
Interview Preparation
second career employment transition COUNSELLING
Leverage your previous experience into that of your second career.
Who's hiring now
other included services
Confidential Interview Preparation Sessions:
Held via on line video services using Zoom or Skype
Resume Building Services:
Designed to fit Emergency Services requirements: key word optimized.
About Paul Olson
RPC, CIS, CES
Paul Olson is a retired Assistant Fire Chief Officer, who has worked extensively in the hiring process, not only within the Fire Service but also with not for profit and private businesses.
Having conducted many interviews, as well as been successfully interviewed at senior management levels, he knows and understands both sides of the table. With a firm understanding of the roles each individual on the hiring panel has, he has been able to assist hundreds of candidates seeking not only Fire Service related jobs but various other types of employment.
His Approach
Paul takes a mentor approach to each individual, wanting to see candidates put forward their best possible presentation to the hiring panel.
He has had his own successes and failures while trying to achieve his goals. To this, he understands the pressure the candidate is under when they finally get a shot at their dream job or a chance to promote to a senior management position. He takes what he does seriously.
THERE IS A HUGE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THINKING YOUR PREPARED VS. KNOWING YOUR PREPARED
His Credentials
Paul holds certificates in Human Resources Management and Business Management, inclusive of Recruitment and Selection through British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT). He has a Diploma in Professional Counseling and is a current Registered Professional Counselor/Coach (RPC) with the Canadian Professional Counselors Association (CPCA).
Additionally, he is also a member of Career Professionals of Canada through which he holds certifications as "Interview Strategist" and "Employment Strategist".
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Paul is currently lecturing at the JIBC Maple Ridge Fire Academy as a Sessional Instructor/ Speaker on Firefighter Interview Preparation since May 2015.
Testimonials from Past Clients
"Hi Paul, I got the position!!. Starting in a few weeks. Thanks again for your help. The coaching gave me great confidence in knowing how to approach the interview stage. Also, I found great benefit in taking some time to reflect back on things. Cheers"
Roderick
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"Paul was a huge help in my success during the interview stages of the hiring processes I was apart of. Paul provides a framework for you to use when answering questions. I knew that I was someone who had a lot of experiences to draw from in the questions I would be asked, but my thoughts and ideas were at times disorganized and convoluted. Keeping Paul’s methods in mind during my interviews allowed me to answer questions in a logical and sequential manner which best conveyed my experiences and rationale. Without Paul’s services I do not believe that I would have had the success I did during the interviews. If you are someone who is serious about obtaining a career in the fire service, seeing Paul is a must! Set your ego aside and be receptive to Paul’s feedback. If you can do this, your chances of success during your interview will be improved greatly. Thank you again Paul! With your help, I now have my dream career as a firefighter. I can’t wait to get started! Thank You"
Nick Cirillo
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"Hey, Paul! I’m so excited to inform you that I have officially been hired with the local Fire Department. I was always skeptical of getting an interview coach as I didn’t want to sound like a robot during my interview. You did the complete opposite for me as you gave me the confidence I needed to really sell myself as a person. I walked out of the interview so positive and I owe a huge chunk of my success to you. In only one session you gave me so much good advice and tips that stuck with me during my interview. You saved lives your whole career and now continue to make young adults dreams come true by helping and guiding them to their dream job. I thank you from the bottom of my heart for helping me make my dream a reality. Hope to see you soon"
Roger Gill
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How do I get started?Either call @ 1 604 655-7765 or email Paul @ paulolson96@gmail.com using the form above.
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How long does the coaching last and how much does it cost?This presentation building session is two hours at $249.00 plus 5%GST. This is a full - packed meeting based around properly marketing yourself to the panel. Coaching is based around you understanding your values, skills and experience and how it relates to the profession. Just practicing interview questions and trying to get them perfect is not what it's all about. The panel only needs to change one word from a previously question and all of your practicing is waisted time. Building a connection with the panel based on your self awareness, honesty and authenticity shows integrity. Panel members can easily spot a fraud. AUTHENTICITY BUILDS TRUST!! The first hour includes resume review, training on the specifics of Behavioural / Competency Based Questions, Situational Questions, General Questions as well as learning how the panel grades your interview performance. Understanding that the employer has certain buying motivators and what your job is in answering the panels questions properly so they can do their job in giving you maximum deserved points. The second hour is based around mock interview questions. This is an opportunity to practice the interview skills just learned... At the completion of the meeting you will receive information paperwork was well as homework to take home. The homework given is designed to lay out a path to follow in terms of preparation of your upcoming interview. Although there are no requirements, based your interview experience and desire to be fully prepared, follow up meetings are optional and may be recommended closer to the actual interview date.
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Where are you located?Paul is based out of Surrey, BC. If you're far away he offers Zoom or Skype video sessions.
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What if I'm located far away from you?Paul prefers to meet candidates in person however it’s very common that this is not possible due to distance. In order to hear your answers and make recommendations on your body language, options such as SKYPE, Messenger, Zoom and or face time works exceptionally well. If a video meeting is scheduled you will receive needed documents for the meeting by email the day prior.
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What if I need a specialized resume built or edited that reflects the specific career that I'm applying for and what are the costs?We offer a full professional cover letter and resume service. Each city or corporation we deal with has various specifics or required expectations of resumes. With the addition of our writer Andreas Schwartz, MBA, ONEL, I feel very confident you will receive a great resume. All resumes will be proof read by myself prior to sending out a final product... Rates start at $250.00 and go as high as $350.00 based on time, plus 5% GST. PLEASE DO NOT DELAY IN GETTING YOUR RESUME BUILDING REQUEST TO US..
connect with Paul olson
To connect with​ Paul, fill out the form below.
Or call him direct 1-604-655-7765
Confidential interview preparation sessions are held in person or are being held via online Zoom video services.
frequently asked questions
(FAQ)
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How do I get started?Either call @ 1 604 655-7765 or email Paul @ paulolson96@gmail.com using the form above.
-
How long does the coaching last and how much does it cost?This presentation building session is two hours at $249.00 plus 5%GST. This is a full - packed meeting based around properly marketing yourself to the panel. Coaching is based around you understanding your values, skills and experience and how it relates to the profession. Just practicing interview questions and trying to get them perfect is not what it's all about. The panel only needs to change one word from a previously question and all of your practicing is waisted time. Building a connection with the panel based on your self awareness, honesty and authenticity shows integrity. Panel members can easily spot a fraud. AUTHENTICITY BUILDS TRUST!! The first hour includes resume review, training on the specifics of Behavioural / Competency Based Questions, Situational Questions, General Questions as well as learning how the panel grades your interview performance. Understanding that the employer has certain buying motivators and what your job is in answering the panels questions properly so they can do their job in giving you maximum deserved points. The second hour is based around mock interview questions. This is an opportunity to practice the interview skills just learned... At the completion of the meeting you will receive information paperwork was well as homework to take home. The homework given is designed to lay out a path to follow in terms of preparation of your upcoming interview. Although there are no requirements, based your interview experience and desire to be fully prepared, follow up meetings are optional and may be recommended closer to the actual interview date.
-
Where are you located?Paul is based out of Surrey, BC. If you're far away he offers Zoom or Skype video sessions.
-
What if I'm located far away from you?Paul prefers to meet candidates in person however it’s very common that this is not possible due to distance. In order to hear your answers and make recommendations on your body language, options such as SKYPE, Messenger, Zoom and or face time works exceptionally well. If a video meeting is scheduled you will receive needed documents for the meeting by email the day prior.
-
What if I need a specialized resume built or edited that reflects the specific career that I'm applying for and what are the costs?We offer a full professional cover letter and resume service. Each city or corporation we deal with has various specifics or required expectations of resumes. With the addition of our writer Andreas Schwartz, MBA, ONEL, I feel very confident you will receive a great resume. All resumes will be proof read by myself prior to sending out a final product... Rates start at $250.00 and go as high as $350.00 based on time, plus 5% GST. PLEASE DO NOT DELAY IN GETTING YOUR RESUME BUILDING REQUEST TO US..