The Firefighter Application, The first Step to a Good First Impression

We all know the importance of a good first impression. The Firefighter Application is The first Step to a Good First Impression. But most would not consider the firefighter application process in this category. I would argue that a strong firefighter application and resume are very much a part of making a good first impression in the testing process. I have reviewed 100s of applications, I will give you an inside look into the process and the importance of this application step.

During my career in the fire service, I have been involved in dozens of testing and hiring processes. Reviewing the application and resume is a critical first step in the process that I always took seriously. Coming up short during the application process will usually remove the candidate from the process before it even begins.

The Firefighter application is really the most important first step. If you screw up here, you’re out of the process. If you can’t follow directions on the application, how can you be expected to follow orders as a firefighter working at an emergency scene. We will cover some of the important differences in a Firefighter application and how it differs from a typical job application. We will also discuss how to find out who is hiring and how to take advantage of possible hiring points!

First Step, Find Out Who is Hiring.

Time to start doing your homework. The best place to start is by getting to know the departments you want to work for. All departments have a hiring cycle, when does the hiring cycle start for these departments. These cycles will coordinate with recruit training academies, department growth plans, anticipated retirements, etc. Many departments have long hiring cycles completing the testing process only once every 1 to 2 years. This is why it’s so important to stay informed and ahead of this cycle. Missing the application deadline can mean 2 years before you get an opportunity to apply for this department again.

Research should always start with the department’s website and social media pages. Most departments will post any hiring plans there. It is also helpful to reach out to the department’s Human relations department for hiring and testing information.

If you want to expand your testing and search process, there are many testing information sites out there. During my time as a chief officer, we used the National Testing Network, NTN, to post and manage our application process. The beauty of this site for the recruit candidate is that you can apply for many departments by completing one application through their system. The benefit for the department is it broadens the candidate pool, bringing more applicants. Here is the link to the national testing network.

For other resources on information on who is hiring check out my post on resources for Firefighter hiring by clicking here.

Pay Attention to Detail.

Now that you have found the department or departments you want to apply for its time to start your application process. First verify the application deadline dates. Some departments will accept applications anytime while others will have deadlines. Give yourself plenty of time to complete your application. You want your application as complete as possible. A rushed application missing information is easy to spot and will often be pulled from the process. I have seen applications pulled simply because an applicant used a black pen instead of a blue pen when the directions specifically stated please complete using blue ink. This seems ridiculous but the point being made is that it is important to follow directions and pay attention to detail. Now this is an extreme example, however, it makes the point. Here are some of the more common reasons for having an application pulled from consideration.

• Not meeting the requirements stated in the position posting. A firefighter application is more detailed and complicated than most typical job applications. Requirements are just that, requirements. If it stated that you must have a current Candidate Physical Ability Test certificate, CPAT, then you must provide that. Telling them in the application that you will take the test in the future does not help. Your application will be tossed from the process.
• Not including required supporting documentation. This is another common part of the process that is often missed because the candidate did not pay attention to the details of the posting. Items that may be required to accompany your application are a current driver’s license, resume, a current CPAT certification, high school diploma or higher education diplomas, etc. The point is, submit what is requested. What is equally important do not submit stuff that is not requested. Candidates like to send everything they possibly can to support them as a candidate. However, this often creates a large packet that the Human Relations department, HR, does not want to deal with unnecessary stuff. If the application does not specify what additional information can be submitted don’t be afraid to ask the HR department if you can send additional information such as additional certifications and resume.
• Incomplete, missing information. Make sure you answer EVERYTHING! it is not uncommon to review applications missing answers to simple questions such as, “have you served in the military?” or “do you have a current driver’s license?” Most applications are long and tedious, however, it’s important to make sure they are complete and detailed as possible.
• Missing deadlines and expired certifications. This is probably the most common reason for having your application pulled from the process. Pay attention to when you application is due, if mailing, when must it be postmarked by. I’ll stated it again, if a certificate is required, like and Emergency Medical Technician, EMT or CPAT certificate, make sure they are current and will stay current until the process is completed, or the required deadline is met. For example, if a CPAT certification is required the application posting will state that it must be current by a specific date, often the date of anticipated hire or the deadline application process.
• Accurate and consistent information on your application and resume. In addition to the application, you should include a well written resume. The resume needs to be current and accurate. The information provided in the application needs to match your resume. For example your employment information and timeline need to match both the application and the resume. Discrepancies will raise red flags to the person reviewing your application packet. I have written a post to help you build a great resume. Click this link to the article.

Preference Points

Most departments have very basic minimum application requirements. It’s not uncommon for a department to only require a high school diploma or GED, by 21 years of age and have a current driver’s license. However, your chances of making it to the next step of the hiring process will often be weighed heavily on additional training and education. This is where the preference points come in.

The level of service the department provides to the community will impact the hiring process. If for example the department operates a fire-based ambulance service, they may require or give preference points for licensed paramedics or EMTs.

Other common preference points are:

• Military experience.
• Higher education, Associate, Bachelor or Master degrees.
• Previous fire service experience.
• Previous ambulance experience.

Read and Re-Read Your Application Before you Submit.

Do you see a theme here? I can’t overstate this enough. Before hitting submit or drop you application on the desk at HR verify every piece of information is complete and everything requested is added to the application. It can be very frustrating to find out you didn’t move on in the process simply because you forgot to add something simple like a list of references or a contact phone number.

Pay Close Attention to the Testing Timeline

In closing I want to stress that it’s important to find out the timeline not only for the application process but for the entire testing process. Once the application deadline closes the test will usually move quickly and will require you to meet several other testing deadlines and requirements. The first will often be the fire recruit written test. Then, depending on the department, you will have a physical ability test and then one to three firefighter interviews. I know this sounds daunting and it can be but being prepared and educated on the process will make it easier and less stressful for you.

Good luck to you in pursuing your fire service career. If you have any questions or would like to see more posts on specific areas of the testing and hiring process please feel free to contact me by clicking here.