Writing a Great Firefighter Resume
The firefighter resume is the most important first impression. Relevant content that is accurate is vital. I have viewed hundreds of Firefighter candidate resumes. I have seen some of the best, and worst. I will share with you what made great resumes standout.
A good resume is important when applying for a job. What’s important for you as a potential firefighter candidates is to know how to create a great firefighter job resume. We all know that a well structured and well organized resume is important . Where many fall short is on the details that are specific to the fire service. Make sure you include not only education and work history, but also career related certifications as well as community organizations your are apart of. It’s also very important to have accurate and up to date personal information such as contact information, work history and education.
Accurate Information
Having accurate and up to date information seems obvious, however, during every hiring process I have seen candidates miss out on the career opportunity before the test even starts. This is often due to not following the application process directions or not attaching required materials. Read the position posting several times making sure you meet all the requirements and have submitted everything.
Worse, I’ve see candidates passed over for a new position offer simply because their contact information isn’t up to date and there is no way to contact the individual. Have all possible contact information on your resume. This includes mobile telephone number, work phone number, mailing address and email. It’s very important that this information is accurate. It is also important to keep this information update with the department. The testing and hiring process can be very long. It is common for fire department to keep their hiring list for up to two years! Any change in your contact information needs to be provided to the department’s Human Resources department.
Education
Education has become more of a factor in the fire service. I have see some departments requiring a 2-year associate degree to apply. Now don’t panic, if you don’t have additional education above high school do worry. Most department don’t require college degrees, however, many do give preference points for additional education.
Many 2 year colleges offer Fire Science degree programs. This is a great opportunity to further your education while learning more about all aspects of the fire service.
Career and Community Service Experience
Experience for any career is important. The difference with the fire service is it is often a challenge to get any actual experience prior to be hired for a career position. Many candidates will gain experience from a volunteer fire department, being an EMT on an ambulance, from being a wild land firefighter, or on a search and rescue team. It’s important to include any of these in your resume.
With all that being said, the fire service is one of the few careers where most candidates get hired with little to no experience. This is done because once you are hired you will typically be sent to a fire training academy to gain the training and education necessary to become a firefighter.
Don’t forget your Candidate Physical Ability Test, CPAT Certificate! If you have completed your CPAT test within the last year add this to your list of career accomplishments even if it’s not required for the department. This will show your commitment. If you don’t know what the CPAT test is or would like more information on the test click this link:
The firefighter CPAT testing process
Do you have non fire service related experience that could be relevant? Think about what a firefighter does from day to day. It’s not all fighting fires, in reality, that is only 10 percent of the job. For example, firefighters respond to medical emergencies and rescue emergencies. Some departments have hazardous materials response teams and dive rescue teams. Most departments also do public safety events and complete business inspection. Think through all your life experiences you have find any that may be relevant and list them as well.
For example, if you have worked in the construction trade add that to your resume. Having building and construction knowledge is very important to firefighting. It you have taught classes or been an instructor add this as well. Public teaching and fire service training is also a daily activity that this can be very helpful for.
References
Quality references are important. When applying for a firefighter position a complete background check is always completed. Part of that background check is to contact people from your reference list. You obviously want references that will say positive things about you however, a good reverence should be move that “hes a great guy or gal”. Your personal reference should be someone that knows your work ethic and your character. Having your buddy from high school is probably not your best reference.
Suggestions for good references are former supervisors, teachers that know you well, fellow workers that will speak highly of you, or organizational leaders that you work with. You will want to contact each of your potential references asking them to be placed on your reference list so they won’t be surprised when they receive a call asking about you.
Additional Suggestions
It’s important for your resume to stand out. This doesn’t me you need a masters degree and you are the president of a community organization. As much as these types of items help its also good to have a resumes that stands out visually.
First, search google for resume templates. Find one that you find visually appealing select it for your new resume. Some items I would suggest looking for are:
- The ability to add a head shot photo of you. Putting a face to a resume after the initial interview is important. For most positions there can be dozens if not hundreds of applicants. It’s important for the interview team to put your face to your resume later in the interview process. This needs to be a professional style photo of you.
- Contact area easily visible near the top of the first page.
- A space for you to add a couple of sentences about why you are seeking this position with this departments.
- An area for your to add reference contact information.
- An area to add additional information like listing community programs and volunteer organizations you are involved with.
A great resume is important. Keep it neat, organized, and detailed. I would suggest that you keep a electronic version on your computer and update it regularly. Remember to update any department you’ve applied for on any changes to your resume as well.