Firefighter Resume Examples and Templates for 2024
Firefighters are responsible for the well-being of the public. Use our firefighter resume examples and tips to show that you’re ready for the challenge.
Our customers have been hired by:*Foot Note
Featured firefighter resume example
For guidance on how to create your firefighter resume, just follow the example and tips below.
Firefighter resume overview and tips
Firefighter Resume Examples
A firefighter protects the public from fires and other dangers. They are public servants who also need to educate people on fire safety and preventative measures.
A fantastic firefighter resume sample will therefore show you can perform the duties of the role. It will show you have the necessary certifications, first aid knowledge, and fire safety expertise to exceed while showing you have the skills required to respond effectively to emergency situations.
Create your resumeWhat to highlight in a firefighter resume
A professional resume for a firefighter will foster trust in you. It should demonstrate that you have the relevant knowledge while also portraying you as a reliable team player. Hiring managers are going to be looking for specific references to duties outlined in the job description.
Where possible, make sure you make specific references to things like firefighting equipment, knowledge of hazardous materials, and fire prevention throughout your skills and experience sections to firmly establish your credibility in the best resume for the job.
Create your resumeHow to write a firefighter resume
In terms of resume format, the sections of your resume will be the same: header, resume summary or resume objective, skills, work experience and education. How they’re organized will depend on your resume format: chronological, functional or combination. Chronological resumes focus on employment history, functional resumes showcase skills, and combination resumes emphasize both.
Header
The resume header section is a very important part of your resume and is typically the first thing a hiring manager will see. It should contain your full name and basic contact information. It is critical to make it as convenient as possible for the recruiter to contact you, so you should add your LinkedIn profile too.
Resume summary or objective
The resume summary or resume objectivecomes next. This should be short and concise, no longer than three sentences.
What is a summary on a resume? A resume summary is an overview of your career background and what you can bring to the fire department. Think of it as a tagline providing a snapshot view of your career highlights. A resume objective, on the other hand, is a brief statement that communicates your career goals and what you want from a firefighter job.
Skills
Being a firefighter is an incredibly demanding, challenging role. To perform it well, you’ll need a combination of hard skills and soft skills. The skills section of your resume should reflect this, listing a variety of prerequisite skills that demonstrate you are capable of meeting the challenge: both technical know-how as well as intangible skills such as teamwork.
Choose resume skills examples from the bullet points for inspiration:
- Knowledge of fire science, fire suppression and other specific fire-related expertise
- Ability to meet physical demands
- Ability to stay calm under pressure
- Ability to cooperate with team members
- Excellent communication skills
- Knowledge of medical services
- Knowledge of wildfires
- Basic EMT (emergency medical technician) certification
It is imperative to acknowledge the demands of the role in the skills section. In doing this, you show the recruiter you are fully aware of the challenge of being a firefighter but have the personality traits and knowledge to fulfill those demands.
Work experience
List your previous relevant years of professional experience in reverse chronological order in your work experience section. Briefly describe your responsibilities. Obviously, if you have experience as a firefighter, list your relevant duties.
However, if you’re an entry-level firefighter, there are still ways for you to gain experience. You can gain experience as a volunteer firefighter or work in a support role at an emergency call center. You may have experience working as a first responder in an emergency response team or as a paramedic. These roles have transferable skills and show you to be familiar with this environment, even if you haven’t necessarily been a firefighter.
Education
To be a firefighter in the U.S., you typically need a high school diploma or equivalent. You must also pass some specific written and physical tests. If you have already passed these, include them in your education section. To be a firefighter, you must also hold a valid driver’s license. List that in your education section to make it clear to the recruiter. While there isn’t a requirement for further education, put down anything here that you think is relevant, but only if you can justify its relevance to the hiring manager at an interview.
Create your resumeDo's and don'ts for a firefighter resume
- Check your work. Make sure you edit your resume for spelling, punctuation and grammar errors so the resume reads well to the recruiter. Also, use readable and sensible fonts for your professional resume.
- Show your knowledge of industry jargon, such as "adept with high-rise packs." Displayed knowledge of fire science and fire prevention will add some clout to your experience section in particular.
- Make a point of making it clear you are physically fit. The role is physically demanding, so the recruiter needs to know you can fit in with the others at the fire station.
- Write your resume without any help. That’s what the resume writing tips at ResumeHelp’s resume builder are there for.
- Falsify any certifications. This wastes everybody’s time. Many people apply to be a firefighter without certifications; recruiters expect it. Don’t feel pressure to make claims you can’t back up.
- Fill your experience section with details about irrelevant positions. If you do mention other occupations that don't match what a firefighter does, focus on transferable skills, such as a strong work ethic and ability to handle pressure.
Trusted by professionals
FAQ: Firefighter resumes
Have questions? We’re here to help.
What should a firefighter include in a cover letter?
You should always add a cover letter to your application. A cover letter can help provide more detail and a more personal touch. A cover letter should expand on your resume. Start with an intro that highlights your strengths, and follow that up with why you’re a great fit for a role as a firefighter. Then end with a call to action. Take a look at our advice for an effective cover letter.
What should a firefighter put on a resume?
A firefighter’s resume should include any state certifications for firefighting and any other certificates you have as a first responder or a medical technician. However, if you don’t have these, you can still apply. There are many entry-level candidates for firefighting. Include skills that show you can fill the role, be part of a team, are physically fit, and can work well under pressure.
How do you put volunteer firefighter experience on your resume?
If you have experience as a volunteer firefighter, this should go into your experience section. Outline your duties within the role and include any training you took while in the role too.
Couldn't find the answer you're looking for?
