Firefighter Resume 2024 Guide + Examples + Pro Tips
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Firefighters are brave individuals who are crucial in keeping our communities safe. Their primary responsibility is to respond to emergencies, such as fires, accidents and natural disasters. They are trained to quickly assess the situation and take appropriate action to control and extinguish the fire. This often involves working under intense pressure and in hazardous conditions.
A great job as a firefighter demands a perfect firefighter resume. Not sure how to write an effective resume for a firefighter job? Don’t worry! We’re here to help. Our firefighter resume samples and guide will help you make the most of your organizational and interpersonal skills to get the job you want quickly!
Start by editing this sample firefighter resume, or explore our library of customizable resume templates to find the ideal firefighter resume template for you.
Firefighter resume example (text version)
Shannon Curry
Orlando, FL 32789
(555) 555-5555
example@example.com
Professional Summary
Dedicated firefighter with experience protecting lives, property and the community from various emergencies. Proven track record of responding efficiently to fire incidents, performing rescues and providing emergency medical services. Adept at coordinating with team members and implementing effective fire prevention strategies. Committed to continuous training and development to ensure optimal preparedness for any emergency.
Work History
January 2022 – Current
Orange County Government – Orlando, FL
Fire Lieutenant
- Oversee daily operations of a firefighting crew of 10, ensuring proper equipment maintenance and readiness for emergency responses.
- Implement a new training program that resulted in a 20% improvement in team members’ response times during simulated drills.
- Acted as incident commander for a major wildfire, successfully coordinating efforts with multiple agencies and containing the fire within record time.
September 2017 – December 2021
Orange County Government – Orlando, FL
Firefighter
- Successfully responded to over 200 emergency calls, demonstrating quick thinking and effective decision-making in high-pressure situations.
- Conducted regular fire safety inspections and implemented preventive measures, resulting in a 15% decrease in fire incidents within the district.
- Collaborated with local schools to conduct fire safety education programs, reaching over 500 students annually.
June 2015 – August 2017
American Ambulance – Orlando, FL
Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)
- Responded to medical emergencies and provided pre-hospital care, managing critical situations with a 90% success rate in stabilizing patients before transport.
- Maintained and updated medical equipment, ensuring compliance with safety standards and protocols.
- Collaborated with local health care providers to enhance community health initiatives, conducting CPR and first aid training for community members.
Skills
- Fire suppression
- Emergency medical services
- Incident Command System (ICS)
- Hazardous materials handling
- Search and rescue
- Fire prevention and inspection
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Problem-solving
Education
University of Florida Gainesville, Florida
Bachelor of Science Fire & Emergency Services
Certifications
- National Fire Academy (NFA) Certification – (Updated 2023)
- International Fire Service Accreditation Congress (IFSAC) Certification – (Updated 2023)
- Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Certification – (2022)
5 essentials of a top resume for a firefighter
Contact details
Add your contact information to the top of your resume so hiring managers can contact you. As our firefighter resume example shows, your contact information must include your full name, city, state, ZIP code, phone number and professional email address. If you have a LinkedIn profile and a professional website, add them last.
Professional summary
A professional summary is a concise, three-to-five-sentence statement that tells the hiring manager who you are and what you offer. A good firefighter resume summary includes job-relevant skills and it should touch on how long you’ve been in the industry. If you are just starting in your career, it’s better to write a firefighter resume objective instead.
Here’s an example of a strong firefighter resume summary:
Dedicated and experienced firefighter with over five years of experience responding to emergencies and protecting communities. Proven track record of effectively managing and extinguishing fires, providing medical assistance and conducting rescue operations. Skilled in operating firefighting equipment and maintaining a calm and organized approach in high-pressure situations. Possess strong physical endurance and the ability to work well in a team. Committed to continuously improving skills and staying updated on the latest firefighting techniques. Seeking a challenging role as a firefighter to utilize my skills and experience in serving and protecting the community.
Skills
Create a skills section for your firefighter resume so hiring managers can see if your skill set matches their needs. A firefighter resume template will have a separate section for your job-relevant skills in a bulleted list. As our sample firefighter resume shows, skills for a firefighter resume include a mix of hard and soft skills such as navigation and time management.
Firefighters also assist in medical emergencies, including administering first aid until paramedics arrive. Their work requires physical and mental strength, as well as teamwork and communication skills. Firefighters are dedicated and selfless individuals who risk their lives daily to protect and serve their communities.
Work history
As our firefighter resume sample shows, your resume must include a work history section, even if this is your first professional job. In reverse-chronological order, display your current and previous employers and provide company names, locations and the dates you worked for them. Include three bullet points of measurable achievements for every job you list.
Examples of accomplishments for a firefighter resume might include:
- Responded to 500 emergency calls in one year, exceeding the department’s average by 20%.
- Completed 100 hours of advanced training in hazardous materials response, improving the team’s overall readiness by 25%.
- Conducted fire inspections for 200 buildings, resulting in a 95% compliance rate and reducing potential fire hazards in the community.
Education
A resume for a firefighter must always include an education section. In reverse chronological order, use bullet points to show the schools’ names and the years you graduated. If you did not attend college, list your high school information and the classes or training you’ve taken since graduating. If you come from an apprenticeship, then list it here.
Educational requirements for a firefighter may include:
- High school diploma or GED: Most fire departments require candidates to have a high school diploma or equivalent.
- Post-secondary education: Some fire departments may require candidates to complete college-level coursework, such as an associate’s degree in fire science or a related field.
- Fire academy training: All candidates for firefighter positions must complete training at a fire academy, which typically takes several months to complete.
- Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Certification: Many fire departments require candidates to be certified as EMTs or paramedics. This may involve completing a separate certification program after the fire academy training.
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Action words for a standout firefighter resume
Use action words and numbers to make your descriptions compelling.
Here’s a short list of perfect action words for a firefighter resume:
- Rescue
- Respond
- Extinguish
- Operate
- Inspect
- Communicate
- Lead
- Train
- Maintain
- Evaluate
Need the ideal resume for a firefighter job now? Our Resume Builder has all the tools you need to create a professional resume in minutes! We’ll help you fill out your template. Then you can make edits on the fly, download your finished resume, save it in multiple file formats and send it to your target employer. It’s that easy!
Top skills for a firefighter resume
Review the job description closely and match the required skills to the ones that fit you.
Here are a few examples of hard and soft firefighter skills for a resume:
- Fire suppression techniques.
- Emergency response and evacuation procedures.
- Knowledge of fire safety codes and regulations.
- CPR and first aid training.
- Hazardous materials handling.
- Search and rescue techniques.
- Fire investigation and inspection.
- Ability to operate firefighting equipment.
- Physical fitness and endurance.
- Teamwork and collaboration.
Review our library of resume examples for more inspiration.
Certifications for a firefighter resume
A certification is not required to work as an event manager, but having at least one certificate can put you ahead of the pack. Hiring managers will be impressed with your industry, in-depth knowledge and passion for your profession.
Certification options for firefighters include the following:
- National Fire Academy (NFA) Certification
- International Fire Service Accreditation Congress (IFSAC) Certification
- ProBoard Certification
Pair your resume with a matching cover letter
Firefighter resume FAQ
What does a firefighter resume look like?
There is no standard resume for a firefighter resume, but a good resume for a firefighter will look like the firefighter resume sample on this page. It must display the job seeker’s contact information, hard and soft skills, such as stress management and fire inspection; your job history, education, and certifications, such as EMT, if applicable. A firefighter resume might also contain sections for awards and honors, such as a Distinguished Service Award or Fire Chief’s commendation.
What is the best resume format for a firefighter?
The resume format you choose will depend on your firefighter experience and career goals. The most common format is the chronological resume. It is used often by job seekers who have consistent work experience.
What if I have no previous professional experience?
Here are six tips to write an effective firefighter resume with no work experience.
- Highlight relevant skills and qualifications. Even if you do not have any direct work experience as a firefighter, you may have acquired skills and qualifications through other experiences such as volunteering, internships, or courses. Make sure to include these in your resume and emphasize how they apply to the role of a firefighter.
- Include relevant education and training. If you have completed any courses or training related to firefighting, make sure to include them in your resume. This can help showcase your interest and dedication to the field.
- Emphasize physical fitness. Being a firefighter requires a high level of physical fitness. If you have participated in any sports or physical activities, make sure to mention them in your resume. This can demonstrate your ability to handle physically demanding tasks.
- Showcase your teamwork and communication skills. Teamwork and effective communication are crucial for firefighters. If you have experience working in a team or have strong communication skills, mention them in your resume.
- Use strong action verbs. When describing your skills and experiences, use strong action verbs to make your resume stand out. Words like “operate,” “respond,” and “organize” can make a big impact and highlight your firefighter abilities. Also, use specific examples to demonstrate your skills rather than just stating them.
- Add a resume objective. Even if you have no experience in the firefighting field, firefighter resume objectives can help to show your dedication and passion for the job. They can also demonstrate your willingness to learn and grow in the field, making you a promising candidate for the position.
Here’s an example of a good resume objective for a firefighter:
Seeking to obtain a position as a firefighter at a reputable fire department where I can utilize my strong physical abilities, extensive training, and passion for helping others to protect and serve the community. I am committed to continuously improving my skills and knowledge in the field of firefighting and am dedicated to providing swift and effective responses in emergency situations. My goal is to make a positive impact in the community and ensure the safety of all citizens.
Do’s and don’ts for building a firefighter resume
- Use measurable achievements like “Successfully rescued and evacuated 10 individuals from a burning building, while ensuring their safety and minimizing property damage.”
- Use action words such as respond, rescue and coordinate to make an impact on your firefighter resume.
- Tailor your resume to your target firefighter job.
- Use keywords from the job description throughout your firefighter resume.
- Format your firefighter resume so that it is easy to read by ATS software and human eyes.
- Lie about your firefighter experience and skills.
- Boast about your achievements. Instead, include measurable accomplishments like “Extinguished more than 100 fires during the first month of the wildfire season.”
- Include irrelevant personal information such as your ethnicity and age.
- Add skills and experience that are about something other than firefighting.
- Forget to proofread!
Top 4 tips for acing a firefighter interview
Research first.
It’s vital to take the time to learn about the U.S. Fire Administration’s history, goals, values and people. Doing so conveys interest, passion and commitment — traits that can set you above the competition.
Some things to consider when researching a fire department to join:
- The department’s mission and values: The first thing to consider is the department’s overall mission and values. This will give you an idea of their goals and priorities.
- Response time and fire coverage area: It is important to know the department’s response time and the size of their coverage area. This will give you an idea of the workload and the potential risks you may face.
- Staffing and training: Look into the department’s staffing levels and the types of training they offer to their firefighters. A well-trained and adequately staffed department is crucial for effective emergency response.
- Equipment and technology: Firefighting requires specialized equipment and technology. Research the department’s resources and technology to ensure they have the necessary tools to perform their job effectively.
- Safety protocols and procedures: Firefighting is a dangerous job, and it’s essential to work in a department that prioritizes safety. Look into their safety protocols and procedures to ensure they have a strong safety culture.
- Community outreach and education: A good fire department should also be actively involved in the community and provide educational programs on fire safety and prevention. Look into their community outreach initiatives and see if they align with your values.
- Reputation and reviews: Do some research on the department’s reputation and read reviews from current or former employees. This will give you insights into the department’s culture and work environment.
- Opportunities for advancement: If you are looking for long-term employment, consider the department’s opportunities for career advancement and professional development.
- Pay and benefits: As a firefighter, you deserve fair compensation and benefits for your hard work. Research the department’s pay structure and benefits package to ensure it meets your needs.
- The fire department’s history and track record: Finally, look into the department’s history and track record. This will give you an idea of their experience and success in handling emergencies and serving the community.
Practice your answers.
Practice is critical. Practice for your interview by reviewing the most common job interview questions and prepare answers for possible firefighting-specific questions, like:
- How do you handle stressful situations?
- Can you give an example of a time when you had to work as part of a team in an emergency situation?
- How do you prioritize tasks during a fire emergency?
- What do you think are the most important qualities for a firefighter to have?
- How do you stay physically fit for the demands of the job?
Write down two or three possible answers for each question, then practice answering them with a friend.
Prepare questions to ask during the interview.
After the hiring manager and potential colleagues question you, they will likely offer for you to ask them some questions. Always have at least three for each person you speak with; doing so shows that you’re interested and have been paying close attention.
Some questions you might ask a hiring manager when interviewing for a firefighter job are:
- What specific training and certifications do you require for firefighters in this department?
- Can you tell me about the department’s response times and protocols for emergency calls?
- How does the department prioritize and allocate resources during a large-scale fire or emergency situation?
- What types of equipment and technology does the department use for fire suppression and rescue operations?
- How often does the department conduct training and drills for firefighters to maintain their skills and knowledge?
Gather references
Have professional references ready during your interview. It comes in handy, especially if the hiring manager offers you the job on the spot. Make a list of two former colleagues and a former manager willing to speak highly about your abilities to perform the firefighter job.
Cover letter examples for the next step in your fire fighting career
CV examples for the next step in your fire fighting career
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Sources
- CareerAddict. Article. David, Valerie. The Top 15 Skills Needed Become a Firefighter
- Fire Science Online. Article. How to Become a Firefighter
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Occupational Outlook Handbook. Firefighters
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Firefighter Resume Example
Kellie is a Certified Professional Resume Writer with extensive experience in digital media. She is passionate about helping job seekers navigate their careers. She earned a B.A. in English and writing from Temple University.
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