How to Write a Resume for a Fire Fighter Job

A good resume will probably not be the final factor that gets you hired as a professional fire fighter, but it is essential in many cases to get you considered. Write in a clean, clear style and use a nicely laid out single sheet to demonstrate the strength of your experience, training and certifications so that you can get an interview to follow up the paperwork with personal impact.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Present your name, address, telephone number and email address in an attractive layout as the heading for your resume.

2. Begin the body of the resume with a clearly stated, single-sentence "Objective" that briefly highlights your experience, the contribution you wish to make and the organizational setting in which you wish to work (for example, municipal fire department).

3. Cite all relevant certifications, licenses, training programs and specific courses in the next section, "Training and Certifications," including firefighting, EMT, rescue, haz-mat, first responder, military and vehicle and equipment certifications and training.

4. Supplement your certification and training information with enumeration of all related college and continuing education programs, degrees, courses, certifications and approximate number of training hours.

5. List your specific related job history under "Experience," with the most recent, significant and responsible positions first and a single-sentence statement of your impact in each major position before the listing of the position.

6. Include positions that are not specifically related to firefighting, emergency, first responder, military or law enforcement work only when they suggest something specific that you will bring to the position which you are seeking, such as management or leadership experience.

7. Add a section called "Affiliations" or "Affiliations and Awards" to include your membership in related professional associations and citations and awards you may have received for special achievements or valorous duty.

Tips & Warnings

• The key to getting serious consideration for your resume is often a brief, professional but friendly cover letter which highlights your best experience and your interest in the specific job at hand. Never duplicate cover letters for multiple jobs, and whenever possible address your cover letter to a specific person and job title.
• Even if you write a great resume for a fire fighter position, you should avoid the mistake of making the resume do all the work. Network with other fire fighters to find someone who knows people in the department where you are seeking a position, and get that person to put in a word for you by mentioning that your resume will soon be arriving.