Depending on your education and previous experience, the contents of your firefighter resume will differ. Because the best resumes highlight your most important and relevant qualifications for the job you’re applying for, it’s best to think of your firefighter resume as a living document that changes depending on the position you want. If you’re a new firefighter, you probably won’t have many qualifications to list, so your education and training, as well as any previous work experience, will be the most relevant and important information on the document.
More experienced firefighters will want to include their years of service, special training, awards, and recognition in their resume. The firefighter resume will have more details, but keep in mind that your resume should be no more than one or two pages long. Beyond that, the data becomes too jumbled and overwhelming for a prospective employer to sift through. There are several ways to prioritize the information: it is sometimes best to organize the firefighter resume chronologically for young firefighters just breaking into the industry; more experienced firefighters, on the other hand, should try to prioritize the resume information by posting the most relevant training and experience first.
If you’re a new firefighter with little or no firefighting experience, don’t be afraid to include other jobs on your resume. While these jobs may not be directly related to the position for which you are applying, it is always a good idea to demonstrate to potential employers that you have a strong work ethic and have experience working in a structured environment. Volunteer positions you’ve held, especially if they relate to firefighting, medical services, or even military experience, should be listed on your firefighter resume.
Make a list of all relevant certifications and licenses that you possess. Employers will look for candidates who have passed the appropriate exams and have completed a variety of training programs, such as first aid, CPR, advanced emergency medical training, and all relevant fire training. If you have a commercial driver’s license (CDL), be sure to include it in your resume, along with any heavy equipment training you may have. Although it is not required, some people list references directly on the resume. In most cases, employers will ask for references directly.