Crafting a CV that effectively showcases the diverse skill set required for firefighting can be daunting, given the unique blend of physical prowess, technical knowledge, and emergency response acumen needed in the role. Our guide offers tailored advice and examples to help you articulate your experience and achievements in a way that resonates with fire service recruiters.
- Design and format your professional firefighter CV;
- Curate your key contact information, skills, and achievements throughout your CV sections;
- Ensure your profile stays competitive by studying other industry-leading firefighter CVs;
- Create a great CV even if you happen to have less professional experience, or switching fields.
When writing your firefighter CV, you may need plenty of insights from hiring managers. We have prepared industry-leading advice in the form of our relevant CV guides.
How complex should the format of your firefighter CV be?
Perhaps, you decided to use a fancy font and plenty of colours to ensure your firefighter CV stands out amongst the pile of other candidate profiles. Alas - this may confuse recruiters. By keeping your format simple and organising your information coherently, you'll ultimately make a better impression. What matters most is your experience, while your CV format should act as complementary thing by:- Presenting the information in a reverse chronological order with the most recent of your jobs first. This is done so that your career history stays organised and is aligned to the role;
- Making it easy for recruiters to get in touch with you by including your contact details in the CV header. Regarding the design of your CV header, include plenty of white space and icons to draw attention to your information. If you're applying for roles in the UK, don't include a photo, as this is considered a bad practice;
- Organising your most important CV sections with consistent colours, plenty of white space, and appropriate margins (2.54 cm). Remember that your CV design should always aim at legibility and to spotlight your key information;
- Writing no more than two pages of your relevant experience. For candidates who are just starting out in the field, we recommend to have an one-page CV.
One more thing about your CV format - you may be worried if your double column CV is Applicant Tracker System (ATS) complaint. In our recent study, we discovered that both single and double-column CVs are ATS-friendly . Most ATSes out there can also read all serif and sans serif fonts. We suggest you go with modern, yet simple, fonts (e.g. Rubik, Lato, Raleway) instead of the classic Times New Roman. You'll want your application to stand out, and many candidates still go for the classics. Finally, you'll have to export your CV. If you're wondering if you should select Doc or PDF, we always advise going with PDF. Your CV in PDF will stay intact and opens easily on every OS, including Mac OS.
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Be mindful of white space; too much can make the CV look sparse, too little can make it look cluttered. Strive for a balance that makes the document easy on the eyes.
The top sections on a firefighter CV
- Personal Statement explaining qualifications and passion for firefighting because it sets the tone for the CV and gives the recruiter a quick introduction to the candidate's motivation and background.
- Firefighting Experience listing specific roles and responsibilities because it details practical experience and specific skills gained on the job.
- Relevant Certifications showcasing firefighting and life-saving credentials because these are critical for meeting the requirements of the role and assuring the recruiter of the candidate's qualifications.
- Physical Fitness Achievements to demonstrate the candidate's ability to meet the demanding physical requirements of firefighting.
- Community Service Record to highlight the candidate's commitment to helping others and teamwork, which are vital attributes for a firefighter.
What recruiters value on your CV:
- Highlight any experience with emergency situations or crisis management, demonstrating your ability to keep calm under pressure and make quick decisions in high-stakes environments.
- Include any relevant certifications or training, such as Fire Safety Training, CPR, First Aid, or Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) qualifications, which show your dedication to the profession and preparedness for the role.
- Detail any physical fitness regimes or athletic pursuits that showcase your strength, stamina and agility, as the physical demands of firefighting are significant and integral to the job.
- Emphasise teamwork and communication skills, as firefighting relies on the ability to work effectively as part of a cohesive unit, and to coordinate with other emergency service providers.
- Provide evidence of community service or volunteer work, especially with fire departments or related fields, to demonstrate a commitment to serving the public and saving lives.
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Our checklist for the must-have information in your firefighter CV header
Right at the very top of your firefighter CV is where you'd find the header section or the space for your contact details, headline, and professional photo. Wondering how to present your the name of the city you live in and the country abbreviation as your address;
- are tailored to the role you're applying for by integrating key job skills and requirements;
- showcase what your unique value is, most often in the form of your most noteworthy accomplishment;
- select your relevant qualifications, skills, or current role to pass the Applicant Tracker System (ATS) assessment. Still not sure how to write your CV headline? Our examples below showcase best practices on creating effective headlines:
Examples of good CV headlines for firefighter:
- Firefighter | Hazardous Materials Technician | Fire Service Instructor | 5+ Years of Field Experience
- Senior Firefighter | Fire Safety Specialist | Incident Command System Certified | 10 Years Active Service
- Fire and Rescue Operator | Urban Search and Rescue Expert | CPR Qualified | 7 Years of Excellence
- Deputy Station Manager | Advanced Firefighting Techniques | Leadership & Training | Over 12 Years' Service
- Fire Investigation Officer | Forensic Fire Analysis | Fire Prevention Advocacy | 9-Year Track Record
- Fire Suppression Crew Chief | High-Risk Operations | Emergency Medical Responder | 15+ Years Frontline Experience
Catching recruiters' attention with your firefighter CV summary or objective
Located closer to the top of your CV, both the summary and objective are no more than five sentences long and serve as an introduction to your experience. What is more, you could use either to entice recruiters to read on. Select the:
- Summary, if you happen to have plenty of relevant experience. Feature your most impressive accomplishments and up to three skills that are relevant to the job you're applying for;
- Objective, if you're just starting your career off. Provide your career goals and answer how you see the role you are applying for will match your professional growth.
Judging which one you need to add to your firefighter CV may at times seem difficult. That’s why you need to check out how professionals, with similar to your experience, have written their summary or objective, in the examples below:
CV summaries for a firefighter job:
- Seasoned firefighter with over 10 years of experience in high-pressure urban and rural emergency situations, skilled in advanced fire suppression techniques and hazardous materials handling. Proudly received the Fire Service Medal of Honour for exceptional bravery during the 2020 Broadfield factory blaze.
- Dedicated paramedic transitioning into firefighting, bring an 8-year background in emergency medical services and a solid foundation in crisis management, triage, and patient care. Championed a community-wide CPR training programme significantly increasing local survival rates from cardiac events.
- Former structural engineer with a deep understanding of building integrity and fire safety protocols seeking to apply a 7-year background in design and analysis to firefighting operations. Served as volunteer fire warden, leading initiatives for fire risk assessments in vulnerable high-rise areas.
- Decorated military veteran with 15 years of service, specialised in emergency response and team leadership, aims to contribute a wealth of practical knowledge and a keen sense of duty to prevent and mitigate fire incidents. Recognised for coordinating effective emergency evacuations during overseas deployments.
- Aspiring firefighter with a comprehensive understanding of fire science, eager to apply rigorous training and adaptability learned through 4 years of volunteer work with local fire services. Driven by a passion for community protection and a commitment to continuously develop lifesaving skills.
- Recent fire science graduate looking to launch a fulfilling career as a firefighter, equipped with a profound knowledge of fire chemistry and prevention strategies. Determined to bring enthusiasm, a fresh perspective, and an unwavering resolve to protect lives and properties from the ravages of fire.
Narrating the details of your firefighter CV experience section
Perhaps you've heard it time and time again, but, how you present your experience is what matters the most. Your CV experience section - that details your work history alongside your accomplishments - is the space to spotlight your unqiue expertise and talents. So, avoid solely listing your responsibilities, but instead:
- adverts' keywords and integrate those in your experience section;
- Use your CV to detail how you've been promoted in the past by including experience in the reverse chronological order.
Before you start writing your firefighter CV experience section, dive into some industry-leading examples on how to structure your bullets.
Best practices for your CV's work experience section
- Responded to a variety of emergency calls, efficiently assessing situations and deploying appropriate firefighting and life-saving techniques in both residential and commercial properties.
- Regularly inspected and maintained firefighting equipment and apparatus, ensuring all tools and vehicles were in peak operational condition and ready for immediate response.
- Collaborated with a diverse team of firefighters, paramedics, and police during complex emergencies, demonstrating strong teamwork and communication skills under pressure.
- Conducted fire safety inspections and risk assessments in community businesses and schools, providing education and recommendations to reduce fire hazards.
- Participated in continuous professional development programs, including advanced firefighting tactics, hazardous material handling, and emergency medical response training.
- Engaged in rigorous physical fitness programs to maintain a high level of readiness, demonstrating stamina and physical strength required for demanding rescue operations.
- Performed fire prevention tasks, such as clearing brush and setting controlled burns to mitigate wildfire risks, applying knowledge of local vegetation and environmental conditions.
- Delivered emergency medical care to casualties at the scene of fires and accidents, demonstrating proficiency in CPR, defibrillation, and trauma support until medical professionals arrived.
- Contributed to community outreach and fire prevention education sessions, teaching fire safety practices and emergency preparedness to various age groups, enhancing public safety awareness.
- Supervised a team of 20 firefighters in complex rescue operations, achieving a 15% reduction in response time over three years.
- Developed and delivered fire safety training programs to schools and businesses, raising community awareness by 30% as measured by pre and post-training surveys.
- Implemented a new incident command system which improved inter-agency collaboration and efficiency during large-scale emergency situations.
- Orchestrated the upgrade of fire suppression equipment, leading to a marked 20% improvement in firefighting effectiveness.
- Coordinated firefighting efforts at over 50 significant structural fires, prioritising personnel safety and structural integrity.
- Crafted and executed a fire station modernisation plan, including the integration of advanced communication tools.
- Pioneered a fitness program that enhanced physical readiness of the crew, resulting in a 10% decrease in on-duty injuries.
- Cultivated strategic partnerships with local law enforcement to streamline scene security, which improved overall emergency response efficiency by 25%.
- Directed the successful extinguishment and overhaul operations at complex industrial fires, maintaining zero fatalities during my tenure.
- Managed the integration of thermal imaging technology, which maximised rescue effectiveness in smoke-filled environments.
- Led a high-profile investigation into a series of arsons, which resulted in successful prosecution and heightened public safety.
- Oversaw the design and implementation of a wildfire management strategy that protected 100+ homes in high-risk areas.
- Executed critical decision-making during a historic 8.9 magnitude earthquake providing command and control to multiple response teams.
- Fostered a culture of continuous learning, leading to the certification of 95% of the team in advanced life support techniques.
- Enabled a 20% increase in personnel productivity by introducing a comprehensive data-driven performance evaluation system.
- Designed and conducted specialised chemical fire suppression training, noticeably enhancing department readiness for hazmat incidents.
- Played a pivotal role in coordinating cross-functional teams during the response to flooding emergencies, safeguarding thousands of residents.
- Initiated an equipment grant application procedure that secured £500,000 in funding for next-generation firefighting apparatus.
- Coordinated multi-agency responses to natural disasters, showcasing proficiency in strategic planning and resource allocation.
- Conceptualised and conducted a comprehensive risk assessment study for the locality, informing the improvement of emergency preparedness plans.
- Managed departmental budget with exceptional precision, underspending by 5% while increasing operational capacity.
- Championed the adoption of drone technology for aerial reconnaissance in wildfires, enhancing situational awareness and firefighter safety.
- Implemented an innovative fire prevention program that resulted in a 18% decline in fire-related incidents and property damage within two years.
- Facilitated the transition to a new emergency response dispatch system, cutting down average response times by approximately 12 seconds per incident.
Writing your CV without professional experience for your first job or when switching industries
There comes a day, when applying for a job, you happen to have no relevant experience, whatsoever. Yet, you're keen on putting your name in the hat. What should you do? Candidates who part-time experience , internships, and volunteer work.
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Talk about any positive changes you helped bring about in your previous jobs, like improving a process or helping increase efficiency.
The CV skills' divide: between hard and soft skills
Of course, you may have read the job requirements plenty of times now, but it's key to note that there is a difference between technical and personal skills. Both are equally relevant to your job application. When writing about your skill set, ensure you've copy-pasted the precise skill from the job requirement. This would not only help you ensure you have the correct spelling, but also pass any Applicant Tracker System (ATS) assessments.
- Hard skills show your technological capabilities. Or whether you'll be a good technical fit to the organisation. Ensure you've spotlighted your hard skills in various sections of your CV (e.g. skills section, projects, experience) by including the technology and what you've attained;
- Soft skills pinpoint your personality and people or communication skills, hinting at if you'll easily accomodate into the team or organisation. Quantify your soft skills in your CV achievements, strengths, summary/objective, and experience sections. Always support your soft skills with how they've helped you grow as a professional.
Top skills for your firefighter CV:
Fire Suppression
Emergency Medical Procedures
Hazardous Materials Handling
Rescue Operations
Fire Safety Compliance
Equipment Maintenance
Fire Prevention and Education
Emergency Vehicle Operation
Disaster Response
Building Code Knowledge
Physical Fitness
Teamwork
Problem-Solving
Decision-making
Stress Management
Effective Communication
Adaptability
Leadership
Empathy
Situational Awareness
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Use mini case studies or success stories in your CV to demonstrate how your skills have positively impacted previous roles or projects.
Further professional qualifications for your firefighter CV: education and certificates
As you're nearing the end of your firefighter CV, you may wonder what else will be relevant to the role. Recruiters are keen on understanding your academic background, as it teaches you an array of hard and soft skills. Create a dedicated education section that lists your:
- applicable higher education diplomas or ones that are at a postgraduate level;
- diploma, followed up with your higher education institution and start-graduation dates;
- extracurricular activities and honours, only if you deem that recruiters will find them impressive.
Follow a similar logic when presenting your certificates. Always select ones that will support your niche expertise and hint at what it's like to work with you. Balance both technical certification with soft skills courses to answer job requirements and company values. Wondering what the most sought out certificates are for the industry? Look no further:
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Focus on describing skills in the context of the outcomes they’ve helped you achieve, linking them directly to tangible results or successes in your career.
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Key takeaways
What matters most in your firefighter CV-writing process is for you to create a personalised application. One that matches the role and also showcases your unique qualities and talents.
- Use the format to supplement the actual content, to stand out, and to ensure your CV experience is easy to comprehend and follows a logic;
- Invest time in building a succinct CV top one third. One that includes a header (with your contact details and headline), a summary or an objective statement (select the one that best fits your experience), and - potentially - a dedicated skills section or achievements (to fit both hard skills and soft skills requirements);
- Prioritise your most relevant (and senior) experience closer to the top of your CV. Always ensure you're following the "power verb, skill, and achievement" format for your bullets;
- Integrate both your technical and communication background across different sections of your CV to meet the job requirements;
- List your relevant education and certificates to fill in gaps in your CV history and prove to recrutiers you have relevant technical know-how.
