Firefighter Resume Template & Examples (+Writing Tips)

It’s hard to get a firefighter job. Like, HAZMAT-fire-hard. The team won’t let just anybody in. Their lives depend on you. They’ve got to know you can handle the pressure before they hire you.

You can prove it to them with the right firefighter resume. In a moment you’ll see you how to write yours fast.

In this guide:

• A firefighter resume template better than most.
• How to write a firefighter resume that gets noticed like a PASS.
• How to prep the perfect firefighter job description.
• Why you can’t just list firefighter skills (and what to do instead).

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Don’t need a resume for firefighter jobs? See our guides:

• Correctional Officer Resume Sample & Guide
• Dispatcher Resume Sample & Guide
• HVAC Technician Resume Sample & Guide
• Lifeguard Resume Sample & Guide
• Military to Civilian Resume Sample & Guide
• Paramedic/EMT Resume Sample & Guide
• Pilot Resume Sample & Guide
• Police Officer Resume Sample & Guide
• Security Guard Resume Sample & Guide
• Security Office Resume Sample & Guide
• Warehouse Resume Sample & Guide

Haven't found what you're looking for? Check all our Resume Examples.

Firefighter Resume Template You Can Copy and Use

Here’s how to write an on-deck firefighter resume:

1. Start with a Clean Firefighter Resume Format

You don’t fight fires with olive oil. And you don’t apply for jobs with resume formatting that is poor. To get past the first HR hurdle and get hired use these tips:

Firefighter Resume Format

• Make a single-page resume for firefighter jobs.
• Leave a little white space so your words can breathe.
• Use one-inch margins and a resume font like 11–14pt Cambria or Arial.
• Write resume sections for Heading, Summary, History, Education, and Skills.
• List experience in reverse-chronological resume order.
• Look sharp on different screens with a PDF resume.

Expert Hint: Writing a wildland firefighter resume? Showing past work in the forestry or agricultural fields can be a big boost. Also, any kind of outdoor recreation job or bioscience gets you off to a flying start.

2. Write a Firefighter Resume Objective or Summary

Every second counts. Don’t make the chief waste time hunting reasons to hire you.

Your firefighter resume needs its key points right up top. So write a blazing job objective or job summary. Add:

1. An adjective (hard-working, efficient)
2. “Firefighter”
3. Years of experience (1+, 5+)
4. Who you’ll help and how (provide efficient rescue & cleaning at Fire Station 22)
5. Best firefighter resume accomplishments(responded to 15+ calls weekly)

See these firefighter resume examples:

Firefighter Resume Summary—Example

Dedicated firefighter with 6+ years of experience in emergency response and side work. Seeking to provide safe, efficient rescue, cleaning, and maintenance at Fire Station 22. At Fire Station 20, responded to 15+ calls weekly for collisions and fires.

Experienced firefighter, skilled in emergency response and rescue. Can respond to all types of calls in an efficient and safe manner, including fires and vehicular collisions. Also, willing to chip in and clean the station and vehicles.

Either of those works. But the first of those firefighter resume samples gets real with specifics.

“Well just a second there, perfessor. Maybe that works for a battle-hardened chief. What about a newbie fresh out of fire suppression school?” You’ve still got great options. See these entry-level resume samples for firefighter jobs:

 Firefighter Resume Objective—Template

Efficient firefighter with Firefighter I certification and skills in custodial work and driving. Seeking to do more than my fair share of work at Station 20. Responded to 2+ calls per week as volunteer firefighter at the Jollyville Volunteer Fire Department.

Entry-level firefighter with skills in pump operation and confined space entry. An asset on emergency calls who is cool under pressure and an expert at teamwork and communication. Also, skilled in vehicle repair and maintenance.

Neither of those will burn you. But the first of those entry-level firefighter resume examples with no experience adds proof.

Why did we emphasize “more than my fair share of work?” Because Chiefs hire hard workers—not heroes.

3. Customize Your Firefighter Job Description and Skills

What skills are required in a resume for firefighter jobs? Check out this list of skills for a resume:

Firefighter Resume Skills

Hard Skills	Soft Skills
Qualified Pump Operator	Interpersonal Skills
Driving Skills	Teamwork
Swiftwater Rescue	Honesty
Vehicle Maintenance	Leadership
Computer Skills	Communication
Light Carpentry	Physically Fit
Cleaning and Custodial	Problem Solving
Inventory Management	Time Management
Sprinkler Specialist	Perception
Electrical Work	Listening

But slow it down. Don’t spray them all onto a resume for firefighter jobs. That’s obvious. Custom-fit your resume with resume keywords found in the job description. These firefighter resume samples show how:

Let’s say you’re applying to a job that needs skills in collision response, cleaning, and training.

Firefighter Job Description for a Resume [Sample]

Experience

Firefighter & EMT

Austin Fire Station 20

2015–2020

• Responded to 15+ calls per week for fires, collisions, and medical emergencies, providing fire suppression & First Aid.
• Received the "Silver Toilet" Award - a joke award for doing the most cleaning and dirty work around the station without complaint.
• Trained 15 volunteer firefighters in fire suppression, safety, fire behavior, victim rescue, and fire hose and equipment care.

Key Achievement:

• Awarded the Medal of Merit for helping to extract a victim from a rollover collision and fire while off duty.

• Responded to calls for fires and medical emergencies, providing fire suppression & First Aid.
• Operated pumper and initial attack apparatus.
• Administered medical care, including first aid and CPR.
• Appeared and spoke at local schools and youth fairs about fire safety.
• Conducted 10 media appearances as public education outreach.

Both those firefighter resume examples impress. But the second drops out the metrics and the skills they want.

Are you an entry-level firefighter? Entry-level resumes can work like a Clean Agent system. See these resume for firefighter jobs examples with no experience. They’re for an opening that wants cleaning, maintenance and documentation skills.

Volunteer Firefighter Resume Job Description [Sample]

Volunteer Firefighter

Jollyville Volunteer Fire Department

2018–2019

• Responded to 2 calls per week for fires and vehicle collisions.
• Maintained 95% KPI scores from Chief in all graded areas, including cleaning, maintenance, documentation, and emergency response.
• Cleaned and maintained the equipment, vehicles, and station house, including pumper trucks, quints, and initial attack trucks.

Retail Associate

The Look Clothing

2015–2020

• Managed 7 tables per shift.
• Opened and closed store. Took out trash.

Want a tip? The second of those entry-level firefighter resume samples could add firefighter skills. Think teamwork, communication, efficiency, and work ethic.

The ResumeLab builder is more than looks. Get specific content to boost your chances of getting the job. Add job descriptions, bullet points, and skills. Easy. Improve your resume in our resume builder now.

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Nail it all with a splash of color, choose a clean font, and highlight your skills in just a few clicks. You're the perfect candidate, and we'll prove it. Use our resume builder now.

4. Pump up Your Education Section

How much education do you need in a resume for firefighter positions?

It’s not how much. It’s how you show it. Your resume education section needs firefighter skills. Take a look at this freelance firefighter resume sample:

Firefighter Resume Sample—Education

Education

Basic Fire Suppression Certification, TCFP

Texas Fire Academy

2014–2015

• Recognized by instructors for speed and attention to detail.

BA Business Administration 

Rice University

2010–2014

• Commended by professors for work ethic.
• President, student weightlifting club.

That applicant didn’t just get a degree. She’s fast, detail-oriented, a hard worker, and a good leader. Do that with your firefighter resume and you’ll get noticed like a tot finder.

Expert Hint: According to research by Fire Rescue 1, 70% of career firefighters work in towns or cities with 25,000 or more residents. If you’re having trouble finding work, consider looking in a more populated area.

5. Add Bonus Sections to Your Firefighter Resume

The chief wants someone great to work with. How can he tell if that’s you?

By checking out what you’ve done besides work. So—put a bonus section in your resume for firefighter jobs. Choose from:

• Certifications (EMT, Swiftwater Rescue, etc.)
• Awards and honors
• Volunteer activity
• Professional associations (NFPA, etc.)
• Conferences
• Publications
• Foreign languages
• Additional activities
• Sports

See these firefighter resume examples:

Firefighter Resume—Other Sections

Additional Activities

• Member, NFPA.
• Fundraised $5,000+ through organizing annual Fireman's Ball.
• Volunteer builder, Habitat for Humanity.
• Built solid IT skills thanks to school job in IT.
• Deliver meals 2x per month for Meals on Wheels.

Both examples work. But the second of those firefighter resume samples isn’t bombproof. It’s better to say, “Stay in shape through weekly running and CrossFit.” Then add other pursuits that show firefighter skills.

Expert Hint: Do you know how to write a cover letter for your resume for firefighter jobs? Talk about your passion for firefighting, but also show your top few wow-getting accomplishments.

Double your impact with a matching resume and cover letter combo. Use our cover letter generator and make your application documents pop out.

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Want to try a different look? There's 21 more. A single click will give your document a total makeover. Pick a cover letter template here.

Some cover letter examples that may be useful to you:

• Federal Cover Letter Example

Key Points

Here’s how to write a firefighter resume:

• Start with a firefighter resume template. Arm it with your best emergency-response moments.
• Add firefighter skills like pump apparatus driving or vehicle maintenance. Quantify your talents with percents or numbers of calls.
• Write a firefighter resume objective that turns a klieg light on your best attributes.
• Include a few bonus items like an NFPA membership or volunteer work.

Got questions on how to write good resumes for firefighter jobs? Not sure how to put firefighter on a resume? Leave a comment. We’ll be happy to reply! 

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