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Firefighters are responsible for preventing and putting out fires. This involves rescuing people from burning buildings, inspecting areas to make sure they adhere to fire safety regulations, and organising practice drills. Firefighters also respond to emergency call-outs. For example, they might save people or animals that are in danger or help areas that have been affected by flooding.
If you’re writing your firefighter CV, you’re in the right place. At myPerfectCV, we have all of the tips, tricks, and tools you need to create your stand-out CV – from a professional firefighter CV sample to our proven CV builder. It’s quick and easy to get started today!
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Firefighter CV templates
Firefighter CV tips
Follow our CV writing tips for a firefighter CV that’s red-hot.
Mention the metrics
In your work experience section, don’t just list your daily duties in your previous firefighter roles. By including facts and figures, you can showcase your impact and help your recruiter to quantify your achievements – whether you responded to calls in an average of 10 minutes or helped reduce the number of local accidents by 15% through your fire prevention measures.
Use keywords from the firefighter job description
: Your recruiter may use an ATS (applicant tracking software) to find the most relevant CVs. Always include keywords and phrases from the firefighter job description, as this will make your application more likely to be seen by a real recruiter.
Proofread your application
Firefighters need to cope well under extreme pressure and have an excellent eye for detail – whether they’re assessing the cause of a fire or watching out for hazards. Show your recruiter you have what it takes by carefully proofreading your application before you hit ‘send’.
Highlight your training
Although you don’t need any particular firefighter qualifications, it’s important to highlight the relevant training you’ve had. This could be an operational firefighter advanced apprenticeship or a diploma in public services. If you’re applying to the fire service directly and are looking for an entry level position, make sure to include examples of any other previous jobs. Show how these have prepared you for a firefighter role by giving you a range of transferrable skills.
Show your personality
Working as a firefighter requires a strong character and interpersonal skills. In your personal statement, include some positive adjectives to describe your personality, such as ‘resilient’, ‘compassionate’, or ‘calming’.
Firefighter skills to include in your CV
Firefighters need a unique mix of hard and soft skills. Below, you’ll find a checklist of the top firefighter skills a recruiter wants to see on your CV.
Must-have skills for your firefighter CV
- Verbal communication
- Public safety & security
- Teamwork
- Physical fitness
- Full driving license
- Time management
Extra skills
- Multi-tasking
- Quick response time
- Attention to detail
- Ability to stay calm under pressure
- Delegation
Write a showstopping personal statement for your firefighter CV
Your personal statement (also known as a personal summary) is an important section of your firefighter CV. It sits at the top of your application and is designed to give a brief overview of your background, skills, and experience.
In just 2-3 sentences, you’ll need to hook your recruiter in and position yourself as the best candidate for the role. You should also give a sense of your personality by including positive language to describe your work ethic and character.
Top FAQs about your firefighter CV
How do you write a resume for a firefighter?
To write your firefighter resume, you’ll need to include the following information:
- A personal statement that briefly covers your current role, professional background, and most competitive skills.
- A work experience section that outlines your previous roles, with 3-6 bullet points per position.
- A skills section that bullet points around eight of your top skills. Make sure to include a combination of hard and soft skills.
- An education section that covers your academic and professional achievements in reverse-chronological order.
How can I make my firefighter application stand out?
To make your firefighter application stand out, include examples of your key achievements instead of listing your day-to-day duties. Most firefighters will have very similar job descriptions, so listing your responsibilities is unlikely to help your application stand out. By including facts, figures, and statistics, you can show that you’ve made a real impact in your previous roles.
What skills should a firefighter have?
A firefighter needs to have an impressive combination of hard and soft skills, ranging from communication to keeping the public peace. Some of the necessary practical skills include driving, using equipment such as a fire extinguisher, hose, or hand-held tool, being able to work at great heights, and a knowledge of health and safety. Soft skills include communication, the ability to remain calm under pressure, and working effectively as part of a team.
How long does it take to become a firefighter in the UK?
To become a firefighter in the UK, you’ll need to pass an intensive training course that usually lasts between 12 and 18 weeks. At your course, you’ll learn essential tasks such as using breathing apparatus, operating a hose, and ladder safety.
What is the average firefighter salary in the UK?
The average starting salary for a firefighter is £23,800 a year. This firefighter wage can increase to around £40,000 as you become more experienced. Other factors that could affect your pay include your location and whether you’re applying as a ‘wholetime firefighter’ or a ‘retained firefighter’.
Ignite your career with a firefighter CV from myPerfectCV
Firefighters are some of the most important members of our society, so summing up your impact on a CV can be tricky. At myPerfectCV, you’ll find everything you need to write your application. Discover top tips, a professional firefighter CV template, and our proven CV builder tool today!
