The first step in the selection process for any firefighter is filing out an application. One thing is certain when it comes to getting hired in the fire service: You will never get a job if you don’t apply.
Fire departments can accept applications on a regular schedule or may only accept applications on an as-needed basis. Some departments may choose to accept applications on a continuous basis and keep them on file until the need arises. But more often than not, departments will only accept your application within a specified time frame — called the application-filing period.
Some departments may open their application-filing period as often as three times in the same year, while others may go 10 years without taking applications. Given this uncertainty, it is important to make sure that you know when departments are accepting applications, how to apply and make sure your application gets accepted.
Fire departments are legally obligated to advertise their open positions, but how they advertise is left up to them. They may simply post it on their website, place an ad in a local newspaper, or use a job hotline number that candidates need to call.
Given the variety of ways departments advertise, it is a good idea to use a service that specializes in gathering this often hard to find information. FireRecruit.com is one such service that employs many different resources to gather fire service job information and deliver it to its members. We recommend using their service to help you locate jobs in all regions in the United States.
Neat and complete
The application process for firefighter will vary from region to region and department to department. When departments require you to fill out their application form, as most do, it is of utmost importance to fill it out neatly and completely.
Never write, “see resume” on the application. Taking this short cut may get your application rejected, or at the very least give the perception of being lazy, leaving a bad impression of you as a candidate.
Many departments offer their application form online in an editable format that allows you to fill it out from a computer and submit it, or fill it out and print it. Some departments however, may still use hard copies or a software format that is not editable, meaning you will need to print it and then fill it out.
Although typewriters are a thing of the past, if you need to fill out the application in a hard copy form, a typewriter can be a useful tool. Practice lining up the typewriter before typing on the actual form. This is a bit old school, but it may set your application apart from the rest.
If you do not have access to a typewriter or don’t feel comfortable using one, be sure to fill out your application using neat bold print with a quality pen. If you don’t have neat writing, find someone who does.
Regardless of how you are filling out the application, always get multiple blank applications so you have some backups in the event that you make a mistake. When it comes to the application and resume neatness, grammar and spelling do count and do reflect on you as a candidate, so put some time into it.
Have a resume
Always submit a resume along with your application to all departments that allow you to do so. Resumes should be limited to one page for entry-level jobs. They should be formatted in such a way that allows the reader to quickly scan and extract the information on that page. Fine print, fancy fonts or lengthy paragraphs should be avoided.
Go to: http://www.firerecruit.com/resume-builder to see some sample resumes.
Resumes may be used to screen applicants based on their qualifications. When this is the case, the application and resume are very important as they may be the difference between moving on in the process or getting axed.
Time-sensitive material
If the department is requiring certifications such as a CPAT, EMT license or Firefighter I, they may ask for copies of these documents to be submitted with your application. Have copies of all your certifications, degrees, etc., in a file ready to go.
Always read the application instructions carefully to see what documents are required and what needs to be included in your application packet. For example, it is common for a department to ask for a recent DMV printout, or other time-sensitive documents. Be prepared to provide any documents that may need to be submitted that you may not be able to keep in a file.
Your application packet may or may not ever be closely looked at until very late in the selection process. You may walk into an interview and sit in front a panel that has seen over your application and resume, or they may not have been given any of these documents.
There is no set guideline as to how a selection process is managed for any given department, or how your application packet will be screened.
Some departments will only ask for a resume as part of the application process. In these cases, it is a good idea to include a cover letter.
Hit deadlines
One piece of important information that you will want to have prior to submitting your application and/or resume is the deadline. If there is a deadline, find out if applications need to be received by that date, or if they can be postmarked.
If they need to be received by the deadline and you will be mailing it, I recommend sending it via one- or two-day mail to make sure it reaches the department in time. Relying on the U.S. Postal Service to deliver your application by the deadline is not recommended.
If the department is advertising the position as “open until filled,” be sure to submit your application right away, as the position may close at any time. Follow up with that department to find out the status of your application and any portions of the process that are expected to follow.
Applying for Firefighter jobs is one of the easiest steps in the selection process, but still one of the most important. Your application and resume may be the department’s first impression of you as a candidate and if incomplete, or rejected for any reason, or not received on time it is an instant disqualifier.
