Firefighter Resume Template & Examples (+Writing Tips)

Below, you’ll see a station-worthy firefighter resume template.

But—

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

It’s go-time.

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

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

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

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]

Hmm...

Both those firefighter resume examples impress. But—

The second drops out the metrics and the skills they want.

Next—

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]

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

Sizzle!

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

Consider this:

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

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!