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.
Land the job of your dreams with our bespoke guide on how to:
- 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.
Resume examples for firefighter
Explore additional firefighter cv samples and guides and see what works for your level of experience or role.
By Experience
Firefighter Apprentice
- Strong Career Growth and Leadership Development - Ruby's career trajectory reflects robust professional growth, with progressive roles that highlight increased responsibility from Firefighter to Senior Firefighter, and finally to RAF Firefighter. She has consistently led teams and implemented safety protocols, underscoring her leadership skills and ability to influence workplace safety positively.
- Structured Content with Specific Achievements - The CV is well-structured, allowing readers to easily follow Ruby's career journey. Each role clearly lists achievements backed by quantifiable impacts, such as a 20% increase in response efficiency, which demonstrates her capacity to enhance operational effectiveness.
- Industry-Specific Expertise and Technical Proficiency - Ruby's proficiency in advanced firefighting tools and aerodrome safety stands out as a unique competency within her industry. Her involvement in over 200 aerodrome rescue operations with a high success rate showcases her adeptness at employing industry-specific methodologies and tools in high-pressure situations.
Advanced Firefighter
- Structured Clarity and Precision - The CV is organized systematically, beginning with personal details and a concise summary that directly informs the reader of Charlie's expertise. The layout is logical with clear sections for experience, education, skills, and additional competencies, making it easy for any reader to grasp the candidate's qualifications quickly.
- Steady Career Growth and Advancement - Charlie's professional journey showcases a clear upward trajectory, starting from a foundational role as an Emergency Medical Technician to advancing as a Firefighter-ADV EMT. This progression underscores a commitment to professional development, bolstered by advanced education in fire and emergency management.
- Technical Depth in Industry-Specific Tools - A notable aspect of the CV is the inclusion of specialized tools like Fire Studio 4.0 and Emergency Reporting, which demonstrate Charlie's technical proficiency in handling complex industry-specific software, highlighting both current knowledge and the ability to apply these tools effectively in high-stakes situations.
Senior Firefighter
- Structured Career Progression - The CV clearly outlines a steady career trajectory from Junior Firefighter to a Senior Firefighter role. This progression indicates both job growth and the accumulation of experience in the fire service industry, showing a commitment to advancing skill sets and responsibilities over the years.
- Comprehensive Skill Set - The CV highlights a well-rounded skill set tailored to the fire service industry. It blends technical fire suppression skills with leadership and public education abilities, demonstrating the candidate’s capability to handle multifaceted roles within emergency services effectively.
- Impactful Achievements - Achievements listed in the CV are quantified and linked to specific outcomes, such as reducing response times by 20% and improving fire safety compliance by 10%. These metrics demonstrate not only the candidate’s capability to execute tasks efficiently but also their ability to implement changes with significant community and organizational benefits.
Firefighter Trainee
- Highlights Structured Career Growth - Poppy Griffiths' CV reflects a clear career trajectory within the firefighting industry, evolving from a Fire Safety Officer to a Senior Firefighter and finally to a Firefighter Training Specialist. This progression demonstrates her dedication to professional development and increasing scope of responsibilities, emphasizing her ability to lead and innovate within the field.
- Emphasizes Modern Training Methodologies - The CV stands out by showcasing modern approaches to training in the firefighting field, such as developing flexible training modules and revising instructional strategies. These initiatives not only improved course completion rates but also enhanced student engagement, showcasing Poppy's capacity to adapt advanced techniques for practical, impactful results.
- Soft Skills and Leadership in Safety Programs - Poppy's resume details her adeptness at communication and team motivation, crucial skills in high-stakes environments like firefighting. Her leadership in organizing community safety workshops and streamlining emergency communication processes highlights her commitment to safety and operational efficiency, vital traits for a firefighter trainer.
Entry-Level Firefighter
- Career Trajectory and Consistent Growth - Ava Phillips's CV illustrates a steady and logical progression in her career from a Fire Safety Officer to her current role as a Firefighter at London Fire Brigade. This trajectory showcases her upward mobility, marked by increasing responsibilities and a shift from advisory and training roles to direct emergency response and leadership in fire safety operations.
- Emphasis on Emergency Response Proficiency - The CV distinctly covers industry-specific expertise, such as emergency response tactics and fire safety protocols, visible through Ava's role in reducing response times and incident occurrences. Her participation in specialized operations suggests her technical depth and hands-on proficiency in the firefighting domain, improving team competency and operational efficiency.
- Impactful Achievements Reflective of Industry Standards - The use of concrete metrics in Ava’s achievements, such as a 15% reduction in response times and a 30% increase in public safety awareness, reinforces the tangible impact of her initiatives. These achievements highlight her capacity to implement effective response protocols and engage the community in fire safety, demonstrating her value to potential employers.
Experienced Firefighter
- Clear and Structured Presentation - The CV stands out for its clarity and organization, with well-defined sections such as experience, education, skills, and achievements that allow for easy navigation. Each section presents concise content that highlights key points, making it accessible and informative at a glance.
- Demonstrated Career Growth and Responsibility - Sophia Foster has shown significant career progression, moving from an On-Call Firefighter to a Senior On-Call Firefighter, which underscores her dedication and competence. The CV reflects a journey of increasing responsibilities and leadership roles within the fire and emergency response sector.
- Emphasis on Community Engagement and Outreach - A notable strength of this CV is its focus on community engagement. It highlights industry-specific initiatives like community safety workshops and partnerships with schools, showcasing Sophia’s commitment to reducing fire incidents and preparing communities through education.
By Role
Firefighter Instructor
- Clarity and Structural Precision - The CV communicates information in a clear and well-organized manner. Each section is distinct and provides precise details about Matilda Hunter's qualifications, successfully conveying her contributions and skills in a concise format that is easy for readers to digest.
- Comprehensive Career Development - Matilda's progress from an Incident Response Team Leader to roles that involve strategic safety oversight highlights significant career growth. The progression demonstrates her increasing responsibility and influence within her field, reflecting a trajectory of continuous professional development and leadership.
- Unique Industry-Related Expertise - The inclusion of advanced safety protocol implementations and emergency response data analysis showcases a deep technical understanding and application of industry-specific methodologies. Matilda's experience in incident management and safety innovations further distinguishes her as a leader adept at managing complex fire safety scenarios.
Wildland Firefighter
- Career progression showcasing leadership growth - Henry White’s career trajectory illustrates a clear path of advancement within the firefighting industry. Transitioning from a Firefighter to a Wildland Firefighter and then leading as a Firefighting Crew Supervisor, his career path highlights growing responsibilities and leadership roles that enhance his leadership and team management skills.
- Emphasizes strategic initiatives and their impact on safety and efficiency - The CV underscores Henry’s strategic capabilities with achievements like reducing wildland fires by 15% and improving response times by 20%. These metrics not only illustrate his problem-solving abilities but also demonstrate his commitment to improving safety and operational efficiency, which are critical in emergency response roles.
- Integration of technical expertise and environmental conservation passion - Henry's unique blend of technical skills in firefighting equipment maintenance and his education in environmental science supports his approach to sustainable wildfire management. His passion for environmental conservation combined with his technical expertise ensures a well-rounded approach to solving complex firefighting challenges.
Firefighter Paramedic
- Clear and Structured Content Presentation - The CV is organized with well-defined sections that make it easy to read and navigate. The use of bullet points in the experience section helps highlight key responsibilities and achievements, ensuring that each point is direct and concise. This clarity in presentation allows potential employers to quickly assess Grace’s qualifications and expertise.
- Progressive Career Trajectory in Emergency Services - Grace’s career illustrates a clear progression within the emergency services field, transitioning from an Emergency Medical Technician to an Advanced EMT, and then to a Firefighter/Paramedic. This growth demonstrates a commitment to developing skills and taking on increasingly complex responsibilities, which is essential for roles requiring high levels of expertise in emergency response.
- Impactful Achievements Enhancing Community Safety - The CV highlights several achievements that have had a significant impact on community safety, such as pioneering a new alert response protocol that reduced response times by 20%. These accomplishments not only showcase Grace’s ability to improve operational efficiency but also emphasize her direct contribution to enhancing public safety and welfare.
Airport Firefighter
- Structured and Concise Presentation - Jack Taylor's CV is structured clearly, allowing for easy navigation through his professional journey. The sections are organized logically, each beginning with a position title followed by accomplishments in bullet points, ensuring that key achievements and responsibilities are presented concisely and effectively.
- Progressive Career Trajectory - Jack's career trajectory illustrates steady growth, starting from an Emergency Medical Technician to a Senior EMS/Firefighter role. His progression is marked by increasing responsibilities, such as training new recruits and managing hazardous materials, reflecting his capability and readiness to tackle more complex challenges over time.
- Technical Depth in Emergency Services - The CV highlights specific industry tools and methodologies, like comprehensive emergency vehicle maintenance and hazardous material handling, crucial for airport EMS and firefighting roles. Such technical depth indicates Jack's proficiency in both emergency response and technical maintenance, vital for ensuring operational readiness in emergency situations.
Volunteer Firefighter
- Solid Structure and Content Clarity - The CV is meticulously structured, presenting information clearly and succinctly. Each section is logically organized, enabling easy navigability. The use of bullet points in the experience section provides concise and digestible insights into roles and responsibilities, simplifying the evaluation process for readers.
- Diverse Career Trajectory - Freddie Hughes showcases a progressive career path within safety and emergency response domains, demonstrating upward mobility through increasingly responsible positions. His transition from a Health and Safety Technician to a Safety Officer and then to Emergency Response Coordinator highlights a steady alignment with his passion for community and safety.
- Meaningful Achievements with Community Impact - This CV emphasizes the candidate's substantial achievements which extend beyond mere numbers, showcasing real-world impact on community safety and awareness. By reducing incident reports and improving response times, Freddie demonstrates his commitment to tangible enhancements in public safety and operational efficiency.
Industrial Firefighter
- Clear Organizational Structure - The CV is well-organized with clearly separated sections for each aspect of Ella Bennett's career. This clarity is enhanced by concise bullet points under each job role that emphasize her accomplishments and responsibilities, allowing quick and effective comprehension by a recruiter.
- Dynamic Career Progression - Ella's career trajectory illustrates a steady growth from an initial role as a Fire Suppression Technician to becoming a Firefighter. Along the way, she has expanded her responsibilities, acquired new skills, and achieved significant improvements in each position, indicating a dedicated approach to career development within the emergency services sector.
- Significant Community Impact - The CV highlights Ella's dedication to community safety and outreach, notably through her delivery of fifteen public fire prevention presentations and training 150 community members in CPR and first aid. These efforts not only demonstrate her expertise in fire safety but also her commitment to engaging and educating the public for broader safety and preparedness.
Marine Firefighter
- Strong Career Growth and Leadership Development - Isaac Scott's CV demonstrates a clear progression in responsibilities from Marine Firefighting Specialist to Marine Firefighter Team Leader. His leadership in managing teams in high-risk environments and his promotion to team leader reflects a natural career advancement, illustrating his capability in guiding emergency responses effectively.
- Technical Expertise and Industry-Specific Skills - The CV emphasizes Isaac's robust technical proficiency in marine firefighting, clearly listing specific skills such as OPA-90 Compliance and Fire Pump Operation. It highlights his success in reducing equipment downtime and improving response times, which are critical in his field, showcasing a deep understanding of maritime safety standards.
- Business Impact through Achievements - Isaac Scott's achievements are not only measurable but align with business objectives. For instance, his award for Outstanding Team Leader and innovation in safety protocol demonstrates significant impact, including asset protection and operational efficiency improvements. This focus on outcomes reinforces his contributions to operational excellence and crew safety.
Firefighter Lieutenant
- Presentational Clarity and Structure - The CV is structured with a clean, organized format, making it easy to navigate through sections. Each career stage is clearly demarcated, showing the progression and skills acquired at different roles. Bullet points in the experience sections enhance readability and conciseness, ensuring that each key experience is highlighted effectively.
- Clear Career Growth and Trajectory - The CV effectively illustrates Oscar's career progression from Firefighter to Fire Lieutenant, showcasing a trajectory that emphasizes increasing responsibility and leadership. This progression underlines his dedication and the trust placed in him by his employers, indicating both professional growth and increasing expertise in the field.
- Industry-Specific Expertise and Methodologies - The CV demonstrates advanced knowledge of industry-specific tools and methodologies, such as new equipment inspection protocols and hazardous materials handling, alongside notable achievements like reducing fire response times and enhancing team availability. This technical depth reinforces his specialized competence, essential for a Fire Supervisor role.
Firefighter Captain
- Structured and Clear Presentation - The CV is well-organized, starting with a concise header that efficiently conveys the candidate's name, title, and contact information. The use of bullet points in the experience section ensures readability and clarity, allowing key achievements and responsibilities to stand out without overwhelming the reader.
- Clear Progression in Career Trajectory - Isla King's career path exhibits a strong upward trajectory, moving from a Firefighter at the London Fire Brigade to Fire Officer and finally a Firefighter Captain. This progression not only indicates leadership capabilities but also growth in responsibilities and expertise within the fire services sector.
- Impactful Achievements with Real-World Relevance - The CV highlights significant achievements with direct impacts, such as improving response times by 15% and reducing fire-related damages by 35%. This indicates not just proficiency but also a commitment to enhancing operational efficiency and safety outcomes, which is crucial in emergency response roles.
Firefighter Chief
- Cohesive and Well-Structured Presentation - The CV is structured in a logical and intuitive way, presenting Daisy Shaw's professional summary, experience, education, and achievements in a clear and concise format. Each section flows smoothly into the next, providing a comprehensive overview without overwhelming the reader with excessive detail, which is a hallmark of effective content presentation.
- Robust Career Growth and Specialization - Daisy's career trajectory is marked by consistent growth, transitioning from a Fire Safety Officer to a Senior Firefighter. This trajectory showcases her deepening expertise and increased responsibilities, illustrating a clear path of professional development and commitment to the field of emergency response and fire safety advocacy.
- Emphasis on Community Impact and Safety Initiatives - The CV highlights Daisy’s strategic focus on community education and safety initiatives, showcasing her efforts in reducing fire incidents, injuries, and increasing public safety awareness. It goes beyond mere statistics and demonstrates her impact in cultivating safer communities through practical safety education and outreach programs.
Reserve Firefighter
- Emphasis on leadership and innovation - The CV effectively highlights Mia Ward's ability to lead and inspire teams. It showcases her leadership skills through her role as a Lead Firefighter, where she successfully implemented innovative strategies to enhance operational efficiency and team coordination. This focus on leadership is further supported by her role in multinational training exercises and mentoring junior firefighters.
- Demonstrated adaptability and diverse experience - Mia's career trajectory reflects her adaptability and ability to thrive in diverse operational environments. She has successfully worked with various fire services in the UK, including urban and rural settings, indicating her adaptability to different operational challenges. Her participation in international missions also underscores her cross-functional experience and ability to coordinate with global teams.
- Comprehensive and structured presentation - The CV is well-organized, with clear sections dedicated to experience, education, skills, achievements, and passions. This structured approach makes it easy for employers to navigate the content and focus on key areas of interest related to firefighting and safety management. The use of bullet points adds clarity and conciseness to complex achievements, facilitating quick understanding of her contributions.
Special Operations Firefighter
- Clear organizational structure - The CV is well-organized, with each section logically following the other, making it easy for potential employers to swiftly identify key areas such as work experience, education, skills, and achievements. This clarity ensures that critical information is not overlooked, enhancing readability and the overall presentation of the candidate's qualifications.
- Strong career progression in firefighting - Harry Williams’ career trajectory is marked by consistent upward movement, from a Junior Firefighter to a Senior Firefighter in a major service. This growth demonstrates his capability to take on increasing responsibilities and showcases a solid foundation of industry-related experiences, highlighting his commitment to the firefighting profession.
- Emphasis on leadership and mentorship - The CV highlights Harry's ability to lead and mentor junior colleagues by training them to enhance team cohesion and skill levels. This emphasis on leadership not only portrays Harry as a capable team leader but also as someone who is proactive in cultivating a learning environment, which is critical in high-stakes emergencies.
Structural Firefighter
- Clear and Structured Content Presentation - The CV excels in clarity and structure, with well-organized sections that allow for quick navigation of Lily Cooper's extensive experience and qualifications. The use of concise bullet points ensures that key achievements and responsibilities are immediately apparent, making it easy to assess her suitability for emergency response and firefighting roles.
- Impressive Career Trajectory - Lily Cooper’s career trajectory demonstrates significant growth and leadership progression within the firefighting industry. Starting as a firefighter in London, she moved on to a Lead Firefighter and Acting Station Officer role, showcasing her ability to excel in leadership positions and her commitment to advancing in her field.
- Industry-Specific Tools and Techniques - The CV highlights Lily’s specialized skills in hazardous materials operations and advanced technical rescue techniques, reflecting her technical depth and industry-specific expertise. It also mentions certifications such as Firefighter I & II and NIMS, which attest to her comprehensive proficiency and readiness to handle various emergency scenarios.
Firefighter Engineer
- Emphasis on Progressive Career Development - Samuel Campbell's CV showcases a clear trajectory of growth within the fire management industry, starting as a Firefighter and advancing to a Fire Operations Team Leader. This progression highlights increased responsibility and leadership capacity, underscoring his ability to adapt and excel in diverse roles.
- Integration of Technical Expertise and Leadership - The CV outlines deep expertise in strategic operations, safety compliance, and team leadership, exemplified through achievements like improved safety protocols and successful incident management. Samuel's knowledge in wildland firefighting and resource management is showcased alongside his cultivation of leadership skills, reflecting his well-rounded capability.
- Strong Record of Impactful Achievements - Achievements on the CV are clearly linked to tangible business relevance. For instance, reducing incident-related injuries by 30% illustrates a direct impact on team safety and efficiency. Similarly, achievements like the Community Safety Initiative highlight significant contributions to community welfare and risk reduction.
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.
PRO TIP
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.
Recommended reads:
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.
Work Experience
Senior Firefighting Officer
London Fire Brigade
01/2017-12/2020
- 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.
Work Experience
Fire Station Manager
West Midlands Fire Service
06/2012-08/2016
- 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.
Work Experience
Fire Operations Supervisor
Manchester Fire and Rescue Service
11/2009-05/2013
- 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.
Work Experience
Chief Fire Officer
Scottish Fire and Rescue Service
03/2014-02/2022
- 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.
Work Experience
Fire and Rescue Team Leader
North Wales Fire and Rescue Service
07/2015-Ongoing
- 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.
Work Experience
Fire Brigade Specialist
Merseyside Fire & Rescue Service
02/2016-12/2019
- 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.
Work Experience
Experienced Firefighter
Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service
04/2013-07/2017
- 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.
Work Experience
Fire Rescue Innovator
Essex County Fire and Rescue Service
05/2018-Ongoing
- 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.
Recommended reads:
PRO TIP
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:
HARD SKILLS
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
SOFT SKILLS
Physical Fitness
Teamwork
Problem-Solving
Decision-making
Stress Management
Effective Communication
Adaptability
Leadership
Empathy
Situational Awareness
PRO TIP
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:
PRO TIP
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.
Recommended reads:
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.
