Firefighters are emergency service first responders who are responsible for putting out fires, providing assistance to victims of accidents and disasters, and protecting communities from certain man-made and natural hazards. Someone completing a firefighter application should include basic personal information such as their name and date of birth as well as details of any prior industry related work experience. Additionally, many fire departments require firefighters to have undergone some medical training in which case applicants should include details of medical training courses on an application.
Many many fire departments employ entry-level firefighters, but some departments require job applicants to have completed training or certification classes. Some colleges offer degree programs in fire science while others offer non-degree level vocational classes in fire fighting and emergency management. While many departments do not require prospective firefighters to have completed such courses, fire chiefs and managers may look favorably on applicants who have these academic credentials so details of such courses should be listed on a firefighter application.
In some areas, firefighters are required to administer first aid to accident victims and to attend to the injured until trained physicians or medics arrive on the scene. Many firefighting vehicles double as ambulances, ferrying accident victims to hospital. Therefore, someone completing a firefighter application should include details of any medical training classes attended and details of prior experience in different areas of the emergency services field.
Like most organizations, fire departments provide recruits with the opportunity for advancement. Many firehouses require fire chiefs or managers to have completed college degree programs in management or administration. Someone hoping to establish a long lasting career in the field should include their academic credentials on their firefighter application even if those details are not relevant to the role they are applying for in the short-term.
Firefighters have to be physically fit and have the ability to carry heavy equipment. In many instances, firefighters have to carry wounded people out of damaged buildings and often have to rely on their physical strength to break down doors and other barriers in flame-filled buildings. Some employers seek out recruits who have prior experience working in physically demanding roles. Those with health issues or concerns that could have an impact on performance should also include information pertaining to those issues on his or her firefighter application.
Many employers conduct background checks on applicants for firefighter positions; people who withhold information about past arrests or felonies may have their applications rejected. Individuals should provide honest answers to all questions on the application. Additionally, applicants should include contact details of referees on applications, since many employers like to contact former employers of a prospective recruits before offering those individuals permanent jobs.
