Being A Firefighter

Being a firefighter is considered one of the most dangerous jobs on the market. If you have a passion for preventing fires and saving lives, however, it can be one of the most rewarding jobs as well. Here are a few tips to consider when it comes to applying for firefighter positions.

In many ways, applying to be a firefighter isn't very different from applying to other jobs. It pays to dress professionally, bring a polished resume and cover letter, and behave courteously. The minimum requirements for being a firefighter aren't arduous either. Essentially, you must be at least eighteen years of age, physically and mentally fit, and have a high school diploma or GED. However, these requirements don't automatically guarantee you'll get hired.

Being a firefighter is a competitive position indeed. Thousands of men and women across the country apply for the exclusive privilege of being a wildland, residential, industrial, or military firefighter. In order to stand out from the crowd, you should have credentials that really show you know what you're doing. Fortunately, when it comes to being a firefighter, there are plenty of ways to gain experience.

One of the most common ways to gain experience is simply to attend college after high school. Here you will find a variety of courses tailored to being a firefighter, including nursing, first aid, forestry, fire science, mathematics, and much more. As you take courses, it will behoove you to undergo some sort of physical training as well.

Some firefighters take this method a step further by attending a firefighting academy. When it comes to being a firefighter, there are few places outside of your department where you can find genuine training. However, these academies combine challenging classes with rigorous physical training, providing you with all of the experience you need to learn how to behave on the job. Academies are also useful in that they provide you with a stepping stone in which to apply for firefighting positions.

Sometimes you can use your previous job experiences to add experience as well. For example, those who decide that being a firefighter is their life's goal often start out as park rangers, forestry technicians, nurses, paramedics, and emergency medical technicians. These jobs are great for learning how to think under pressure, react quickly, use teamwork, and other essential skills.

Being a firefighter isn't easy. However, if you impress your station officer, you will eventually be able to join the ranks of firefighters who started out as volunteers. Volunteers get to have the real experience of preventing and fighting fires. Gradually, they are able to work their way up the ranks and work as a professional firefighter. Learn more today about how being a firefighter can benefit you!