Firefighter Jobs

I’ve been a professional firefighter for over ten years now and it never ceases to amaze me just how competitive entering the profession can be. Yes, firefighter jobs can be hard to get. But, if you know what you’re doing and how to do it, the whole process can be simplified. This article will break down the process into small steps and serve as a guide to help you reach your dream of being a firefighter.

Step #1. Ask yourself this question: “Why do I want to be a firefighter?” Forget the surface answers like “for the money” or “because it would be cool”. I want you to dig deep. If you can’t honestly answer this question right away, then go apply at the post office instead. I heard they’re hiring. You’ve got to really want to be a firefighter if you’re actually going to have a shot at getting hired somewhere. Do you want to know my answer? I wanted to become a firefighter because I wanted to help people. I wanted to have a job that I could make a difference, big or small, in someones life or day. I’ve had office jobs. Believe me, I’ve done it all. But it wasn’t until I got hired on as a firefighter that I really found fulfillment in what I did for a living. Are we always running into burning buildings and rescuing babies? Of course not, but we do get to help people and for me that’s the source. Some of my best days as a firefighter are spent helping people in very little, little ways. But it’s a great feeling. So look inside yourself and ask that question. If you answered like me or can relate then read on.

Step #2. Do your homework. Research the departments in your area. Stop by a station and introduce yourself. Firefighters love to help people. Forgot that? Please read Step#1 again. Firefighters do have downtime and if you catch them when nothing is going on, they’ll likely point you in the right direction and save you loads of time. In today’s world, most departments now how have an on line presence and you can gain a lot of information that way too. Be thorough on this and find out when they are hiring and what the process is. Turn over the rocks people. There is no free lunch. You’ve got to really want this.

Step #3. Test. Yes, you’re going to have to take some sort of entrance exam. Don’t sweat it. There are plenty of resources out there that can help you with this. I even recommend several really good study guides and ebooks on my blog that are offered from some fellow firefighters. Now, listen up…here’s the key point to this step. You’ve got to really put in the effort on the written to ensure a top score. When I was testing, I got a 96 percent one time and that was not high enough to move on. I got a few study guides, studied up, and came back the next year and got a 99 percent and moved on to the next level in the process. You’ve got believe in yourself.

Step #4. Don’t get discouraged. Somewhere and at some point through the hiring process you WILL get discouraged. Don’t let it get you down. Most successful firefighters had to make multiple attempts before they were selected. The key point here is to believe. Just believe that you will be a firefighter. That positive thinking will put you in the right mindset to get hired.

Step #5. Once you get to the interview stage, JUST BE YOURSELF. Radiate a genuine enthusiasm for being considered and you will do fine. Don’t sit there and second guess and try to tell them what you think they want to hear. Don’t be a know-it-all. Tell them that if you get hired, you will work harder and appreciate it more than anyone else. Tell them that you can’t wait for them to see that your actions will speak louder than your words.

It’s tough to get on as a full-time firefighter, but oh, is it worth it on the other side. I have made so many lifelong friendships in this profession and truly, truly love to come to work each and every shift. It’s the source for so many. Work hard. Follow my advice and believe in yourself. You’ll get there. Good luck.

Justin James is a career firefighter/E.M.T. for Twin Falls Fire and Rescue Local #1556. You can learn more about how to get hired as a firefighter by visiting his blog http://www.firefighterjobs4you.blogspot.com

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