How to Become a Firefighter and Get Hired by Any Fire Department in the Country

Firefighting is a great career choice but in order to succeed and land a full-time job as a firefighter you have to beat the competition. Although it sounds intimidating, it need not be. Fire departments across the country are looking for quality employees who possess certain characteristics and personality traits that will make them long-term sustainable employees to the organization.

In other words, they are looking for honest, hard working types who can work well with others, learn quickly and maintain a positive attitude. This article is tailored to those seeking full-time career positions with city and municipal fire departments across the country. So how can you become a firefighter and get hired by any fire department in the country? By following these general strategies and tactics.

Strategy #1 EDUCATE YOURSELF ON THE FIREFIGHTING PROFESSION.

Tactical advice: Find out what firefighting is all about. Is it for you? Are you sure? You have to really REALLY want this profession. Research the departments you wish to work for. Don’t limit yourself here. Would you consider a job offer for Baltimore? Boston? FD-NY? Houston? L.A City? Seattle? It’s OK to dream big here but don’t forget to research your local geographical area too. It’s expensive to test for these big departments if you have to travel to get there.

There are hundreds and hundreds of smaller departments that are just as progressive and they all need quality firefighters too. Ultimately, it’s up to you, but the point is to research and decide where you want to become a firefighter. Once you’ve narrowed it down, COMPLETELY research each departments hiring process. When are they testing, what is the pay, what will the test consist of? Is it single day testing or multiple day? Do they perform the written portion first or the physical agility?

There is no excuse but laziness if you can’t or don’t find out these things…and if you’re lazy, well then, we don’t want you anyway. One of the best ways to conduct this research is to get on line and access the city websites you’re interested in working for. The information is there.

Strategy # 2 STUDY, STUDY AND STUDY. ACHIEVING A HIGH WRITTEN SCORE ALMOST ALWAYS GUARANTEES ADVANCEMENT.

Tactical advice: Find out the written test format and get any available study guides that the City you are testing with provides. Some departments use third party test administrators. They will have a website as well. In addition, get yourself a few fire exam preparation books. There are some good ones out there that I recommend on my blog. Take the time to study and ultimately ace these exams. It is hard work, and it takes discipline, but believe me, the career waiting on the other side is totally worth the effort.

Strategy #3 VISIT FIRE STATIONS IN THE AREA YOU WANT TO WORK.

Tactical advice: Firefighters love to help. Each and every time prospective candidates stop by my station, I go above and beyond to ensure they get the guidance and advice they need to get through the process. Some departments even offer ride alongs for prospective candidates to see what the job is all about. It’s a great opportunity.

Firefighting is a great career. Each and every shift I love to go to work and help others. I have built lifelong friendships with the people I work with and will have a nice pension when I retire. I am fortunate but I have worked hard to get here. If you want to be a firefighter bad enough, you can have the same. Good luck!