You will start many projects during your lifetime and only be able to finish a handful of them. The best you can do is think, plan, develop and execute…!
In our last installment (Pt. 4) we covered Certifications and Qualifications. These designations and essential attributes that you have acquired over the years are very important. They illustrate to the organization you are trying to get hired by that you are a worker and a life long learner. These two traits are what we look for in all good firefighters. Having had the opportunity to sit on the other side of the table I can tell you first hand that if you possess these skills you will have a better chance at success in the process.
In this, our final part in this 5 part series, we will cover Special Related Interests and Community Involvement / Volunteerism. These are my personal favorites. From these accomplishments we can tell a lot about the kind of person you are. If you have participated in outside interests this shows depth and dimensionality. Firefighters have lives outside the station and these Special Related Interests and Involvement show that you do too. They show that you are a balanced person who has the ability to apply your character traits to more than just your profession. This is often times referred to as the “Complete Firefighter.”
Let’s look now at Special Related Interests. First, we must determine what they are and then we can determine what yours are. A special interest is an activity or action you participate in that is above and beyond your normal everyday actions. These are instances where you show that you are involved in affairs that take effort and your genuine concern for others into account. Here are some examples:
- Career development programs
- Interest groups and programs
- Military/Veterans Groups
- Project groups
Some specific examples are:
- Local College Career/Professional Development Committee
- Business / Trade Associations
- Agricultural Groups
- Professional Groups
- Labor Union Groups
- VFW / American Legion
Community Involvement / Volunteerism are elements of a persons individual make up or character. These activities show that you are willing to participate in some cause or movement and expect nothing in return. In other words you do it because it is the right thing to do. Here are some examples:
- Campus or School Organizations
- Community Projects
- Civic Clubs
- Professional Associations
Some specific examples are:
- Fire Science Club, Leadership / Student Body
- Habitat for Humanity
- Parent – Teacher Association, Rotary Club
- Community Development Society / National Wildlife Federation
- National Association for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE)
Be sure to select those which are the most recent, relevant, and professional. These associations should best demonstrate your skills and abilities. Please list these experiences in reverse chronological order with the most recent activities listed first, just like you did in your work experience section.
Well, You have done it. By now, the very least you have done over the last 5 months is invest some time reading about how to develop a winning resume and what information goes into one. Hopefully, you have followed along and actually dove deep into your being to find the qualities, skills, accomplishments and actions that describe who you are. If you have, you are well on your way to developing the document that will speak for you when you are not in the room. As we mentioned in part 1 of this series “The purpose of a resume is to give the oral board and others who read it a picture of who you are, what you have done relative to the job and what you stand for. This information is conveyed to the reader/rater in terms of experience, education, accomplishments and community involvement. Since the reader/rater will only see your resume for 15 – 30 seconds you must convey your message completely and concisely. There is no time for information that is irrelevant or uninteresting.”
Now, you may be asking where do I go from here? Fire Alumni has been helping candidates and job seekers with resume and personal development since 1996. Fire Alumni was created to help you achieve your most ambitious fire service career goals. From entry-level firefighter to Chief of the Department we provide comprehensive training, strategic counsel and an outlet to exchange important information. Our vision is to revolutionize the fire service by preparing you to be the very best candidate and providing you with opportunities to continually hone and develop your skills. We do this by becoming your strategic partner who provides unparalleled training and skills development throughout your fire service career. We believe that our values-based training will result in a stronger relationship between you, your department and the citizens you serve. Continuous improvement and breakthrough thinking serve as our hallmark. Our cornerstone values of Integrity, Courage and Commitment guide us every day.
We have developed a world-class production team to deliver educational content to you in many formats, including digital content, DVD’s, live events at partner colleges and various book configurations. We represent the hub of information for your career advancement.
To get ahead and position yourself for ultimate mastery and success you must associate and take into your confidence those who have your best interest in mind. Fire Alumni and our cadre of highly acclaimed experts are committed to delivering top-level, critical and relevant information to you. We exist to be part of your mastermind alliance and provide you what you need to get the JOB!
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When will you begin? There is no time to waste.
Fightin’ 4 YOU !!!
