Making A Good First Impression
What is the most important factor in making a good first impression? Most people assume it's physical appearance — but the first impression was made long before they ever met you. It was made when they read your application and resume.
The Application and Resume
A sloppy, poorly written application gives hiring officers a negative first impression before you've said a word. Words must be spelled correctly. Sentences must be organized and grammatically correct. If your application is messy or contains errors, you have already lost the one minute they were going to spend on it.
Make sure your application is neat and error-free. A one-page resume is appropriate for an entry-level firefighter — reviewers spend less than a minute on it, so your major qualifications must fit on that page. Lead with the most relevant experience: EMT certification, firefighting experience, apparatus training. The more relevant the item, the higher on the page it belongs.
Organizing Your Resume
Include dates of qualifications and experience on the right side of the page where they can be quickly referenced. After your qualifications, list your education, coursework, and other pertinent information to round out the package.
Every detail of your application reflects on you before you walk into the room. Treat it with the same seriousness you would bring to the oral board interview itself.
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