Firefighter Cover Letter Sample

Firefighters ensure public safety by responding to emergency calls and extinguishing fires. As a public servant who’s responsible for protecting lives, a firefighter who’s adept at taking the right course of action during hazardous circumstances is in high demand.

Show firefighters that you’re the right person for the job by demonstrating your expertise in an exceptional cover letter.

Unsure how to write a firefighter cover letter? Follow these three cover letter tips to prepare an impressive application:

Highlight firefighter skills

A firefighter’s main responsibilities include combating fires and providing emergency medical care. In addition to completing highly specialized training, fire departments look for a good mix of physical stamina and critical thinking skills.

Here’s a list of industry-specific hard skills that are essential for firefighters:

• Knowledge of policies and procedures in maintaining public safety and security
• Operating firefighting and rescue equipment
• Regulations and codes for inspecting buildings
• First aid training
• Physical fitness

Additionally, here are some soft skills that fire departments look for in a firefighter:

• Communication skills
• Leadership skills
• Patience
• Adaptability
• Resilience
• Problem-solving
• Decision-making skills
• Ability to work under pressure
• Teamwork
• Excellent hand–eye coordination
• Interpersonal skills 

Open with a strong introduction

Craft a strong cover letter introduction that’ll spark interest in employers while highlighting your firefighting qualifications. Knowing how to start a cover letter in an attention-grabbing way will ensure your application stands out.

Here’s how to write a strong firefighter cover letter introduction:

1. Use an impressive accomplishment to highlight an essential skill. For example, you might have given safety demonstrations at 47 different workplaces in the past year.
2. Convey enthusiasm for the position. Use storytelling to connect a personal passion to the job. For example, share a personal story about how you witnessed a heroic rescue mission when you were a teenager, and you want to do the same for others.
3. Quantify your skills to give fire departments a sense of what you can contribute. Doing so also helps employers visualize how you’ll fit in.

Emphasize your ability to work under pressure

As a first responder to emergency calls, you need to handle many stressful situations.

Show employers that you can make the right decisions when it comes to public health and safety by emphasizing your ability to work under pressure in your cover letter.

For example, state you’ve responded to an average of 150 fires, medical emergencies, and life-threatening situations annually.