Firefighter Application
Completing the application form is the first step to joining the Fire Service. People usually think filling in the application form is a pretty easy step, but 90% of applications will be rejected.
Where can I get an application form?
Please bear in mind that application forms are ONLY available when recruitment for wholetime firefighters is open for the FRS you want to apply to. Some FRS’s have a ‘rolling’ recruitment (i.e. open all the time, but this may be for on-call rather than wholetime roles). Most FRS’s have a campaign ‘window’ i.e. a few weeks where they will be actively recruiting.
The majority of Fire and Rescue Services use online applications.
What will the application form ask me?
Application forms will vary slightly between Fire Services, but a key part is designed to find about how you meet Leadership Behaviours (as listed in the NFCC framework.)
You will need to give real-life examples of situations where you have demonstrated these behaviours, which is why it is important to understand what they are.
You’ll also be asked to provide your personal and contact details, declare any unspent criminal convictions, and give details of your previous employment and education.
There may also be some basic screening questions for you to answer, to make sure that you understand and meet the basic requirements of the firefighter role.
Often you’ll only be given a short window when recruitment is open to submit your application – and occasionally FRSs will reserve the right to close the process early if they reach a certain number of applicants. Therefore it’s crucially important to be prepared!
How do I answer Leadership Behaviour questions?
The questions are likely to be phrased like this:
- ‘Please describe a timewhere you have contributed to the success of a team’
- ‘Can you give an exampleof a time where you have resolved a challenging problem?’
- ‘Provide an exampleof when you have had to follow procedures to meet high standards’
- ‘Please describe whenyou have had to create a detailed plan in order to meet objectives’.
What help is available?
We have helped many firefighter applicants to improve their ability to pass the selection process. We can show you how to make your application better so you can see the difference yourself. We can teach you how to apply this knowledge to later stages of the recruitment process too.
Our support ALWAYS improves the applicant’s chances of getting through to the next recruitment stage. We can’t write your application for you, but we can make sure it is the best version it can be!
Our Service is recognised to be the best help available to you pass your application. Most of our customers come back for help preparing for their interview!
Our workbooks give you tips and exercises to practice completing an application form before you do the real thing. It covers everything you need to know – it’s full of learning exercises and detailed examples to gradually build up your skills.
Our personalised feedback service lets you know what you’re good at and what needs work with the answers you have already done. If you are concerned your experience may not be quite up to scratch, we can give you honest and constructive guidance and advice.
Next Page: Is my application good enough?
It’s very hard to know exactly what the Fire & Rescue Service is looking for. Lots of people just send off their form and…
