How to Build and Maintain Great Firefighter References

One of the most overlooked gems of getting hired as a career firefighter is building and maintaining a great reference. In the small world we live in, you never know who knows who and more specifically, what they have noticed about you. The fire service is generally quite small and someone always knows someone who knows someone so….it's important to keep your nose clean.

TREAT EVERY JOB LIKE YOUR LAST

A great thing to remember with any job is to treat it like it’s the last job you will have before getting hired by your dream department, because it may be.

With that in mind, could you imagine getting sunk in a reference check because you, “aren’t motivated, put your own goals ahead of the company’s or worse yet, have an attendance problem? All because you don’t like the job and it doesn’t really matter?”

If you are actively applying to FD’s that call could come at any time, is your performance worthy of a great reference?

DESTROYING YOUR CREDIBILITY

As a Deputy Chief who has many qualified paid-on-call (POC) FF’s that would make excellent career FF’s, I’m often asked if I would supply a reference. As a DC of a POC department, I find it extremely rewarding to have my FF’s hired by career departments. It shows you must be doing a great job teaching and molding your FF’s.

With that being said, I’m also asked to supply a reference for some of my FF’s who simply would not make excellent career FF’s. These are FF’s who always seem to disappear when work needs to be done, have trouble making the minimum attendance requirements, are always busy when needed for events and extra duties and are often heard complaining on the far side of the pumper.

Yet when they stroll through my office door looking for a reference, they are usually sporting all their department issued clothing and are high-fiving everyone they see on the way in cause this is the best department ever!!!!!

The look on their faces is usually the same (you know that look when you just watched a puppy get run over by a cement truck) when I lean back in my chair and ask for their version of the reference I should give someone else about them.

After a blank look and what feels like an eternity of awkwardness, I will typically break the silence with my concerns about their performance. It should come as no surprise as all our FF’s have semi-annual performance reviews.

It is a wakeup call to some but a few are still oblivious. While some of you may think that this is unfair or mean let me tell you where my head is. What if that person makes it to the final stage of the hiring process and I get a reference call?

To stretch a reference and say that FF “X” is the one you want, someone who respects the chain of command, is always busy, respects tradition, strives to do better, pushes themselves to succeed and would make a model FF for your department can have lasting effects if it’s not true.

What if that FF is lazy, has a sense of entitlement, doesn’t respect tradition, can’t take direction and only cares about stuff they want to do? Imagine you were one of my top performers and I was called by the same department to supply a reference for you?

Do you think you will get a second look? Not a chance, my reference now means nothing and my credibility is shot. If I choose not to supply that individual with a reference who did it really effect? The person who didn’t deserve to get hired or someone who should get hired but never got a chance because the last FF I said was great, was horrible?

ONE INCIDENT IS ALL IT TAKES

I’m sure at some point in your life you have heard the saying, “it takes an entire career to make a good reputation and one incident to make a bad one.”

I have seen this hold true many times over my career. If you are expecting a great reference, you better have a great reputation. Regardless of the job you have, your reputation starts to build long before you realize it.

If you come in for your interview dressed like a slob, are perpetually late or constantly disagree with policy, it follows you. As a top performing employee, you are likely revered for your attention to detail, positive attitude, strong work ethic and willingness to help others. Cheat in a promotional process, steal or become a brown nose and that my friend is how you will be known after 7 years of terrific work.

Although most will likely forget about it and people will come and go, there is always one of two who will never forget and won’t let others forget it either. There is a good possibility it may be part of the “unofficial orientation" process too.

"Welcome to the office Larry, coffee break is at 10:15, lunch is at noon and that guy over there stole $20 from the coffee fund once, they should have fired him!!”

DON'T FORGET...IT'S A SMALL WORLD

For the amount of time most people experience the “small world” meetings, I am often amazed how quickly they forget it happens. Quite often I get reference calls from people I know, it’s actually quite surprising really.

With that in mind, don’t ever forget “it’s a small world”, take pride in what you do, put the company’s goals ahead of your own and push yourself to succeed. You do that every day and I guarantee you there will be no problem being able to come up with the reference you feel should be delivered to you.

This article was written by Roree Payment. Roree is a Deputy Chief for Clearview Fire and Emergency Services with over 16 years of experience.

Increase your chances of becoming a firefighter...

Here are some great articles to prove you with more insight on how to become a firefighter in Canada.

NEVER MISS ANOTHER RECRUITMENT!

Join 8,000+ Active Members Who Receive New Recruitments Directly To Their Email. Get The Latest Scoop, tips and much more!

Here's how we can help...

resume icon png 5 How to Build and Maintain Great Firefighter References

Resume Service

If you don't think your resume stands out above the crowd, this is the service for you. We will make your resume shine above those of your competitors. Don't let the ATS software determine if you're a good candidate! Get a keyword rich resume today! 

jobtestprep How to Build and Maintain Great Firefighter References

Firefighter Aptitude Testing Service

I can't repeat this enough. When it comes to landing your dream job, preparation is KEY! The best thing you can do to prepare is to constantly stay on top of your game and study frequently. Check this great service out and be ready for your next aptitude test.

firefighter interview How to Build and Maintain Great Firefighter References

Firefighter Interview Preparation

If you don't feel prepared for your interview, we are here to help. Don't just "wing" an interview, the best thing you can do to improve your chances is to be prepared. We not only provide you with 3-hours of coaching, but our 5-step system to allow you to craft beautiful and captivating stories that relate to the fire service.

Mastering Eligibility and Application How to Build and Maintain Great Firefighter References

1-on-1 Consulting

The Fire Recruitment Consulting Service is your essential guide to a firefighting career, perfect for anyone from aspiring firefighters to career changers. It transforms the daunting recruitment process into a navigable journey with personalized support and expert guidance. Our service covers everything from in-depth career insights and application strategies to test preparation and mental health resources. 

pleasurecraft How to Build and Maintain Great Firefighter References

Canadian Pleasure Craft Operator Card

If you don't already have your pleasure craft license, now is a great time to do it. It's a great addition to your resume and some departments even require it!

PulsePointCanada How to Build and Maintain Great Firefighter References

Pulse Point Canada

At Pulse Point Canada, helping responders gain new skills and knowledge or refresh them isn’t only a commitment, but also a passion. With a wide variety of courses and dedicated instructors, Pulse Point Canada makes learning easy, affordable and fun and the Professional Responder Coaching program allows you to practice and fine tune your skills even more. 

Take the First Responder or Emergency Medical Responder course and get encouraged to GO BEYOND YOUR LIMITS! 

You may also like