Applying for an on-call firefighter role with Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) involves submitting an up-to-date aspiring firefighter resume and responding to targeted questions as part of the selection process. Your resume and these open-ended questions assess your knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs), helping recruiters determine if you meet the required capabilities. Below, we outline how to develop a strong firefighter NSW application, including targeted questions example answers and beginner firefighter resume tips.
NSW Public Sector Capabilities
Capabilities are the knowledge, skills, and abilities relevant to a job, derived from the NSW Public Sector Capability Framework. These include:
- Transferable knowledge (theoretical or practical understanding of a subject)
- Skills (developed through training, experience, or practice)
- Abilities (aptitudes relevant to the firefighter role)
Firefighter NSW Application Targeted Questions
Targeted questions evaluate these capabilities by asking for specific real-world examples where you have demonstrated them. The questions are usually:
1. An On-Call Firefighter works within a team to provide service to their community to protect life, property and the environment. Please discuss your communication skills and ability to work effectively in a team environment (maximum 300 words).
2. A requirement of this role is to show commitment to achieving work goals and an ability to learn new skills. Please provide an example that demonstrates your capacity to learn new skills and apply them in a practical setting (maximum 300 words).
How to Answer Targeted Questions: The STAR Method
The best way to structure your responses is by using the STAR method, which ensures your answers are clear, concise, and impactful.
- Situation – Describe the context of your example.
- Task – Explain the specific challenge or responsibility.
- Action – Detail the steps you took to address the situation.
- Result – Highlight the outcome and what you learned.
Below are example answers to the targeted questions for the firefighter NSW application using the STAR method.
Question 1 (Example Answer): An On-Call Firefighter works within a team to provide service to their community to protect life, property and the environment. Please discuss your communication skills and ability to work effectively in a team environment.
Effective communication and teamwork are essential in high-pressure environments, particularly in emergency response situations where clarity and coordination can significantly impact outcomes. My experience as a volunteer first aid responder has given me the opportunity to develop and refine these critical skills.
One memorable incident occurred during a large community event when I responded to an unconscious individual suffering from a suspected medical condition. Upon arrival, I assessed the situation and immediately collaborated with my team to stabilise the patient. We needed to act quickly, assigning roles based on each responder’s strengths and ensuring that all necessary interventions were performed efficiently. I took charge of monitoring the patient’s airway while another team member managed circulation and vital signs.
Communication played a crucial role in ensuring our efforts were well-coordinated. I provided clear and concise instructions to my teammates, ensuring that each action was carried out effectively. Additionally, I liaised with paramedics upon their arrival, delivering a structured and accurate handover of the patient’s condition, including the interventions we had performed. This precise information transfer allowed the paramedics to make informed decisions swiftly.
Beyond team coordination, I also addressed bystanders, reassuring them and providing guidance to maintain a safe and controlled environment. My ability to remain calm, relay critical details, and work efficiently with others directly contributed to the patient’s timely care and transportation to the hospital.
This experience reinforced my ability to operate effectively in a team under pressure—qualities that are indispensable for an on-call firefighter. In emergency situations, being able to think quickly, communicate effectively, and support team members ensures that the best possible outcome is achieved for those in need.
Question 2 (Example Answer): A requirement of this role is to show commitment to achieving work goals and an ability to learn new skills. Please provide an example that demonstrates your capacity to learn new skills and apply them in a practical setting.
In dynamic and high-risk environments, continuous learning is crucial for staying prepared and effective. As a volunteer first aid responder, I recognised early on that my ability to provide life-saving assistance depended on my willingness to acquire new skills and apply them under pressure.
To enhance my capability, I pursued an advanced first aid and CPR certification, which provided in-depth training in defibrillator use, trauma response, and airway management. This course required significant dedication, as it combined theoretical learning with intensive practical exercises. I actively engaged in workshops, practiced various emergency scenarios, and sought mentorship from experienced paramedics to deepen my understanding.
Shortly after completing my certification, I was called upon to assist a spectator experiencing cardiac arrest at a sporting event. My training was immediately put to the test. As the first responder on the scene, I assessed the individual’s condition and initiated CPR while instructing others to retrieve an automated external defibrillator (AED). I followed the correct protocol, ensuring that chest compressions and defibrillation were delivered effectively. Throughout the process, I remained in communication with emergency services, providing them with essential details about the patient’s condition.
Due to the swift and precise application of my newly learned skills, the individual regained consciousness before paramedics arrived. This experience reinforced my ability to absorb critical knowledge, apply it in high-stakes situations, and remain composed under pressure.
As an on-call firefighter, the ability to continuously develop new competencies—whether in fire suppression techniques, rescue operations, or advanced medical response—is vital. My experience demonstrates my commitment to professional growth and my capability to quickly translate learning into practical, real-world effectiveness, ensuring the highest standard of response in emergency situations.
Final Tips for Answering Firefighter NSW Application Targeted Questions
Be specific – Use real-life examples rather than hypothetical scenarios.
Focus on your role – Clearly outline what you did, not just what the team did.
Show results – Highlight the impact of your actions.
Stay concise – Keep your response within the word limit while covering all aspects of STAR.
Proofread – Ensure correct spelling, grammar, and clarity in your answers.
Your Beginner Firefighter Resume
Crafting a strong resume is a crucial step for aspiring firefighters. Your resume should showcase your physical fitness, emergency response skills, and commitment to community service. Here’s what to include to stand out in a competitive selection process:
Strong Summary Statement
Begin with a short professional summary that highlights your passion for firefighting, relevant experience, and key strengths. For example:
“Dedicated and physically fit aspiring firefighter with a strong background in emergency response and community safety. Committed to teamwork, fast decision-making under pressure, and ongoing skills development to serve and protect the community.”
Essential Qualifications and Certifications
Fire departments require specific qualifications. In NSW, be sure to list on your resume:
- Valid NSW Driver’s Licence (minimum P1)
- Australian or New Zealand citizen or permanent residency
- Address demonstrating you live and/or work within a reasonable distance of the FRNSW Fire Station
You should also list any additional relevant qualifications, such as:
- Firefighter training courses (e.g., Certificate III in Public Safety – Firefighting Operations in Australia)
- First Aid and CPR certification
- Heavy vehicle driver’s licence
- Additional relevant training, such as hazardous materials handling
Physical Fitness and Endurance
Highlight your ability to meet the physical demands of firefighting. If you’ve passed a fitness test (such as the beep test or Candidate Physical Ability Test), include your results. Also, mention sports, endurance training, or prior physically demanding roles.
Firefighting-Related Experience
If you have prior experience in firefighting, emergency response, or volunteer firefighting, make it stand out. List responsibilities such as:
- Assisting with fire suppression and rescue operations
- Operating firefighting equipment
- Conducting fire safety education in the community
Even if you don’t have direct firefighting experience, include roles in emergency services, security, or construction that demonstrate transferable skills.
Teamwork and Leadership Skills
Firefighting is all about collaboration. Showcase your ability to work in high-pressure environments, take direction, and contribute to a team. If you have leadership experience (e.g., captain of a sports team, military service, or volunteer leadership), highlight it.
Community Involvement and Volunteering
Many fire departments value community engagement. If you’ve volunteered with emergency response teams, surf lifesaving, SES, or community events, include it to show your commitment to public service.
A well-structured, concise, and professional resume can give you the edge in a highly competitive firefighter selection process. Make sure your application reflects your readiness, dedication, and ability to meet the challenges of the role.
By following these strategies and using the STAR method, you can create an effective aspiring firefighter resume and strong, structured responses in the format required for your firefighter NSW application.
Good luck, and remember we are on hand to assist with your application. We can help identify suitable examples for your responses, structure the wording effectively and also develop a targeted resume. Contact us for a quote.
