Five Job Search Tips and Strategies for a Career In Public Safety

A career in public safety requires a dedication to public service, an unshakeable character, and a willingness to adapt to fast-paced environments.  Some individuals dream of becoming a firefighter, a police officer, or even a paramedic; they might have known from a young age that a career in public safety was their calling.

Every career begins with the first job, that entry-level foot in the door that sets in motion years of service. How does a high school student, a college graduate, or an interested applicant find a job in public safety? Here are five job search tips and strategies for finding and landing the first job and beginning a lifelong career in this heroic workforce: 

1. Use the Missouri Public Safety Jobs site to explore roles and open positions.

2. Consider a tech school path in high school to learn a public safety role.

3. Take certification classes to gain crucial knowledge and skills for a public safety role.

4. Volunteer. Many fire districts include volunteer firefighter positions, which provide real world experience.

5. Check out job fairs and career networking events. 

The Missouri Public Safety Job Site Guides The Job Search

The Missouri Public Safety Job Site is the central hub for open jobs in public safety. Police departments, emergency services, fire districts, and other public safety sectors regularly add available jobs to the site. 

While many available positions are entry-level to provide opportunities for candidates who wish to start a career in public safety, some positions require advanced training or other specialized certifications. Interested applicants are encouraged to review all the requested requirements and education expectations. 

A Tech School Path Opens Doors

North Tech High School (North Tech) and South Tech High School (South Tech) are part of St. Louis Special School District, and enrollment in these high schools focus on technical training for jobs in tech, cosmetology, auto body repair, public safety, and other sectors. 

Interested students must apply for admission to these schools, and attendance is limited to only residents of St. Louis County and the City of St. Louis. Students choose their field of study, and many attend these tech schools for half a day of their junior and senior years of high school.

Tech schools partner with police departments, fire districts, and EMS districts to provide curriculum students need to succeed in their chosen public safety career. Many students graduate with a job in public safety already lined up, beginning their forever career immediately after finishing high school.

High school sophomores interested in a career in public safety should research their tech school options and the programs offered at these schools. Often, tech school provides a bridge to a career and allows students to enter the public safety workforce right after high school. 

Certifications Help Individuals Compete for Open Positions

Some jobs in public safety require advanced certifications or specialized training. When individuals want to move into a specific role in public safety, they must research the job requirements for the position.  

For EMTs and paramedics, specialized training and certifications are required to land the job. Applicants need to register for the classes to earn the credentials to compete for a position. They also must pass a licensing exam.

Applicants should research the role requirements and understand that moving forward in the interview process typically requires meeting the specific requirements listed for the job. 

Volunteering Builds Experience

Not sure if a job in public safety is the best fit? Look into volunteer positions that offer more insight and a foot in the door. Working as a volunteer firefighter enables an individual to learn the job and network. 

Local fire districts or emergency response crews also could offer volunteer opportunities. These unpaid positions may lead to a permanent position in the future or could inspire the individual to pursue additional training.

Visit a Job Fair

Public safety jobs are everywhere. In fact, job fairs may feature local police departments, fire districts, corrections departments, and others in the public safety sector. Job fairs offer individuals the opportunity to learn more about a job or a career with an employer, and, in some cases, on-site interviews also may be a possibility.

Begin Your Career In Public Safety

Public safety jobs are almost always in demand. Find your future career by exploring job opportunities through the Missouri Public Safety Jobs site. Sort positions by salary, role type, education requirements, and more. Your future career awaits; begin your job search now!