Top 911 Dispatcher Skills For Resume

Top 20 911 Dispatcher Skills for Resume

1. Crisis Management: Handling emergencies calmly and effectively, prioritizing actions to ensure safety.

2. Active Listening: Attentively understanding callers' needs and concerns, responding empathetically.

3. Multitasking: Juggling multiple calls and tasks simultaneously, maintaining focus on each.

4. Decision Making: Quickly making sound decisions under pressure, using critical thinking skills.

5. Communication: Clearly conveying information to callers, emergency services, and coworkers.

6. Empathy: Recognizing and responding to the emotional needs of callers in a supportive manner.

7. Patience: Remaining calm and composed while dealing with potentially distressing situations.

8. Stress Management: Managing stress levels effectively to maintain focus and efficiency during crises.

9. Adaptability: Flexibly adapting to changing situations, procedures, or technologies.

10. Confidentiality: Maintaining the privacy and confidentiality of caller information.

11. Data Entry: Accurately entering and maintaining call records for future reference.

12. Technology Proficiency: Familiarity with dispatch software, radios, and other relevant technologies.

13. GPS Navigation: Using Global Positioning Systems (GPS) to direct emergency services to the correct location.

14. CPR/First Aid Certified: Knowledge of basic life-saving procedures to guide callers effectively.

15. Cultural Competency: Adapting communication styles and understanding cultural differences to better assist callers.

16. Legal Knowledge: Understanding relevant laws, regulations, and protocols in emergency situations.

17. Teamwork: Collaborating with coworkers to ensure efficient response to emergencies.

18. Time Management: Prioritizing tasks efficiently to respond promptly to calls and maintain a steady workflow.

19. Emergency Medical Dispatch (EMD) Certification: Understanding medical triage and providing appropriate instructions over the phone.

20. Continuous Learning: Staying updated on new procedures, technologies, and best practices in emergency response.

How to List 911 Dispatcher Skills on Resume

1. Organization: Group skills under relevant sections (e.g., Technical Skills, Soft Skills).

2. Phrasing: Use action verbs to describe your abilities (e.g., "Streamlined data entry processes," "Demonstrated exceptional crisis management skills").

3. Quantifying Achievements: Include numbers or specific examples when possible (e.g., "Successfully resolved over 500 critical incidents," "Maintained a call response time of under 2 minutes for 95% of shifts").

4. Tailoring to Job Description: Align skills with the job requirements highlighted in the job posting.

5. Highlighting Relevant Experience: Place your most relevant skills at the top of each section, emphasizing experience that matches the position you're applying for.

Examples of How to List 911 Dispatcher Skills on Resume

Example 1

• Technical Skills: GPS Navigation, Emergency Medical Dispatch (EMD) Certification, Familiarity with dispatch software and radios.

• Soft Skills: Crisis Management, Active Listening, Empathy, Communication, Stress Management.

Example 2

Paragraph Format Example:

As a dedicated 911 Dispatcher, I consistently demonstrate exceptional crisis management skills while handling high-stress situations with patience and empathy. My active listening abilities enable me to understand callers' needs, providing clear and effective communication that ensures the safety of all parties involved. With strong data entry skills, I am able to maintain accurate records for future reference, ensuring smooth coordination with emergency services.

Example 3

Section-Based Format Example:

Technical Skills:

• GPS Navigation

• Emergency Medical Dispatch (EMD) Certification

• Familiarity with dispatch software and radios

Soft Skills:

• Crisis Management

• Active Listening

• Empathy

• Communication

• Stress Management

• Teamwork

• Adaptability

• Multitasking

• Time Management

• Legal Knowledge

• Cultural Competency

Jobs that Demand 911 Dispatcher Skills

1. Emergency Call Center Manager

2. Emergency Medical Dispatcher (EMD)

3. Police Dispatcher

4. Fire Dispatcher

5. Hazardous Materials Response Coordinator

6. Security Dispatcher

7. Public Safety Telecommunicator

8. 911 Call Taker

9. Airport Rescue and Firefighting Service (ARFF) Dispatcher

10. Emergency Management Specialist

Other Skills that are Related to 911 Dispatcher Skills

1. Trauma-Informed Care

2. Conflict Resolution

3. Situational Awareness

4. Interpersonal Communication

5. Incident Management Systems (IMS) Knowledge

6. Geographic Information System (GIS) Proficiency

7. Emergency Response Planning and Procedures

8. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Understanding

9. Emotional Intelligence

10. First Responder Training (EMT, Firefighter, etc.)

How to Address Gaps in 911 Dispatcher Experience on a Resume?

Discuss any relevant skills or training acquired during the gap period, such as self-study, online courses, or volunteer work related to dispatching. If unavoidable circumstances caused the gap (e.g., illness or family responsibilities), address this briefly and honestly in your cover letter or summary.

How to Showcase Self-taught 911 Dispatcher Skills Without Formal Education?

Detail practical experience and certifications gained through self-study that demonstrate proficiency in dispatching. Provide specific examples of effective use of these skills, along with positive outcomes. Request letters of recommendation from trainers or mentors who can vouch for your abilities.

How to Handle Outdated 911 Dispatcher Skills on a Resume?

Stay current by taking continuing education courses and attending workshops in the field. List updated skills on your resume, focusing on recent training while omitting older, less relevant information. Explain any significant gaps in updating certain skills in your cover letter or during interviews if necessary.

How Long Should a 911 Dispatcher Professional's Resume Be?

A 911 dispatcher résumé should ideally be one to two pages long, focusing on relevant experience, skills, and achievements that demonstrate qualifications for the position. Make sure each section is concise and easy to read.

How to Address 911 Dispatcher Certifications that are in Progress?

List certifications in progress under a separate "Certifications (In Progress)" section, along with their expected completion date. Emphasize your dedication to staying current and acquiring necessary skills during interviews.

What to Do If You Have Limited 911 Dispatcher Experience but Want to Enter the Field?

Gain practical experience through internships, volunteer work, or entry-level positions in related fields like emergency services administration. Emphasize acquired skills and motivation to pursue a career as a 911 dispatcher on your résumé.

How to Compete with More Experienced 911 Dispatcher Professionals?

Showcase unique strengths, achievements, quick thinking, adaptability, problem-solving abilities, and any specialized skills or certifications that set you apart from others in the field. Provide real-life examples of handling high-pressure situations effectively.

How Frequently to Update 911 Dispatcher Skills on Your Resume?

Update your 911 dispatcher skills as needed when acquiring new certifications, attending training courses, or gaining relevant work experience. Reflect the most current skillset and abilities on your résumé to stand out to potential employers.

Whether to Include 911 Dispatcher Side Projects or Volunteer Work on a Resume?

Include relevant side projects and volunteer work that demonstrate dedication to the field and showcase additional skills not apparent through traditional employment experience, either in the Experience section or a separate section.

Whether to List References on a 911 Dispatcher Resume?

It is not essential to include references on a 911 dispatcher résumé; most employers will request them separately if needed. Focus on creating a strong and concise résumé that highlights qualifications, experience, and achievements instead. If you choose to include references, list their name, title, organization, and contact information in a separate section at the end of your résumé.