How to Write a Resume for a Skilled Trades Job

How to Write a Resume for a Skilled Trades Job

Want to get a job in a skilled trade? Your resume is the first thing people see, and a good one can help you stand out in a crowded job market. Unlike regular resumes, a skilled trade resume should highlight your hands-on skills, industry-specific abilities, and any certifications you have. This guide will help you create a resume that really catches the eye and meets the special needs of the skilled trades industry. Follow along to learn how to make your resume shine and get noticed by employers in trades like carpentry, plumbing, electrical work, mechanics, and more.

What is a Skilled Trade Resume?


A Skilled Trade Resume is a special kind of document that shows off your practical experience, certifications, technical skills, and work history as a tradesperson. Unlike a typical resume, which might focus on soft skills and a wider range of work experience, a skilled trade resume puts the spotlight on your hands-on abilities and vocational qualifications, which are very important in fields like carpentry, plumbing, electrical work, mechanics, and others.

Importance of a Skilled Trade Resume:

  • Highlights Practical Abilities: This shows your real-world experience and the skills you have that are important for jobs in skilled trades.

  • Customised Information: By listing your certifications and special skills, it helps employers quickly see if you fit what they need.

  • Enhances Job Opportunities: A well-organised resume can greatly increase your chances of getting a job in the tough skilled trade market.

For further guidance on creating a skilled trade resume in Australia, you can refer to the Australian Government's resources on employment and job applications, such as the JobSearch - Resumes

How to Write a Resume for a Trade Job: Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Select the Best Format

Choosing the right resume format is very important for showing your skills and experience well, especially in jobs that need special skills. The format you choose helps organise your information and affects how employers see you. Let's look more closely at why the reverse-chronological format is good and what it includes.

Why Use the Reverse-Chronological Format?

  • Quick View of Recent Experience: By starting with your latest job, employers can quickly see your current skills and experience. This is important in jobs that need the latest technical knowledge and skills.

  • Clear Timeline: This format shows a clear order of events, helping employers follow your career path and understand how your skills have grown over time. It starts with your latest jobs and accomplishments, making it easy to see your recent progress.

  • Highlighting Important Experience: Many skilled jobs need certain skills that come from practical work. By putting your most relevant jobs at the top, you quickly show that you have the skills needed for the job you're applying for.

  • Popular with Employers: The reverse-chronological format is well-known and often used in many industries. Using this format can help make sure employers don't miss important details about your experience.

Step 2: Start with a Strong Professional Summary

A professional summary, also called a career summary or resume summary, is like your personal introduction in your resume. It's a short overview at the top of your document that aims to quickly grab the attention of hiring managers and give them a quick look at your skills. Let's dive deeper into why a good professional summary is important and how to write one effectively.

Why a Strong Professional Summary Matters:

  1. Creates a Strong First Impression: Because hiring managers usually spend just a few moments looking at a resume at first, a well-written professional summary can make a big impact right away. It sets the tone for the rest of your resume and gets the reader interested.

  2. Summarises Important Details: A professional summary gives a brief look at your most important qualifications, like how long you've worked, special skills you have, and any certificates you've earned. This helps employers quickly see if you're a good fit for the job without needing to read your whole resume.

  3. Helps Make Fast Choices: Employers usually have many resumes to look at. A good summary helps them quickly decide if they should learn more about your qualifications or move on to other applicants, which increases your chance of getting an interview.

  4. Helps Make Fast Decisions: When hiring managers have many resumes to look at, a good summary helps them quickly decide if they should learn more about you or move on to other applicants. This increases your chance of getting picked for an interview.

  5. Shows You're Professional: A well-written and impressive summary shows that you are serious about your job application and have put effort into presenting yourself well. This attention to detail shows that you care about quality, which is important in skilled jobs.

Creating a Good Professional Summary:

  1. Keep It Short: Try to use 2-4 sentences. The summary should be short but strong, giving a quick overview of your qualifications without overwhelming the reader.

  2. Mention Important Skills and Experience: Focus on your biggest achievements and skills that match the job. Customise your summary for the specific job you're applying for by using words from the job description.

  3. Use Powerful Language: Choose strong verbs and clear terms that show your authority and expertise. Words like "proven experience," "specialist in," or "committed professional" can help show your confidence and abilities.

  4. Add Specific Results When You Can: If possible, include specific achievements. For example, "Experienced electrician with more than 10 years of work, managing projects that cut costs by up to 15% through better resource use."

  5. Highlight Your Personal Skills: While technical skills are important in trades, mentioning soft skills like problem-solving, teamwork, or good communication can also show why you're a good fit for the job.

Example of a Strong Professional Summary:

“Detail-oriented and highly skilled plumber with over 8 years of experience in residential and commercial plumbing. Proven ability to diagnose problems, implement effective solutions, and maintain high standards of safety and compliance. Certified in advanced plumbing technology and committed to delivering high-quality work on time.”

Step 3: Highlight Important Experience

The "Experience" part of your resume is very important, especially in jobs that need hands-on skills. This section shows your work history and proves your abilities and the good things you've done in past jobs. By clearly showing your important experience, you can give hiring managers real examples of how well you can do the job they need filled.

Job Title, Company Name, Location, and Dates:

  • Job Title: Clearly say what your job was. This should match your duties and how skilled you are (like "Senior Electrician" or "HVAC Technician").

  • Company Name: Write the name of the company you worked for.

  • Location: Include the city and state where the company is.

  • Dates of Employment: Format the dates consistently (e.g., "January 2020 – Present" or "June 2018 – December 2019"). This helps hiring managers visualise your experience timeline.

Use Bullet Points:

  • Bullet points help organise information clearly and make it easier to read.

  • This format lets hiring managers quickly review your qualifications.

Focus on Responsibilities and Accomplishments:

  • For each job, list your main duties, but emphasise your achievements more.

  • Show what you accomplished in each role, as this will make you stand out more than just listing tasks.

Highlight Measurable Outcomes:

  • Whenever you can, use numbers or percentages to show your achievements.

  • This shows the impact of your work and proves your effectiveness. For example:

  • "Cut system upgrade installation time by 15% by introducing new training programs."

  • "Reduced customer complaints by 30% by enhancing diagnostic processes and communication."

Match Your Experience to the Job:

Change the bullet points to fit the job you're applying for. Use important words and skills from the job description to make sure your experiences match what the new job needs. This shows that you can do the job and are really interested in it.

Example for the Experience Section:

Work Experience

Senior Electrician

XYZ Electrical Services, Melbourne, VIC

January 2020 – Now

  • Managed a team of electricians on home wiring projects, finishing over 50 installations with a 98% customer satisfaction rate.

  • Made troubleshooting better, which reduced service call times by 25%.

  • Started safety training programs that led to no workplace accidents for two years.

HVAC Technician

ABC Heating and Cooling, Sydney, NSW

June 2018 – December 2019

  • Increased HVAC installation speed by 20% by improving processes and using resources better.

  • Mentored two junior technicians, leading to a 40% improvement in their installation accuracy.

  • Conducted regular maintenance checks, reducing equipment failure rates by 15%.

Step 4: Highlight Important Skills

The "Skills" part of your resume is very important for showing your qualifications to employers quickly. This section gives a quick look at what you can do, making it easier for recruiters to see if you have the skills needed for the job they want to fill. A well-organised skills section can nicely support your experience and show why you should be chosen for the job.

Why Including Key Skills Matters:

  1. Quick Check: Employers often look at resumes to find certain skills. A separate skills section helps them quickly see if you have the technical and personal skills needed for the job.

  2. Qualifications Overview: Emphasising both technical and personal skills shows that you fully understand the job. Technical skills show your knowledge and ability to do tasks, while personal skills show how well you work with others, communicate, and handle problems at work.

  3. Keyword Use: Many employers use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to sort resumes by looking for job-related keywords. Including skills that are specific to the industry helps your resume get past these systems and be seen by people.

  4. Customising for Each Job: You can adjust the skills section to match the job you’re applying for. By using the same words and phrases found in the job posting, you make it more likely that your qualifications will meet the employer’s needs.

Types of Skills to Include:

  1. Technical Skills: 

These are the specific abilities and knowledge needed to do your job well. They should be directly related to the job and can include:

  • Welding and Fabrication: Being good at different welding methods (like MIG, TIG, and stick welding).

  • Blueprint Reading: The ability to understand and read architectural and engineering drawings correctly.

  1. Mechanical Skills: 

Knowing how to use and work with machinery and tools specific to your trade.

  • Electrical Systems: Understanding how to work with wiring, circuits, and electrical safety rules.

  • Plumbing and Pipefitting: Being skilled in installing, fixing, and maintaining piping systems.

  1. Soft Skills:

Soft skills are important personal abilities that help create a good work environment and effective teamwork. They may include:

  • Communication Skills: The ability to clearly share information with clients and team members.

  • Problem-Solving: The capability to find and create good solutions when facing difficult situations.

Example Skills Section Format:

  • Technical Skills:

    • Electrical Systems, HVAC Installation, Blueprint Reading, Welding and Fabrication, Plumbing and Pipefitting

  • Soft Skills:

    • Effective Communication, Problem-Solving, Time Management, Team Collaboration, Adaptability

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Step 5: Include Certifications and Licences

Certifications and licences are very important parts of a resume for skilled trades. They show that you are good at specific tasks and make employers confident that you can do the job safely and well. In fields where technical skills and following rules are important, these qualifications can greatly improve your chances of getting hired.

Why Certifications Are Important

  • Proof of Skills: Certifications officially show that you have the skills needed for the job, making employers trust that you can do it.

  • Following Rules: Some trades need special licences to follow local, state, or federal rules. Not having these can stop you from legally working in your field.

  • Better Chance of Getting Hired: In a tough job market, having certifications can make you stand out. They show that you have more knowledge and are more professional.

  • Career Advancement: Many employers favour certifications when considering promotions or advancement opportunities, as they can reflect your commitment to ongoing education and skill development.

Examples of Common Certifications

Skilled Trades Resume Example

John Doe
Contact Information: [Phone, Email, Address]

Professional Summary

Licensed electrician with over 8 years of experience in residential, commercial, and industrial electrical systems. Skilled in troubleshooting, installation, and safety compliance.

Experience

Electrician
ABC Electrical Services, Sydney | 2015 - Present

  • Installed and maintained electrical systems, saving $5,000 annually through efficiency improvements.

  • Implemented a new training protocol for apprentices, reducing errors by 30%.

Skills

  • Electrical Troubleshooting

  • Blueprint Interpretation

  • Project Scheduling

Certifications

  • Certificate III in Electrotechnology Electrician

How the Building Institute Can Help You in Skilled Trades

If you're new to skilled trades or want to move up in your career, the Building Institute NSW has many certifications and training programs to help you. These programs are made to improve your resume and make it easier to get a job. The Building Institute NSW teaches you practical skills and industry rules, giving you the knowledge and certificates you need to do well in your job.

The Building Institute NSW offers many different certifications for various trades, so you can find the right program for your career goals. Some important certifications include:

Consider enrolling in certification programs through the Building Institute and take control of your future today!

FAQ

  1. Do I need to mention every job I've had on my skilled trades resume?

Answer: Just focus on the jobs that show skills or achievements related to the skilled trade job you're applying for.

  1. Can I put my apprenticeship on my resume?

Answer: Yes, definitely. Apprenticeships are very important and show that you have practical training and knowledge.

  1. Is it a good idea to use a resume template for a skilled trade resume?

Answer: Yes, a template can help you keep everything neat and tidy. Just make sure it's easy to read and not too fancy.

  1. What should I do if I have gaps in my work history?

Answer: You can briefly explain what you were doing during those times (like "took classes for certification") and mention any skills you learned that are relevant.

  1. How long should my skilled trades resume be?

Answer: Try to keep it to one page if you have less than 10 years of experience. But if you have a lot of experience and certifications, two pages is okay.

  1. Should I add references to my skilled trades resume?

Answer: It’s usually best to state “References available upon request” unless the job posting specifically asks for references.