SkillHero
June 26, 2023
If you’re hunting for a carpentry job, you need to make sure your resume stands out from the rest. But what should you include in your carpenter resume, and how can you ensure that you catch the attention of potential employers?
In this article we answer those questions (and more). We also provide carpenter resume examples and a free app and to help you optimize your resume and find new opportunities.
Whether you’re a seasoned carpenter or starting your career, this guide will help you craft a resume your ideal employer can't resist.
How to write your carpenter resume with our template
You can generate a resume based on our template as often as necessary using the free SkillHero app. Simply navigate to the SkillHero website or mobile app and sign up. Once logged in, go to the "Profile" tab.
You'll find an easy interface for adding all the professional information needed for a great resume. Once you're satisfied with everything, export it as a PDF file for easy sharing with potential employers.
Our flexible resume template is designed to showcase your experience, training, and skills in the carpentry field. The SkillHero app makes it easy to select the right skills from our highly vetted skill database, and you can update or change your resume as needed for each unique job application.
In addition to PDF exports, the SkillHero app lets you apply for jobs and sign up for training right on our platform. Our mission is to make it as easy as possible for you to find the right opportunity.
How to add your professional data
Including all the right information is fundamental for impressing a potential employer. Our app makes this automatic by providing six simple sections for you to complete: Personal information, experience, skills, training and education, about me, and certifications.
In the experience section, focus on your most relevant and recent work experience and any noteworthy projects.
Top Skills should feature the proficiencies that are most in-demand for the job you're seeking. training and education should showcase your relevant schooling and other learning experiences.
In your about me section, summarize the other sections and highlight aspects of your personality and personal story that make you the best candidate. Finally, include all relevant certifications and licenses you currently hold.
Here's a quick look at the profile dashboard where you can build your resume:
The app will automatically put your information into an appealing resume layout which you can export and edit whenever necessary.
How to write a strong personal summary
When crafting an "about me" or personal summary section for your resume, it's essential to explain exactly why they should hire you before anyone else. Grab the hiring manager's attention with the opening line and convince them with the rest of the section.
If you're not sure how to do this, research the company to find out why they're hiring for this position and what aspirations they have for their employees. This doesn't require elaborate wordplay, it's just a matter of showing which aspects of your personality and history make you a great fit for the role they need to fill.
Carpenter resume examples
Below you'll find three carpenter resume samples that showcase varying levels of experience. Each resume highlights the technical and soft skills that a carpenter at their level of experience needs to secure a great career.
Apprentice carpenter resume example
When creating an apprenticeship level carpenter resume, highlight your technical skills and experience level, including project specifications, blueprint readings, and familiarity with building frameworks.
It's also important to showcase your knowledge of building codes and safety regulations, as well as your ability to maintain a clean and safe environment. Soft skills such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving are also highly valued in the construction industry.
Make sure to mention any specialized skills, such as finish carpentry or steel stud framing, and provide examples of your track record in delivering projects on time and to quality standards.
By emphasizing these areas, you can create an impression that will make you an ideal candidate for potential employers. Here's a great example of an apprentice-level resume:
Journeyman carpenter resume example
When crafting a journeyman carpenter resume, it's important to demonstrate your ability to take on a leadership role. Potential employers will want to see that you can complete complex projects on time and to quality standards, while adhering to safety regulations and precautions.
Be sure to include your most relevant professional experience including the types of projects you've worked on, such as residential or commercial carpentry.
In addition to technical skills, communication and soft skills such as teamwork and excellent customer service can help emphasize your value as a worker.
A great journeyman carpenter resume should demonstrate your ability to work in a fast-paced environment and make the most of the available staff, resources, and tools to deliver a stunning service.
Here's a well-crafted example of a journeyman-level resume:
Master carpenter resume example
A master carpenter resume should demonstrate your experience using leadership and management skills to complete successful projects.
Emphasize your ability to oversee complex construction projects, manage construction teams, and ensure that projects are completed within budget and on time.
You'll also want to mention your respect for safety regulations and precautions to create a clean and safe work environment.
One way of doing this is to emphasize your experience with building codes and project specifications, along with your ability to read blueprints and building plans.
Lastly, make sure to prioritize skills that are most relevant for the job in question, whether it's hardwood floor installation, steel stud framing, or finish carpentry.
A master carpenter resume will showcase your experience and make you irresistible to potential employers, just like this example:
Best skills to list on your carpentry resume
When crafting your carpentry resume it's essential to include the right skills. It shows hiring managers that you understand what they need and how you can help improve their business.
Mention both technical skills like power tool proficiencies and soft skills like communication, teamwork, and attention to detail.
Your resume should demonstrate a track record of completing projects on time and within quality standards. Including these key skills in your carpentry resume increases your chances of securing your ideal job and sets you apart from other applicants.
The SkillHero app includes a skill picker database which makes it easy to find the best skills for your resume.
Trade skills
The carpentry industry requires a wide range of skills and expertise. When your resume displays the right technical skills, you're more likely to receive an interview.
Some sought-after skills that you can consider including in your carpenter resume are equipment operation, roofing, construction management, framing, and trim carpentry.
Here's a preview of our carpenter skill picking tool:
Remember to focus on the skills that align with the potential employer's job requirements and the type of position you're applying for.
Soft skills and business skills
Most carpenters will have at least some regular interaction with coworkers and/or clients. Employers need staff who not only have expertise in building frameworks, but also possess strong communication and interpersonal skills.
Here are some of the most important soft skills to emphasize in a carpenter resume:
- Communication: Effective communication is key when working with clients and construction teams to ensure everyone is on the same page.
- Attention to detail: As carpenters, it's important to ensure every cut, measurement and detail is properly executed to ensure project specifications are met and quality standards are upheld.
- Time management: Projects need to be completed on time and on budget. This requires the ability to prioritize tasks, work efficiently and effectively manage time.
- Customer service: Excellent customer service skills help to foster positive relationships with clients and can lead to repeat business and benefits in the long term.
- Sales and marketing: While it's unlikely for a carpenter to be uniquely responsible for sales or marketing, you can become more valuable if you're adept at communicating the value of your services to potential clients.
Including these types of impressive skills in your resume can give you a competitive edge over your fellow applicants.
Tips and tricks to upgrade your resume
When it comes to upgrading your resume, using the right language and subject matter can make all the difference. By showcasing your skills and experience using concise and engaging language, you can grab the reader's attention and make a lasting impression.
Tailoring your resume to the specific job you're applying for can demonstrate your attention to detail and eagerness to join the team. A well-crafted resume can greatly improve your chances of getting further consideration and ultimately landing the job you want.
Use the right keywords
Using the right keywords in a carpenter resume can make a huge difference in catching the attention of potential employers.
Keywords are words or phrases that are commonly used in a particular industry or job, and they are often used by recruiters and hiring managers to filter through resumes.
Job seekers should include relevant and industry-specific keywords in their resumes to increase the likelihood of getting shortlisted.
Using the right keywords can help carpenters make a great impression on potential employers, and increase their chances of getting selected for an interview.
Use power words and strong verbs
Power words and strong verbs are essential elements of written communication. Power words are action-oriented and give a dynamic context to your experience, skills, and qualifications.
Strong language helps convey a sense of achievement, competency, and leadership, and grabs the employer's attention by being easier to read. Powerful words will help the reader imagine your ability to take initiative, solve problems, and exceed expectations.
Using power words and strong verbs in a resume is critical to showcase your strengths, achievements, and unique selling points.
For instance, instead of saying "responsible for managing a construction team," use power verbs like "oversaw," "coordinated," "directed," or "organized," which convey authority.
Other examples of power words are "achieved," "implemented," "streamlined," "revamped," "initiated," and "innovated," which illustrate your capacity to make a significant impact and improve results.
Remember to keep your tone professional and concise, and use keywords that align with the job requirement.
Describe your unique value in the position
When applying for a job, it's crucial to showcase your unique value to potential employers. Companies want to hire someone who can help them achieve better results more efficiently.
It's not enough to simply list your skills and experience; you need to frame yourself as the best carpenter for the job.
To do so, research the company and the job requirements thoroughly. Identify the skills, experiences, and qualities they need to succeed. Highlight your strengths and achievements that match those criteria, including specific examples of your work to show why you're the best choice.
By framing yourself as a unique and valuable candidate, you increase your chances of getting hired and building a successful career with the company. Sign up for the SkillHero app to get started right away!
