How to Create Skilled Trade Resumes + Examples and Template

Creating a skilled trade resume can be a challenging task, especially if you're unsure of what information to include or how to format it. In this article we'll provide you with examples of skilled trade resumes and access to a free resume builder via the SkillHero app.

Whether you're a seasoned professional or just starting out in the skilled trades industry, our tips and resources will help you showcase your abilities and land your dream job.

What is a skilled trade resume?

A skilled trade resume is a document that showcases a person's qualifications, experience, and skills in a specific trade or occupation. It is used by skilled trade workers to demonstrate their expertise and suitability for job opportunities.

A great resume includes information such as employment history, education and certifications, technical skills, and any relevant accomplishments or projects. This includes the candidate's ability to perform tasks related to their trade, such as using power tools, following safety procedures, and operating specific equipment, as well as common soft skills and showing up for work on time.

By presenting a comprehensive overview of their skills and experience, a skilled trade resume can help job seekers stand out to potential employers and increase their chances of landing a job in the skilled trades industry.

Sign up for a free SkillHero account today and start building a resume that highlights your unique skills and qualifications.

What makes a trade resume unique?

A trade resume has unique aspects that set it apart from resumes in other lines of work. The emphasis lies heavily on professional experience and relevant skills gained in trade-related industries.

Unlike resumes in other fields that prioritize educational qualifications, trade resumes highlight supplementary training and certifications that showcase the practical expertise of the candidate.

Trade resumes often feature extensive experience in working with various mechanical and electrical equipment, as well as the ability to efficiently and safely operate them. From handling power tools to performing maintenance on heavy machinery, trade professionals demonstrate their practical skills in navigating the specific challenges of their trade.

SkillHero's app includes a resume builder in a simple and effective template. The platform allows you to showcase your specific technical skills and relevant work experience accurately and succinctly.

Sign up for a free account to browse through resume samples and create a document which you can easily update, share with potential employers, and export or print.

How to create a skilled trade resume

Start by including your contact information such as a professional email address, job title, name and phone number.

Showcase your experience in working in your trade of choice, the value you can bring to the company, and your ability to follow instructions and safety procedures. Highlight your core skills such as carpentry, welding, plumbing, electrical work, and HVAC systems, and emphasize your work ethic and communication skills.

SkillHero and extensive database of vetted skills which you can add to your resume to better reflect your experience. Sign up for a free account to get access to our growing array of trade worker resources.

Our free resume builder

The SkillHero app provides a seamless way for trades workers to update, optimize, and share or export their resumes. Our customizable tradesman resume template makes it easy to create unique versions for each opportunity.

Showcase your technical skills, related to equipment, knowledge of safety procedures, and experience working on various construction projects as well as your soft skills, strong work ethic, communication skills, and problem-solving abilities all in one easy-to-update dashboard.

Types of skilled trades and top rated skills

When it comes to skilled trades, there are many options. Each trade requires specific skills and expertise, which should be highlighted on your resume. Here are some of the top-rated skilled trades and their corresponding skills:

1. Construction Trades: This includes carpentry, masonry, and roofing. Important skills to mention include proficiency in using power tools, knowledge of construction materials, and the ability to accurately read blueprints.
2. Electrical Trades: Electricians play a critical role in installing and maintaining electrical systems. Skills to include are understanding electrical components, familiarity with codes and regulations, and troubleshooting abilities.
3. Plumbing Trades: Plumbers are responsible for installing and repairing plumbing systems. Skills to highlight include knowledge of pipe systems, experience with different types of pipes and fittings, and the ability to diagnose and fix plumbing issues.
4. HVAC Trades: Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) technicians are in high demand. Important skills to list are proficiency in installing, repairing, and maintaining HVAC systems, knowledge of refrigeration principles, and the ability to work with electrical and mechanical equipment.

When you include these top-rated skills, employers will have a clear understanding of your expertise in a particular trade. Don't forget to sign up for a free SkillHero account to access our valuable resources for skilled trades professionals.

Skilled trade resume samples

Here are a few examples of skilled trade resume samples that can help you stand out from the competition.

Carpentry: Highlight your proficiency in using power tools, knowledge of construction materials, and ability to read blueprints accurately. For example, "Extensive experience in carpentry, adept at using power tools such as saws, drills, and sanders. Skilled in interpreting blueprints to ensure precise construction."

Electrician: Emphasize your understanding of electrical components, knowledge of codes and regulations, and troubleshooting abilities. For instance, "Expert in installing and maintaining electrical systems, sound understanding of electrical components and excellent problem-solving skills. Compliant with safety regulations and experienced in troubleshooting electrical issues."

Plumbing: Showcase your knowledge of pipe systems, experience with various pipes and fittings, and ability to diagnose and fix plumbing issues. For example, "Skilled plumber with expertise in installing and repairing plumbing systems, extensive knowledge of various pipe systems and fittings. Proficient in diagnosing and resolving plumbing problems efficiently."

HVAC Technician: Highlight your proficiency in installing, repairing, and maintaining HVAC systems, knowledge of refrigeration principles, and ability to work with electrical and mechanical equipment. For instance, "Experienced HVAC technician adept at installing, repairing, and maintaining HVAC systems. Proficient in troubleshooting electrical and mechanical equipment. Solid understanding of refrigeration principles."

Remember to tailor your details to the specific trade you are applying for and include keywords from the job description.

How to write a professional summary for a trades career

A professional summary is a concise paragraph at the beginning of your resume which allows you to highlight your relevant experiences and achievements. It serves as a snapshot of your skills and qualifications, showcasing why you are the ideal candidate for the job.

Mention your experience in the trades industry, emphasizing your expertise in specific areas such as carpentry, electrical work, plumbing, or HVAC. Highlight any notable projects or achievements that demonstrate your skills and showcase your ability to effectively complete construction projects or troubleshoot technical issues.

Remember to use relevant keywords throughout your summary to optimize it for humans or AI tools that may skim through it.

Benefits of the SkillHero app

The SkillHero app offers a range of benefits for skilled trades professionals. The platform provides access to valuable resources such as educational materials, job postings, and other helpful tools.

You can easily find trade-specific jobs that match your skills and qualifications. The app also makes it easy to search for jobs in the area and apply directly from your phone.

Best ways to use your resume

When it comes to increasing your candidacy for a skilled trades job, having a well-crafted resume is essential. Here are some of the best ways to use your resume effectively:

1. Highlight your relevant skills: Whether it's carpentry, electrical work, or plumbing, make sure to list your technical skills prominently on your resume. Include both hard skills (such as power tool proficiency) and soft skills (such as communication and problem-solving abilities).
2. Emphasize your accomplishments: Instead of simply listing your job responsibilities, focus on your achievements in previous roles. Did you complete a major construction project ahead of schedule? Or perhaps you implemented new safety procedures that reduced accidents on a job site. Highlighting these accomplishments will set you apart from other candidates.
3. Create once and apply with a click: Tailor your resume to the type of job you want and then share it with our database of actively hiring employers quickly and easily. Any time that you gain new experiences or certifications you can add them to your live document easily. You can also export it as a PDF for sharing outside the platform.
4. Keep it concise: Due to the nature of the skilled trades industry, employers often prefer shorter resumes. Aim to keep your resume to one page, focusing on the most important and relevant information. Use bullet points to highlight your achievements and skills in a clear and concise manner.

By following these tips, you can maximize the impact of your skilled trades resume and increase your chances of landing the job you desire. Don't forget to create your resume easily with SkillHero's resume builder - sign up for a free account today!