Table of Contents
Introduction
Your resume is a vital part of the job search process. If you put together a strong resume that accurately represents your abilities and skills, you will be able to impress employers and have a better chance of being called in for an interview. It can be difficult, however, to know what will appeal to employers. You should always include a summary statement, skills section, work history section, and education section. Learn what makes a resume as strong as possible by reviewing this skilled trades resume template for Word and writing guide and by taking a look at this sample resume.
Writing Your Summary Statement
Your summary statement will be the first thing employers see when they read your resume, so take time to think about what you want your first impression to be. Your goal is to entice the reader so she or he will continue reading the more important sections. It should be brief, although you can choose to format your summary as a paragraph or short bulleted list. To make sure your summary is as strong as possible, follow the skilled trades resume template for Word and review the following examples:
Summary Statement Example 1:
Labor supervisor with extensive experience in management and leadership. Scheduling knowledge and excellent organizational skills. A candidate who couples strong work ethic with commitment and an attention to small details.
Summary Statement Example 2:
Longtime automotive repair specialist familiar with functional and aesthetic maintenance. Ten-year work history establishing strong troubleshooting and diagnostic abilities. Fully certified and completed standard training courses.
Summary Statement Example 3:
• Experienced electrician with master’s degree in engineering
• Knowledge of standard electrical equipment operation
• Results-driven and able to bring attention to detail
Summary Statement Example 4:
• Concrete mason with more than eight years’ experience
• Supervising experience and delegation abilities
• Excellent work ethic and loyalty
Writing Your Skills Section
The skills section is where you begin to go in-depth about your abilities and qualifications, although this section should be kept brief. Use the simple skilled trades resume template for Word to create a strong skills section. Additionally, if you follow these writing practices, you will have a better chance of appealing to employers.
• Include between five and eight bullet points that explain your abilities and attributes. Readers should be able to absorb the information at a glance.
• Only include skills that are directly relevant to the position you are applying for. It can be helpful to reference the job description.
• Make sure that you would be comfortable discussing every skill on your list if you were called in for a follow-up interview.
This is an example of what your skills section may look like:
• Maintenance and repair
• Experience in design
• Electrical training
• Engine diagnostic
• Familiar with standard equipment
Writing Your Work History Section
Your work history section is at the core of your resume, being the section that employers are most concerned with. For this reason, it is important that you include lots of strong information and detail all your relevant previous jobs effectively. Include at least five bullet points from each position that explain your duties and abilities. This skilled trades resume template for Word will help you get started. Additionally, some of the best writing practices are listed here:
• Begin every bullet point with a strong action verb that communicates that you are an active worker.
• Be specific whenever possible, and be sure to include actual numbers and metrics.
• Reference the job description before you begin writing to learn some of the most relevant words you can use.
• Emphasize your versatility by including a wide variety of responsibilities that you have had.
Review these examples to understand how you should format this section:
Automotive Repair Specialist with Johnson Auto Shop / 2012 Ð present
• Diagnose and troubleshoot customer problems
• Perform repairs and install new parts
Electrician / Targeted Handiwork / 2008 Ð 2012
• Diagrammed electrical components
• Installed wires while ensuring safety
Labor Supervisor Ð Howard Construction Ð 2010 to present
• Manage entire construction crew
• Create daily schedule
Boiler Operator at Bridge View Apartment Complex / 2013 to 2014
• Tested boiler performance
• Responded to emergency boiler maintenance requests
Writing Your Education Section
Conclude your resume by listing your educational achievements. This information will be more or less relevant and useful to employers depending on the position you are applying for, the industry you are in, and the time since you finished school. Still, unless otherwise specified, it is wise to include this information. While you can include seminars, training workshops, and other experiences, you should not list your GPA unless it is requested or you are a very recent graduate. Use this skilled trades resume template for Word to create a strong education section for your resume.
Bachelor of Engineering in Design – 2010
Colorado College, Colorado Springs
Master’s engineering degree candidate Ð 2018
Fully certified and licensed
