I am planning to apply for some trade jobs this summer and need help with my resume. Do you have any tips or examples of resumes that I could use as a guide to make mine stand out?
You're on the right track by seeking examples as a starting point for your resume. When putting together a resume for trade jobs, focus on showcasing your technical skills, certifications, apprenticeships, and specific work experience in the field.
The purpose is to make it evident you have the hands-on experience that these kinds of jobs often value. Here's a rough breakdown of what you might want to include:
1. Contact Information: Include your full name, phone number, email, and city (no need for a full address).
2. Objective: A brief, clear statement that aligns with the specific trade job you're applying for. Make sure it's tailored to each job.
3. Skills: Highlight your key skills relevant to the trade. Concrete examples are better than generic terms. For example, instead of merely stating "plumbing," specify "residential plumbing repair and maintenance."
4. Certifications and Licenses: If you hold relevant certifications and licenses, list them here, stating the title of the certification and the authority who granted it.
5. Work Experience: For each job, include the role title, the company's name, the time you were there, and use bullet points to highlight what you did and accomplished there.
6. Education: List your highest level of education and any trade schools, courses or apprenticeships you completed.
Here is an example:
Joe Smith
(123) 456-7890 • joe.smith@email.com
Objective:
Detail-oriented Electrician Apprentice eager to contribute to XYZ Company by utilizing a solid foundation in installing electrical systems and problem-solving.
Skills:
- Proficient in installation and maintenance of residential and commercial electrical systems.
- In-depth knowledge of safety and building regulations.
- Experience in electrical diagnostics and repair.
Certifications:
- CPR and First Aid certified – American Red Cross (2021)
- OSHA 30 – U.S. Department of Labor (2021)
Work Experience:
Electrician Apprentice, XYZ Company, City, State, January 2021-Present
- Assisted in the installation of electrical systems in newly constructed buildings.
- Diagnosed and repaired electrical problems with residential and commercial wiring.
- Maintained 100% adherence to safety regulations and guidelines.
Education:
- City Trade School, Electrician Apprentice Program, 2020 – 2021
- City High School, Diploma, 2020
The specific trade you're in will determine exactly what skills and experiences you'll want to highlight, but this should serve as a general framework to get you started. To further aid in your resume building, there are online resources where you can find templates and examples of trade job resumes.
CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.