Many people don’t fully understand the range of skills it takes to become a carpenter or the jobs a carpenter can do. A skilled tradesperson may work on new construction projects, handle home remodeling jobs, or tune up existing retail locations. They are millwrights, cabinetmakers, floor coverers, and more.
As a trained carpenter, you want to make the best use of your skills in a job that pays well and has excellent benefits. To do that, you need an impressive resume.
We are here to help with that. Keep reading for a great carpenter resume example, and some helpful writing tips.
Carpenter Resume Example (Word version)
Here is a great example of a resume that is sure to get the candidate called in for a job interview.
Download resume example (.docx)
Sample Carpenter Resume (text version)
Olie Smith
(888)555-1111
olie@email.com
Seasoned journeyman carpenter with active union card seeks a position with a reputable construction firm in the Bay Area. Have extensive experience in all phases of construction. Own a personal truck and collection of required tools.
Skills
- Use of hand and power tools
- Measuring and cutting
- Reading and interpreting blueprints
- Framing
- Cabinet installation
- Window and door installation
- Punch Out work
- Subflooring
- Trusses
- Decks and Gazebos
- Bilingual (English/Spanish)
- Steelcase
- Osha Certified (Asbestos and Job Site Safety)
- Crew leader and apprenticeship training
- Microsoft Office
- Communication
- Conflict Management
- Customer Service
Work History
Janssen Construction
Lead Carpenter
July 2017 – Present
Framing Carpenter and Crew Leader
Completed over 200 residential and commercial construction and remodeling projects. These include the West Baymont housing development, Myer Auto Center expansion, and the University of Bayside student residence center. Regularly led teams of 5 to 15 carpenters. Completed 100% of products within the designated budget. Duties included:
- Constructing building framework according to presented designs
- Ensuring that apprentices and other journeyman carpenters executed their work appropriately
- Working cooperatively with site superintendents, stakeholders, laborers, and other tradespersons
- Following applicable safety rules and regulations
- Quality control
Consistently earned excellent performance reviews, and was highly sought out as a crew foreperson.
Maxx Interior Solutions
March 2014 – July 2017
Journeyman Carpenter and Interiors Installation Specialist
Worked as a crew member installing and maintaining interior office systems. Completed duties in a way that created the least amount of workplace disruption, and assured the safety of those present. Duties included:
- Computer room flooring installation
- Steelcase installation and repair
- Metal framing
- Office furniture fabrication and installation
- Working cooperatively with office managers and site supervisor
Attained the designation of journeyman carpenter by completing required work hours, receiving positive evaluations from superiors.
Duff Property Restoration Services
June 2011 – March 2014
Apprentice Carpenter
Worked under the supervision and leadership of a certified UBC Journeyman carpenter to apply a range of carpentry skills at a company specializing in the restoration of historical homes and commercial buildings. Participated in the successful restoration of the Bayside North Hotel and Casino. Duties included:
- Finish carpentry
- Trim carpentry
- Framing
- Cabinet Installation
- Window and Door Installation
Obtained full apprenticeship status as well as multiple “employee of the month” awards.
Education
Job Corps/Carpenters District Council
Building Trades Pre-Apprenticeship Program
Graduation: January 2014
Completed a six-month intensive job training program through the carpenters union and the Job Corps Youth Training Program
Bay City High School
Graduation: June 2013
Awards and Interests
- June 2013 Top Honors Graduate – Job Corps Building Trades Program
- April 2014 United Brotherhood of Carpenters Apprentice of the Year
- Cub Scout Leader
- Bay City Rotary Club Member
How to Write a Carpenter Resume for Your Next Gig
As a carpenter, you probably have a range of skills and areas of expertise, acquired during different projects. It may be tempting to mention all your competencies.
But the standard resume length is just one page.
How do you make the most impact out of it? By customizing your resume sections and contents to the job description.
Focus on highlighting and illustrating the skills, the employer listed in the Candidate Requirements section. And leave other interesting bits for your cover letter.
The below tips will help you better organize your resume for maximum impact!
Consider a Hybrid Resume
When you work in the trades, your skills and experience matter equally. Remember, two carpenters can have the same amount of experience, but very different skill sets. Think of the difference between someone who builds houses and someone who works in a cabinet shop.
Let both your skills and experience shine equally. Leadoff your resume with an impressive list of your capabilities. Then move into a career section that starts from your most recent job. This resume format is called a hybrid resume as it combines the chronological work experience section with a functional front area.
To give your resume a more “traditional look” you can add the Skills list at the sidebar area instead of the header one. There are many professional resume templates with such layouts.
Add a Major Accomplishment
Hiring managers are impressed by results. For each job you list, think of at least one accomplishment to add to your resume.
What is a good accomplishment to highlight as a carpenter?
- Deadlines met
- Budgets saved
- Cost oprimized
- Awards / recognition received
Include a Range of Skills
Of course, a carpenter will know how to cut, measure, frame, and perform other tasks. However, their job duties go beyond that. A successful tradesperson will know how to communicate with others, use computer software, and deal with customers. So don’t forget to include soft skills and technical knowledge in your resume.
Final Thoughts: Use Bullet Lists and Headings
When you add visual elements to your resume such as bulleted lists, subheadings, and bold print it becomes much easier to read. These elements improve the document’s readability and draw the reader’s attention to the most important bits.
Finally, if you are still struggling with the layout and formatting, check other resume examples we’ve created for extra references!