Carpenter Resume Example & Writing Guide
- What should your model resume include?
- Why use this carpenter resume example?
- Which key skills are relevant to a carpenter resume?
On the hunt for new carpentry work? You’ll need a resume that highlights your skills in constructing, repairing, maintaining, and installing. Use the guidelines and examples below to create a resume that shows off your carpentry expertise, professionalism, and ability to create physical spaces that are safe and people-friendly.
What should your model resume include?
When recruiters read your carpentry resume, they should quickly get a sense of the work you specialize in. Many clients will want a carpenter who can build houses, while others might want someone who can work on ships, bridges, or film/theater sets. Your resume should also specify the materials you work with: wood, concrete, steel, etc. Lastly, your resume should describe your preferred mode of employment, be it as a freelance contractor or as a full-time employee.
Why use this carpenter resume example?
The resume example below is a great fit for professional carpenters well in several ways. First, it has a professional summary section where you can describe your personal strengths and greatest carpentry accomplishments in a single paragraph. Above this paragraph, there’s also a line where you can add a power statement: a short, italicized sentence where you can list the fields of carpentry you specialize in.
Second, the layout and sample text of this resume template’s professional experiences section lets you describe both the carpentry projects you’ve worked on and the fields of carpentry you’ve mastered over the years. The sample text here is also full of useful keywords you can borrow to catch the attention of a business’s applicant tracking system.
Academically, carpenters only need a high school diploma. Practically, most carpenters need to complete a 4-year apprenticeship with a senior professional carpenter, and then get journeyman certification from a respected association to start working in the trade. The layout of this sample resume’s education and credentials sections makes it easy to describe this sort of background, letting you list academic degrees from university (in relevant fields such as architecture) and certifications issued by state agencies, professional associations, labor unions, and more.
Which key skills are relevant to a carpenter resume?
Carpenter resumes should also discuss the carpenter’s current level of physical fitness, since many carpentry tasks involve lifting or holding heavy objects in place. The skills you list in your carpentry resume should also draw attention to your precision and attention to detail. When an employee reads your resume, they should get the impression that you can design and assemble spaces that are precisely measured, sturdy, and free of dangerous flaws.
Clients on the lookout for good carpenters often like to see resumes with the following skills:
Construction & Renovation Projects
Wood, Steel & Concrete Structures
Preventive / Corrective Maintenance
Construction Site Planning & Set-Up
Blueprints, Diagrams & Specs
Inventory Control / Materials Management
Industrial Sites & Equipment
Environment, Health & Safety Compliance
Quality Assurance & Control (QA/QC)
On-Site Project Planning / Management
Millwork Experience
Cost Control & Expense Avoidance
Algebra & Geometry Mathematical Proficiency
Summary example
Quality-driven construction professional with proven success planning and managing complex carpentry efforts within industrial environments; adept in reading blueprints and managing all aspects of construction planning, site set-up, material selection, construction, and clean-up. Superior operational health / safety and environmental compliance acumen. Talent for providing on-the-job training, coaching, mentoring, and performance management.
Employment history example
Carpenter Foreman at GRAHAM EVENTS, Toronto, Ontario 2018 - Present
Followed design specifications / blueprints and planned projects to meet exacting standards to build booths for special events. Built projects with wood, metal, and plastic materials to meet event requirements. Ensured construction met regulatory standards as per Fire Marshall’s requirements. Collaborated with laborers to complete detailed on-location projects.
Projects included Oscar Pre-Party, Grammy Pre-Party, Emmy Pre-Party, Espy Awards After-Party, Disney California Adventure, MLB All-Star Game Parties, and numerous other events.
Formwork Carpenter at ABC BUILDERS, Fort McKay, Alberta 2015 - 2017
Performed formwork carpentry using Aluma, Doka, and Peri systems; analyzed and interpreted complex blueprints, drawings, and sketches to inform development of carpentry specifications, creation of site layouts, and calculation of material requirements for end-to-end building projects. Collaborated extensively among trades to coordinate interdependent efforts and ensure on-time completion. Ensured top notch operational health, safety, and environmental compliance within industrial environment.
Liaised with construction teams and supervisors to orchestrate project deliverables, identify issues, and implement resolutions.
Provided carpentry oversight and met timelines on major home renovation projects valued up to $675K.
Industrial Carpenter at INDUSTRIAL BUILDERS CANADA, Fort McKay, Alberta 2014 -2015
Built new structures and performed an array of concrete / grout formwork and framing within industrial, oil / gas environment. Played integral role in carpentry equipment maintenance, troubleshooting, and issue resolution. Trained, coached, and mentored junior carpenters.
Flawlessly formed and poured 1K+ grout forms using Siki 212 and Pronto 11.
Instrumental in establishment of job site performance and safety standards, including tool / equipment check processes, Field Level Risk Assessments (FLRA), on-site walkarounds, and toolbox meetings.
Education example
Building Renovation & Carpentry Certificate Program at George Brown College, Ontario
Journeyman Carpenter Certification at Alberta Apprenticeship & Industry Training Program
Apprentice Carpenter Certification at United Brotherhood of Carpenters & Joiners of America – Canada
Skills example
Construction Safety Training System (CSTS-09) | Elevated Work Platform Fall Protection | H2S Alive | Scaffolding | Self-Propelled Elevating Leadership for Safety Excellence (LSE) | Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS) Oil Sands Safety Association (OSSA): Confined Space Entry; Fall Arrest; Regional Orientation Program; Elevated Work Platform; Safe Permit Training
Construction & Renovation Projects
Wood, Steel & Concrete Structures
Preventive / Corrective Maintenance
Construction Site Planning & Set-Up
Blueprints, Diagrams & Specs
Industrial Sites & Equipment
Environment, Health & Safety Compliance
Quality Assurance & Control (QA/QC)
On-Site Project Planning / Management
Cost Control & Expense Avoidance
