Plumbers are highly skilled professionals that install and repair water, gas, and other piping systems in homes, businesses, and other locations. They also install and work on plumbing fixtures, such as sinks, bathtubs, toilets, and appliances (dishwashers, water heaters, etc.). It’s a job that most people don’t think about until they need a plumber, and it’s usually an emergency situation. As such, plumbers are highly paid workers, which means there will always be competition for the best jobs.
Your plumber resume should not overwhelm readers with too much information. A good way to start out, as this example shows, is to give them a quick overview in the summary section. Highlight some key skills and experience to show you’ve got what they are seeking.
Hiring managers do not want to spend a lot of time reading through every resume they receive. That’s why your introductory section is so important. If you can’t get their attention within the first few seconds of looking at your resume, then it will probably get overlooked during the application process. The best way to avoid this is by creating a professional profile that incorporates key qualifications from the job posting(s) that match your background in the first two sentences. Include the skill sets that hiring managers or recruiters are looking for in your summary, because this will make them notice your resume and spend more time reviewing it.
Don’t flush your opportunity to land that great new plumber job by presenting a bad resume. You’ve got to grab the attention of hiring managers and then convince them that you are the best person for the job. But how do you stand out? You should tailor your resume to the job description(s) you are targeting. As mentioned before, put some key skills or accomplishments in your summary section to wrench their attention away from other things and keep them looking at your resume.
In your Professional Experience section, make sure you describe your relevant experience in a way that matches up well with your target role(s). Don’t forget to include critical information like business titles, company names, and employment dates for all your jobs. When describing any work you performed, start every sentence or bullet point with an action verb like completed, answered, repaired, installed, or fixed.
Make sure to show off the wins you’ve had as well, including a few bulleted lines of achievements for each job. Things with specifics like “conducted 25 to 30 client calls per week” or “completed jobs 30% faster than the company average” will grab the hiring manager’s attention and give them a sense of what you’re all about. Write an Education section that lists your college degree or job-related coursework, along with any relevant job training, certifications, or apprenticeships you’ve started or completed. You can also include any current labor union memberships or other professional affiliations.
Finally, once you're done giving your resume a fresh makeover, go over it with a fine-tooth comb. Read it through a few times to catch any spelling, grammar, or formatting mishaps. You want it to be error-free and perfect! Remember, any blunders could be a turn-off for your prospective boss, so make sure your revamped resume is flawless.
Being a great plumber is more than just having some tools and knowing your way around pipes. Your resume needs to include the top skills for the plumbing trade, as well as some overall skills that are useful to have for any job.
Here are some great skills to have on your resume as a plumber:
Knowledge of plumbing practices (industrial and commercial) and codes
Analytical skills
Communication skills
Reliability
Attention to detail
Troubleshooting
Industriousness
Critical thinking
Summary example
Trained plumber with expertise in residential, commercial, and construction jobs; Licensed in California.
Exceptional analytical and troubleshooting skills refined throughout career, ensuring timely, cost-effective installations, service and repair. Equipped for major for plumbing projects.
Proficient communicator, interacting effectively with contractors, internal departments, trades, insurance companies, homeowners and other stakeholders.
Reputation for reliability and attention to detail; committed to excellence and building positive relationships.
Employment history example
Plumber at D.C.M. PLUMBING Huntington Beach, CA 2022
Managed plumbing installations during construction of high-end custom homes. Interacted with managers, general contractors, and customers to ensure accurate installations and maximum customer satisfaction.
Key Contributions:
Led plumbing plan and installation for 900-home community.
Plumber at Garretts Plumbing, Inc. / Cal-Home, Plumbing Inc, Orange / Santa Ana, CA 2018 - 2022
Completed service calls and installed new plumbing in commercial and residential settings. Diagnosed wide range of problems leveraging knowledge and expertise to design solutions. Utilized technical skills and appropriate tools to service and repair plumbing. Liaised with insurance and warranty companies as well as internal departments; communicated with customers to identify issues, provide information, and ensure satisfaction. Prepared and managed invoices and documentation.
Key Contributions:
Addressed range of plumbing issues in multiple environments, providing cost-effective service for customers while contributing to company profitability.
Education example
California Plumbing License #585456325