Resume Tips for Trades Professionals

When you work with your hands every day, putting your experience down on paper might not come naturally.

But a clear, well-written resume is one of the best tools you have to land your next opportunity, whether you’re a qualified tradesperson or a 4th year apprentice ready to take the next step.

Here are some practical tips to help your resume stand out to employers in the trades.

Focus on Skills and Experience That Matter

Employers want to know what you can do, not just where you’ve worked. Highlight the specific skills and experience that match the job you’re applying for.

• List your trade qualification, certificates, and any specialist tickets or licences such as Working at Heights, Confined Space, or White Card

• Describe the types of projects or environments you’ve worked in, whether that’s commercial, residential, mining, maintenance, or fabrication

• Include examples of the equipment, tools, or machinery you’ve used that are relevant to your trade

Keep it practical and concise. Bullet points often work better than long paragraphs for technical experience.

Show Your Progress and Reliability

If you’re a 4th year apprentice, show how you’ve developed during your apprenticeship by mentioning promotions, added responsibilities, or mentoring of younger apprentices.

For qualified tradespeople, focus on achievements that demonstrate reliability and quality such as consistent project completion, low rework rates, or safety awards. Employers value stability, so include start and finish dates for each role.

Include Your Training and Safety Credentials

In trades recruitment, tickets and safety credentials can make or break an application. List them clearly and ensure they are current.

If you’ve completed additional short courses or upskilling such as First Aid, forklift operation, or leadership training, include these as well. They show initiative and a commitment to professional growth.

Tailor Your Resume to the Job

Avoid sending the same resume to every job. Read the job ad carefully and make small adjustments so your experience aligns with the role. For example, if the position involves maintenance work, highlight your experience maintaining or troubleshooting systems rather than focusing only on installation.

Include a short personal summary at the top with two or three sentences about your trade, experience level, and the type of work you’re seeking. This helps employers quickly see if you’re a good fit.

Keep it Clean and Professional

Your resume doesn’t need to be elaborate, but it should be easy to read. Use simple formatting, clear section headings, and consistent spacing.

Keep it to one or two pages, and save it as a PDF so the layout stays consistent when opened on another device. Double-check your spelling and grammar, as attention to detail always matters in trades work.

Bonus Tip: Include References or Testimonials

If you’ve worked with the same supervisor or company for several years, ask them for a reference or to act as a referee.

A good word from someone who has seen your work ethic firsthand can make a strong impression.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

A great resume opens the door, but the right recruitment partner can help you find opportunities that match your skills and ambitions.

MiRecruit connects qualified tradespeople and apprentices with respected employers across Australia.