Crafting a strong resume is essential for securing top job opportunities, and this holds true even for roles in the trades. Whether you're aiming for a position as a Residential Plumber, Commercial Plumber, or Construction Plumber, having a well-prepared resume can make a significant difference.
Many Plumbers say, “I don’t have a resume; I’ve never needed one for Plumber jobs.” While it’s true that some positions might not require a resume, having one opens doors to better opportunities, especially with companies that have formal hiring processes and HR departments. Creating a resume is straightforward and can greatly enhance your chances of landing a desirable job. Let us guide you through best practices and provide examples tailored specifically for plumber roles.
1. FORMAT
There’s no single correct way to create a resume, so feel free to use a Microsoft template if you like; they offer some solid options. Just ensure that you complete every section thoroughly.
When selecting a format, go for something straightforward and easy to read. Your resume doesn’t need to be a work of art—it just needs to be effective. If you’re applying for a Graphic Designer role, you might want to spend extra time on design, but for a plumber position, focus on functionality. Stick to including Contact Information, Employment History, and Relevant Certifications and Education.
Keep your resume to two pages or fewer—recruiters typically don’t have time for more. Overloading it with information can cause the key details to get lost. Remember, the purpose of your resume is to secure an interview, not to land the job. Focus on presenting the essentials and use the interview to provide further details.
2. CONTACT INFO
It’s a simple step, but it's often missed. Double-check that all your contact information is complete and correct. I’ve seen many candidates lose out on opportunities due to a typo in their phone number or email address, which makes it impossible for us to reach them. Ensure that your details are accurate and up-to-date. Things to include:
- Name
- E-mail Address
- Phone Number
Optional
- Street Address (Recommended)
- Link to LinkedIn profile
Contact Info Mistakes
An unprofessional email address or voicemail greeting could cost you a job opportunity.
When job hunting, making a good first impression is crucial, and you won’t always be available to answer the phone. Ensure that your voicemail greeting is straightforward and professional: “Hi, you’ve reached Dave. I can’t take your call right now, but please leave a message, and I’ll get back to you as soon as possible.”
Additionally, avoid using inappropriate email addresses when applying for jobs. For instance, an address like fartsarefunny46@hotmail.com is unlikely to create a positive impression, even if it’s meant humorously. Instead, create a professional email address for job applications, such as davemorleymechanic@gmail.com. If managing multiple email accounts seems cumbersome, you can set up email forwarding to streamline communication.
3. Relocating?
If you’re moving for a job, make sure to mention this at the top of your application. For example, if your address is listed as Hamilton, ON but you’re applying for positions in Calgary, it might appear that you applied to the wrong job by mistake. To avoid this, clearly state your current location and your intended relocation city.
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4. Work History
This section of your resume is crucial, so maintaining a clear and consistent format is essential for readability and to ensure the reader understands your role at each job. It's also helpful to provide a brief description of the company if its nature isn't immediately apparent.
Be sure to include the company's name, your job title, and accurate employment dates. If the job was within the last decade, try to include the specific start and end months if possible.
Additionally, detail the types of jobs you handled and the kinds of equipment you worked on.
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When detailing your professional experience, prioritize recent roles and highlight significant achievements and responsibilities. Focus on the past 10-15 years if you have over 20 years in the field, as this period will be most relevant to prospective employers. If you're newer to the industry, concentrate on relevant roles and skills, omitting unrelated positions such as part-time jobs from high school. Your aim is to showcase pertinent expertise and accomplishments that align with the job you're applying for.
5. Certification/Education
Include all RELEVENT training, certifications, and educational achievements that pertain to the field of plumbers. Omit any qualifications that do not directly relate to this profession. Key items to list are:
- OEM/Factory Training
- Trade Certification
- Commercial Drivers License
- Related Trades
- Safety Training
Hobbies and Interests?
No! No one cares about your hobbies, special interests etc. Keep your resume focused on your plumber experience and training.
I hope the above tips help, if you still need assistance or a second opinion on your resume you can send it in to Rockstar Plumbers and we will help you out at 1-833-937-3546. Or check out our other blogs on resume writing.
