Trades Resume Guide: Electricians, Plumbers, HVAC Technicians

Most resume advice is written for office workers applying through HR portals.

"Optimize for ATS systems." "Lead with your degree." "Tailor for each application."

If you're an electrician, plumber, HVAC technician, welder, or other skilled tradesperson, this advice doesn't fit. You might hand a paper resume directly to a foreman. Your certifications matter more than your education. Photos of your work might be more persuasive than bullet points.

Here's resume advice that actually works for the trades.

How Trades Hiring Works

Understanding the process shapes your approach.

Small to Medium Companies

Most trades work happens at companies with 5-50 employees. Hiring often works like this:

Owner or lead tradesperson reviews resumes
No HR department, no ATS screening
Often hired through direct contact or referral
Resume might be reviewed on a job site, in a truck
Phone call or informal conversation often comes before formal interview

This means: readability matters more than keyword optimization. Personal connection often matters more than resume polish.

Union Apprenticeships

Union jobs work differently:

Apply to apprenticeship programs, not individual companies
Standardized application processes
Often waiting lists based on test scores and interviews
Once accepted, you're placed with union contractors

For union applications, follow their specific instructions precisely.

Large Contractors

Major commercial and industrial contractors (large construction companies, national HVAC firms) have more formal hiring:

Online applications through ATS systems
HR screening before technical interviews
More traditional resume review processes

For these employers, standard resume optimization applies.

Resume Format for Trades

Keep It Simple

One page. Clear sections. Easy to read quickly.

Foremen reviewing resumes between jobs don't have time for complex layouts. Clean and scannable beats elaborate design.

Essential Sections

Contact Information: Name, phone (cell), email, location (city/state).

Trade Summary: Brief statement of experience and capabilities.

Journeyman Electrician with 8 years of residential and commercial experience. Experienced in panel installations, service upgrades, troubleshooting, and code compliance. Strong safety record with OSHA 30 certification.

Licenses and Certifications (High Prominence): This is your most important section. List first after summary.

Certifications & Licenses

Journeyman Electrician License, State of Texas, #JE-12345

OSHA 30-Hour Construction Safety

NFPA 70E Electrical Safety

EPA Section 608 Universal (for HVAC)

First Aid/CPR Certified

Work Experience: Reverse chronological with emphasis on project types and scope.

Skills/Equipment: Specific tools, systems, and techniques you're proficient with.

Education/Training: Apprenticeship details, trade school, any relevant courses.

Physical Formatting

Because your resume might be printed and handled on job sites:

Use standard paper size (8.5 x 11)
Print on quality paper if submitting in person
Use readable font size (11-12 point minimum)
Include generous margins
Consider laminating if giving directly to supervisors

Certifications: Your Most Important Content

In trades, certifications prove capability. Feature them prominently.

Electrician Certifications

State Journeyman/Master Electrician License
OSHA 10/30 Hour Construction
NFPA 70E Electrical Safety
Manufacturer certifications (Generac, Tesla Powerwall, etc.)
PV (solar) installation certifications (NABCEP)
Low voltage/data certifications

Plumber Certifications

State Journeyman/Master Plumber License
OSHA 10/30 Hour
Medical gas certification
Backflow prevention certification
Water heater installation certification
Specific manufacturer training

HVAC Certifications

EPA Section 608 (required for refrigerant handling)
NATE certification
State/local HVAC licenses
OSHA 10/30 Hour
Manufacturer certifications (Trane, Carrier, Lennox, etc.)
Building automation systems

Welding Certifications

AWS certifications (structural, pipe, etc.)
Specific welding processes (MIG, TIG, Stick, etc.)
Industry-specific (API for pipeline, D1.1 for structural)
OSHA certifications

General Construction

OSHA 10/30 Hour
First Aid/CPR
Forklift/heavy equipment operator
Confined space entry
Fall protection
Scissor lift/aerial work platform

Format these clearly:

EPA Section 608 Universal Certification, #UC-456789, 2022 NATE Certified HVAC Technician, 2021 OSHA 30-Hour Construction Safety, 2023

Include license numbers and dates when relevant.

Writing Work Experience

Trades experience should emphasize:

Project Types and Scale

Electrician, ABC Electric, 2019-2024

Residential new construction: 50+ single-family homes

Commercial tenant improvement: retail spaces up to 10,000 sq ft

Service calls: troubleshooting and repairs for existing systems

Panel upgrades: 100+ residential service upgrades to 200A

Employers want to know what kinds of work you've done and at what scale.

Technical Specifics

Installed and terminated 480V 3-phase systems for industrial equipment

Ran EMT, rigid, and MC cable in commercial applications

Programmed and installed smart home systems including Lutron and Control4

Diagnosed and repaired complex troubleshooting issues in older wiring systems

Technical specifics prove depth of experience beyond general statements.

Safety Record

Maintained zero recordable incidents across 5,000+ work hours

Served as job site safety coordinator for 15-person crew

Conducted daily toolbox talks and safety inspections

Safety matters enormously in trades. Highlight your record.

Supervisory Experience

If you've led crews:

Supervised crew of 4 apprentices and journeymen

Trained 8 apprentices in residential rough-in procedures

Managed material ordering and coordination with GC

Leadership experience supports advancement to foreman or supervisor roles.

Skills Section: Tools and Systems

Be specific about equipment and systems:

Electrician example:

Tools & Equipment Conduit benders (hand and hydraulic), wire pulling equipment, megohmmeter, digital multimeters, thermal imaging cameras, circuit tracers

Systems Residential and commercial wiring, fire alarm systems, low voltage/data, backup generators, solar PV systems, EV charger installations

HVAC example:

Systems Split systems, packaged units, VRF systems, commercial rooftop units, chillers, building automation (Tridium, Honeywell), ductwork fabrication

Diagnostic Equipment Manifold gauges, combustion analyzers, manometers, psychrometers, refrigerant recovery equipment

Plumber example:

Systems Copper, PEX, PVC, cast iron, ABS, steel pipe, natural gas lines, medical gas, drainage systems, water heaters (tank, tankless, commercial), hydronic heating

Specificity signals experience depth.

The Portfolio Option

For some trades, photos prove capability better than words.

What to Include

Completed installations (neat, professional work)
Before/after comparisons
Complex or unusual projects
Work demonstrating specialty skills

Format Options

Physical portfolio: Printed photos in a small binder. Practical for in-person interviews.

Phone portfolio: Album on your phone ready to show during conversations.

Simple website: Basic site with project photos. Link on resume.

Social media: Instagram or Facebook page showcasing work (keep it professional).

Photo Guidelines

Good lighting showing work clearly
Remove any identifying customer information
Get permission when photographing at customer sites
Quality over quantity, 10-15 strong photos beats 100 mediocre ones
Add brief descriptions (scope, challenges, results)

Apprenticeship Applications

If you're applying for apprenticeship programs rather than journeyman positions:

Emphasize

Mechanical aptitude
Physical capability
Reliability and work ethic
Any construction or hands-on experience
Valid driver's license
Math ability (for calculations)
Willingness to learn

Include

Any prior trade exposure (even informal)
Relevant coursework (shop class, technical programs)
Physical labor experience
Military service (especially technical MOS)
References who can speak to your character and reliability

Format

Apprenticeship programs often have specific application formats. Follow their instructions exactly. Generic resumes may not be accepted.

Getting Your Resume Seen

Direct Contact

In trades, direct contact often works better than applications:

Walk onto job sites during appropriate times (not during active work). Introduce yourself to the foreman or supervisor. Have a few printed resumes ready. Be brief and professional.

This approach gets you face time that online applications don't.

Supply Houses and Trade Counters

Contractors spend time at electrical supply houses, plumbing supply counters, HVAC distributors. Staff there often know who's hiring.

Build relationships at supply houses. Let counter staff know you're looking. They may connect you with contractors.

Union Halls

For union work, visit your local union hall during appropriate hours. Get on their out-of-work list. Attend open calls.

Trade Associations

Local chapters of trade associations (NECA for electricians, PHCC for plumbers, SMACNA for sheet metal) host meetings and events. Networking at these events can lead to opportunities.

Online Options

While less effective than direct contact, online works for larger employers:

Indeed, ZipRecruiter, LinkedIn (post and search)
Company websites for large contractors
State job boards
Trade-specific job boards

Interview Preparation

Trade interviews often differ from white-collar interviews.

Expect Technical Questions

"How do you size wire for a 50-amp circuit?" "Walk me through troubleshooting a compressor that won't start." "What's the proper slope for drain pipe?"

Review technical fundamentals. Explaining your work process demonstrates competency.

Dress Appropriately

Clean work clothes or business casual are both acceptable depending on setting. Showing up in a suit to a construction interview may seem out of touch.

Bring Your Tools (Maybe)

Some employers want to see your tools. Clean, organized, professional tools signal a professional tradesperson. Ask in advance whether to bring them.

References Ready

Have references from previous supervisors or journeymen you've worked with. Trade references matter more than character references.

Sample Resume

MIKE JOHNSON (555) 123-4567 | mike.johnson@email.com | Austin, TX

LICENSED JOURNEYMAN ELECTRICIAN 8 years of residential and commercial electrical experience. Specializing in service upgrades, troubleshooting, and new construction. Strong safety record with zero recordable incidents.

LICENSES & CERTIFICATIONS

Texas Journeyman Electrician License, #JE-78901, Current

OSHA 30-Hour Construction Safety, 2023

NFPA 70E Electrical Safety, 2022

First Aid/CPR, Current

EXPERIENCE

Journeyman Electrician | Austin Electric Company | 2020-Present

Residential and light commercial new construction, renovations, and service

Lead electrician on 30+ custom home projects

Performed 200+ service calls including panel upgrades, troubleshooting, and repairs

Trained and supervised 3 apprentices

Zero safety incidents in 4 years

Apprentice to Journeyman | Superior Electrical | 2016-2020

Completed 4-year apprenticeship program

Residential new construction and remodel

Progressed from apprentice to journeyman with license

TECHNICAL SKILLS

New construction rough-in and trim

Service upgrades and panel replacements

Troubleshooting and diagnostics

Low voltage and data installation

Generator installation and service

Smart home systems (Lutron, Control4)

EDUCATION

Journeyman Electrician Apprenticeship, Superior Electrical, 2016-2020

Austin Community College, Electrical Technology coursework, 2016

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