Guides
Skilled trades applications: cover letter and resume tips
What matters in Skilled trades applications: structure, wording and the most common mistakes.
In the trades, hands-on proof wins: crafts, machines and responsibility on site. Hiring managers check training, trade experience and driving licence first.
How to word your roles
- Name trades and methods: concrete tasks instead of generic manual work.
- Show responsibility: crew leadership, materials or client contact belong in the bullets.
- List licences: driving and machine licences go right under skills.
Skills that count
Methods, machines and materials, driving classes, extra licences and basic IT for reports. Contact details, profile, experience, training with year, further training, skills. One to two pages is enough.
The role examples let you adopt wording straight into your resume.
Frequently asked questions
What belongs in a trades resume?
Training with year, trades and methods, machines, licences and a reachable contact.
Do I need a photo?
A photo is common and likeable in the trades, but optional – reachable contact and complete history matter more.