How to Build the Best Carpenter CV (Example + Template)
Carpenters need plenty of knowledge and problem-solving skills. How do you bring those skills to the forefront in a CV?
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Carpenter CV example
What should I highlight on a carpenter CV?
To be a great carpenter, it’s important that you have a strong skill set. Specific skills like jobsite coordination and knowledge of specific skills are always important to consider as a professional carpenter. You should also focus on experiences and activities that prove your competence with general carpentry work, as well as specific achievements that demonstrate your ability to stand out.
Structure of a carpenter CV
Your structure will partially depend on what CV format you choose: chronological CV, which emphasises work history, functional CV, which emphasises skills, and combination CV, which emphasises both. However, your sections will be similar, just with different setups. Here’s what a carpenter CV sample might look like.
Next is your skills section. A carpenter job will draw on a huge variety of skills – gear yours towards the needs of the specific job you’re applying to. Here are a few skills to consider for your CV that many carpenter jobs often look for:
- Ability to read blueprints and building plans
- Skill with circular saws
- Knowledge of both power tools and hand tools
- Woodworking knowledge
- Drywall
- Frameworks
- Knowledge of building codes, safety regulations and OSHA
- Ability to do renovations
- Talent for door frames, cabinetry, paneling and other building elements
- Setting up job sites and a work environment
- Residential construction and commercial construction
- Dexterity
- Problem-solving
- Project management
Note that this list has both hard skills (technical skills and knowledge learnt through training) and soft skills (interpersonal and intangible abilities that speak to how you approach work). The perfect CV will usually include both; after all, recruiters want job candidates who know how to handle a power saw and talk to a client.
Your work experience section should include all professional experience that you have within the world of carpentry. That may job titles such as:
- Lead carpenter
- Carpenter apprentice
- Construction company worker
- Carpentry journeyman
- Master carpenter
- Carpenter subcontractors
Generally, if your work environment was centered around any kind of construction, it counts as relevant work experience. List your years of experience in reverse chronological order, with the most recent job first.
Do's and don’ts for a carpenter CV
Do:
- Include specific projects on your CV. These projects are actual things recruiters can look at to see whether you’re qualified for a job.
- For each job description, provide bullet points that highlight notable achievements rather than laundry-list standard duties. The CVHelp CV builder can help you create these job descriptions.
- Have a trusted colleague or knowledgeable professional in the same field or read through your CV before you submit it. It’s a good way to ensure you’ve written the most professional CV.
Don’t:
- Try to apply for a job you’re not qualified to do. If you’ve just finished an apprenticeship, you probably don’t qualify as a master carpenter.
- Include huge lists of skills. There’s no need to include more than a dozen skills at most.
Write your CV without reading a carpenter CV example. Examples are a great way to learn more about what your field currently values, and how to best organise your CV.
FAQ: carpenter CV
Have questions? We’re here to help.
Do I need to include a cover letter for a carpenter application?
Yes. A cover letter allows you to sell your skills more effectively and ask for a job interview. Plus, it shows you care a lot about getting the job. You should include a cover letter with every job application, regardless of the industry.
How can I write a carpenter's CV without a lot of experience?
If you don’t have a lot of experience, don’t worry. You actually do have experience, just in an apprenticeship rather than in an actual job position. Listing your apprenticeship experience is a great way to increase your work history on your CV.
How do I change my carpenter CV to apply to different jobs?
One great option for personalising your CV is to use CV keywords. With CV keywords, you can reflect exactly what a recruiter is looking for in an individual. To do this, read the job description and pick out phrases that spell out what the job needs (e.g., “drywall repair”). Then come up with skills and experiences in your CV that addresses those needs (e.g., listing a previous job experience in which you performed drywall repairs).
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