Carpenter Resume Examples and Templates for 2023

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Frank Hackett

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Frank Hackett is a professional resume writer and career consultant with over eight years of experience. As the lead editor at a boutique career consulting firm, Frank developed an innovative approach to resume writing that empowers job seekers to tell their professional stories. His approach involves creating accomplishment-driven documents that balance keyword optimization with personal branding. Frank is a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW) with the Professional Association of Resume Writers and Career Coaches (PAWRCC).

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The Bureau of Labor Statistics expects little or no change to the number of jobs for carpenters from 2019 to 2029. There are around 89,000 openings for carpenters each year, mostly due to companies needing to replace people who retire or move out of the occupation. Although population growth will result in more construction, which is where most carpenters are employed, the increasing use of prefabricated components means that fewer carpenters are required to complete jobs.

With few new jobs, you can expect strong competition when openings arise, and a well-constructed resume can help you stand out in a crowded job market. Build your resume on firm foundations by using our downloadable resume templates. There are examples for entry-level and experienced carpenters, as well as tips for writing a better resume and tailoring your resume to a particular job description.

Downloadable Resume Examples

Entry-level
Carpenter_Entry-level.pdf

Example #1 Entry-level

Mid-Career
Carpenter_Mid-career.pdf

Example #2 Mid-Career

Senior-level
Carpenter_Senior-level.pdf

Example #3 Senior-level

Carpenter Resume Examples

Years of Experience
  • Entry-level Entry-level
  • Mid-Career Mid-Career
  • Senior-level Senior-level

Keeva Pitt
(890) 123-4567
[email protected]
456 Address Street, El Paso, TX 32109

Profile

An Apprentice Carpenter with two years of professional experience, specializing in drywall installation, blueprint reading, and building codes. Adept at collaborating with diverse construction teams to execute residential and commercial projects.

Professional Experience

Apprentice Carpenter, Tradesmen International, El Paso, TX
July 2019 – Present

  • Coordinate with construction teams to execute residential projects valued at $20K-$150K, including floor, drywall, window, and ceiling installations
  • Analyze blueprints and technical drawings, inspect buildings to identify damage, defects, and potential hazards, and cut materials to precise specifications
  • Utilize scaffolds, ladders, and safety harnesses to complete tasks at tall heights and ensure compliance with PPE protocols and OSHA safety standards

Laborer, Lagan Construction LLC, El Paso, TX
September 2018 – July 2019

  • Provided support for residential construction projects, performed digging, hoisting, and excavation tasks, and collaborated with construction teams
  • Utilized mechanical equipment to unload and haul materials to worksites and operated heavy machinery and power tools in adherence to safety protocols

Certifications

  • Forklift Certification, Texas Heavy Equipment Association, 2019

Key Skills

  • Residential Construction
  • Drywall Installation
  • Blueprint Reading
  • Manual and Pneumatic Equipment
  • Heavy Machinery Equipment

Education

Diploma in Construction Technology (Carpentry)
VISTA COLLEGE El Paso, TX, September 2018 – June 2019

High School Diploma
YSLETA HIGH SCHOOL El Paso, TX, June 2018

Bonita Rosa
(123) 456-7890
[email protected]
543 Main Road, Baton Rouge, LA 43210

Profile

A Journeyman Carpenter with seven years of experience specializing in commercial construction, project management, and quality control. A strong history of executing large-scale repair projects and preserving historical buildings. Adept at collaborating in fast-paced environments with diverse construction teams.

Professional Experience

Carpenter, Cajun Industries, Baton Rouge, LA
March 2017 – Present

  • Coordinate with construction laborers  execute commercial construction projects ranging from $100K-$500K and perform inspections ensure adherence to quality control standards
  • Analyze technical specifications, drawings, and blueprints, construct  forms, batter boards, and scaffolds, and ensure alignment stakeholder requirements
  • Operate power construction tools and provide training to apprentice carpenters in OSHA safety

Carpenter, Recreation and Park Commission for the Parish of East Baton Rouge
June 2015 – March 2017

  • Constructed, maintained, and repaired small buildings for residential construction projects valued at $25K-$150K, including framework, door, and window installation
  • Inspected playgrounds for safety, performed repairs, and erected new recreation equipment
  • Maintained and repaired historical structures using authentic materials and techniques to respect their unique features

Education

Certificate of Technical Studies in Carpentry
DELGADO COMMUNITY COLLEGE New Orleans, LA, September 2011 – June 2015

Key Skills

  • Commercial Construction
  • Quality Control
  • OSHA Safety Standards
  • Electric and Pneumatic Power Tool Operation
  • Project Management

Certifications

  • Certified Building Envelope Technician (CBET), Carpenters International Certification Council, June 2018

Caroline Carpenter
(123) 456-7890
[email protected]
123 Main Avenue, Layton, Utah, 23026

Profile

A Master Carpenter with 10+ years of professional experience managing a wide range of residential and commercial construction projects. A proven track record of developing high-impact safety cultures to prevent workplace injuries. Adept at analyzing complex blueprints and collaborating with client stakeholders.

Professional Experience

Master Carpenter Layton Construction, Sandy, UT
October 2015 – Present

  • Coordinate with construction teams, architects, and project managers to execute multi-million dollar construction projects for commercial and residential clients
  • Execute the $25M build-out of a housing development with over 55 homes, lead a team of 20+ carpenters, and conduct inspections to ensure compliance with safety and quality standards
  • Deliver training on OSHA safety standards and PPE protocols, develop a culture of safety, and successfully reduce workplace accidents by over 30%

Journeyman Carpenter, Magleby Construction, Lindon, UT
May 2011 – August 2015

  • Managed and executed over 150+ residential carpentry projects, including drywall installations,  custom cabinetry, furniture design, and home renovations
  • Conducted inspections on buildings to identify potential hazards, safety risks, and structural damage, created reports for clients, and recommended repairs
  • Delivered coaching and mentorship to apprentice carpenters to drive professional development

Education

Certified in Building Technology
BRIDGERLAND TECHNICAL COLLEGE Logan, UT, September 2007 – May 2011

Key Skills

  • Construction Management
  • OSHA Safety Standards
  • Commercial Construction
  • Custom Cabinetry and Furniture Design
  • Team Leadership

Certifications

  • American Red Cross First Aid Certified, June 2020
  • Certified Master Building Envelope Specialist (CMBES), Carpenters International Certification Council, September 2018

Common Key Skills and Action Verbs for Carpenter Resumes

Many hiring managers use Applicant Tracking Systems to identify the resumes of applicants who show the most potential. The ATS scans each resume and evaluates it based on the number of key skill words and relevant action verbs it includes. Resumes that score well are highlighted for the hiring manager to investigate further. This means that including more key skill words and phrases increases your chances of the hiring manager seeing your resume and inviting you for an interview.

Key Skills & Proficiencies
Blueprint Reading Building Codes
Carpentry Commercial Construction
Construction Management Drywall Installation
Finish Carpentry Flooring Installation
Framing Hand Tools
Leadership Maintenance
OSHA Safety Standards Power Tools
Project Management Quality Control
Residential Construction Roofing
Team Management Trim Carpentry
Wood Manufacturing Scheduling
Action Verbs
Budget Build
Cut Design
Estimate Finish
Frame Install
Insulate Manage
Manufacture Measure
Order Panel
Plan Quote
Remodel Solve
Trim

Tips for Writing a Better Carpenter Resume

Highlight your carpenter certifications

You need to think about both certifications and licenses when writing your carpenter resume. You don’t need any particular certification to work as an apprentice; however, completed certifications can highlight specialist skills and show a commitment to the industry and skill development. If you have certifications, include the exact title, the granting organization and the date you received it on your resume. Depending on the state you live in, you may also need a license for some carpentry roles. If you have a license, be sure to note the state and when you received it.

Example #1

Good


  • Certified Lead Carpenter, National Association of the Remodeling Industry, 2018
  • Certified Kitchen and Bath Remodeler, National Association of the Remodeling Industry, 2018
  • C-6 License: Cabinet, Millwork and Finish Carpentry Contractor, State of California, 2017

Bad


  • Multiple remodeling certifications, 2018
  • Licensed in California

Example #2

Good


  • OSHA 30-Hour Construction Safety, 2017
  • INSTALL Certified Floor Covering Specialist, International Standards & Training Alliance, 2017
  • Maintenance and Alterations Contractors License, State of Michigan, 2016

Bad


  • OSHA and Michigan state licenses
  • Floor covering specialization

Feature your carpentry soft skills

Carpentry isn’t only following plans and working with wood. Carpenters also need soft skills to interact with a team and solve problems. Customer service and communication skills are particularly important, as you often have to interact with clients and determine their needs. Employers often want carpenters who can demonstrate existing soft skills, especially when looking to fill leadership roles. Make sure you highlight at least one soft skill that you excel in or that’s featured in the job description.

Example #1

Good


Listened to customer needs and communicated plans and budget estimates that solved their problems

Bad


Developed plans for customers

Example #2

Good


Took a leadership role in training eight apprentices in all aspects of carpentry and mentored them as they specialized and became valuable members of the construction team

Bad


Regularly worked with apprentices and other team members

How to Align Your Resume With the Job Description

Hiring managers need to look at a lot of applications to find someone who has the right mix of experience and skills to meet their needs. They use job descriptions to define those needs, and you can use this job description to tailor your resume, ensuring you include the skills they’re looking for. This can help you stand out from other candidates.

If you don’t know which skills and attributes to highlight, start by looking at the requirements mentioned multiple times or listed at the start of the job description. These are normally the company’s key priorities. Make sure your resume demonstrates how you can deliver on these priorities by focusing on your notable achievements. A generic resume is easy to overlook, so avoid copy and pasting.

Example Carpenter Job Description


TJ Renovations is looking for a skilled carpenter to join our remodeling team. Experience in kitchen installation and cabinetmaking is a must, and the ability to design, cut, and measure materials based on client specifications will be highly-regarded. You will be responsible for the layout, installation, repair and finish of various structures and fixtures in older homes. The successful candidate will have good communication and organizational skills, strong knowledge of wood properties and the ability to follow all health and safety standards

Responsibilities:

  • Read blueprints, drawings and sketches to understand requirements
  • Talk to clients to determine needs and desires and design a solution
  • Take measurements and calculate materials needed
  • Build or repair cabinets, doors, frameworks, floors and other wooden fixtures in older homes
  • Inspect home fixtures to detect damaged structures, remove damaged parts and repair or replace using hand tools
  • Provide excellent customer service
  • Follow all code requirements for kitchens and baths in remodeling projects
  • Follow established workplace safety rules and regulations and maintain a safe and clean environment

Qualifications:

  • High school diploma
  • Completion of a recognized apprenticeship or a minimum of four years’ experience as a journey-level carpenter
  • Excellent customer service and communication skills
  • Experience remodeling homes
  • Experience with kitchen renovations and installations
  • Strong knowledge of health and safety regulations and protocols
  • Ability to read technical documents and drawings
  • Physically fit 

The job description shows that the ideal candidate will have the following skills and attributes:

  • Remodeling experience
  • Kitchen installation
  • Health and safety
  • Customer service
  • Communication skills
  • Older homes
  • Design
  • Build and repair

Take the skills and attributes you highlighted in the job description and compare them to your resume. Make sure you include experience and skills that match the requirements. Below is an example of how best to incorporate them into your resume:

Carpenter Work Experience Example


Carpenter, Quinn Remodeling Solutions

March 2015-Present

  • Communicate with clients to determine needs and design kitchens and bathrooms that meet their requirements
  • Remodel rooms in older homes by repairing existing structures, building new structures and installing kitchens and bathrooms
  • Provide excellent customer service by communicating with clients regularly and reliably finishing jobs on time and within budget
  • Follow all health and safety protocols and ensure all jobs meet state and city requirements for kitchen and bathroom remodels