How To Write a Welder Resume
Welders play a crucial role in the manufacturing and repair of industrial and consumer equipment. They are vital to shipbuilding, aerospace applications, and the construction of bridges, buildings, and other structures. Due to the essential nature of their work, welders will continue to be in demand for many years to come, especially as it becomes necessary to repair the country’s aging infrastructure.
Although there is a growing need for welders, you’ll still need to build an accomplishment-driven resume to maximize your chances of landing the interview. This can be challenging for trade professionals, as many of their achievements are not easily quantified. Throughout this guide, we’ll provide expert tips to help you translate your career experience into an impactful, professional resume.
1. Write a compelling profile summarizing your qualifications
Your profile should provide a compelling snapshot of your career experience to grab the attention of prospective employers. Start by detailing your title, years of experience, and three to four qualifications that align with the posting in your opening sentence. You should emphasize key aspects of your welding expertise, including specific types of techniques, projects, and materials.
Senior-Level Profile Example
Profile
A Certified Welding Supervisor with 10+ years of experience supporting multi-million-dollar construction projects. A proven track record of leading high-performance teams and ensuring compliance with quality control standards. Adept at performing comprehensive welding inspections and interfacing with client stakeholders.
Entry-Level Profile Example
Profile
A Certified Welder with two years of professional experience, specializing in Arc, MIG, and GMAW welding. Adept at analyzing blueprints to ensure exact measurements for a variety of welding activities, including metal fabrication, soldering, and pipe welding.
2. Add an accomplishment-driven professional experience section
Translating technical tasks into achievements can be difficult for many welders. Be precise in your language while highlighting your unique expertise. One way you can set your welding resume apart is by keeping an emphasis on the bottom-line value you created for your teams, customers, and organizations. For example, if you were conducting welding for a multi-million-dollar infrastructure project, this information would establish a sense of scope for the hiring manager.
Senior-Level Professional Experience Example
Professional Experience
Certified Welding Supervisor, Cormac Construction Co., Philadelphia, PA
August 2017 – Present
- Lead a dynamic team of 15 welders to perform pipeline welding and assembly for commercial and residential building projects valued at up to $1.7M
- Coordinate with the production fabrication lead to evaluate diagrams, blueprints, and specifications, conduct welding inspections, and ensure adherence to quality control standards and deadlines
- Deliver OSHA safety training to 30+ personnel, ensure proper usage of personal protection equipment, and maintain an accident-free work site for two consecutive years
Entry-Level Professional Experience Example
Professional Experience
Welder, Orson Metal Fabrication, Detroit, MI
October 2021 – Present
- Perform welding activities on ferrous materials, non-ferrous materials, and alloys, including fabricating, cutting, and melting in alignment with specifications and requirements
- Analyze blueprints, diagrams, and sketches to ensure exact measurements during welding
- Utilize pneumatic, electric, and hand tools in compliance with OSHA safety regulation
3. Include relevant education and certifications
Industry certifications are essential for pursuing a career as a welder. These credentials show prospective employers that you have specialized knowledge of specific welding techniques and processes, such as a Certified Robotic Arc Welding (CRAW) or a Certified Resistance Welding Technician (CRWT). You could also obtain a Certified Welding Supervisor (CWS) or a Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) if you intend to pursue leadership roles.
Certifications
Template: [Certification Name], [Awarding Organization], [Completion Year]
Examples:
- Certified Welding Supervisor (CWS), AWS, 2017
- Certified Welding Inspector (CWI), AWS, 2015
- Certified Welder (CW), AWS, 2013
Education
Template:
- [Degree Name]
- [School Name], [City, State Abbreviation] [Dates Enrolled]
Example:
- Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S) Welding Technology
- PHILADELPHIA COMMUNITY COLLEGE, Philadelphia, PA September 2011 – June 2013
4. List relevant key skills and proficiencies
It’s important to incorporate keywords from the job description to ensure compliance with Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS), but you also want the hiring manager to take notice of your key skills and proficiencies. Prospective employers want to see that you have knowledge of a wide variety of welding techniques and materials. This is why it’s important to be highly specific when detailing the types of materials you worked with and the methods you utilized. Below, you’ll find a list of keywords that you may encounter during the job search:
| Key Skills and Proficiencies | |
|---|---|
| Arc Welding | Blueprint Reading |
| Communication | Construction Management |
| Engineering | ERP Software |
| Fabricating | Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW) |
| Mechanical Engineering | Mechanical Welding |
| Metal Fabrication | OSHA Safety |
| Pipe Welding | Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW) |
| Soldiering | Spatial Awareness |
| Team Management | TIG Welding |
| Welding Inspections | Welding Technology |
How To Pick the Best Welder Resume Template
When selecting your resume welder template, you should prioritize organization and structure over aesthetics in most instances. While flashy colors and graphics of modern templates may seem visually appealing, they can sometimes draw the hiring manager’s eye away from your career achievements. Keep in mind that, at the end of the day, your qualifications will always be the determining factor in whether or not a company decides to bring you in for an interview.
Welder Text-Only Resume Templates and Examples
Years of Experience
- Entry-level
- Mid-career
- Senior-level
Selena Ramirez
(123) 456-7890
[email protected]
LinkedIn | Portfolio
Detroit, MI 12345
Profile
A Certified Welder with two years of professional experience, specializing in Arc, MIG, and GMAW welding. Adept at analyzing blueprints to ensure exact measurements for a variety of welding activities, including metal fabrication, soldering, and pipe welding.
Key Skills
- Metal Fabrication
- Arc Welding
- MIG Welding
- OSHA Safety
- Blueprint Reading
Professional Experience
Welder, Orson Metal Fabrication, Detroit, MI
October 2021 – Present
- Perform welding activities on ferrous materials, non-ferrous materials, and alloys, including fabricating, cutting, and melting in alignment with specifications and requirements
- Analyze blueprints, diagrams, and sketches to ensure exact measurements during welding
- Utilize pneumatic, electric, and hand tools in compliance with OSHA safety regulations
Apprentice Welder, Orson Metal Fabrication, Detroit, MI
June 2020 – October 2021
- Provided support to the lead welder with stick and MIG welding tasks, maintained tools and equipment, delivered supplies, and performed minor equipment repairs
- Conducted welding tasks under the supervision of licensed welders and ensured exact measurements
Certifications
- Certified Welder (CW), AWS, 2020
Education
Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S) Welding Technology
Wayne County Community College, Detroit, MI September 2018 – June 2020
Cameron Malfara
(123) 456-7890
[email protected]
LinkedIn | Portfolio
Minneapolis, MN 12345
Profile
A results-driven Welder with eight years of experience specializing in metal fabrication, welding inspections, blueprint reading, and die-cutting. A proven track record of mentoring apprentice welders and performing inspections to ensure alignment with quality standards.
Professional Experience
Welding Inspector, Anderson Construction, Minneapolis, MN
March 2018 – Present
- Perform comprehensive inspections to assess the strength and quality of welds for multi-million-dollar construction projects, recommend alternative welding techniques, and analyze blueprints to ensure exact measurements
- Deliver training to 15+ welders on OSHA safety standards and ensure compliance with safety protocols, resulting in a 30% reduction in workplace incidents
Welder, JC Fabricating, Minneapolis, MN
June 2015 – March 2018
- Analyzed and interpreted blueprints to ensure alignment with customer specifications, created metal layouts, and performed a variety of metal fabrication activities, including cutting, bending, and assembling
- Utilized flux core, arc welding, and gas welding techniques to fuse metal components in compliance with OSHA safety standards
Key Skills
- Mechanical Engineering
- Arc Welding
- Gas Welding
- Quality Control
- OSHA Safety
Certifications
- Certified Welding Inspector (CWI), AWS, 2018
- Certified Welder (CW), AWS, 2015
Education
Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S) Welding Technology
Minneapolis Technical College, Minneapolis, MN September 2013 – June 2015
Mina Sayed
(123) 456-7890
[email protected]
LinkedIn | Portfolio
Philadelphia, PA
Profile
A Certified Welding Supervisor with 10+ years of experience supporting multi-million-dollar construction projects. A proven track record of leading high-performance teams and ensuring compliance with quality control standards. Adept at performing comprehensive welding inspections and interfacing with client stakeholders.
Professional Experience
Certified Welding Supervisor, Cormac Construction Co., Philadelphia, PA
August 2017 – Present
- Lead a dynamic team of 15 welders to perform pipeline welding and assembly for commercial and residential building projects valued at up to $1.7M
- Coordinate with the production fabrication lead to evaluate diagrams, blueprints, and specifications, conduct welding inspections, and ensure adherence to quality control standards and deadlines
- Deliver OSHA safety training to 30+ personnel, ensure proper usage of personal protection equipment, and maintain an accident-free work site for two consecutive years
Pipeline Welder, Kennebec Energy Solutions, Philadelphia, PA
June 2013 – August 2017
- Dismantled, straightened, and assembled metal pipes for residential construction projects and utilized arc and gas welding techniques in compliance with OSHA safety standards
- Evaluated completed welding work for flaws or damage, delivered status updates to the construction manager, and provided detailed work reports and material logs
- Provided on-call and emergency response support to five work sites
Key Skills
- Pipeline Welding
- Commercial Construction
- OSHA Safety
- Communication
- Team Leadership
Certifications
- Certified Welding Supervisor (CWS), AWS, 2017
- Certified Welding Inspector (CWI), AWS, 2015
- Certified Welder (CW), AWS, 2013
Education
Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S) Welding Technology
Philadelphia Community College, Philadelphia, PA September 2011 – June 2013
Frequently Asked Questions: Welder Resume Examples and Advice
What are common action verbs for welder resumes?+
It’s easy to find yourself running short on action verbs during the resume-building process, especially as a trade professional. Welders need to use precise terminology when describing their career achievements and job duties, which limits the number of verbs you have available. To help you out, we’ve compiled a list of action verbs to help you keep your bullet points fresh and compelling:
| Action Verbs | |
|---|---|
| Analyzed | Assembled |
| Communicated | Conducted |
| Coordinated | Delivered |
| Enhanced | Evaluated |
| Executed | Fabricated |
| Identified | Improved |
| Inspected | Led |
| Managed | Oversaw |
| Performed | Provided |
| Utilized | Welded |
How do you align your resume with a job description?+
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, welder occupations are expected to grow by 2% between 2021 and 2031. This equates to roughly 47,600 new openings each year. Despite the large number of opportunities available, you’ll still need to align your resume with the job description to differentiate yourself from the competition.
For example, if a company prides itself on its safety culture, it’s very important to highlight your knowledge and experience with OSHA standards. If an organization mentions the use of robotic arc welding, you should provide examples of you utilizing this technique throughout your work history. By tailoring your resume to the job posting, you’ll bolster your chances of landing that next big job opportunity.
What is the best welder resume format?+
Welder resumes should always utilize a reverse chronological format, even at the entry level.
This ensures that your most recent and relevant experience is featured towards the top of your resume. Even if you lack hands-on work experience, you should make a point to detail projects you worked on during your apprenticeship or while pursuing your degree.
Expert Advice: Include a cover letter with your resume
Although most employers won’t require a cover letter for welder positions, it may sometimes be requested for senior-level positions. If you do include a matching cover letter, you should mention something specific about the company’s reputation, mission statement, or culture and why this draws you to apply for the position. This will show prospective employers that you’ve done your research beforehand and are a serious candidate.
