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Resume Example

Carpenter Resume Example

Show craftsmanship, reliability, and safety compliance. This sample focuses on quality builds and efficiency.

Classic Professional

Traditional single-column ATS-optimized layout. Best for conservative industries.

Recommended template: Classic Professional

Keywords

Framing and rough carpentryFinish carpentryBlueprint readingMeasurements and layoutTool operationDrywall and trimSite safetyMaterial estimation

Sample bullets

  • Completed framing for a 45-unit project 2 weeks ahead of schedule.
  • Reduced material waste by 12% through precise cut plans and reuse.
  • Maintained zero safety incidents over 3 years on active sites.

Soft skills

  • Craftsmanship
  • Reliability
  • Teamwork
  • Problem solving

Certifications

  • NCCER Carpentry
  • OSHA 10

Why this works

  • Highlights schedule performance and quality work.
  • Shows material efficiency and waste reduction.
  • Demonstrates safety-first execution.

Step-by-Step Guide

How to Write a Carpenter Resume

1

Highlight Carpentry Experience

Feature years of experience, journeyman status, and union affiliation if applicable. Include specialization (rough, finish, formwork, cabinetry).

2

Showcase Technical Skills

Demonstrate proficiency with hand and power tools, blueprint reading, and material estimation. Include experience with different construction types.

3

Quantify Project Experience

Use metrics like projects completed, square footage built, and crew sizes led. Show range from residential to commercial projects.

4

Include Safety and Quality

Highlight OSHA training, fall protection certification, and safety record. Include quality standards met and inspection pass rates.

5

Demonstrate Leadership and Efficiency

Include experience leading crews, training apprentices, and completing projects on schedule and budget. Show problem-solving abilities.

Summary Examples

Good vs. Bad Resume Summaries

✓ Good

Journeyman Carpenter with 15 years in commercial construction. Lead framing crews of 8 on projects up to $10M. Specialize in complex architectural details and curved structures. Zero safety incidents and 100% on-time project completion.

Shows journey status, crew leadership, specialty skills, and track record.

✓ Good

Finish Carpenter with 10 years high-end residential experience. Expert in custom cabinetry, trim, and built-ins. Completed 50+ homes averaging $500K+ in finish work. Featured in 3 Parade of Homes showcases.

Specialty focus, project count, value, and industry recognition.

✗ Bad

Carpenter with experience in residential construction. Skilled with tools and can follow plans.

Too generic, no specialization, missing metrics and accomplishments.

✗ Bad

Seeking carpentry position. Completed trade program and worked on personal projects.

No professional experience demonstrated, personal projects don't count.

Action Verbs

Power Words for Carpenter Resumes

BuiltFramedInstalledConstructedFabricatedMeasuredCutAssembledFinishedLedSupervisedTrainedEstimatedPlannedCoordinatedCompletedInspectedRepairedRenovatedRestored

Common Mistakes

What to Avoid

  • Not specifying carpentry specialty (rough, finish, formwork)
  • Missing project scope and scale metrics
  • Omitting crew leadership experience
  • Being vague about tools and techniques mastered
  • Not showing safety training and record
  • Missing apprentice/journey/foreman status

Salary ranges

LevelUSEUCanada
EntryUSD 31,000-41,000EUR 21,300-28,200CAD 35,900-47,500
MidUSD 50,000-63,000EUR 34,500-43,400CAD 57,900-73,000
SeniorUSD 65,000-93,000EUR 44,800-64,100CAD 75,400-107,800

Market themes

  • Union markets pay higher wages

US hot markets

  • California
  • Washington
  • Massachusetts
  • New York

EU hot markets

  • London
  • Amsterdam
  • Berlin

Canada hot markets

  • Toronto
  • Vancouver
  • Calgary

FAQ

Common questions about this role

What should carpenters emphasize?

Quality workmanship, reliability, and safety compliance.

Which metrics stand out?

Schedule adherence, rework reduction, and safety record.

Related Roles

More Engineering & Trades Examples

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