Crafting a CV that effectively showcases your diverse skills and projects can be daunting for any handyman. Our guide offers step-by-step advice to help you highlight your most impressive work and create a CV that stands out to potential employers.
- Applying the simplest CV design, so that recruiters can easily understand your expertise, skills, and professional background;
- Ensuring you stand out with your header, summary or objective statement, and a designated skills section;
- Creating your CV experience section - no matter how much expertise you have;
- Using real life professional CV examples to enhance the structure and outline of your profile.
If you still have no muse to write your professional CV, find some more industry-leading examples.
Formatting your handyman CV to meet the role expectations
Staring at the blank page for hours on end, you still have no idea how you should start your professional handyman CV. Should you include more colours, two columns, and which sections? What you should remember about your CV format is this - ensure it's minimalistic and doesn't go over the top with fancy fonts and many colours. Instead, focus on writing consistent content that actually answers the job requirements. But, how about the design itself :- Use the reverse chronological order to showcase your experience, starting with your most recent role;
- Include your contact details (email address, phone number, and location) - and potentially your professional photo - in the header;
- Must-have CV sections include summary or objective, experience, education, and skills: curate the ones that fit your profile;
- Your professional handyman CV should be between one-to-two pages long: select the longer format if you have more experience.
A little bit more about your actual CV design, ensure you're using:
- plenty of serif or sans serif font (e.g. Montserrat, Exo 2, Volkhov) as they are Applicant Tracker System (ATS) compliant. Avoid the likes of Arial and Times New Roman because most candidates' CVs are in this typography.
When submitting your CV, are you still not sure what format it should be? Despite the myth that has been circling around, most modern ATS systems are perfectly capable of reading PDFs. This format is an excellent choice as it keeps all of your information intact.
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Use font size and style strategically to create a visual hierarchy, drawing the reader's eye to the most important information first (like your name and most recent job title).
The top sections on a handyman CV
- Summary of Skills showcases your diverse capabilities.
- Work Experience demonstrates your practical expertise.
- Education & Training confirm your formal qualifications.
- Tools & Technologies covers tools you're proficient with.
- Customer Testimonials highlight satisfaction from past jobs.
What recruiters value on your CV:
- Highlight your range of skills, such as plumbing, electrical work, carpentry, and painting, emphasising the diversity of your abilities and the types of maintenance tasks you can perform efficiently.
- Detail specific projects you've worked on, providing examples of renovations, repairs, or installations you've completed, to illustrate your hands-on experience and problem-solving abilities.
- Include any relevant certifications or training, like a City & Guilds qualification or a CSCS card, to establish your professionalism and commitment to safety and industry standards.
- Provide evidence of your customer service skills, mentioning situations where you've communicated effectively with clients, managed expectations, and ensured satisfaction with your work.
- Emphasise any experience with estimating job costs, sourcing materials, or managing your own business, if applicable, to demonstrate your ability to handle the administrative aspects of handyman work.
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Making a good first impression with your handyman CV header
Your typical CV header consists of Your typical CV header consists of contact details and a headline. Make sure to list your professional phone number, email address, and a link to your professional portfolio (or, alternatively, your LinkedIn profile). When writing your CV headline , ensure it's:
- tailored to the job you're applying for;
- highlights your unique value as a professional;
- concise, yet matches relevant job ad keywords.
You can, for examples, list your current job title or a particular skill as part of your headline. Now, if you decide on including your photo in your CV header, ensure it's a professional one, rather than one from your graduation or night out. You may happen to have plenty more questions on how to make best the use of your CV headline. We'll help you with some real-world examples, below.
Examples of good CV headlines for handyman:
- Multi-Skilled Tradesman | City & Guilds Carpentry Certified | Kitchen Installations | 5+ Years Experience
- Professional Handyman | Recent Home Renovation Projects | Plumbing & Electrical Work | NVQ Level 2 | 10 Years
- Skilled Trades Professional | Current Role in Property Maintenance | Joinery Expertise | Health & Safety Aware | 15 Years
- Handyman Service Specialist | Expert in Domestic Repairs | Wallpapering & Tiling | Level 3 Diploma | 7 Years Experience
- Property Maintenance Expert | Focusing on HVAC Systems | Gas Safe Registered | Energy Efficiency | 20+ Years
- Versatile Handyman | Lead on Commercial Fit-Out | Painting & Decorating | CSCS Cardholder | 12 Years on the Tools
Your handyman CV introduction: selecting between a summary and an objective
handyman candidates often wonder how to start writing their resumes. More specifically, how exactly can they use their opening statements to build a connection with recruiters, showcase their relevant skills, and spotlight job alignment. A tricky situation, we know. When crafting you handyman CV select between:
- A summary - to show an overview of your career so far, including your most significant achievements.
- An objective - to show a conscise overview of your career dreams and aspirations.
Find out more examples and ultimately, decide which type of opening statement will fit your profile in the next section of our guide:
CV summaries for a handyman job:
- Seasoned handyman with over 10 years of diverse experience in residential maintenance, adept in tasks such as plumbing, electrical repairs, and carpentry. Proven track record of effectively managing large-scale home renovation projects, resulting in increased property values.
- Meticulous professional with a robust background in electrical engineering and 8 years of hands-on expertise in commercial facility upkeep. Seeking to apply practical knowledge of complex systems to deliver high-quality property maintenance solutions.
- Former IT specialist making a transition into the handyman profession armed with strong problem-solving skills and a keen eye for detail. Bringing 6 years of experience in technical support and a passion for manual work, eager to provide top-notch property maintenance services.
- Dynamic ex-military personnel transitioning to a civilian career as a handyman, offering disciplined work ethic and exceptional organisational skills. Familiar with rigorous protocols and stringent safety standards, ready to apply strategic planning abilities to property management tasks.
- Aspiring handyman with a fresh perspective and enthusiasm to develop a comprehensive skill set in home repairs and renovations. Committed to achieving proficiency in key areas such as carpentry, electrical work, and plumbing to provide exceptional service to homeowners.
- Entry-level candidate eager to embark on a career as a handyman, possessing a foundational knowledge in various DIY practices and a sincere desire to learn from seasoned professionals in the field. Determined to master the necessary skills to contribute effectively to maintenance projects.
The best formula for your handyman CV experience section
The CV experience section is the space where many candidates go wrong by merely listing their work history and duties. Don't do that. Instead, use the job description to better understand what matters most for the role and integrate these keywords across your CV. Thus, you should focus on:
- showcasing your accomplishments to hint that you're results-oriented;
- highlighting your skill set by integrating job keywords, technologies, and transferrable skills in your experience bullets;
- listing your roles in reverse chronological order, starting with the latest and most senior, to hint at how you have grown your career;
- featuring metrics, in the form of percentage, numbers, etc. to make your success more tangible.
When writing each experience bullet, start with a strong, actionable verb, then follow it up with a skill, accomplishment, or metric. Use these professional examples to perfect your CV experience section:
Best practices for your CV's work experience section
- Delivered a wide range of services from basic repairs to complex installations, successfully managing over 300 diverse projects with attention to detail and a high level of customer satisfaction.
- Specialised in residential and commercial maintenance, including electrical, plumbing, and carpentry tasks, showcasing versatility and technical savvy across multiple trades.
- Reduced operational costs by 15% through effective management of materials and streamlining workflow processes, demonstrating strong organisational and problem-solving skills.
- Implemented a preventive maintenance programme which prolonged the lifespan of frequently used equipment and reduced emergency repair call-outs by 20%.
- Enhanced customer trust and repeat business by providing transparent cost estimates and communicating clearly regarding project timelines and expectations.
- Conducted regular safety audits to ensure compliance with health and safety regulations, maintaining an accident-free record throughout my tenure.
- Attended professional development workshops on the latest building regulations and handyman practices, maintaining up-to-date knowledge and competitiveness in the field.
- Provided exceptional service by responding to emergency maintenance requests within a two-hour window, often going beyond the call of duty to meet client needs.
- Leveraged technology by using mobile applications for job scheduling and invoicing, which increased operational efficiency and client satisfaction.
- Managed complete refurbishment of residential properties, improving overall functionality and design which increased property value by 20%.
- Successfully led a kitchen remodeling project by coordinating with plumbers and electricians, ensuring timely project completion within a tight 3-month deadline.
- Implemented preventive maintenance procedures for a portfolio of rental properties, reducing repair costs by 30% due to timely identification of issues.
- Conducted regular maintenance for commercial clients, resulting in a 15% increase in annual contracts due to high client satisfaction.
- Developed and executed a cost-effective plan for upgrading lighting fixtures across 10 office buildings, achieving a 25% reduction in energy consumption.
- Spearheaded the refurbishment of a historical property, carefully preserving architectural integrity while modernising electrical and plumbing systems.
- Implemented a streamlined process for receiving and executing work orders that improved response time by 40% and increased customer satisfaction.
- Oversaw the installation of smart home technology in over 50 homes, enhancing home functionality and security for clients.
- Crafted custom built-in furniture solutions for clients, maximising living space and storage capability while ensuring aesthetic appeal.
- Mastered diverse plumbing repairs from pipe leaks to fixture installation, servicing over 200 households without callbacks.
- Delivered expert carpentry work building decks and patios, adding significant outdoor living space and value for homeowners.
- Revitalised client homes with detail-oriented painting services, selecting high-quality materials to ensure long-lasting finishes.
- Collaborated with real estate agents to prepare homes for sale, performing cosmetic upgrades that increased sales speed by an average of 25%.
- Expertly managed a variety of electrical repairs, from wiring issues to light fixture installations, assuring compliance with safety standards.
- Specialised in drywall installation and repair, providing smooth and seamless finishes for both residential and commercial clients.
- Undertook complex HVAC system maintenance for small businesses, optimizing performance and extending equipment lifespan by an average of 3 years.
- Pioneered an inventory management system for tools and supplies which reduced downtime by 20% and improved job preparedness.
- Specialized in transforming lacklustre backyards into inviting outdoor spaces, including deck installations and landscaping enhancements.
- Advanced to a lead role coordinating maintenance for multiple commercial properties, which improved efficiency and reduced tenant complaints by 35%.
- Championed the adoption of eco-friendly materials in repair works, cutting down on waste and facilitating a 20% cost saving on materials.
- Introduced a client education program on home maintenance, empowering homeowners to perform simple repairs and gaining a 90% satisfaction rate.
- Played a pivotal role in a large-scale renovation project for a historic building, reinstating structural integrity and enhancing building safety.
- Conceptualized and installed custom woodwork for a boutique hotel chain, significantly enhancing room aesthetics and guest satisfaction scores.
- Devised a preventive maintenance schedule for essential machinery in an industrial setting, reducing unexpected breakdowns by 50%.
Lacking professional expertise: how to write your CV to highlight your best talents
Don't count on your lucky stars when you're applying for a role, where you happen to have less (or almost none) professional experience. Recruiters sometimes do hire inexperienced candidates if they're able to present their unique value from the get-go. So, instead of opting for the traditional, CV experience section:
- List any applicable expertise you happen to have - no matter if it's a part-time job, internship, or volunteer work. This would hint to recruiters that your profile is relevant;
- Focus your CV on your transferrable skills or talents you've obtained thanks to your whole life and work experience. In effect, you'll be spotlighting your value as a candidate;
- Separate more space for your applicable academic background and certificates to show you have the technical know-how;
- Ensure that within your objective, you've defined why you'll like the job and how you'll be the perfect match for it. Always ensure you've tailored your CV to individual applications.
Looking for more good examples for your first job? We'll show you how other candidates, with less professional experience, have created their job-winning CVs.
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If you have experience in diverse fields, highlight how this has broadened your perspective and skill set, making you a more versatile candidate.
Mix and match hard and soft skills across your handyman CV
Your skill set play an equally valid role as your experience to your application. That is because recruiters are looking for both:
- hard skills or your aptitude in applying particular technologies
- soft skills or your ability to work in a team using your personal skills, e.g. leadership, time management, etc.
Are you wondering how you should include both hard and soft skills across your handyman CV? Use the:
- skills section to list between ten and twelve technologies that are part of the job requirement (and that you're capable to use);
- strengths and achievements section to detail how you've used particular hard and soft skills that led to great results for you at work;
- summary or objective to spotlight up to three skills that are crucial for the role and how they've helped you optimise your work processes.
One final note - when writing about the skills you have, make sure to match them exactly as they are written in the job ad. Take this precautionary measure to ensure your CV passes the Applicant Tracker System (ATS) assessment.
Top skills for your handyman CV:
Carpentry
Electrical Repair
Plumbing
Painting and Decorating
Locksmithing
Appliance Installation
Drywall Installation and Repair
Tile and Flooring
Basic HVAC Maintenance
Landscape Maintenance
Problem-Solving
Time Management
Customer Service
Communication
Adaptability
Attention to Detail
Work Ethic
Reliability
Project Management
Teamwork
PRO TIP
Use mini case studies or success stories in your CV to demonstrate how your skills have positively impacted previous roles or projects.
Listing your university education and certificates on your handyman CV
The best proof of your technical capabilities would be your education and certifications sections. Your education should list all of your relevant university degrees, followed up by their start and completion dates. Make sure to also include the name of the university/-ies you graduated from. If you happen to have less professional experience (or you deem it would be impressive and relevant to your application), spotlight in the education section:
- that you were awarded a "First" degree;
- industry-specific coursework and projects;
- extracurricular clubs, societies, and activities.
When selecting your certificates, first ask yourself how applicable they'd be to the role. Ater your initial assessment, write the certificate and institution name. Don't miss out on including the completion date. In the below panel, we've curated relevant examples of industry-leading certificates.
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Order your skills based on the relevance to the role you're applying for, ensuring the most pertinent skills catch the employer's attention first.
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Key takeaways
Here are five things you need to remember about writing your handyman CV for success:
- Sort your experience based on the reverse chronological order, starting with your most recent career items, to showcase how you've grown your career;
- Include within your CV header your relevant contact details, a headline that could spotlight your unique value, and a photo - if you're applying for roles outside the UK or US;
- Decide to use the CV summary, if you happen to have more professional experience, and an objective, if you want to showcase your career goals;
- Within the experience section, write your bullets using action verbs, skills, and success, instead of just merely listing your on-the-job responsibilities;
- Prove your technical skills, using your education and certificates, and your soft skills, with your achievements and strengths sections.
