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Table of contents

Popular skilled trades cover letter examples
Related cover letter examples
How to write a skilled trades cover letter
Skilled trades cover letter examples by career stage
Add a matching resume
Key takeaways for your skilled trades cover letter
Resources to help with your job search

A career in the skilled trades sector begins with a strong application package that shows potential employers what you can do. Creating a powerful cover letter for a skilled trades position can make a big difference in your job search. How? By showing potential employers that you’re enthusiastic about your responsibilities and that you know how to achieve impressive results.

Our guide is designed to help you create a skilled trades cover letter that resonates with hiring managers in the industry.

Here, you’ll find:

Tips on how to structure your cover letter to grab attention.
Example cover letters for skilled trades jobs.
Ways to demonstrate your understanding of the industry and its demands.
Resources to help you refine your cover letter for different skilled trades positions.

Looking to get your cover letter ready quickly? Our Cover Letter Generator is here to help. With customizable content suggestions, expert advice and formatting assistance, you can craft a standout cover letter for a skilled trades position in no time.

Popular skilled trades cover letter examples

How to write a skilled trades cover letter

Writing a persuasive cover letter for a skilled trades role doesn’t have to be hard. Let us walk you through the steps so you can writ a cover letter you’re proud of without the headache.

Step 1

Select a suitable cover letter template

When building a cover letter for a skilled trades position, select a template that aligns with the industry’s values and expectations. Choose a design that reflects the professionalism and craftsmanship of skilled trades. Consider a clean and straightforward layout that effectively showcases your skills and experiences.

Step 2

Put your contact information in the header

Ensure your contact information is easily accessible at the top of your cover letter. Include your name, address, phone number, email and any relevant online profiles like LinkedIn or your website. This makes it simple for the hiring manager to contact you for further discussion.

Step 3

Address it to the hiring manager

Address the hiring manager directly to personalize your cover letter. If you can find their name, use it. If not, a polite “Dear Hiring Manager” is appropriate. Avoid generic greetings to establish a personal connection from the outset.

Step 4

Start strong in the opening paragraph

Start with a strong opening paragraph that captures the reader’s attention. Express your passion for your trade and highlight any relevant achievements or experiences that demonstrate your suitability for the position. Keep this section concise and engaging.

Step 5

Be specific in your body paragraphs

In the body paragraphs, expand on your skills, experiences and accomplishments. Tailor your examples to match the requirements of the skilled trades position, using keywords from the job description. Use action verbs and quantifiable results to make your application stand out and easily readable by applicant tracking systems (ATS).

Step 6

Elaborate on your skills

Emphasize a mix of soft skills, such as adaptability and teamwork, along with hard skills specific to the skilled trades, like technical proficiencies and specialized knowledge. This demonstrates your ability to contribute effectively to the team and handle the challenges of the trade. Many of your soft skills will also be transferable skills that make you adaptable to new responsibilities, even if this is your very first skilled trades role.

Step 7

Finish with an impactful conclusion

Conclude your cover letter with a strong closing that reinforces your enthusiasm for the role and your potential contributions. Thank the reader for considering your application and express your eagerness for a future discussion.

Step 8

Sign off appropriately

Sign off professionally with a respectful closing, such as “Sincerely” or “Best regards,” followed by your name. This leaves a positive impression and reinforces your professionalism throughout the application process.

Skilled trades cover letter examples by career stage

Whether you’re a plumber, a painter or a certified welder, creating a strong skilled trades cover letter will help make sure that your skills are recognized.

To do this, take a look at some cover letter examples for trade jobs. They’ll help you visualize what a strong cover letter looks like so that you’re ready to write a job-winning letter of your own.

Student HVAC apprentice cover letter example

Cover letter student example HVAC apprentice

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Why this student HVAC apprentice cover letter works

Professional header
A clean, professional header sets the tone for this cover letter, showcasing the candidate’s attention to detail.
Personalized greeting
Addressing the hiring manager directly demonstrates respect and a genuine interest in the position.
Highlights relevant experience
Mentioning specific practical experience shows the candidate’s skills in action and highlights his readiness for the role.

Experienced machinist manager cover letter example

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Why this experienced machinist manager cover letter works

Clear and concise
This cover letter gets straight to the point, highlighting the candidate’s qualifications and enthusiasm for the machining industry.
Relevant experience
Discussing past experience in the field demonstrates the candidate’s familiarity with machining systems and procedures.
Professional closing
The closing paragraph reiterates the candidate’s interest and includes a polite signoff.

Entry-level plumber cover letter example

Cover letter entry level example plumber

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Why this entry-level plumber cover letter works

Strong opening
The candidate starts with a compelling statement that immediately grabs the reader’s attention.
Focus on problem-solving
Highlighting the ability to troubleshoot and solve complex issues showcases the candidate’s expertise and flexibility.
Relevant certifications
Mentioning relevant certifications and licenses reinforces the candidate’s qualifications for the position.

Career change carpenter cover letter example

Cover letter career change example carpenter

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Why this career-changing carpenter cover letter works

Detailed examples
The candidate provides specific examples of past projects, demonstrating their skills and experience.
Passion for the trade
Expressing enthusiasm for carpentry shows the candidate’s dedication to the craft.
Professional tone
The cover letter maintains a professional tone throughout, reflecting the candidate’s professionalism.

Add a matching resume

Create your resume

Writing a compelling and professional skilled trades resume is an essential step toward landing the role you’re after. Your resume should complement your cover letter and present a cohesive picture of your skills and experiences.

If you’re new to resume writing or looking to refine your existing resume, start by reviewing our collection of skilled trades resume examples. These examples, created by Certified Professional Resume Writers, highlight the key components of a successful resume tailored to the skilled trades industry.

For a streamlined resume creation process, consider using our AI Resume Builder tool. It offers prewritten content for each resume section, ensuring you include all necessary information. Also, the tool provides access to a variety of stylish resume templates designed to complement your cover letter. Plus, it offers formatting assistance to give your resume a polished and professional appearance.

Key takeaways for your skilled trades cover letter

Key takeaways for your skilled trades cover letter

Reviewing skilled trades cover letter examples can provide valuable insights into crafting your own letter. Use these examples as a guide, but be sure to customize the content to highlight your unique achievements and experiences in the skilled trades industry.
Keep your intro short and sweet

Ensure your introduction is engaging and to the point. Aim to capture the reader’s attention with a few compelling sentences that make them want to learn more about your skills and experiences.
Develop detailed body paragraphs

In the body paragraphs, elaborate on your relevant achievements, projects and experiences. Directly connect these to the requirements of the skilled trades position as outlined in the job listing. This will demonstrate your suitability for the role and help your application stand out.
Include a customized resume

When submitting your application, ensure that your resume complements the style and tone of your cover letter. A cohesive application creates a professional and unified impression that will impress potential employers in the skilled trades industry.

Resources to help with your job search

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Hailey Brophy is an experienced writer with a diverse career in digital publication. She is passionate about using her unique skills and experiences to help job seekers find the information that they need to succeed.