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When the dishwasher breaks and the kitchen floods and you’re not sure what to do, who can you call? The handyman, of course! If you have the skills to come to the rescue when things fall apart, then you might just be perfect for a handyman role.
To show potential employers and clients that they can count on you, you need to build a resume that displays your track record of helpfulness and efficiency.
Let us help you build your resume so you can concentrate on what you do best. Our guide, which includes resume examples designed for handymen, will provide you with the tools you need to create a compelling resume quickly and without the headache!
Continue reading to discover:
- Handyman resume examples for beginners and pros alike.
- Key elements that make a handyman resume stand out.
- Tips for writing a resume that showcases your achievements so that employers can see what you’re made of.
- Essential details to include in each section of your resume.
- Choosing the best resume template and format to allow your qualifications to shine in the best light.
Need an application-ready resume right away? Try our AI Resume Builder, which offers step-by-step assistance for every part of your resume, ensuring you can confidently apply for your next job.
Handyman resume examples by career level
What makes this a great handyman resume sample?
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Soft skills
Everyone knows that a handyman needs to know his way around the tools he uses every day, but knowing how to communicate effectively is important too. This resume showcases soft skills that demonstrate the candidate’s ability to work efficiently.
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Responsibility
This resume conveys a sense of responsibility that lets potential employers know that this is a candidate they can count on.
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Education
A handyman can come from any background, but having an education in something relevant like electrical engineering or construction can be a big help.
What makes this a great handyman resume sample?
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Experience
With so much experience under his belt, this candidate uses a chronological format that allows his track record to speak for itself.
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Measurable results
Using numbers helps potential employers visualize this candidate’s potential and understand his ability to achieve real-world results.
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Certifications
Including certifications helps bolster this candidate as a trustworthy expert committed to the highest standards.
Related resume examples
Looking for inspiration to help you write a different resume? Check out our library of resume examples.
Browse other popular samples
Choose the right resume format for your handyman resume
To land an interview with the organization or client you’re hoping to work for, you need a resume that communicates what you can do. The key to an impactful handyman resume is to make a strong first impression. Do this by choosing a resume format that compliments your experience and skills.
Here are the three main resume formats recommended for each career level:
- For seasoned handymen, a chronological resume format is a strong choice. This format highlights your extensive history in maintenance and repair, impressing potential employers by showing off your track record of success.
- Newcomers to the field or those with limited professional experience may find that a functional resume format is a better fit. This style focuses on your practical skills and problem-solving abilities, highlighting your potential and demonstrating that you have the skills to get the job done — even if you have little experience.
- Handymen with moderate experience, typically around three to five years, or those considering a career change, may opt for a combination resume format. This format is a balanced blend of both skills and experience. This is great for handymen who want to show off both skills and experience.
Once you’ve chosen your resume format, remember to use clear, readable fonts, maintain 1-inch margins and align your text to the left.
Choose a handyman resume template
The content of your resume is critical, but to communicate that content, you’ll need a resume design that grabs the reader’s attention without creating any distractions. The resume template you choose can have a big impact on how employers see your skills.
A professional and straightforward design is generally best for a handyman’s role, but there are other options if you prefer. For forward-thinking handymen, a modern template can evoke a sense of confidence and efficiency, while a creative template can convey your personality and customer service mindset.
If you’re unsure where to start, sticking to a simple template is always a strong choice. This approach is safe and allows your content to shine without distractions.
How to write a handyman resume in 5 simple steps
Your resume is critical to your job search. Employers use the content of your resume to decide whether you have the skills and experience to excel in the role and handle the responsibilities that come with it. This might seem challenging, but we’ll help you pull it off! Follow these steps to quickly put together a resume that lands interviews.
Step 1
Understand the handyman job description
Aligning your resume with the job description for the handyman role you’re applying for enhances your application’s appeal. Customizing your resume shows employers that you fit the role and that you’re committed to putting in the work to prove it. A custom resume is also much more likely to pass through the applicant tracking systems (ATS) that many employers use to screen out candidates.
These systems scan numerous applications to find candidates whose skills and experiences match the job’s requirements. Using industry-specific keywords in your resume is essential for getting through ATS filters.
Keywords might include repair skills, carpentry, plumbing, electrical work, customer service and any relevant skills or experiences unique to your work. Integrating these keywords throughout your resume can increase your visibility to the ATS, boosting your chances of advancing in the hiring process.
Customizing your resume to the job description might seem like a lot of work, but missing important keywords can prevent your resume from ever reaching human hands.
Step 2
Write a professional summary or resume objective
Start your resume with a compelling resume profile, either in the form of a professional summary or a resume objective, depending on your experience level.
For newer handymen, a resume objective can highlight transferable skills and career goals. More experienced handymen should opt for a professional summary, which showcases achievements, significant roles and key milestones.
Professional summary example:
Experienced handyman with over five years in the industry, skilled in handling a broad range of repair and maintenance tasks. Proficient in using a variety of tools and techniques to improve building functionality and aesthetics. Known for exceptional problem-solving skills and a practical approach to addressing client needs.
Resume objective example:
Recent vocational training graduate, eager to apply comprehensive hands-on experience in real-world repair scenarios. Brings strong technical skills and proficiency in plumbing and electrical work, seeking to contribute to a maintenance team focused on improving facility operations.
Step 3
Highlight your relevant handyman skills
Hiring managers will look to your skills section to determine if you know how to handle the responsibilities expected for the role. While including hard skills is essential, you also need to make an effort to show off the soft skills you bring to the table.
A standout resume showcases a balanced combination of both types of skills to demonstrate your value as a well-rounded candidate.
Handyman resume skills examples:
- Repair and maintenance
- Carpentry and construction
- Plumbing and electrical basics
- Safety and compliance
- Tool proficiency
- Critical thinking
- Problem-solving
- Communication
- Client service
- Time management
Example of a strong handyman skills section:
- Expert in conducting complex repairs and installations using a comprehensive tool set.
- Strong background in upgrading building fixtures and systems for improved functionality.
- Excellent communication skills, able to explain repair processes to clients effectively.
While your technical skills as a handyman are vital, don’t overlook the importance of interpersonal skills, such as customer service and communication. These will help you make your customers feel confident in your skills.
Step 4
Write a strong handyman work experience section
Your experience section is where you get to highlight your expertise as a handyman and demonstrate the unique value you bring to each organization. List your roles in reverse-chronological order. Each bullet point is a chance to show your skills in action and demonstrate the results you’re capable of achieving.
Here’s an example of a work experience section for a handyman:
Handyman, ABC Home Solutions
Chicago, IL
August 2021 – June 2024
- Spearheaded and completed comprehensive home repair projects, including plumbing, electrical and carpentry, enhancing home functionality and client satisfaction.
- Implemented cost-effective solutions that reduced materials expenses by 20% without compromising quality.
- Performed regular maintenance checks and repairs that increased the lifespan of home appliances and systems.
- Collaborated with homeowners to tailor solutions to their specific needs, resulting in a 95% client satisfaction rate.
- Trained and mentored new handymen on best practices, tool safety and customer service skills.
Use action verbs and include specific outcomes or achievements to demonstrate your impact. Using numbers to describe your success, such as mentioning the percentage decrease in costs or improvement in client satisfaction, provides tangible evidence of your ability to achieve results.
Step 5
Highlight your education and training
As a handyman, it’s important to demonstrate your ongoing commitment to professional development through education and training. Be sure to list technical certifications, along with any specific degrees, training or apprenticeships relevant to your handyman skills in the education section of your resume.
Example handyman resume education section:
Education
Certified General Maintenance & Repair Technician
Vocational Training Institute, Chicago, IL
High School Diploma
Springfield High School, Springfield, IL
If you’re a recent graduate of a training program, include your date of graduation and possibly relevant coursework to contextualize your entry into the field. If you graduated more than a few years ago, the graduation date is no longer necessary.
Certifications and licenses
Certifications and licenses
Listing your handyman certifications and licenses demonstrates your proficiency and commitment to industry standards. You may list your certifications in your education section, or you may include a separate certifications section to showcase your technical proficiencies.
How to list certifications and licenses on your handyman resume:
- Certified Plumbing Professional, National Plumbing Association, Issued 2023.
- Electrical Safety Certification, Electrical Safety Foundation, Issued 2022.
Projects
Listing specific projects can help show potential employers the kind of work you excel at while demonstrating your ability to actually finish projects and achieve impressive results.
How to list projects on a handyman resume:
- Completed 400 square foot deck remodel for local restaurant.
- Safely replaced faulty electrical systems for industrial shipping warehouse.
Areas of expertise
A handyman is a general title, but most handymen have a specific type of work that they specialize in. Whether you’re used to handling electrical problems or troubleshooting faulty plumbing, list your specialties in this section to show employers what to expect.
How to list areas of expertise on a handyman resume:
- HVAC repair and maintenance.
- General building maintenance.
- Landscaping.
Languages
Proficiency in multiple languages helps you communicate with a wider range of clients and customers. List the languages you speak in their own section to maximize their impact.
How to list languages on your handyman resume:
- Fluent in English and Spanish.
- Conversational in Polish.
Interests and hobbies
Including interests and hobbies that align with your career can demonstrate your passion for craftsmanship and continuous learning. For example, participating in community repair initiatives or DIY woodworking projects can highlight your commitment to the field.
How to list interests and hobbies on your handyman resume:
- Volunteer in local community repair workshops.
- Enthusiast in DIY home improvement and woodworking projects.
Add a matching handyman cover letter
Including a cover letter with your handyman resume is a great way to introduce yourself and explain why you’re the perfect fit for the position. A well-written cover letter can complement your resume by providing a summary of your handyman journey and accomplishments. Use specific examples from your career to illustrate your skills and impact.
To get inspired, check out some cover letter examples and note how experienced candidates format their letters. If you need a cover letter quickly, consider using a Cover Letter Builder for stylish templates, expert tips and customizable text suggestions you can add with a click for a letter that’s ready in just minutes.
Key takeaways for your handyman resume
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Write with purpose
Ensure every part of your resume is tailored to the handyman job you’re applying for. Each section should reflect the requirements and preferences highlighted in the job description.
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Choose your resume format wisely
What do you want to highlight? Is it your broad range of repair skills, your specialized knowledge in areas like plumbing or electrical work, or a blend of your hands-on experience and customer service abilities? Organize your resume sections in a format that best displays your strengths.
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Blend hard and soft skills
In handyman work, both your technical skills (like carpentry, plumbing and electrical installation) and your soft skills (like problem-solving and client communication) are essential. Showcase a mix of both to present yourself as a well-rounded candidate.
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Make your experience stand out
Use action words and, where possible, quantify your successes (e.g., reduced maintenance costs by 15% or increased customer satisfaction by 20% through quality craftsmanship) to highlight your impact and achievements.
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Pick the right template
If you’re unsure about the design, lean toward simplicity. A clean, professional template ensures your resume is easy to read and focuses on your qualifications.
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Go the extra mile
A thoughtful cover letter written to align with the specific role can make all the difference. It’s your opportunity to show employers that you have the passion and know-how to perform hands-on work and achieve excellent results. Don’t skip your cover letter; it could be the key to landing an interview.
Commonly asked questions about resume writing
Last Updated: May 31, 2024
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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.
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