As a handyman, you might struggle with quantifying the diverse range of skills and projects you've tackled on a resume. Our guide will show you how to effectively summarize your broad expertise and tailor your experiences to the jobs you’re targeting, ensuring your capabilities are clearly highlighted.
- The most straightforward and effective resume format, ensuring your handyman resume stands out among numerous candidate profiles;
- The significance of the top one-third of your resume, including the header, summary or objective, and skills section, and its impact on recruiters;
- Frameworks and structures used by real handyman professionals, offering insights on how to enhance your resume with industry-specific expertise;
- A variety of handyman resume sections that bolster your profile, showcasing your comprehensive capabilities and distinctiveness.
Gaining insights from the best has never been easier. Explore more handyman resume examples below:
- Electrician Resume Example
- Electronic Technician Resume Example
- Maintenance Technician Resume Example
- Facilities Manager Resume Example
- Mechanic Resume Example
- Cable Technician Resume Example
- Housekeeper Resume Example
- Residential Property Manager Resume Example
- Resident Assistant Resume Example
- Pest Control Resume Example
The ultimate formula for your handyman resume format
Our best advice on how to style your handyman resume is this - first, take the time to study the job advert requirements.
The resume format you select should ultimately help you better align how your experience matches the specific role.
There are four crucial elements you need to thus take into consideration:
- How you present your experience. If you happen to have plenty of relevant expertise, select the reverse-chronological resume format to organize your experience by dates, starting with the latest.
- Don't go over the top with writing your resume. Instead, stick with a maximum of two-page format to feature what matters most about your profile.
- Headers aren't just for "decoration". The header of your resume helps recruiters allocate your contact details, portfolio, and so much more.
- The PDF format rules. It's the most common practice to submit your handyman resume as a PDF so that your resume doesn't lose its layout. However, make sure the read the job well - in some instances, they might require a doc file.
Each market has its own resume standards – a Canadian resume layout may differ, for example.
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PRO TIP
Showcase any ongoing or recent educational efforts to stay updated in your field.
Essential sections that should make up your handyman resume include:
- The header - with your contact details (e.g. email and telephone number), link to your portfolio, and headline
- The summary (or objective) - to spotlight the peaks of your professional career, so far
- The experience section - with up to six bullets per role to detail specific outcomes
- The skills list - to provide a healthy mix between your personal and professional talents
- The education and certification - showing your most relevant degrees and certificates to the handyman role
What recruiters want to see on your resume:
- Demonstrated skill in a wide range of repairs and maintenance tasks (e.g., plumbing, electrical, carpentry)
- A strong record of customer satisfaction and ability to communicate effectively with clients
- Relevant certifications or vocational training in trades such as HVAC, electrical work, or carpentry
- Experience with using a variety of tools and equipment safely and efficiently
- Flexible availability to respond to emergency repair calls and the ability to manage time effectively on the job
What is the resume experience section and how to write one for your past roles
The experience section in a handyman resume is critical for your profile and overall application. It should not only display your work history, but also highlight your achievements in previous roles.
Many candidates either simply list their duties or provide excessive details about past, irrelevant jobs. A more effective approach involves first examining the job advertisement for keywords - specifically, skills essential for the role. Then, demonstrate these key requirements throughout different parts of your resume, using accomplishments from your roles.
Format each bullet point in your experience section by starting with a strong action verb. Follow this with a description of your role and its impact on the team or organization.
Aim to include three to five bullet points for each role.
Finally, gain insights into how professionals have crafted their handyman resume experience sections by exploring some best practice examples.
- Conducted comprehensive maintenance and repair services for over 250 residential clients, enhancing living conditions and ensuring safety across all housing units.
- Managed complex plumbing system overhauls for multi-story buildings, increasing operational efficiency by 15% and reducing leak-related complaints by 40%.
- Implemented a new inventory tracking system for maintenance supplies, cutting costs by 10% through the elimination of redundant stock and optimizing order cycles.
- Executed custom carpentry projects, including the design and installation of 10+ unique kitchen sets, directly contributing to increased client satisfaction by 25%.
- Developed and delivered a series of workshops on home upkeep for local community members, helping to build brand loyalty and community presence.
- Led a small team in seasonal home weatherproofing projects, servicing approximately 60 homes annually and extending company market reach.
- Improved energy efficiency for 100+ clients by installing smart home systems, resulting in an average of 20% reduction in monthly energy bills.
- Initiated a customer follow-up program to assess job satisfaction which helped to reduce the service recall rate by 30% within the first year.
- Drove a 25% increase in repeat business by establishing trust and reliability through consistent quality workmanship.
- Pioneered the integration of energy-efficient technologies in commercial properties, supporting clients to meet regional environmental compliance standards.
- Negotiated with vendors to secure high-quality materials at a 20% cost reduction, which boosted the company's competitive edge in bidding for large-scale contracts.
- Devised and executed maintenance plans for corporate office buildings that decreased the instances of unscheduled repairs by 35%.
- Specialized in restoring and refurbishing historical properties, meticulously preserving architectural integrity while modernizing electrical and plumbing infrastructures.
- Orchestrated a cost-effective renovation project for a landmark building, garnering public attention and securing a historical preservation award for our company.
- Strategically sourced rare construction materials to maintain authenticity in restorations, indirectly contributing to a 15% growth in high-profile clientele.
- Reinvented the maintenance workflow for a chain of boutique hotels which slashed downtime by 50% and enhanced the guest experience through timely service delivery.
- Handpicked by leadership to oversee a specialized team for rapid-response maintenance, which contributed to a significant reduction in emergency contractor costs.
- Initiated an eco-friendly waste management system within the facilities I managed, effectively reducing waste output by 25%.
- Expanded repair service offerings to include digital security setup, notably increasing business revenue by 20% within the first year of implementation.
- Coordinated with a team of subcontractors to complete a large-scale renovation project under budget and two weeks ahead of schedule.
- Developed a client educational program that lead to a 40% drop in preventable maintenance issues, enhancing customer self-reliance and satisfaction.
- Expertly managed maintenance duties for a portfolio of luxury rental properties, elevating property value and tenant satisfaction through high-quality workmanship.
- Spearheaded the adoption of LED lighting throughout properties, resulting in a 30% cost saving on energy bills and recognition for sustainable practices.
- Played a crucial role in the property management team, contributing to a 45% reduction in tenant turnover by prioritizing rapid and effective maintenance response.
The following content includes information from "O*NET OnLine" by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. The data represents the top responsibilities present on the task lists for handyman professionals.
Top Responsibilities for Handyman:
- Feed and water livestock and monitor food and water supplies.
- Herd livestock to pastures for grazing or to scales, trucks, or other enclosures.
- Examine animals to detect illness, injury, or disease, and to check physical characteristics, such as rate of weight gain.
- Provide medical treatment, such as administering medications and vaccinations, or arrange for veterinarians to provide more extensive treatment.
- Mark livestock to identify ownership and grade, using brands, tags, paint, or tattoos.
- Drive trucks, tractors, and other equipment to distribute feed to animals.
- Segregate animals according to weight, age, color, and physical condition.
- Inspect, maintain, and repair equipment, machinery, buildings, pens, yards, and fences.
- Move equipment, poultry, or livestock from one location to another, manually or using trucks or carts.
- Clean stalls, pens, and equipment, using disinfectant solutions, brushes, shovels, water hoses, or pumps.
Quantifying impact on your resume
- Include the total number of years of experience you possess in the handyman industry to demonstrate longevity and deep knowledge.
- List the number of specific skills you have mastered, such as plumbing, electrical, or carpentry, to showcase versatility.
- Mention the actual number of projects completed to provide concrete evidence of productivity and work ethic.
- State the percentage of projects completed within budget to highlight financial discipline and cost-effectiveness.
- Quantify customer satisfaction rates with a percentage to show dedication to service quality and client happiness.
- Detail the number of repeat clients you have to underline reliability and trustworthiness.
- Indicate the average time saved on projects by implementing efficient work practices to emphasize time management skills.
- Cite any awards or recognitions received in numbers to add prestige and proof of exceptional skill to your resume.
Action verbs for your handyman resume
Guide for handyman professionals kicking off their career
Who says you can't get that handyman job, even though you may not have that much or any experience? Hiring managers have a tendency to hire the out-of-the-blue candidate if they see role alignment. You can show them why you're the best candidate out there by:
- Selecting the functional skill-based or hybrid formats to spotlight your unique value as a professional
- Tailoring your handyman resume to always include the most important requirements, found towards the top of the job ad
- Substituting the lack of experience with other relevant sections like achievements, projects, and research
- Pinpoint both achievements and how you see yourself within this specific role in the handyman resume objective.
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PRO TIP
If you failed to obtain one of the certificates, as listed in the requirements, but decide to include it on your resume, make sure to include a note somewhere that you have the "relevant training, but are planning to re-take the exams". Support this statement with the actual date you're planning to be re-examined. Always be honest on your resume.
Featuring your hard skills and soft skills on your handyman resume
The skills section of your handyman resume needs to your various capabilities that align with the job requirements. List hard skills (or technical skills) to showcase to potential employers that you're perfectly apt at dealing with technological innovations and niche software. Meanwhile, your soft skills need to detail how you'd thrive within your new, potential environment with personal skills (e.g. resilience, negotiation, organization, etc.) Your handyman resume skills section needs to include both types of skills to promote how you're both technical and cultural fit. Here's how to create your bespoke handyman skills section to help you stand out:
- Focus on skill requirements that are listed toward the top of the job advert.
- Include niche skills that you've worked hard to obtain.
- Select specific soft skills that match the company (or the department) culture.
- Cover some of the basic job requirements by including important skills for the handyman role - ones you haven't been able to list through the rest of your resume.
Get inspired with our handyman sample skill list to list some of the most prominent hard and soft skills across the field.
Top skills for your handyman resume:
Plumbing
Electrical Repair
Carpentry
Painting
Drywall Installation
Tile Installation
Landscaping
Power Tools Operation
HVAC Maintenance
Furniture Assembly
Problem Solving
Time Management
Communication
Customer Service
Attention to Detail
Adaptability
Teamwork
Organization
Critical Thinking
Creativity
Next, you will find information on the top technologies for handyman professonals from "O*NET OnLine" by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license.
Top technologies for Handyman’s resume:
- Microsoft Excel
- BCL Landview Systems WinCrop
- Farm Works Software Trac
- Microsoft Office software
PRO TIP
List your educational qualifications and certifications in reverse chronological order.
The basics of your handyman resume certifications and education sections
Improve the education and certification sections of your handyman resume by:
- Dedicating more prominent space to certificates that are more recent and have helped you update your skill set
- Keeping all the information you list to the basics: certificate/degree name, institution, and graduation dates
- Writing supplementary information in the details of your certification or education section, only if you lack experience or want to show further skill alignment
- Including your credential or license number, only if the information is valid to your application or certification
Within handyman job adverts, relevant education, and certification are always listed within the key prerequisite for the role.
Ensure you meet all job requirements with some of the leading certificates in the industry:
The top 5 certifications for your handyman resume:
- Certified Maintenance & Reliability Professional (CMRP) - Society for Maintenance & Reliability Professionals (SMRP)
- Certified Maintenance & Reliability Technician (CMRT) - Society for Maintenance & Reliability Professionals (SMRP)
- National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) - Certified Green Professional (CGP)
- Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) 30-Hour Construction Training Certification - OSHA
- Building Performance Institute (BPI) Certification - Building Performance Institute, Inc
The content below includes information from "O*NET OnLine" by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. The data represents the top associations for handyman professionals.
Top US associations for a Handyman professional
- American Farm Bureau Federation
- American Paint Horse Association
- American Quarter Horse Association
- American Sheep Industry Association
- Association of Farmworker Opportunity Programs
PRO TIP
If the certificate you've obtained is especially vital for the industry or company, include it as part of your name within the resume headline.
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Your handyman resume top one third: choosing between a resume summary or an objective
The top third of your resume is crucial, as recruiters might focus only on this section rather than reading the entire document. Therefore, it's important to carefully decide whether to include a resume summary or an objective.
- The resume summary encapsulates your most significant experiences, key achievements, and skills in the field. Ideal for candidates with substantial relevant experience, the summary previews what recruiters will find in the rest of your resume.
- The resume objective outlines your professional aspirations. It describes your career goals for the coming years and how you envision your role evolving in the prospective company. The resume objective is suitable if you have less professional experience and wish to emphasize various soft skills such as motivation, vision, and planning.
Explore some of the best examples of resume summaries and objectives from real-life professional resumes in the industry.
Resume summaries for a handyman job
- With over 10 years of dedicated experience as a professional handyman, adept in a wide range of home repairs, maintenance services, and remodeling projects. Recognized for completing the full renovation of a 20th-century historical residence, illustrating exceptional skill in preserving architectural integrity while incorporating modern conveniences.
- Seasoned electrical engineer with 15 years in circuit design, seeking to transfer problem-solving and technical expertise into a hands-on handyman career. Known for implementing efficient energy solutions in industrial settings, ready to apply attention to detail and commitment to quality in home improvement projects.
- Former IT specialist with a passion for DIY projects, bringing 8 years of troubleshooting and systems analysis to a new path as a handyman. Successfully managed the overhaul of a community center's computer network and eager to tackle home maintenance challenges with the same vigor and precision.
- A reliable professional with 12 years' experience in customer service management, eager to shift gears into a practical, results-driven handyman career. Praised for exceptional organizational skills and a track record of improving customer satisfaction ratings by introducing streamlined services.
- Aspiring handyman with a strong enthusiasm for developing new skills, seeking the opportunity to learn and grow within the field. Committed to delivering high-quality workmanship and contributing positively to team projects, aiming to achieve proficiency in all areas of home repair and maintenance.
- Recent trade school graduate with foundational knowledge in carpentry, plumbing, and electrical systems eager to apply learned technical skills in a practical setting as a handyman. Motivated by the prospect of real-world experience to refine craftsmanship and establish a reputation for reliability and quality service.
Average salary info by state in the US for handyman professionals
Local salary info for Handyman.” Source: My Next Move, National Center for O*NET Development. Accessed 10/15/2024
| State | Average Salary (in USD) |
|---|---|
| US National Average | $35,120 |
| California (CA) | $39,510 |
| Texas (TX) | $34,510 |
| Florida (FL) | $34,840 |
| New York (NY) | $38,030 |
| Pennsylvania (PA) | $37,270 |
| Illinois (IL) | $35,710 |
| Ohio (OH) | $31,600 |
| Georgia (GA) | $31,520 |
| North Carolina (NC) | $31,310 |
| Michigan (MI) | $32,920 |
Extra sections to include in your handyman resume
What should you do if you happen to have some space left on your resume, and want to highlight other aspects of your profile that you deem are relevant to the role? Add to your handyman resume some of these personal and professional sections:
- Passions/Interests - to detail how you spend both your personal and professional time, invested in various hobbies;
- Awards - to present those niche accolades that make your experience unique;
- Publications - an excellent choice for professionals, who have just graduated from university or are used to a more academic setting;
- Volunteering - your footprint within your local (or national/international) community.
Key takeaways
- All aspects of your resume should be selected to support your bid for being the perfect candidate for the role;
- Be intentional about listing your skill set to be balanced with both technical and people capabilities, while aligning with the job;
- Include any experience items that are relevant to the role and ensure you feature the outcomes of your responsibilities;
- Use the summary or objective as a screenshot of your best experience highlights;
- Curate various resume sections to showcase personal, transferable skills.
