Electrician, Plumber and Maintenance Technician CV: How to Write a Trade CV That Gets Calls
A practical guide to writing a CV for electricians, plumbers, HVAC and maintenance technicians: licences and tickets, safety training, tools, how to describe jobs with results, and examples.
Trade employers hire fast and read quickly. They want to know three things within seconds: are you licensed, what can you work on, and can you work safely.
Put licences at the top
Right under your name, list your licence or trade qualification: «Licensed Electrician (A-grade)», «Journeyman Plumber», «Red Seal certified» in Canada, or «NVQ Level 3 Electrical Installation» in the UK. This is often the first filter.
Safety and tickets
- OSHA 10 or 30 (US), CSCS card (UK), White Card (Australia).
- Working at heights, confined spaces, first aid.
- Forklift, scissor lift or boom lift licences.
- Refrigerant handling certification for HVAC technicians.
Skills recruiters search for
- Electrical: wiring, fault finding, distribution boards, testing and inspection, PLC basics.
- Plumbing: installation, pipe fitting, backflow testing, drainage.
- Maintenance: preventive maintenance, hydraulics, pneumatics, CMMS, reading technical drawings.
Describe jobs with results
- «Completed electrical fit-out of 24 apartments on schedule, passing all inspections first time.»
- «Reduced breakdown call-outs on a 30-machine production line by 40 % through a preventive maintenance plan.»
- «Handled 6 to 8 residential service calls per day with a 4.9 customer rating.»
Keep it short and clear
One or two pages. Use simple headings and bullet points. Many trade applications are read on a phone on site.
Mention practical details
Driving licence, own tools or van, willingness to travel or work shifts. For trade jobs these can decide who gets the call.
Licence, safety, skills, proof. In that order.
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Create your resume free nowFrequently asked questions
What should an electrician put on a CV?
Licence or trade qualification first, then safety tickets, technical skills, and recent jobs with concrete results.
Do tradespeople need a CV?
Yes. Larger contractors, facilities companies and agencies often require one, even when hiring through referrals.
How long should a trade CV be?
One page is often enough; two at most.