Not everyone is a do-it-yourselfer. Quite often, property owners need assistance with maintenance and improvement projects. Your expertise hits the nail on the head. But there’s one area where you may not be a DIYer and that’s in creating a powerful handyman resume that will get you the job you desire.
When you start a job, you don’t begin sawing away. You first get an overview of the project and then decide how to go about it. Resume.io is a powerful resource for any job seeker, as we provide resume guides and resume examples for 300+ professions, backed up by an easy-to-use resume builder.
This guide, along with the corresponding handyman resume example will cover the following topics:
- What does a handyman do?
- How to write a handyman resume (tips and tricks)
- The best format for a handyman resume
- Advice on each section of your resume (summary, work history, education, skills)
- Professional resume layout and design hints.
What does a handyman do?
During the pandemic, many homeowners looked around and decided their space needed improving. In fact, 69% of homeowners said they started a project around the house in June of 2020, according to a survey by the Farnsworth Group and the Home Improvement Research Institute. But that doesn’t mean handymen have been replaced.
Generally, handymen do small general maintenance and repair jobs that don’t require a licensed plumber, electrician or other tradesperson. Many own their own businesses, but they may also work for another small company or franchise. Some of the repair and building work they perform are:
- Plumbing
- Painting
- Flooring
- Decks and fences
- Electrical
- Appliances
- Gutter cleaning
- Drywall
- Carpentry
Because of the diversity of projects, handymen need many specialized tools in their toolboxes. They may be called upon to fix any number of homeowner woes.
The job outlook for handymen
The construction business as a whole took a hit during COVID, however, it is poised to bounce back. Many homeowners did not want anyone in their homes and instead completed their own DIY and repair work.
Revenue for handyman franchises cratered in 2020, but industry researcher IBISWorld predicts it will rebound throughout 2021.
Handymen earn a median of $24 an hour. The median hourly wage for entry-level workers is down 38% to $14.93, but experience counts in this field and seasoned handymen may earn up to $25.76 an hour, according to Payscale.
Searching for more ideas and inspiration? Have a look at our handyman related resume examples from the maintenance & repair category, listed here below:
How to write a handyman resume
Before you get started on a job, you clear your work space and lay out your tools. The equivalent of that here is understanding what elements compose your handyman resume. Every resume sample should contain:
- The resume header
- The resume summary (aka profile or personal statement)
- The employment history section
- The resume skills section
- The education section
When you put them all together, you will have an impressive overview of your professional life. But just as in any handyman project, you want to maintain consistency so that each part contributes to and does not clash with the whole. That means keeping your style, tone and message unified.
If you are applying at a handyman company, you should learn everything you can about the business and the services it provides so that you can target your response. If you have your own business, consider what types of jobs are in high demand and focus on those in your details. Decide whether you want to take on all handyman work or if you prefer to specialize in certain skills. Then, slant your resume sample accordingly.
A solidly built resume should stick to the following blueprint:
- Look at each application individually and alter your resume to fit.
- Pay attention to the visual impression you make by using an expert-designed resume layout that stands out without being flashy.
- Match keywords and phrases within job descriptions to maximize your chances with Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS).
Get smart about the ATS
Applicant tracking systems are human resource tools designed to scan and sort through the dozens of applications companies receive. There is no tried and true way to overcome these algorithms, however, you can give yourself a better chance by customizing your handyman resume.
Analyze the job listing you’re targeting. If drywall is a company focus, mention drywall in your resume (assuming you have drywall experience). Match any skills and attributes your future employer seeks if you can. Keep your job description natural -- don’t force any keywords or phrases in or your resume will sound stilted.
Taking the time to complete this step can make all the difference in getting that interview.
Choosing the best resume format for a handyman resume
For the most part, resume samples follow a standard format: reverse chronological order. You will find that most of our resume examples do as well. This means that your employment history section will be organized with your current or most recent position first. That is because hiring managers want to know what skills you have acquired along the way and what you are doing now.
Under some circumstances, you may want to use a hybrid or functional format. For instance, if you want to highlight your projects instead of your work history or if you are an independent worker or sole proprietor. In those cases, who you worked for is less important than the projects you completed.
Unless those circumstances fit, stick with reverse chronological order.
Resume summary example: build on your experience
As a handyman, you will be entering your clients’ homes so you want people to feel comfortable with you. Personality counts. Your handyman resume summary, or profile, gives you 3-5 lines at the top of the page to add a little spark to what otherwise is a fairly dry document.
Within your summary section you should:
- Shine a light on the project you are proudest of.
- Explain why you are the best person for the job.
- Give an example of your work style.
Strong verbs form the framework of your sentences. Employ concrete words like assessed, designed, solved and built instead of filler words like did or worked. Descriptive language adds the flourishes that allow hiring managers to get a sense of who you are and what you will bring to the job. Don’t be afraid to showcase your talents. This is not the place for modesty.
You do need to keep it concise, so you may leave out “I am” or “I have done” to save yourself space for meatier words.
You can find a sales resume example summary below.
- Hardworking and experienced Handyman able to perform a variety of maintenance duties with skill.
- Adept in handling preventative maintenance, basic repairs, cosmetic upkeep, and simple appliance installations.
- Ability to handle power tools and some maintenance related machinery.
- Friendly, outgoing, and committed to providing top-notch services, with the main goal of superior customer service in mind.
Employment history CV sample: construct your career
If you are using reverse chronological order, the employment history section of your CV is straightforward. Build from the top down to give hiring managers a complete picture of how you have progressed as a handyman.
Think in terms of problems you have solved, money you have saved clients or projects you completed that highlight your craftsmanship to add to your CV.
Make your bullet points meaningful
Use the STAR method for creating bullet points that go beyond a recitation of job duties.
- Talk about the situation you encountered
- Describe the task you had to complete
- Explain the action you took
- Highlight your results
Include as many details as you can and data wherever relevant.
See handyman resume example content below.
- Handled basic repairs, maintained the HVAC system, and performed preventative maintenance and cleaning.
- Pressure-washed roof, windows, and doors.
- Performed routine landscaping of the grounds.
- Completed tasks per management’s request in a timely manner.
- Performed thorough inspections and scheduled any repairs necessary.
- Worked well with building professionals and assisted others with a happy and helpful attitude.
Resume skills example: wire for success
The skills section of your handyman resume sample is designed to give hiring managers a quick way to see what you have to offer, so give them your best. That means considering all your attributes and then narrowing the field to target the position and show off talents that differentiate you from other applicants.
What skills does a handyman need? Some of that depends on the job itself. That means that you really need to customize depending on each job listing (remember the ATS), but it also means that you need to decide what skills YOU think are most important.
All handymen need soft skills, or the qualities that make a person a desirable worker. Those include communication, time management and organization. Definitely include your superior wiring ability, but don’t neglect your people skills!
Here's the skills section from our adaptable handyman resume example.
- Good Physical Stamina
- Repairs and Parts Replacement
- Knowledge of Cleaning Chemicals and Supplies
- Reliable and Punctual
- Self Starter
Handyman resume education example
On-the-job training is the standard for a handyman, but some workers also have additional education or training courses under their belts.
In your education section, you simply list your high school diploma and any other education or training you have. If you are certified through the Association of Certified Handyman Professionals or another organization or have completed classes in a specialized field, list those here.
You may also consider adding any apprenticeships you have done or master craftspeople you have trained under.
Do you need a license?
Requirements differ from state to state. Some states define when you need a license on the cost of the job. Others don’t require one at all. If you work in a state that requires a license, list it on your resume.
Jobber Academy has a complete list of each state and its regulations.
See the handyman resume example content below for an idea of how to format your education.
1997-2001 Tampa High School, High School Diploma Tampa, FL
Resume layout and design: impress from the start
You may do a great job, but if you leave a mess or don’t consider the design of the project, the excellent plumbing job may not be appreciated. Layout and design counts. Here are some tips for creating a visually pleasing resume that stands out without being overly fussy.
- Create white space. Avoid big blocks of type, use bulleted lists and set the margins at one inch.
- Give textual cues with section headings and contact information that stand out.
- Be consistent! Use only two fonts: one for headings and one for text.
- A little color goes a long way, so be conservative with it.
If graphic design software isn't within your multitude of handyman skills, consider using a professionally-designed resume template to help get the job done. Even a simple design can go a long way in boosting your credibility and making a great first impression.
Key takeaways for a handyman resume
- Approach your resume like you would any other job and stick with the plan.
- Decide whether you want to represent yourself as a generalist or a specialist.
- Take a targeted approach to each job application and customize for the ATS.
- Use Resume.io’s online resume builder to smooth the rough edges of your job search.
