How to Write a Carpenter Assistant Resume in 6 Steps

Updated 15 May 2023

Carpenter assistants work under a carpenter's direction to perform tasks on construction sites and in workshops. You can enter the role after completing a qualification and gaining sufficient experience. If a carpenter assistant position interests you, learning how to write an effective resume that demonstrates your suitability for the job can improve your chances of getting an interview. In this article, we explain how to write a carpenter assistant resume in six steps and provide tips, a template and an example to guide you.

Please note that none of the companies, institutions or organisations mentioned in this article are affiliated with Indeed.

How to write a carpenter assistant resume in six steps

Consider the following steps to write an effective carpenter assistant resume:

1. Introduce yourself

Start your resume by including your contact details. This introduces you to the employer and makes it easy for them to contact you if they have queries about your application or want to arrange an interview. Include your full name, email address and phone number in a bold font at the top of your resume and repeat these details in subsequent page headers. This also helps hiring managers readily identify your application.

2. Include a professional summary

A professional summary emphasises your suitability for a carpenter assistant role in two to three sentences. Adapt it to the position you're applying for and the requirements listed in the job description. Highlight the qualifications, skills and experience that differentiate your resume from others or that the company lists as desirable but not essential. For example, an employer may require you to have an accredited carpentry qualification while stating that experience working with plastic laminates is desirable.

3. Outline your experience

You can apply for a carpenter assistant role after gaining relevant experience, such as working as a handyperson or carpenter helper. Listing this experience can demonstrate the full range of your practical knowledge including your basic carpentry skills and specialised experience. Mention your most recent role first and provide a list of five tasks you perform most often. When referring to previous roles, limit this to three tasks. Consulting the job advertisement can help you select aspects of your experience to include or omit.

4. Emphasise your skills

Ensure that the skills you've developed during your education and work experience align with those listed in the job description. Listing them shows employers you can perform the tasks required for the role. Additionally, mention interpersonal skills to demonstrate your ability to work with others or technical skills to show what tools and software you're familiar with. For example, you can include familiarity with a brand of technical drawing software or your ability to work in large teams.

5. Highlight your education

Your educational background shows employers you've completed a relevant qualification from an accredited institution. Include your carpentry qualification, such as a Certificate III in carpentry, or additional qualifications you've acquired that make you a suitable candidate. For example, if an employer wants someone with building, estimating or administration experience, state that you have a Certificate IV in building and construction.

6. Include certifications

If you have accredited achievements that don't form part of your education, you can mention them here provided they apply to your application. This may include carpentry-related certifications, registration or memberships. For example, having an updated, region-specific White Card allows you to undertake construction work in your area. You may also have a heavy vehicle licence that allows you to drive trucks.

Carpenter assistant resume template

Here's a template to help you structure your resume:

[First name] [Last name], [Degree or certification if applicable]
[Phone number] | [Email address] | [City], [State or Territory]

Professional Summary
[Two to three sentences that highlight your years of experience, relevant skills, education or certifications and achievements as a professional.]

Experience

(For the most recent role, list 5 experience items. For previous roles, list 3.)

[Job Title] | [Employment dates]
[Company Name] | [City], [State or Territory]

(strong verb) + what you did (more detail) + reason, outcome or quantified results
[job duty]
[job duty]
[job duty]
[job duty]

[Job Title] | [Employment dates]
[Company Name] | [City], [State or Territory]

(strong verb) + what you did (more detail) + reason, outcome or quantified results
[job duty]
[job duty]

Education
[Degree and Major], [Name of School or University]
[City], [State or Territory]

Certifications (optional)
[Certification Name], [Host Organisation] – [Year completed or expiration date]

Carpenter assistant resume example

Here's a resume example that may inspire you when writing yours:

Bailey Green, Certificate III in Carpentry (08) 7010 5678 | baileygreencarpenter@email.com | Gascoyne, Western Australia

Professional Summary Carpenter assistant with a White Card and three years of experience in rough carpentry, specialising in rough carpentry beam, post and rafter creation and erection. Dedicated to delivering a high standard of artistry and attention to detail on construction projects.

Experience

Carpenter Assistant | June 2021–Current
Ledger and Freeman Carpenters | Gascoyne, Western Australia

attend client meetings with the senior carpentry team for project briefings and updates
generate CAD drawings for residential building interior and exterior window and door frameworks
visit suppliers to collect building materials and bring them to the job site as required
measure, mark and cut materials to size using specialised table and hand saws
saw, shape and sand cut materials to size and shape using oscillating or belt sanders.

Junior Carpenter Assistant| April 2020–May 2021
Edgar and Sons Carpenters | Gascoyne, Western Australia

assisted carpenter with various daily tasks, including carrying and cleaning materials
helped order and quality-checked construction materials
assessed and tested cut materials for size and strength.

Skills

Education

Certificate III in Carpentry, Gascoyne Technical College

Gascoyne, Western Australia

Certifications

Western Australia White Card, Western Australia Training Centre, 2024

Driver licence

Tips to help improve your resume

The following tips can help you improve the quality of your resume:

Use keywords

Recruiters use applicant tracking systems (ATS) to filter resumes according to suitability for the role, prioritising those with keywords that align with the job's requirements. Including keywords in your resume can help you pass the ATS. For example, using the keywords newel post can highlight your experience building staircase handrail supports. A recruiter looking for a woodworking carpenter assistant can use an ATS to find this resume as it features specialised language.

Include a portfolio

Photographs, drawings and graphs can help you visually display your experience to others. Including a portfolio of completed projects or designs can help you do this. Provide before and after images of cabinets or cupboards that you renovated or restored. You can also mention related aspects of carpentry if they apply to the position. For example, if the job requires someone with budgeting experience, include a chart showing that 80% of the projects you've worked on have come in under budget.

Proofread your resume

Minor spelling and grammatical errors can negatively impact how others perceive your resume. It can also prevent an ATS from accurately assessing its content. Use spell-checkers to detect obvious mistakes and read through your resume for errors. Reading your resume aloud can help you detect whether it makes sense and is easy to read. Ask a friend or family member to read it and provide constructive feedback.

Create a template

Creating a resume template saves you time and effort, allowing you to submit a resume for an open position more quickly. Create one by writing a single comprehensive resume that lists all your work experience. Depending on the employer's requirements, you can add or remove details from this template. This keeps your resume relevant and concise.