How to Create a Formwork Carpenter Resume (Plus Example)

Updated 12 October 2022

If you're interested in pursuing a career in construction, you might consider the specialised area of formwork carpentry. When applying for a position in this area, it's important that you update your resume to reflect your abilities and qualifications in carpentry. Knowing how to construct your resume correctly can help give you the best possible chance to succeed with your application.

In this article, we discuss what a formwork carpenter does, outline how to write a resume for one, provide a blank template you can use to help write your own and offer an example you can follow as a guide.

What is a formwork carpenter resume?

A formwork carpenter resume is a single-page, formal document that outlines your formwork carpenter skills, your experience in the field where you learned these skills and any relevant education. A formwork carpenter is a professional who works in a specialised area in the construction industry, tasked with constructing the moulds that hold the wet concrete used in the foundations of structures. General construction contracting crews can typically complete this task with smaller operations, but larger commercial projects require a formwork carpenter.

They carry heavy, pre-manufactured structures they use for moulds and fix them in the correct position, spraying a lot of oil to prevent parts from sticking. Then, they secure the structures to the position using iron rods and pour the concrete into the mould. They remove the moulds once the concrete has set and then clean them for future use. Formwork carpenters assemble many of these moulds from wood, metal or plastic and require physical stamina, as the work is often exhausting and messy.

How to write a formwork carpenter resume

Here's a look at what to consider when writing your formwork carpenter resume:

1. Consider any keywords

In many job descriptions, companies use certain keywords that highlight the specific skills, qualifications or experience they require from a candidate. For example, they might mention that a candidate requires at least three years of experience in a similar position. Note all the keywords you find and tailor your resume to reflect these keywords.

2. Choose the right format

Before you write your resume, choose the format that best suits your level of experience. There's a particular style most suited to entry-level candidates and a style that's best for those with experience. Here's a look at the different resume formats:

Functional format: This style of resume format is ideal for those with little or no experience as a formwork carpenter. In the absence of any experience, you can use this type to highlight your skills that might still relate to the role, such as physical strength or mathematics skills.
Chronological format: You can use this resume format if you have experience as a formwork carpenter. List your relevant responsibilities in the role you held, such as constructing on-site safety measures.
Hybrid format: This is a combination of both functional and chronological formats. A candidate with experience can choose to list any specific skills they believe make them a unique candidate, such as an ability to communicate with local council leaders and government clients.

3. Include your up-to-date contact details

At the very top of your resume, include your full name in either a bold format or in a slightly larger font size than the rest of the document. This can immediately make the hiring manager aware of who you are. On a separate line, include your up-to-date contact phone number, email address and the city and state where you currently live.

4. Write your professional summary.

The professional summary section is a single paragraph of between two and three sentences that briefly details the skills, experience and education the hiring manager is going to find in the rest of the resume. This section is a chance for you to highlight the specific keywords you found in the job description and reference how your abilities and history relate to them. For example, if the job description specifically mentions a candidate to have knowledge of educating other staff on safety practices, mention this here.

5. Detail your work history

In this section, list your relevant work history and the responsibilities you held while in the position. If you're an entry-level candidate, you can use experience from work that might not relate to formwork carpentry, but that highlights specific skills you've gained that are transferable. For example, if you have experience working in hospitality, you might mention that you learned quick mathematics skills and spent a lot of time moving heavy loads of stock.

If you have experience when applying for work, mention your experience in roles related to the role. List your work history in reverse chronological order, with your most recent role first.

6. List your relevant skills

Make a list of all the skills you have that apply to formwork carpentry. You can mention all soft skills, which are not specific to the field but are still relatable, such as teamwork and communication. You can also mention hard skills, which are specific to formwork carpentry, such as knowledge of occupational health and safety (OHS) practices.

7. Add your education

You can list your education history as it relates to your experience and skills. While you don't need specific qualifications to become a carpenter, it's necessary to become a fully qualified carpenter to apply for a position in formwork carpentry. For example, you might complete an apprenticeship or traineeship in carpentry or a Certificate III in Formwork. Include the title of the achievement, the institution you graduated from and the date of completion.

8. Proofread your resume

Your resume represents you as a professional and is the first impression you have to make on a hiring manager. Spelling and grammar mistakes can make you seem unprofessional, so make sure you proofread the document multiple times to make sure there are no errors. There are multiple online spell-checking applications you can download for free and you can also ask friends and family to read through the resume to help check for the harder-to-spot mistakes.

Resume template for a formwork carpenter

Here's a template resume for a formwork carpenter with over three years of experience you can use to help write your own:

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

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

Work History
[Job Title] | [Employment dates]
[Company Name] | [City], [State]

(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]

(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]

[Certification name], [Host organisation], [Year completed or expiration date]

Example resume for a formwork carpenter

Here's an example of a resume for a formwork carpenter you can follow as a guide to writing your own:

Thomas Marsh, Certificate III in Formwork
08 8161 8373 | t.marsh@hotmail.com| Adelaide, SA

Professional Summary
Formwork carpenter with five years of experience in operating on worksites and leading a team of apprentices and other carpenters in safety procedures and methods. Skilled with almost every tool and machinery apparatus used in the structural stage of most commercial projects.

Experience
Head Formwork Carpenter | March 2020–Current
Brick and Bone Construction | Adelaide, SA

Lead a team of over 10 in safety procedure
Construct and supervise the construction of safety forms, such as railings, ladders and fall protectors
Operate many electrical tools and specialised machinery
Safely and effectively pour concrete and follow all procedures of formwork
Coordinate with clients and the local city council

Carpenter | June 2017–February 2020
Long Life Carpenters | Adelaide, SA

Worked with builders and architects to coordinate specifics about construction
Used mathematics to get a high degree of accuracy with construction projects
Used power tools of all types in a busy environment

Skills
Communication | Teamwork | Power Tools | Leadership | Mathematics

Education
Certificate III in Formwork, Fleurieu College of Construction, 2016