Pick a clean template with a simple header and clear sections. For a Carpenter, the reverse-chronological layout usually works best because it highlights job history and recent projects.
Keep your resume length short. One page fits entry-level and most mid-career carpenters. If you have decades of relevant experience and certifications, two pages can work, but keep them focused.
Use easy fonts like Calibri, Arial, Georgia, or Garamond. Set body text to 10–12pt and headers to 14–16pt. That keeps lines readable and helps applicant tracking systems parse your file.
Give each section breathing room. Use consistent spacing between headings, bullets, and dates. That white space helps hiring managers scan your safety records, skills, and project work fast.
List standard headings like Contact, Summary, Experience, Skills, Certifications, and Tools. Put trade skills and certifications high if they matter more than job title order.
Avoid heavy visuals and multi-column layouts. Those can confuse ATS and hiring managers. Stick to simple bullets, clear dates, and short achievement statements with numbers when you can.
Watch these common mistakes: using unusual fonts, cramming everything into tiny type, and relying on images or graphics for key info. Also avoid vague phrases; state what you built, repaired, or improved and give measurements or timelines.