Strong resume is your most important career tool
As the economy grows and the work population ages, the need for heavy-duty mechanics is predicted to remain steady, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. More opportunities will emerge as retiring skilled laborers leave the workforce.
Your resume will be a significant factor in generating attention from employers. As a job candidate, you need to know the market and how to write a resume that will keep you standing out in the minds of hiring decision makers.
One of the common mistakes skilled laborers make is putting more effort in filling out applications rather than writing a strong resume.
Writing a resume often creates a type of love/hate relationship filled with uncertainty. Some look at their resume as another time-consuming step in their job search, while others see them as an important necessity.
The truth is resumes are important for everyone in the workforce — they are not just reserved for office jobs. Today more than ever, having a good resume matters to present and future job opportunities.
Your resume is more than a history of past and present employers. It is a marketing sheet that needs to convey a message of value for the buyer (employer). As a heavyduty mechanic, you want to highlight areas that are attractive to employers.
The most important step you can take is to identify the skills you demonstrate on the job every day that makes your employer successful. For instance, heavyduty mechanics must have good dexterity in working with equipment and with engine parts in using hand tools. Your ability to use good hand/eye coordination is a must for your career growth.
As a mechanic, think about your abilities to diagnose and identify problem areas, using computerized tools and equipment.
Go a step further and emphasize your skills in overhauling and testing major components, such as engines, hydraulic systems, and electrical systems.
The job market is competitive, and sending in a resume that only list your employers, responsibilities and career objectives will not be effective in today’s business climate.
Writing a memorable resume that supports your application requires focus in creating strong accomplishments. Accomplishments help distinguish you from other candidates who may have the same years of experience.
The SAR formula is an easy method that can help you improve your accomplishments — it is an acronym for situation, action and results.
For example, as a heavy-duty mechanic you might have an accomplishment such as, “Implemented a new truck repair service program that quickly identified problem areas while providing quality maintenance, resulted in growing a new customer base by 30%.”
Here are some tips to help you write an effective resume:
• Create accomplishments with a purpose in mind as they relate to the employer’s needs.
• If you decide to use an objective statement, focus it toward the job you are applying for rather than making it too broad.
• Be careful not to use mechanical jargon that could be unfamiliar to the reader.
• Include keywords that are listed in the job posting if they relate to your skills.