Sheet metal worker CV example

How to write a CV for a sheet metal worker

Above all else, you should keep CV writing simple. Use short sentences and plain English to cover key points about your competencies and experience. Even with that said, creating a compelling CV can feel daunting. That’s why we’ve curated some of the best CV writing tips to simplify the process.

Wondering how to write a CV for a sheet metal worker that’ll catch the reader’s attention? The subsequent guidance demystifies:

• What contact details should I include in my sheet metal worker CV?
• How to write a personal statement for your sheet metal worker CV
• How to present your work history on a sheet metal worker CV
• Skills worth having on your sheet metal worker CV
• How to add education to your sheet metal worker CV

What contact details should I include in my sheet metal worker CV?

Adding up-to-date contact details is so obvious that it’s easy to forget – it’s surprising how many people skip over this step! You must include your most current information so employers can invite you to the interview stage. Include the following at the top of your sheet metal worker CV:

• Full name
• Location
• Phone number
• Professional email address

Example of contact section for a sheet metal worker CV

How to write a personal statement for your sheet metal worker CV

If you want to stand out from the crowd and encourage the employer to learn more, you need an award-winning personal statement that summarises your best qualities and achievements. You only have three to four short sentences (or 50 to 100 words) to ignite the reader’s interest, so every word matters!

Here’s our top advice to keep in mind when putting pen to paper:

• DO use positive adjectives like “passionate” and “motivated”
• DO lead with action verbs such as “spearheaded” and “oversaw”
• DON’T include jokes that undermine your professionalism
• DON’T copy someone else’s personal statement online
• DON’T include non-relevant information

Another tip is to include plenty of facts and figures to support your skills. For example, instead of saying you “upgraded machinery”, explain how you “upgraded a company’s heating machinery, improving energy efficiency and saving costs of £50,000 annually”. The more in-depth you can be, the more impressive you’ll sound.

Example of personal statement for a sheet metal worker CV

OR

Create this CV

How to present your work history on a sheet metal worker CV

The work history section usually takes the most time to complete, and for good reason. It’s a treasure trove of crucial information for hiring managers, including how long a candidate typically stays with a company, whether they show consistent progression, and their key strengths.

• Job title
• Employment start and end dates
• Company name
• Company location
• Primary duties – between three to six for each role

Before diving into your career background, it’s a good idea to re-read the job description – all information should be relevant and tailored to the employer’s needs. Plus, note specialist responsibilities underneath each role to give you a competitive edge. Fabrication sheet metal workers could talk about their proficiency with metal-cutting software. Installation sheet metal workers should reiterate their experience with heating ducts, metal roofs, and guttering.

Additionally, avoid repetition to show the hiring manager the scope of your capabilities. If you’ve noted “riveting plates” underneath one position, then focus on “cutting sections” in another. Offering a buffet of strengths will prove that you’re a well-rounded and multi-talented individual!

Lastly, break up monotonous text with action verbs. You weren’t “responsible for” cutting metal – you “operated” machinery, “produced” sheets, and “engineered” products. These power words sound much more enthusiastic and energetic.

Example of work experience for a sheet metal worker CV

Sheet metal worker | Air Strong Air Conditioning, Birmingham | May 2019 – present

• Cutting metals sections for air conditioning shafts
• Assembling shaft sections together on-site
• Finessing finished conditioning shafts by removing sharp and rough edges.

Sheet metal worker | JLC Sheet Metal, Birmingham | January 2015 – May 2019

• Preparing metal sections from technical drawings and cutting out;
• Preparing cut sections for assembly.
• Riveting plates together.

Skills worth having on your sheet metal worker CV

Cinching the sheet metal worker job of your dreams is easy when you have a glittering CV skills section that rounds up your most valuable qualities. It’s an opportunity to shout about what makes you unique using an eclectic medley of hard and soft skills.

Hard skills are technical and job-specific, such as “cutting metal”, “operating machinery”, and “welding sheets”. In contrast, soft skills are transferable and non-specific, like “problem-solving”, “organisation”, and “detail-oriented”. Want your sheet metal worker CV to dazzle decision-makers? We recommend including up to 12 skills in total split equally between the two.

While it’s tempting to lift skills directly from the job specification, this doesn’t give off the best impression. Recruiters prefer to see individuality and authenticity in applications – if they think you might be fibbing, they won’t give you a second chance!

Above all else, let your personality shine through. Many candidates stuff their CVs with hard skills, which often sounds unnatural and forced. Remember to reassure the employer that you’d be a good fit for the team by including soft skills like “friendly” and “helpful”.

Stuck for ideas? Draw inspiration from these essential and nice-to-have skills:

How to add education to your sheet metal worker CV

Employment history is always more impactful when backed up by a solid education – qualifications will help you stand out against equally experienced candidates. It’s important to note that you can discuss all kinds of courses alongside traditional qualifications. Even if you haven’t been to college or university, you might’ve completed equally attractive special licences, health and safety training, or certificates while working.

How do you become a sheet metal worker? The route into this career depends on the industry and specialism. Some employers prefer candidates with a degree in Engineering. Others accept applicants with foundational GCSEs in English, Maths, Science, and IT. Read the job ad carefully before applying so you know what credentials employers are searching for.

Aspiring sheet metal workers could also sign-up for an apprenticeship, which usually lasts around four to five years. Here, students undergo practical and theoretical training to prepare them for the world of work.

When outlining your education, run through the following:

• Name of school, college, university, or other awarding body
• Study dates
• Course title
• Qualification level – e.g. GCSE or diploma
• Qualification result

Example of education for a sheet metal worker CV

City & Guilds London, 2008
(2800) Certificate in Engineering 1&2

Birmingham College, 2006 – 2008
3 A levels: Engineering (A), Maths (A), and Physics (C)

Birmingham High School, 2001 – 2006

• GCSE Maths
• GCSE English
• GCSE Technical Drawing
• GCSE Chemistry