Cover Letters for Skilled Trades Careers

Your cover letter presents an excellent opportunity to show prospective employers and recruiters how the skills and accomplishments documented on your resume relate to their specific hiring needs. Each industry and profession presents unique cover letter writing and design challenges. If you are interested in pursuing a career in the skilled trades, be certain to include highlights of these important success factors in your cover letters:

Success Factor #1

Be sure to highlight specific training programs, internships, or apprenticeships you've completed that relate directly to the position for which you are applying. Then, be sure to highlight any additional certifications or licenses you have earned (for example, welding, HVAC, etc.).

Success Factor #2

Show your range of experience. For example: framing, roofing, finish cabinet work (carpenter); 120-volts, 480-volts, network cabling (electrician); pneumatics, hydraulics, and high-pressure lines (plumber).

Success Factor #3

Remember to mention special skills that set you apart and that directly relate to the stated needs of the prospective employer (for example, conduit bending, fiber optic installation, EDM processes, or compound and progressive die building/repair).

Success Factor #4

Highlight your familiarity with the latest technology. Do you use CAD/CAM software, CNC programming, or other technology tools and aids? If so, be sure to include them. They're a great asset for you in your job search.