Welder CV examples

Welding is a profession where precision matters, and your CV should reflect the same level of attention to detail. If key skills and qualifications aren’t easy to find, hiring managers won’t take the time to search for them.

This guide will help you with writing a CV that displays your experience, certifications, and technical knowledge. Whether you specialise in construction or repair work, you’ll learn how to create a strong application that gets results.

A well-organised and presentable CV structure ensures recruiters can quickly find your qualifications, experience, and technical skills without unnecessary distractions. Following these tips will ensure you avoid making mistakes that overshadow your impressive expertise.

Here’s the layout to follow:

• Name and contact details – Place your name and personal details prominently at the top of your CV for quick access. Adding a picture of yourself is up to you.
• Profile – Open with a compelling overview of your skills, experience, and career goals.
• Core skills – Briefly highlight those qualities which make you the best candidate, such as MIG, TIG, or arc welding, blueprint reading, or metal fabrication.
• Work experience – Provide a detailed breakdown of your work history, starting with the most recent job first.
• Education – List your qualifications, including degrees and relevant certifications, in reverse chronological order.
• Additional info – Optionally, include professional memberships, relevant hobbies and interests, and awards.

A cluttered CV format is as inefficient as a messy welding station. Make use of bullet points for clarity, divide sections with clear headings, and stick to a professional, easy-to-read font. Keep it the right length – no longer than two pages – to ensure it’s sharp and focused.

Your CV profile is your chance to introduce yourself as a skilled and reliable welder. It should quickly highlight what makes you stand out from other candidates, outlining your key welding expertise and work ethic. A good profile is like a strong root weld – it holds everything else together.

Here’s what to include:

• Welding specialisation – Whether you specialise in MIG, TIG, Stick, or Flux-Core welding, make it clear.
• Industry experience – Mention whether you’ve worked in construction, shipbuilding, automotive, or fabrication.
• Blueprint reading and technical skills – Employers value welders who can interpret designs and execute precise welds.
• Safety and compliance knowledge – Showcase your training in workplace safety, PPE use, and compliance with industry regulations.
• Attention to detail and efficiency – Highlight your ability to produce clean, strong welds while meeting deadlines.

A welder’s skills go beyond just using a torch – employers look for professionals who can work efficiently, follow blueprints, and maintain high safety standards. Your CV skills section should read like a checklist of everything an employer is looking for in a welder.

Tailor your skills list to the specific job. If you’re working in structural welding, mention your ability to work with thick steel. If you’re in precision welding, highlight your finesse and attention to detail.

This section helps employers quickly assess whether you have the right skills for their specific welding projects.

Your work experience should demonstrate more than just time on the job – it should prove your ability to produce high-quality welds, work efficiently, and contribute to projects successfully.

In reverse chronological order, focus on key responsibilities like reading blueprints, setting up welding equipment, and inspecting welds for defects. If you’ve worked with different metals or in high-pressure environments, highlight that experience.

If you’re newer to the field, include apprenticeships, trade school projects, or hands-on training that showcase your welding abilities.

• Outline – Describe the company, the type of projects handled, and your role.
• Responsibilities – List key tasks, such as welding different metals, reading blueprints, or operating fabrication equipment. Use action words like “welded,” “fabricated,” and “inspected.”
• Achievements – Highlight improvements you contributed to, such as increasing welding efficiency, reducing defects, or completing projects ahead of schedule.

Welding is a hands-on trade, but certifications and formal training still boost your CV by proving your expertise. Employers often look for recognised education and qualifications that ensure you meet industry standards.

List your relevant certifications and training, including welding school programs, on-the-job apprenticeships, and safety courses. If you’ve completed additional training in areas like non-destructive testing (NDT) or CNC machining, include those as well.