Worker guide · 6 min read · updated Nov 2026

How to write a CV for electricians, welders, fitters and drivers

Recruiters for skilled trades often shortlist from hundreds of CVs in a single day. They are not looking for fancy design – they want to see your trade, level, experience, certificates and availability in the first ten seconds. Here is a simple structure that works for electricians, welders, pipe fitters, mechanics, drivers, cooks and most other trades.

1. Top of the page: who you are

Your name, trade title and one line summary, then contact details:

Ramesh K. – Industrial Electrician (8 years, Gulf experience)
WhatsApp: +91 98xx xxx xxx · Email · Currently in: India · Available: 2 weeks · Passport valid to 2031

Use the job title that matches the ad ("Instrument Technician", not just "Technician"). If you have a valid GCC driving licence, say so here – it is a big plus.

2. Skills and certificates

A short list, most important first:

• Trade certificate / ITI / diploma, with year
• Welding qualification (process, position, code – e.g. "6G TIG/ARC, ASME IX")
• Licences: driving licence category, crane or forklift licence, electrical licence
• Safety: H2S, working at height, confined space, first aid
• Key skills: "MV/LV cable termination", "motor control centre troubleshooting", "isometric drawing reading"

3. Work experience – newest first

For each job: dates, job title, company, country, project or plant, and 2–4 lines of what you actually did. Numbers help:

• "Terminated and tested 11 kV cables on 3 substations"
• "Fitted and welded 2–24 inch carbon-steel spools, 98% RT pass rate"
• "Drove 40-ft trailer on Dammam–Riyadh route, zero accidents in 4 years"

Name well-known projects and clients – recruiters recognise them instantly.

4. Personal details – keep it short

Nationality, languages spoken, and passport validity are useful for overseas jobs. You do not need to add religion or a long list of hobbies. Many countries – including Canada, the UK, Australia and most of Europe – expect no photo and no date of birth on a CV, while Gulf recruiters often ask for a photo; follow what the ad requests.

5. Common mistakes

• Five pages long – one or two pages is enough.
• No phone number with country code, or a WhatsApp number that is not active.
• Claiming every trade ("electrician / plumber / welder / driver") – it looks like you are not skilled in any.
• Copying a CV template with someone else's name still in it.
• Sending the CV as a blurry photo. Save it as a PDF instead.

6. Before you send it

Read the job ad again and move the matching skills to the top. Then check the offer carefully when it arrives – our Gulf job offer checklist explains what to look for. You can also register free on this site so companies hiring your trade can find you.