Writing a resume for a renovator or painter is much like writing a resume to find a job. However, simply interviewing a painter or renovator is often not enough. Potential clients and employers must have proof you are a pro and, in fact, skilled at what you do and worthy of hire.
Instructions
1. Begin with an objective or professional statement below your neatly typed name, address, phone number, e-mail address or Web site. This statement should be brief, yet succinct. An example of strong professional statement:
"To use my talents and skills to provide quality painting and renovation work and form long-lasting relationships with my clients and other members of the community."
2. List your professional experience, beginning with the most recent. If you are only trying to get painting and renovating work, only include jobs you've done in that field. For example:
Jan. 1, 2000 -- March 1, 2008 -- Doug's Painting and Design, Chicago, Illinois.
Painter and designer.
Always include your title. Adding a brief description of the work you did and some of the clients you served will credibility to your position.
3. List your education and training, beginning withe most recent. This is important in that your prospective employers or clients will be able to see that you have taken you craft seriously by receiving training to hone your skills. Example:
Michigan Technological University, B.S., Construction Management, 1996-2000.
Including any special awards or recognition you may have received pertaining to your craft will also add credibility to your resume.
4. Include electronic or hard copy samples of your work. This is perhaps the most important element of your resume. If you are marketing yourself online, include links where prospects can see your photos of your paintings or renovation work. Or, simply attach the files to your e-mail, making them small enough to open easily. For face-to-face marketing include high color, glossy photographs of three to five of your completed projects. Describe each piece.
5. List your membership in professional associations or groups such as your area's arts council, trade association or union. This will allow prospects to see that you regularly network with other professionals in your trade.
6. Add your references. It won't be enough to simply allow your prospects to see copies of your work. They must be able to verify your work ethic and reliability by contacting people you've done business with in the past. Include references you know stand by your work and will recommend your services. For artists and those in the trades, it is recommended to include five personal and five professional references. If your resume is already over a page, though, put your reference list on a separate sheet.
7. Include a cover letter. Your cover letter should incorporate your professional statement and the contents of your qualifications without being too verbose. A strong cover letter contains one or two paragraphs written in business letter form. An excerpt from a cover letter might read:
"Dear Ken,
Congratulations on the purchase of your new store. I am an experienced painter with solid reputation that I feel I could utilize by becoming a member of the renovation team you may need for the remodelling of your new building. Attached is my resume, references and a few samples of my work for your review.
I look forward to exploring the relationship that may exist between us."
