How to Write a Journeyman Electrician Resume That Gets Interviews
A journeyman electrician role requires a mix of hands-on experience in electrical wiring, technical skills, and certifications in electrical engineering that employers look for when hiring, including those from a master electrician. Whether you're applying for a commercial, residential, or industrial position, your resume needs to highlight your most relevant qualifications and accomplishments in a format that gets past ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems) and impresses hiring managers.
In this article, we’ll guide you step-by-step through creating a winning journeyman electrician resume that gets you interviews.
How to Write a Journeyman Electrician Resume Step-by-Step
Creating a strong resume as a journeyman electrician can open doors to better job opportunities, including energy consumption electrical projects, large-scale projects, higher pay, and long-term career growth. Whether you're applying to work on residential electrical systems or large commercial sites, your resume needs to reflect your skills, experience, and certifications accurately.
1. Start With a Clear and Concise Summary
Your resume summary is your elevator pitch, showcasing your technical expertise. Keep it short—3 to 4 lines—but impactful. Focus on your licensing, years of experience with safety regulations, key areas of expertise, and standout qualities or certifications.
Example Summary:
Licensed Journeyman Electrician with 7+ years of experience in residential, commercial, and industrial electrical systems. Expertise in circuit installation, panel upgrades, conduit bending, and NEC code compliance. Known for accurate blueprint interpretation, strict adherence to safety protocols, and project completion on-time and under budget. OSHA-30 and LOTO certified.
📌 Tip: Use keywords from the job posting to tailor your electrician resume examples for each job application.
2. Showcase Your Technical and Soft Skills
Recruiters want to quickly scan for the key skills they need, including testing devices and equipment maintenance. Divide your skills into Technical Skills and Soft Skills for clarity.
Example Skills Section:
Technical Skills:
Circuit installation and repair
Conduit bending and wiring
Electrical panel upgrades
NEC compliance
Troubleshooting and diagnostics
Blueprint interpretation
Preventive maintenance
Multimeter and ammeter use
Generator installation and servicing
Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) procedures
Soft Skills:
Attention to detail
Team collaboration
Time management
Safety awareness
Leadership and training
Problem-solving under pressure
📌 Tip: Customize this section based on the job requirements.
3. Emphasize Your Work Experience
Use reverse chronological order—start with your most recent job. Include:
Job title
Company name and location
Dates of employment
3–5 bullet points per role
Example Work Experience Section:
Journeyman Electrician
ABC Electric Services — Denver, CO
June 2020 – Present
Installed electrical systems in over 75 residential and commercial buildings with 100% compliance with NEC standards.
Diagnosed and repaired complex electrical faults, reducing service downtime by 30%.
Trained and supervised a team of 3 apprentices, leading weekly safety briefings.
Interpreted and executed complex electrical blueprints, contributing to projects valued at over $ 500 K.
Led the installation of smart home wiring systems, enhancing energy efficiency for clients.
Apprentice Electrician
Bright Spark Electrical — Denver, CO
July 2017 – May 2020
Supported licensed electricians in installing and upgrading electrical systems across 40+ homes.
Conducted preventive maintenance and testing on outlets, switches, and lighting.
Completed OSHA-10 training and maintained rigorous safety protocols on job sites.
Assisted with panel installations, conduit layouts, and inspection preparations.
📌 Tip: Begin each bullet with an action verb, especially highlighting your experience in repairing electrical systems, implementing safety procedures, and conducting thorough inspections, and include metrics when possible.
4. List Your Certifications and Licenses
These credentials show that you're ensuring safety compliance with regulations, up to date with safety standards, and able to identify potential risks.
Example Certifications Section:
State of Colorado Journeyman Electrician License (License #123456)
OSHA-30 Construction Safety Certification
CPR & First Aid Certified
Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) Certified
Forklift Operation Permit (if applicable)
Arc Flash Safety Training
📌 Tip: Ensure your license number and expiry dates are current, if applicable.
5. Add Your Education
List your highest level of education first, followed by any trade schools, vocational training, or continuing education.
Example Education Section:
Diploma in Electrical Technology
Denver Trade School — Denver, CO
Graduated: 2017
High School Diploma
North Ridge High School — Aurora, CO
Graduated: 2015
📌 Tip: If you have relevant coursework (e.g., “Advanced Circuitry” or “Electrical Code”), especially concerning faulty wiring, you can list it under the diploma.
6. Include Projects (Optional but Recommended)
Adding a "Projects" section helps demonstrate your hands-on experience in electrical work, especially for freelance work or electrical installations and complex installations.
Example Projects Section:
Electrical Renovation – Residential Building (2023)
Rewired a 3-story home, upgrading the system from 100 amps to 200 amps.
Installed smart switches, dimmers, and GFCI outlets in 12 rooms.
Ensured full NEC code compliance and passed municipal inspection on the first review.
Led a team of 4 to install high-voltage panels and industrial lighting in a 10,000 sq. ft. facility.
Integrated energy-saving motion sensors and emergency lighting per OSHA standards.
📌 Tip: Highlight projects that involve routine inspections, safety inspections, problem-solving, leadership, or specialized tools.
7. Optional Additions to Strengthen Your Resume
If space allows, you can add:
Awards & Recognition:
“Employee of the Month” – ABC Electric Services, Jan 2023
Recognized for zero safety violations over 24 months
Professional Affiliations:
Member, International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW)
National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA)
Tools & Equipment:
Digital multimeters
Oscilloscopes
Hydraulic benders
Wire tracers and testers
8. Tools & Equipment Section (especially for industrial/commercial roles)
Employers often look for familiarity with specific tools used in complex electrical systems. Adding this section shows your hands-on expertise.
Example:
Voltage testers, digital multimeters, and oscilloscopes
Pipe benders (manual & hydraulic)
Cable pullers and fish tapes
Thermal imaging cameras
Power drills and saws
Lift equipment and scaffolding
Journeyman Electrician Resume Example
Copy
John Taylor
Denver, CO | johntaylor@email.com | (555) 123-4567
Professional Summary
Licensed journeyman electrician with over 7 years of hands-on experience as an experienced electrician in residential, electrical engineering commercial, and light industrial electrical systems. Skilled in interpreting blueprints and installing and repairing wiring, electrical panels, and fixtures. OSHA-30 certified with a strong understanding of the National Electrical Code (NEC) and a commitment to safety, quality, and client satisfaction. Proven ability to manage crews, meet tight deadlines, and solve complex electrical issues quickly and efficiently.
Skills:
Residential & Commercial Wiring
Electrical Installations & Upgrades
Safety Compliance (OSHA & NEC)
Circuit Testing & Troubleshooting
Blueprint & Schematic Reading
Team Leadership & Job Site Management
Electrical Code Knowledge (NEC)
Panel Board & Transformer Installation
Work Experience
Journeyman Electrician
ABC Electric Services, Denver, CO | June 2020 – Present
Led installation and maintenance projects across 75+ residential and commercial sites, including retail stores, office buildings, and multi-family homes.
Diagnosed and resolved electrical issues, reducing downtime and repair costs by 30%.
Supervised a team of 3–5 apprentices and junior electricians, ensuring all work met safety and code compliance.
Interpreted blueprints and technical diagrams to complete projects accurately and on schedule.
Collaborated with contractors and project managers to deliver tailored solutions within project timelines and budgets.
Apprentice Electrician
Bright Spark Electrical, Denver, CO | July 2017 – May 2020
Supported senior electricians in the installation of wiring systems, lighting, breaker panels, and circuit protection devices.
Assisted in the maintenance and troubleshooting of commercial electrical systems.
Completed OSHA-30 training and adhered strictly to company safety protocols and NEC standards.
Gained hands-on experience in conduit bending, wire pulling, and meter installation.
Journeyman Electrician License – State of Colorado
OSHA-30 Construction Safety Certification
CPR/First Aid Certified – American Red Cross
Diploma in Electrical Technology – Denver Trade School, 2017
Expert Tips to Make Your Resume Stand Out
Customize for Each Job: Tailor your resume to match keywords from the job description. This improves your chances of passing through Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) and ensures relevance.
Highlight Key Certifications: Include certifications like OSHA-30 and CPR, and emphasize how you implement safety protocols in your work. Employers value a focus on safety.
Showcase Soft Skills: Emphasize your communication, teamwork, dependability, and punctuality—crucial qualities, especially if you work with clients or lead teams.
Keep It Concise: Limit your resume to one page unless you have over 10 years of experience or specialized projects worth highlighting.
Use Professional Formatting: Stick to clear fonts, organized bullet points, and consistent headings to create a sharp, readable document.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Neglecting License Info: Always include your journeyman license, as it may be verified by employers.
Overusing Technical Jargon: Avoid overwhelming non-technical reviewers (like HR personnel) with too much jargon. Make sure your descriptions are clear and understandable.
Forgetting Soft Skills: While technical expertise is important, don’t overlook the value of soft skills like communication and reliability.
Using a One-Size-Fits-All Resume:Tailor your resume for each position to reflect the specific job description and requirements.
Poor Formatting Choices: Avoid clutter by using clean fonts, proper spacing, and easy-to-read bullet points.
💡 Pro Tip: For stand-out resume templates, use our Resume builder to create a professional resume in minutes!
Conclusion
Writing a journeyman electrician resume that gets interviews means going beyond listing your job duties, including preventative maintenance plans. You need to showcase your licenses, certifications, and key accomplishments, including your use of diagnostic tools and how you’ve impacted each job site.
Follow the format, highlight the skills that matter most, and use clear, results-driven language. With a tailored and well-organized resume, you’ll position yourself as a top candidate and increase your chances of landing interviews in today’s competitive job market.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What’s the best format for a journeyman electrician resume?
The best format for a journeyman electrician's resume is reverse chronological. It starts with your most recent job and works backward, showcasing your career growth, latest experience, and relevant skills in a clear, organized manner.
Do I need to include my license number?
Yes, include your proven track record along with your license number. Employers may verify it during the hiring process to ensure you meet local or state requirements for working as a certified journeyman electrician. It adds credibility to your resume.
How far back should I list my experience?
Typically, include the last 10 years of experience unless earlier roles are highly relevant. Focusing on recent positions highlights your current skills and demonstrates career progression, making your resume more appealing to employers.