Machinist Resume Examples and Guide for 2023

A machinist is a highly sought-after individual, especially with the rise of CNC machines. A CNC machinist resume needs to showcase all the reasons why you’re the right person for a specific machinist job, including your knowledge, attention to detail, and machine control. Machinists may have to cut and fix a machine part within micrometers of a specific length, which is why attention to detail is so important.

A machinist resume structure may vary depending on the resume format you choose. If you have plenty of experience, you might want to choose the chronological format. Those without experience might opt for the functional format or the combination format instead. Here are the sections you might find in your machinist resume.

 

 

Your resume header is the first component of your resume, although it’s more part of the resume design than anything else. It includes your contact information, including your phone number, any professional links you have, such as your LinkedIn, and your full name.

 

 

The next section is your resume summary or resume objective. A resume summary is a 2-3 sentence paragraph at the very top of a resume that gives insight into who you are and what your skills are. In a resume objective, you also include a short description of your career goals. Unless you’re a first-time job seeker, it’s usually best to go with a summary.

 

 

Machinist skills are extremely varied, and different machinists may have different skill types. However, here are some common skills to consider for this section:

• CNC machining and repairing
• Machine operation
• Knowledge of machine tools
• Problem-solving skills
• Troubleshooting and fixing malfunctions
• Familiar with different machine types (Milling machines, CNC mills, drill press, cutting tools, lathe machines, manual lathe)
• Machine quality control
• CAD/CAM software knowledge (AutoCAD, Autodesk Inventor)
• Blueprint reading
• Use of calipers and precision measuring
• Lathe operation
• Knowledge of machine parts
• General metalworking
• Dexterity
• Management of work orders
• Material tolerances
• Teamwork

Your skill section should include a handful of skills that you feel you’re particularly good at. This should include both hard skills and soft skills.

 

 

Feature a rundown of your past jobs here, as well as a few bullet points for each job outlining your top duties and achievements. Remember that you can include internship experience and other machine shop work as well if you lack professional experience.

 

 

Include any trade schooling you’ve had to become a machinist. If you have a specific license or certification, include it in this section. 

Here are some additional tips to create your perfect resume:

 

Do:

• Show exactly how your machinist work has helped other companies. You largely do preventative maintenance, and it’s up to you to convince a company that it’s worth it.
• Look through machinist resume samples before you write yours. The more samples you look at, the better you’ll be at writing your own.
• Include both hard skills and soft skills in your resume. Although machinists deal largely in technical skills, soft skills that deal with collaboration and working with others can also be important.

Don’t:

• Include skills you’re not comfortable with. If you’re great at fixing a CNC lathe, but grinders aren’t your main skillset, there’s no need to include grinders in your skills section.
• Mention your high school diploma on your resume. You need a diploma or equivalent to enter a machinist trade, so it’s assumed from your trade license.
• Bring up negative experiences from past work environments. Only focus on the positive experiences you’ve had.