10 Important HVAC Technician Skills to List on Your Resume
As an HVAC technician, you’ll use a lot of different tools in your line of work. But the most important tool you need to begin your career is your resume. That little piece of paper shows what you’re capable of and can persuade employers to hire you for the job. It’s great if you already have a resume, but you always want to update it with new skills, talent, and experience. And you can pull info straight from the job posting to highlight where your skills are a match to the job.What makes a good HVAC resume? Be sure to include these 10 technical, technological, and soft skills.
Wiring and Electricity
When you work in HVAC, you’ll need to have some basic knowledge of other trades. Although you won’t be an electrician, for example, you’ll still need to understand the concepts of electrical theory including voltage, circuits, and wiring. Employers will want to know that you’re capable of wiring a thermostat or choosing the right circuit breaker for a newly installed AC.
Pumping and Piping
The centrifugal pump is at the heart of an HVAC system. Let your future employer know that you know how it connects to boilers, chillers, cooling towers, water systems, and hydronic distributions centers. One of the top skills listed in HVAC job descriptions is pumping. Employers also want to see your knowledge and experience with piping systems. Choosing the right piping is critical for safety and efficiency. Your resume should highlight that you know how to install, maintain, and repair pumping and piping.
Preventative Maintenance
Some jobs require installation and others will require maintenance. Oftentimes, you’ll need to perform maintenance checks to keep commercial and residential HVAC and refrigeration systems running smoothly. These checks can include refrigerant and leak inspections, thermostat tests, and condenser cleanings. If you can service HVAC systems as well as install and repair them, you’ll show employers that you’re a well-rounded technician.
Read Blueprints
You can’t know how and where to install HVAC systems without being able to read construction blueprints. You should also be able to read schematics, utility plans, mechanical drawings, and electrical and wiring diagrams.
Testing Equipment and Tools
As a tradesperson, you’ll work with your hands as well as different types of tools and equipment. You’ll need to show that you can work with acetylene torches when you need to weld, or leak detectors when you need to find a break in a line.
Safety Protocol
Don’t forget to include safety protocol as part of your skillset. You want to show that you can use HVAC tools, but more importantly, you want employers to know that you can handle them safely. If you have certifications, such as the Section 608 Technician Training from the Environmental Protection Agency, that authorizes you to handle refrigerant, add that to your resume. Employers want to know that you can prevent workplace accidents and can accommodate for safety hazards such as chemicals, ladders, and inclement weather.
Computer Skills
Be sure to list basic computer skills. You should know how to check your email, and how to use the Internet. You should also be capable of typing up an invoice or using Google maps to find a work location. Since HVAC systems are becoming more technologically enhanced, you need to know how to install and repair new models that are compatible with apps; add that skill to your resume.
Problem Solving
When a customer has a tricky repair, it’s time for you to rely on your problem-solving skills. You may need to think outside of the box or come up with an innovative fix, but if you have the confidence and wherewithal to find an answer, you’ll be a valuable employee.
Time Management
HVAC installations and repairs can take time. And while you shouldn’t rush the job, you shouldn’t move slowly, either. With time management skills, you can get the job done efficiently and effectively, without taking more of the customer’s time than necessary.
Customer Service
You probably got into the trades because you like to work with your hands. But don’t forget that you will work with people, too. This means you’ll need to be skilled in communication and customer service. Employers want to know that you can be both friendly and professional, and provide service that keeps customers coming back time and again.
If you want to build your resume even further, contact Charter College today. We offer a Certificate in Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration that can help you acquire the skills you’ll need to install, maintain, and repair a variety of HVAC/R systems. Our Career Services Advisors can also help you workshop your resume and cover letter when you’re ready to start the job search. Call us today at 888-200-9942 or fill out the form to learn more.