As a professional painter, tackling a massive blank wall might not intimidate you, but writing a great painter resume? That can feel a bit more daunting. And that’s perfectly okay — that’s what we’re here for. This guide is packed with writing tips, practical samples, and informative examples, along with easy-to-use templates to help you create a standout resume.
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Keep reading to learn how to:
- Choose a resume format that fits your experience as a painter
- Write a compelling resume summary that captures your strengths as a painter
- Select skills that reflect your greatest and most relevant abilities
- Optimize your work experience section and job descriptions
- Properly list your education and certifications as a professional painter
- Access top resources for job-seeking painters
Still looking for a job? These 100+ resources will tell you everything you need to get hired fast.
1. Choose a resume format that fits your experience as a painter
When choosing a resume format, there are 3 main options for you to choose between: reverse-chronological, functional, or hybrid.
The format that is best suited for you is highly dependent on your experience level. In most cases, you want to opt for the reverse-chronological format whenever possible, as this is the format employers are most familiar with. However, if you lack relevant experience, you may need to choose one of the alternatives.
Here is a quick breakdown of each format and when to use them:
- Reverse-chronological: This resume format focuses mainly on your work experience, listing your most recent job first and working backward from there. The RC format is best suited for applicants who have enough work experience to fill more than half a page of a resume, generally between 3 to 5 jobs.
- Functional: The functional resume takes the focus away from work experience, instead emphasizing sections such as education, skills, or other elements of the resume. This format is well-suited to applicants who are recent graduates of either high school or college and do not yet have a long list of relevant work history.
- Hybrid: The hybrid resume combines elements of both functional and reverse-chronological resumes. This format is helpful for applicants who have some relevant work experience, but not enough to fill an entire RC resume. The hybrid format is often used by those who are either switching career paths or have large gaps in their resume.
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2. Write a compelling summary that captures your strengths as a painter
Your resume summary comes at the top of the document and is a short statement that helps introduce you as an applicant to a potential employer.
As a professional painter, your summary is an excellent opportunity to highlight your best strengths that qualify you for the position and set you apart from other applicants. As you write your summary, consider how the details you include might compel or dissuade an employer from reading further.
Check out the below example of an incorrect resume summary and how to correct it:
Incorrect painter resume summary example:
Professional painter fairly new to the industry with experience working in a commercial setting. Strong customer service skills and a background in other areas of construction, seeking a long-term position with a painting company.
What's wrong with this example? In this example, the applicant makes a critical mistake by saying they are “fairly new to the industry.” You should always strive to emphasize the experience and skills you possess rather than highlighting the fact that you lack relevant experience. Additionally, the applicant mentions they have a background in construction. This detail should be expanded upon further.
Corrected painter resume summary example:
Detail-oriented and dependable painter with over a year’s experience working in a commercial setting. Previously worked for a construction company for 5 years, specializing in residential and commercial drywall installations. Customer-centric attitude with strong communication and customer service skills.
Why is this better? In this example, the applicant provides a much higher level of specificity in regards to the types of skills they possess and how many years of experience they have. Though they only have one year’s experience as a painter, they have relevant prior experience in construction which helps to show they are familiar with the industry.
3. Use your skills sections to show off a wide range of talents
As a painter, you must possess both strong physical capabilities and communication abilities. When listing skills on your resume, it is key to showcase both types of skills, also known as technical (hard) skills and interpersonal (soft) skills.
Here are 10 examples of both technical and interpersonal skills that are great to include on a painter’s resume:
Technical skills
- Strength, Stamina, and Dexterity (in many cases, a painting job will have minimum strength requirements, such as the ability to lift 50 lbs. Be sure to include this type of detail when listing your strength as a skill)
- Prepping surfaces for paint and applying primer
- Pressure washing
- Mixing custom paints
- Color matching
- Assembling scaffolding
- Knowledge of painting tools
- Spray painting
- Setting up and climbing ladders
- Industrial and commercial painting
Interpersonal skills
- Customer service and satisfaction
- Collaboration
- Teamwork
- Communication
- Time management
- Adaptability
- Problem-solving
- Client consultations
- High work ethic
- Self-confidence
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4. Optimize your work experience section and job descriptions
In your work experience section is where you will include details regarding your relevant experience and past jobs. As you write these entries, be sure to include specific examples and quantifiable details that help showcase any of your best strengths or accomplishments
Here is an example of a work experience entry from a painter’s resume:
Residential Painter | Sun Valley Painters
Los Angeles, CA | June 2019 to May 2021
- Prepared exterior of homes by pressure washing and applying primer before beginning painting.
- Consulted with clients and homeowners to select and mix custom exterior and interior paint colors.
- Earned the company a 5-star rating on Yelp for professionalism, timeliness, and customer service.
5. Properly list your education as a professional painter
You should always include your highest level of education on your resume when possible.
Even if this is a high school graduation or GED, be sure to include the right relevant details such as which school you attended and when you graduated.
As a professional painter, you may be required to have specific certifications or licenses depending on the state you reside in and the specialization you are pursuing (industrial, residential, etc.). If you have such requirements in your state, make sure your education section lists all the proper credentials needed.
6. Top resources for job-seeking painters
Looking for a job as a professional painter can feel as exhausting as a full day’s work — and in many ways, it is. But having the right resources at your disposal can be a game changer, making your job hunt significantly easier.
- Industry-specific job boards: Start your job search by exploring platforms like Painting and Decorating Association (PDA) and ConstructionJobs for job listings made for painters and decorators. These sites often feature opportunities in residential, commercial, and industrial painting.
- Union and trade organization networks: You can always join and connect through organizations like the International Union of Painters and Allied Trades (IUPAT) or The International Association of Painting Contractors. They offer job boards, apprenticeships, and networking opportunities that can lead to stable, well-paying positions.
- Continuous education and certification programs: The best way to enhance your skills, credibility and stand out from the competition is by earning certifications such as the RRP by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), certificates from OSHA for workplace safety, or joining the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) to access webinars and talks.
- General job boards with trade-specific filters: It’s always a good idea to also check platforms like Indeed, ZipRecruiter, or Monster, with search filters for painting-related roles. You can also try to target positions in specific sectors, such as residential painting or industrial coatings.
- Social media and networking groups: Networking is one of the most effective ways to find customers and job opportunities, and much of it happens online these days. Platforms like LinkedIn are great for professional connections, while Instagram is perfect for showcasing your work in a visual field. For more creative projects, consider creating a portfolio on Behance, where you can display your work and connect with a broader community.
These resources will not only help you to potentially get a new job or customers but also will let you expand your skills and knowledge. Plus, they will allow you to meet and connect with people from the industry along the way.
Painter Resume FAQ
How can I effectively showcase my skills on a painter resume?
Start by creating a dedicated “Skills” section, where you list all your technical skills. Include abilities such as surface preparation, mixing, and matching paint colors, using spray equipment, or applying various finishes. Complement this by describing specific projects in your work experience. For example, instead of simply stating, “Painted residential homes,” say, “Prepared and painted interior and exterior surfaces of residential homes, ensuring a high-quality finish that increased client satisfaction.”
Should I include a portfolio of my work?
Yes, your work speaks for itself, which is why having a portfolio is such an essential part of your resume. In fact, it’s often the thing that helps clients or employers decide to choose you. So, don’t forget to include a link! Show off your projects with photos, before-and-after shots, or even testimonials from happy clients. Platforms like Behance or a simple personal website are great places to display your work. A portfolio not only highlights your skills but also proves what you can do in a way that words just can’t.
How can I demonstrate safety and professionalism on my painter resume?
One way to do this is by including dedicated “Certifications“ and “Training“ sections, such as lead safety certifications or scaffolding training. Be sure to include the name of the certification and the date it was acquired. Additionally, you can highlight safety practices in your experience section, such as: "Ensured compliance with workplace safety regulations, maintaining a spotless safety record for over five years."
What can I do to stand out from other candidates?
As a painter, your portfolio shows your skills, but your resume should highlight your experience and accomplishments. Mention awards, certifications, or measurable results, like finishing a 5,000-square-foot project two weeks early. These details help your resume stand out and show the value you bring.
What are common mistakes to avoid on a painter resume?
Avoid using generic descriptions that don’t show your value, such as “Performed painting tasks.” Instead, be specific about your contributions and results. Typos and grammatical errors can also hurt your chances, so proofread carefully. Finally, don’t overlook formatting; a cluttered or disorganized resume can make it difficult for hiring managers to find important information.
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