HVAC is a ventilation system we’re all familiar with. It is used for cooling, heating, and refreshing air in indoor spaces. HVAC uses outdoor air and transforms it so that it’s comfortable for residential or commercial buildings. This system is formed by ducts and piping joints. Apart from keeping our houses cold or heated during the winter, HVAC systems also purify the air by improving humidity.
HVAC technicians are responsible for installing, configuring, and maintaining these systems. They inspect the building and evaluate HVAC blueprints to make sure the system is suitable for the project. Then, HVAC technicians will set up the refrigeration or heating system. In your resume, you must mention your ability to work with both aspects of HVAC.
HVAC systems must go through maintenance procedures to increase their lifetime. If there are any issues with the system, they will test units and ducts to make sure there are no glitches. Eventually, they’ll troubleshoot the HVAC system if needed.
HVAC technicians don’t necessarily need a bachelor’s degree, but having some formal training is definitely important. You can get a diploma from a technical/trade school or have on-the-job training. There are also licenses that help you demonstrate your knowledge. These certifications aren’t mandatory in most U.S. states, but they can add value to your resume.
Now that you know about HVAC, let’s dive into technician careers. Below, you will see three resume templates and tips to impress your potential employer. Let’s get started.
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An HVAC technician maintains, troubleshoots, and installs HVAC systems. These technicians may also work in a sales department by offering HVAC services or equipment. They can work either independently or with a contractor company. This job requires problem-solving skills and logical thinking, which is something you’d like to highlight in your resume.
Most U.S. states don’t require you to have an HVAC certification or license, but adding them to your resume is a good way to showcase your competencies. Some of the most relevant certifications you can get for this career are the HVAC certification, EPA 608 certification, and NATE Certification. There is also the HVAC Excellence Certification that is required in some states.
As an HVAC technician, you must have excellent troubleshooting skills to find efficient solutions for HVAC issues. This is why it is crucial to demonstrate your problem-solving skills in your resume. You can mention some challenges you’ve faced in the past and how you solved them.
This is another way of saying HVAC technician, but with a focus on installation and set up of HVAC systems. An HVAC installer will evaluate the building and blueprints to determine the project's feasibility. Hence, it will be a good idea to mention your ability to read HVAC blueprints in your resume. An HVAC installer is also responsible for testing the system once it’s installed.
As an HVAC installer, you must ensure that the system you’re installing is fully compliant with refrigeration regulations. These laws control energy consumption and efficiency. In some cases, the commercial building must have an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC).
Your resume might go through an Applicant Tracking System (ATS) software that analyzes related keywords in your resume. The best way to get past this filter is to tailor your resume to the HVAC industry and include related keywords.
An HVAC engineer is a mechanical engineering professional that designs HVAC infrastructure, installs the system, and maintains it. They use their expertise in engineering and plumbing to control HVAC systems. Hence, this resume template below emphasizes their professional experience.
Highlighting your degree can help you increase your relevance in an HVAC engineering position. Although it’s not always mandatory, having an engineering educational background is definitely a plus in this profession.
As an HVAC engineer, you can reduce operation costs, or improve HVAC systems to make them more energy-efficient. There are numerous achievements you can mention in your resume. It’ll all depend on your particular experience, and a good way to boost your performance is to quantify your accomplishments.
We spoke with hiring managers at top HVAC companies like Carrier, Trane, and Johnson Controls to bring you the most effective tips for writing a strong HVAC resume. These tips will help your resume stand out and increase your chances of landing an interview in this competitive field.
Hiring managers want to see that you have the required certifications and licenses for HVAC roles. Make sure to list them prominently on your resume, such as:
Don't forget to include the year you earned each certification and if they are still active. This shows employers you are qualified and up-to-date in the field.
A resume summary for an HVAC technician is optional, but it can be a strategic way to provide additional context about your skills and experience that may not be obvious from the rest of your resume. This is especially true if you're changing careers or have a lot of experience to summarize. However, avoid using an objective statement, as it's outdated and not helpful for hiring managers.
When writing your summary, focus on your most relevant skills, certifications, and achievements. Tailor it to the specific HVAC position you're applying for, and aim to keep it concise - no more than a few sentences or a short paragraph. Remember, your resume itself is already a summary of your qualifications, so there's no need to repeat information that's already covered elsewhere.
Your work experience section is the most important part of your resume as an HVAC professional. It's where you show hiring managers how you've applied your skills and knowledge to real-world situations. To make this section stand out, focus on your achievements and the impact you've made in your previous roles.
The education section of your HVAC resume is where you highlight your training and certifications. It shows employers that you have the necessary skills and knowledge to excel in the role. Here are some tips to help you craft a strong education section on your HVAC resume.
HVAC jobs are usually hands-on experience and require manual dexterity. The language that you use on your resume should express that. That’s why it is so important to use strong and descriptive action verbs. A wide variety of action verbs is beneficial for your resume as it improves readability and illustrates your responsibilities.
Below, you will see a list of relevant action verbs for HVAC jobs based on our research. Remember to use different action verbs every time and try not to repeat them. You can include bullet points in your work experience and start each phrase with a strong action verb.
For a full list of effective resume action verbs, visit Resume Action Verbs.
HVAC technicians must be highly knowledgeable of the HVAC systems and able to work with heavy electrical machinery. That’s why some of their primary skills are computer literacy, blueprint reading, piping, knowledge of safety protocols, and preventive HVAC maintenance. HVAC technicians must be logical thinkers and very analytical.
If you want to impress recruiters, use your skills section to demonstrate your value. Focus on highly technical skills and include relevant competencies for your potential employer. You can always find relevant skills in their job posts. For more inspiration, check the technical skills we’ve gathered.
You can include the above skills in a dedicated Skills section on your resume, or weave them in your experience. Here's how you might create your dedicated skills section:
This word cloud highlights the important keywords that appear on HVAC job descriptions and resumes. The bigger the word, the more frequently it appears on job postings, and the more 'important' it is.
Thank you for the checklist! I realized I was making so many mistakes on my resume that I've now fixed. I'm much more confident in my resume now.
