In today’s job market, general labour and skilled trades workers have more opportunity than ever—but they also face more competition. Employers aren’t just looking for someone who can do the job; they want workers who are reliable, safety-minded, skilled, and ready to hit the ground running. Whether you’re a forklift operator, warehouse associate, carpenter, AZ/DZ driver, or any type of trades professional, building a strong profile can dramatically increase your chances of getting hired quickly and landing better job offers.
To start, highlight experience that clearly shows you can get the job done. Because labour and trades roles vary so much, your résumé should reflect the equipment you’ve operated, the environments you’ve worked in, the type of work you’ve performed, and your track record for productivity and reliability. Don’t just list job titles—explain what you actually did. If you consistently hit production targets, maintained perfect attendance, or were trusted with key tasks, make sure it’s included.
Certifications are another major advantage. In the trades, they often move your résumé to the top of the pile. Include any forklift certifications, skilled trades tickets such as electrician or welder, safety certifications like WHMIS or Working at Heights, driving endorsements such as AZ or DZ licenses, and any machine-specific training or completed apprenticeships. If certifications are expired or due for renewal, note it and share your willingness to update them—many employers are open to supporting training.
Reliability, safety, and attitude are equally important. Employers pay close attention to attendance, safety history, flexibility with shifts or overtime, and positive feedback from past supervisors. Even mentioning something simple like maintaining perfect attendance over a year-long contract can set you apart. Demonstrating that you’re dependable, safe, and easy to work with is often just as valuable as technical skill.
Soft skills matter more than many workers realize. Communication, problem-solving, teamwork, strong work ethic, time management, and the ability to learn quickly all contribute to your success on the job. These skills show employers that you’re adaptable, trainable, and likely to be a long-term fit.
When presenting your experience, keep your résumé or online profile simple and professional. Make it clear, easy to read, focused on strengths, organized by experience and certifications, and always honest and up to date. One to two pages is usually perfect. If you’re using a job-matching platform, fill out every section—unfinished profiles are often skipped.
Working with the right recruiter can also accelerate your job search. Labour and trades recruitment agencies or Workker-style platforms can match you with jobs faster, offer weekly pay, connect you with multiple employers at once, and provide opportunities that aren’t publicly posted. They can also help with résumé building, interview preparation, and finding long-term or temp-to-hire roles. A strong recruiting partner actively promotes you, keeps you working steadily, and helps you find roles that match your skills and schedule.
Standing out as a general labour or skilled trades worker doesn’t require a complicated résumé or decades of experience. Employers want to know whether you can perform the job, have the right certifications, show up reliably and safely, and work well with others. If you communicate these clearly—and work with a recruiter who understands your industry—you’ll be in a strong position to get hired quickly, earn more, and maintain steady, reliable work.
