3 Must-Have Lineman Skills To Include In Your Resume
Every job requires some sort of theoretical or practical know-how, and every job seeker knows the value of meeting such expectations from the many employers out there. It is no different for linemen. Being a lineworker is no easy feat and the role also carries certain requirements.
Regardless of whether you are an experienced lineman seeking greener pastures but in the same role or are someone looking to newly enter the trade, it is important you get your best suit of armor on with an industry-targeted resume. To aid in your job applications, we have compiled a list of in-demand lineman skills that you can add to your resume today.
Qualifications
The primary barrier to cross is always the qualifications. Most linework jobs require minimally a high school diploma or GED certificate. An MSHA certification is a plus. Some linemen get additional certifications or associate degrees to help them get a better understanding of electrical systems and technologies. These will also help them gain an edge over the competition in the job market.
Employers require their linemen to have a driver’s license too, as part of the job requires you to drive utility vehicles to the work sites.
Technical Skill Set
The key skills a lineman will utilize on the job are as follows:
- Climbing
Linemen need to climb poles daily to service and repair cables and wires. It is important you know the proper way to climb these tall poles safely and prevent yourself from the risk of falls, burns, and electrocutions. One should demonstrate knowledge of what climbing gear to wear to ensure sufficient protection.
- Toggling of Equipment and Tools
Lineworkers use many tools for various purposes daily. One should be aware of the essential tools for linemen and how to use them. You should also be familiar with fixing and replacing electrical equipment.
- Cable Splicing and Line Tension
In the process of repairing electrical cables, linemen need to know how to splice cables and calculate line tension before hoisting any equipment safely.
Should you be untrained in any of the above areas, you should enroll in a trade school, also known as a "pre-apprenticeship”. There, you can pick up all the required skills for being a lineman. The duration is from two months to about one year.
Soft Skill Set
One’s working ability can be measured by their soft skills too. Employers value these very much, as soft skills work hand in hand with technical skills to unleash an employee’s maximum potential.
For electrical work, there are several key competencies under this category that are greatly valued:
- Good team player and manages time well
- Able to multi-task and troubleshoot problems
- Capable of effectively communicating both orally and in writing
- Able to understand and adhere to documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manual
- Committed to upholding health, safety, and environmental compliance
Other Tips
You can take your resume to another level by including company-specific skills. This means that you should take the time to research the core values of the company you are applying for, and include those that you fulfill in your resume. This aligns you with the company and will boost your chances of getting hired.