Why This Resume Works
+/-0.0005 inches is a specific, verifiable claim that immediately signals skill level to a hiring manager.
500,000+ parts per month shows the scale and stakes of the tooling work.
Apprentice to journeyman with increasing responsibility makes the growth trajectory clear.
Section-by-Section Breakdown
Summary
Lead with journeyman status and years of experience. Mention die types, tolerance capability, and key software.
Skills
Separate processes, software, materials, and measurement tools. Name specific tool steel grades for credibility.
Experience
Include tolerances, scrap rate improvements, and die counts. Show both build and maintenance experience.
Education
Apprenticeship completion is the primary credential. Add any community college coursework that supported it.
Key Skills for Tool and Die Maker Resumes
Based on analysis of thousands of job postings, these are the most frequently required skills:
Common Mistakes on Tool and Die Maker Resumes
- ⚠Not listing specific tolerances - Tool and die work is defined by precision. Always state the tolerances you consistently achieve.
- ⚠Omitting software skills - Mastercam and SolidWorks are expected. Leaving them out makes your resume look outdated.
- ⚠Grouping all machining as one skill - CNC milling, EDM, and grinding are distinct skills. List them separately for ATS matching.
- ⚠No scrap or quality metrics - Die makers who reduce scrap save real money. Quantify your impact on production quality.
- ⚠Skipping die types - Progressive, transfer, and compound dies require different skills. Specify which types you build.