CNC Machinist Resume Samples [ +Job Description & Skills ]

CNC machinist resume sample
Created by Cake

Machinery is a demanding job nowadays and those machines need someone capable of undertaking such tasks. Machinists need to be adept in machine tools including lathes, milling machines, and grinders. Precision machinists frequently create tiny batches or one-of-a-kind things, although they may make vast amounts of one part.

Moreover, machinists design and carry out the operations required to produce machined items that satisfy exact requirements using their understanding of metalworking characteristics and their proficiency with machine tools. Machinists create anything from bolts to automotive pistons.

Now the question is, how can you portray your skills and abilities in a CNC machinist resume? While it may seem complex, it is not a more difficult task than using heavy equipment. This thorough guide will aid to create an amazing CNC machinist resume.

How to write a professional CNC machinist resume?

Step 1: Write an eye-catching resume headline.

A CNC machinist resume headline is a single sentence that goes on top where it shows a major highlight within your professional career. You have to be careful in what to put here as this is one of the first things readers will look at in your CNC machinist resume. 

Machinist resume headline example:

Machinist Who Increased Time Efficiency by 15% through CAD system usage

CNC machine operator resume example:

Machinist Operator With 11+ Years In Machinery Use

CNC machinist resume example:

CNC Machinist Who Trained Over 20 New Recruits

💡 Tips: A general rule is to keep it under 80 characters when you write your CNC machinist resume headline.

Step 2: Write a professional CNC machinist resume summary.

A CNC machine operator resume summary is a brief paragraph outlining your skills and career based on past experiences. In this paragraph, you summarize key highlights and skills you have gathered so far in your career. Include elements such as the number of years, strengths, and relevant skills.

CNC machinist resume summary example:

Machinist with 4 years of expertise and knowledge on CAD systems. Team player, eager to work on customer projects. High energy with a great attitude and always driven to give great customer service.

CNC machinist resume summary example:

CNC machinist with 4+ years of experience in Machine control and Peripheral devices. Strong emphasis on quality control and teamwork. Proven track record in increasing time efficiency by 15% in usage of CAD systems and related software.

CNC machinist resume summary example:

Experienced machinist with 6+ years of experience in CNC, CNCMACH, surface grinders, and 5-axis. Skill-versed in interfacing with the CAD system, including Solidworks and Adobe Dimension. Ability to read, interpret and troubleshoot GD&T practices.

Step 3: Include key skills.

Skills can make or break a machinist resume. Make sure to include both soft skills and hard skills in your machinist resume. Lastly, choose wisely as you do not have a lot of space to list your skills in your CNC machinist resume.

Here are some examples of skills you can use in your machinist resume:

Hard Skills:

  • Simulation
  • CNC Programming
  • Additive Manufacturing
  • CAM/CAD Technology
  • Milling Machines

Soft Skills:

  • Leadership
  • Analytical Skills
  • Teamwork
  • Problem-Solving
  • Attention to Detail

Step 4: Modify the resume to the job description.

Your CNC machinist resume shall adopt keywords and display your understanding regarding the job description and its requirements to show you are aware of what it takes to fulfill the job role. Make sure to read the job description thoroughly when making your CNC machinist resume.

Further reading:  How to Pick the Best Keywords for Your Resume

Step 5: Proofread.

Thoroughly check your CNC machinist resume for errors and make sure only relevant information is included.

What is the best resume format for a CNC machinist resume?

💡 3 common resume formats

There are 3 formats you can use in a CNC machinist resume. Let’s take a look at them:

Chronological format

The newest positions are listed first in a chronological style, which emphasizes work experience. It shows all of your previous jobs in order of importance from the most recent to the oldest.

✅  Pros: In an easy-to-read structure, your machinist resume would be clear to read. For qualified professionals with strong work history, this format is the best.

❌ Cons: Your CNC machinist resume will highlight your lack of experience in this format if you don’t count on thorough expertise. Also, keep in mind that the chronological style emphasizes dates, so gaps in your machinist resume may be spotted by readers.

Functional format

Your skills in a CNC machine operator resume using this format prevail over your job experience. Making a CNC machinist resume in this style is appropriate for job changers and freshers.

✅  Pros: This style thoroughly covers the necessary skills that the job demands. It enhances your chances of getting an interview if your CNC machinist resume clearly demonstrates the skills necessary based on the job description.


❌  Cons: In this structure, a CNC machinist resume may not effectively represent your professional advancement. Furthermore, a functional resume for a machine operator may fail to pass an ATS (Applicant Tracking System), a software tool that companies use to check job applications.

Combinational format

The functional and chronological resume formats are combined in this CNC machinist resume format.

✅  Pros: In your CNC machinist resume, this style is ideal because it covers both your experience and skills. Furthermore, the experience provided supports your capabilities.

❌  Cons: As there is no clear answer as to which should take precedence in a CNC machinist resume, finding the right balance between skills and experience takes time and effort.

💡 What is the best format?

There is no one-size-fits-all for a CNC machinist resume. The format relies on your background. To understand which format is the best, let’s have a closer look at the following situations:

Freshers/graduates with no relevant work experience

Taking a look at some online CNC machinist resume templates will help give job seekers creating an entry level machinist resume and freshers a better idea. When it comes to the format, a functional format works best to show your skills rather than experience.

Experienced professionals

For individuals making a CNC machinist resume with solid experience, making your resume is something familiar, and a chronological format is the best choice to outline your work history and its layout is easy to read.

Career Changers

If you are making a change in your career, a functional format works well since it is a skills-based format. On some occasions, a combination format can do the job if you believe the experience you have will be considered relevant to employers when they read your CNC machinist resume.

How to make a CNC machinist resume template?

  • Step 1: Decide which format to use for your CNC machinist resume.

Pick one of the types of formats illustrated in the previous section for your CNC machinist resume.

  • Step 2: Decide between a resume summary or an objective statement.

A resume summary outlines your past experiences and is used by individuals with solid experience. A resume objective (also known as an objective statement) differs as it outlines your career goals and how you can align with the company.

  • Step 3: Add your next sections (work experience, skills, education)

Outline your work history, list your skills, and elaborate your educational background in your CNC machinist resume. You can take a look at the resume sample provided in this article.

If you want to look for a template already made, here are some options:

➡️  Microsoft Word

Word provides a good selection of templates for your CNC machinist resume. It is quick and easy if you follow the following steps:

  1. Go to the File tab and select “New”.
  2. In the search box, type the word “resume”.
  3. Choose a template of your choice for your CNC machinist resume
  4. After selecting the template in MS Word, click Create.

➡️. Online Resume Builder

Many sites provide templates for your CNC machinist resume but online resume builders filter the options based on the job field (e.g. engineering, media, sales, finance, etc.) or the style (modern, traditional, minimalistic, etc). If you want to take a good look at what a template selection offers, check Cake’s resume templates.

Top 10 CNC machinist resume dos and don'ts

A CNC machinist resume has some unwritten rules that shall be taken into account. Here are some Dos and Don’ts when you write your CNC machinist resume.

✅  Dos:

Optimize the resume and only include important details.

Based on the job description, modify your CNC machinist resume to let recruiters know you read the post thoroughly.


Use quantifiable and measurable achievements.

Numbers and percentages in your CNC machinist resume show you are capable of the job.


Optimize the CNC machinist resume for ATS.

Applicant Tracking System (ATS) is a software tool employers use to screen applicants. To pass it, make sure you adopt a simple layout and adopt keywords from the job description for your CNC machinist resume.


Choose the right resume format.

There is no one-size-fits-all for a CNC machinist resume. Whether you are a CNC machinist or a CNC operator, the right resume format relies on your career background.


Use action verbs in the resume.

Verbs such as “oversaw”, managed, or monitored give a strong command and a vividness towards the duties and responsibilities listed in your CNC machinist resume.

❌  Don’ts:

Mix up a resume with a CV.

There are differences between a CNC machinist resume and a CNC machinist CV. In terms of length, a CNC machinist CV has no limit. On the other hand, a CNC machinist resume is no more than 2 pages. As for purpose, a CNC machinist CV is used for academia and research fields, while a CNC machinist resume is used in most types of jobs in machinery.


Write an old-style resume objective statement.

The traditional resume objective statement can come across as outdated and show you are not up-to-date with the current industry and tech.


Disclose confidential information about previous employers.

Your focus is on the present, so do not ramble about past employers you had in your CNC machinist resume. This is regardless if your past experiences were positive or negative. Future employers only mind the qualifications you acquired in your CNC machinist resume.

Include unnecessary personal details.

Personal information such as religion, marital status, salary, or sexual preference may affect readers’ perception of you and can result in discrimination. Avoid including these in your CNC machinist resume.


Send the resume as a Word doc.

Use PDF format for your CNC machinist resume. A Word format can entirely alter the layout and format of your machinist resume and all its information may look messy. 

❗ Word format can be used ONLY if recruiters specifically ask for a CNC machinist resume in this format.

Cake provides the best CNC Machinist resume templates & examples for you to demonstrate your qualifications. Let us help you land the dream as a CNC Machinist with a strong resume (free download)!

CNC machinist resume sample

Jason Lombardi 

CNC Machinist Professional With 12 Years of Experience

Mobile: (+12) 003-1480
Email: [email protected]
LinkedIn: linkedin/in/jasonlombardi

Resume Summary

Machinist with 12+ years of experience in machinery. Thorough knowledge and advanced handling in 3-axis CNC, control devices, and experience in 5-axis. Strong computer skills, understanding of MS applications, and a committed team player.

Work Experience

CNC Machinist
Mzar Machinery 

2016 Apr. - 2020 May 

  • Verified the operation of over 12 sets of machines and work tools.  
  • Operated and maintained machines and tools in optimal conditions for the execution of activities.
  • Supported the areas of production, maintenance, quality, and manufacturing workshop.

CNC Machinist
SteelArrow Machinery

2008 July - 2016 Mar.

  • Applied knowledge of materials and processes of these to achieve a product according to design specifications.
  • Mentored 15 new hires in reading plans, sizing, and correct application of geometric sizing.
  • Diagnosed and solved problems inherent to the operation of the machining assigned to it, ensuring proper assembly and alignment of the raw material to provide the best result.

Education

University of Chicago
Associate in CNC Machining Degree 

May 2008

Skills

Hard Skills:Soft Skills:
WorkNC SolidworksTeamwork
Precision Machining Self-Driven
Mathematical SkillsCritical Thinking
CAD/CAM SoftwareProblem Solving
Equipment Testing & Setup Attention to Detail

    --- Originally written by Jose J. Rosales ---

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