Home Chimney Sweep Resume template
Chimney Sweep resume template
A clean starting structure with example content grounded in what chimney sweeps actually do day to day, not generic filler. Download and replace the bracketed placeholders with your own details.
Which resume format should you use?
Reverse chronological
You have a steady work history. This is the format almost every recruiter and ATS expects by default.
Functional
You're changing fields or have gaps in your employment. Leads with skills rather than a job-by-job timeline.
Combination
You're early career or have worked consistently but for only a few employers. Blends a skills summary with a shorter chronological history.
This template uses the reverse chronological format: the one most chimney sweeps should default to, since most Australian recruiters and ATS software expect it.
Professional summary
Reliable chimney sweep with hands-on experience in residential and heritage flue cleaning, inspection and minor repair. Comfortable working at heights, using rotary brushes, HEPA vacuums and inspection cameras to leave homes clean and safe. Known for clear customer advice on wood heater operation, ventilation and creosote control.
Key skills
- Hand and power tool work
- Worksite safety management
- Building codes and standards
- Plant and equipment operation
- Chimney sweep brushes
- HEPA vacuum
- Inspection camera
- Roof ladder
- ServiceM8
- Customer service
- Attention to detail
- Physical stamina and dexterity
- Flue and chimney inspection
- Creosote removal
- Chimney cap and flashing repair
- Wood heater advice
Experience: example bullet points
- Swept and vacuumed open fireplaces and wood heater flues across more than 150 homes in a single winter season, leaving hearths and surrounding floors free of soot.
- Inspected chimneys for cracks, failed flashing, blockages and animal nests, recording findings with an inspection camera for customer reports.
- Removed heavy creosote deposits using rotary brushes and HEPA vacuum equipment, reducing smoke odour and improving draw for repeat customers.
- Advised homeowners on safe wood heating, flue ventilation and the importance of regular sweeping, helping them avoid preventable chimney fires.
- Repaired and replaced chimney caps and flashing on a portfolio of rental properties, preventing water ingress and keeping birds and possums out.
- Managed daily runs through ServiceM8, confirming access, roof type and job scope before arrival to keep travel and setup time down.
Education
A Certificate III or IV is a realistic qualification pathway, often in cleaning operations or a related trade. Many chimney sweeps also hold a current Working at Heights certificate and White Card, and learn flue inspection and sweeping through on-the-job training with an experienced operator.
Keywords an ATS is likely to scan for
Applicant tracking systems match your resume against terms in the job ad before a person ever sees it. Only include the ones that actually apply to your experience, but if a term below matches something you've done, use the same wording the job ad uses.
- chimney sweep
- flue cleaning
- creosote removal
- HEPA vacuum
- inspection camera
- roof ladder
- Working at Heights
- White Card
- ServiceM8
- AS/NZS 2918
- wood heater
- chimney cap
- flashing repair
- carbon monoxide
- ventilation
- public liability insurance
- heritage buildings
- building codes
Getting past ATS screening
- Match the specific skills, certifications and terms used in the job ad, not just your own wording for the same thing.
- Keep formatting simple: no tables, text boxes, columns, headers/footers or graphics. Parsers frequently drop content placed in these.
- Submit as .docx or PDF unless the job ad specifies otherwise.
- Use standard section headings (Experience, Education, Skills) rather than creative alternatives.
- List your core skills and technical competencies in their own section so a keyword scan can find them instantly.
This is a starting point, not a guarantee of interviews. Tailor every bullet point to your own real experience and the specific job ad.