Gunsmith resume template
A clean starting structure with example content grounded in what gunsmiths 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 gunsmiths should default to, since most Australian recruiters and ATS software expect it.
Professional summary
Trade-qualified gunsmith with experience repairing, modifying and building firearms for sporting shooters, hunters and clubs. Skilled in precision machining, stock fitting and regulatory compliance, with a strong record of returning firearms that are safe, accurate and lawful to use. Known for methodical fault diagnosis and careful record-keeping.
Key skills
- Hand and power tool work
- Precision machining on metal lathes and milling machines
- Firearm fault diagnosis and repair
- Stock fitting, bedding and finishing
- Headspace gauge and borescope inspection
- Regulatory compliance and firearms record-keeping
- Fabrication and metal finishing
- Attention to detail
- Problem solving
- Safety and compliance awareness
Experience: example bullet points
- Diagnosed and repaired a variety of rifles and shotguns, reducing average turnaround from ten working days to six by improving parts ordering and workshop scheduling.
- Machined and hand-fitted barrels and actions for custom builds, achieving consistent grouping on test firing.
- Fitted and bedded timber and synthetic stocks, improving customer satisfaction and generating repeat business.
- Refinished and replaced damaged firearm parts, restoring function and appearance while maintaining safety standards.
- Recorded serial numbers and checked firearms against state and territory licensing requirements, maintaining accurate dealer records and avoiding compliance issues.
Education
Certificate III or IV in Engineering (Mechanical or Fabrication Trade), typically with firearms-specific training or an apprenticeship in gunsmithing. Many gunsmiths also complete short courses in stockmaking or ballistics.
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.
- firearms licence
- state firearms registry
- permit to acquire
- National Firearms Agreement
- serial number recording
- headspace gauges
- borescope
- metal lathe
- milling machine
- firearms dealer record-keeping
- work health and safety
- WHS
- precision machining
- stock bedding
- regulatory compliance
- Australian firearms legislation
- trade qualified
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.