How to Stand Out When Applying for an OPE Job
By Career counseling, Resume and Interview Tips

Applying for a job in the Outdoor Power Equipment (OPE) industry can feel competitive, especially when you’re up against candidates with similar skills and experience. But standing out doesn’t always mean having the best resume or the most certifications—it’s about presenting yourself in a way that resonates with hiring managers.

From crafting a standout resume to showcasing your certifications and shop knowledge, here’s what hiring managers actually want to see and how you can make your application rise to the top.

1. Tailor Your Resume to the Job

Your resume is your first impression, and a generic one won’t cut it. Hiring managers want to see that you’ve taken the time to tailor your application to their specific needs.

What You Can Do:

  • Focus on Relevant Experience: Highlight skills and roles that directly relate to the job, such as small engine repair, diagnostics, or customer service.
  • Use Industry Keywords: Include terms like “small engine technician,” “Briggs & Stratton certified,” or “outdoor power equipment repair.”
  • Quantify Your Achievements: Instead of listing duties, showcase results. For example, “Reduced repair turnaround time by 20% by implementing a new diagnostic process.”

Example:
Before:

  • Fixed equipment.
  • Assisted customers.

After:

  • Diagnosed and repaired small engine equipment, including lawnmowers and chainsaws, with a 95% customer satisfaction rate.
  • Provided expert advice to customers, resulting in a 15% increase in repeat business.

Pro Tip: Keep your resume concise—ideally one page—and make sure it’s free of typos or formatting issues.

2. Highlight Certifications and Training

Certifications are a major plus in the OPE industry, as they demonstrate both your technical skills and commitment to the field.

What Hiring Managers Want:

  • Manufacturer Certifications: Mention certifications from brands like Briggs & Stratton, Kohler, or Honda.
  • Safety Training: Highlight any OSHA or safety-related certifications.
  • Ongoing Education: If you’re currently pursuing certifications, include that in your application.

Example:
Certifications:

  • Briggs & Stratton Master Service Technician (2023)
  • Kohler Engine Certification (2022)
  • OSHA 10-Hour General Industry Safety Training (2021)

Pro Tip: If you lack certifications, express your willingness to obtain them. Employers value candidates who are eager to grow and learn.

3. Speak the Shop’s Language

Hiring managers want to know that you understand the industry and can hit the ground running. Using industry-specific terminology and showcasing your hands-on experience can set you apart.

What You Can Do:

  • Mention Equipment You’ve Worked On: Be specific about the types of machines you’ve repaired, such as zero-turn mowers, chainsaws, or generators.
  • Discuss Diagnostic Tools: Highlight your familiarity with tools like multimeters, compression testers, or diagnostic software.
  • Show Problem-Solving Skills: Share examples of challenging repairs you’ve handled and how you resolved them.

Example:
“Diagnosed and repaired a complex carburetor issue on a commercial-grade zero-turn mower, resulting in a 50% reduction in downtime for the customer.”

Pro Tip: Hiring managers want to see that you’re not just skilled but also passionate about the work. Let your enthusiasm for the industry shine through.

4. Include a Standout Cover Letter

A strong cover letter can make all the difference in setting you apart from other candidates. It’s your chance to tell your story and explain why you’re the perfect fit for the role.

What to Include:

  • Why You’re Interested: Share what excites you about the dealership or the OPE industry.
  • Your Unique Value: Highlight what sets you apart, such as a specific skill, achievement, or certification.
  • A Personal Touch: Mention something specific about the dealership, like their reputation or community involvement, to show you’ve done your homework.

Example Opening:
“I’m excited to apply for the Small Engine Technician role at [Dealership Name]. With over 5 years of experience diagnosing and repairing outdoor power equipment, I take pride in delivering high-quality work that keeps customers satisfied and equipment running smoothly. Your dealership’s commitment to [specific value, e.g., ‘customer service excellence’] aligns perfectly with my own approach to the trade.”

Pro Tip: Keep it concise—no more than 3–4 paragraphs—and avoid repeating your resume.

5. Follow Up After Applying

Many candidates submit their applications and wait, but a polite follow-up can help you stand out. It shows initiative and reinforces your interest in the role.

How to Follow Up:

  • Wait 5–7 days after submitting your application.
  • Send a short, professional email or make a quick phone call.
  • Reiterate your interest and ask if there’s any additional information they need.

Example Follow-Up Email:
“Hello [Hiring Manager’s Name],

I recently applied for the [Position Name] role at [Dealership Name] and wanted to follow up to express my enthusiasm for the opportunity. I’m confident my experience in [specific skill, e.g., small engine diagnostics] and my commitment to [specific value, e.g., customer satisfaction] would make me a valuable addition to your team. Please let me know if there’s anything else I can provide.

Thank you for your time, and I look forward to hearing from you!”

Pro Tip: Keep it professional and brief—hiring managers appreciate candidates who respect their time.

Final Thoughts

Standing out when applying for an OPE job isn’t just about having the right skills—it’s about how you present them. By tailoring your resume, highlighting certifications, speaking the industry’s language, and following up with professionalism, you can position yourself as the candidate every dealership wants to hire.

Ready to find your next opportunity? Check out OPEjobs.com for job openings tailored to the OPE industry and take the next step in your career!