Recruiter's Glossary

Examples: Knot Stud Square

Shake

Term from Carpentry industry explained for recruiters

A shake is a traditional wooden roofing and siding material, similar to shingles but hand-split to create a more rustic, textured appearance. They are typically made from cedar wood, which is known for its durability and weather resistance. When you see "shake" mentioned in a carpenter's resume, it usually refers to their experience installing, repairing, or maintaining these specialized wooden materials. Some people might also call them "cedar shakes" or "wood shakes." This is different from regular shingles, which are more uniform and machine-cut.

Examples in Resumes

Installed Shake siding on luxury residential properties

Specialized in cedar Shake and Wood Shake roofing installation

Performed maintenance and repairs on historical buildings with Cedar Shake exteriors

Typical job title: "Shake Installers"

Also try searching for:

Shake Roofer Cedar Shake Installer Roofing Specialist Siding Installer Exterior Finishing Carpenter Wood Shake Specialist

Example Interview Questions

Senior Level Questions

Q: How do you handle a complex shake installation project on a custom home with multiple roof angles?

Expected Answer: A senior installer should discuss project planning, material calculations, team coordination, proper layering techniques, and how to handle challenging angles and transitions while maintaining water-tightness.

Q: What's your approach to training new team members on shake installation?

Expected Answer: Should demonstrate leadership skills, explain teaching methods for proper installation techniques, safety procedures, and quality control measures they've developed through experience.

Mid Level Questions

Q: What factors do you consider when choosing between different types of shakes for a project?

Expected Answer: Should discuss wood grades, climate considerations, building codes, client budget, and architectural style of the building.

Q: How do you ensure proper ventilation when installing shake roofing?

Expected Answer: Should explain the importance of proper air flow, various ventilation methods, and how to prevent moisture-related issues.

Junior Level Questions

Q: What safety measures do you take when working with shake installation?

Expected Answer: Should mention basic safety equipment, proper ladder usage, fall protection, and general job site safety awareness.

Q: Can you describe the basic process of installing a shake roof?

Expected Answer: Should be able to explain the layering process, proper nailing techniques, and basic material preparation steps.

Experience Level Indicators

Junior (0-2 years)

  • Basic shake installation techniques
  • Tool handling and safety procedures
  • Material preparation
  • Understanding of basic roofing concepts

Mid (2-5 years)

  • Complex installation patterns
  • Project estimation
  • Reading architectural plans
  • Problem-solving roofing challenges

Senior (5+ years)

  • Project management
  • Team leadership
  • Custom design implementation
  • Quality control expertise

Red Flags to Watch For

  • No knowledge of proper safety procedures
  • Lack of experience with different shake grades and types
  • Unable to explain basic installation methods
  • No understanding of moisture control and ventilation
  • Inexperience with proper tool usage