Vehicle Maintenance Resume Sample
Jada Mertz
274 Donavon Key,
Dallas,
TX
+1 (555) 537 3379
Work Experience
Vehicle Maintenance Manager
01/2018
-
PRESENT
Dallas, TX
- General knowledge of vehicle maintenance or functions
- Knowledge of general mathematical functions
- Basic knowledge of hand and/or power tools
- Skill in the use of MS Office software, specifically Word and Excel at an intermediate level
- Skill in the use of common office machinery including copiers, fax machines, and computers
- Physical effort with occasional heavy lifting and carrying of objects up to 100 pounds required
- Considerable standing, walking, bending, stretching, and working in cramped or awkward positions required. Work with hands at shoulder height and above head
Vehicle Maintenance Technician
03/2012
-
09/2017
San Francisco, CA
- Understanding and following directions
- Work cooperatively and safely with others on common projects
- Directs and coordinates activities of workers engaged in repair, maintenance and serviceability of Government vehicles on Ascension Auxiliary Air Field
- Manage repair and vehicle evaluation through a Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS). Defense Property Accountability System (DPAS) (formerly OLVIMS)
- Performs cost effectiveness evaluations for vehicle “end-of-life” considerations and waiver request
- Performs hands on repairs and maintenance as required
- Knowledgeable in rental car procedures and location operations
- In a management or supervisory role overseeing the repair and maintenance of the vehicles within a multiple location organization
Entry Vehicle Maintenance
03/2005
-
10/2011
Philadelphia, PA
- Competitive annual salary (CBPP Competency Based Pay Program)
- Opportunities for growth, development and internal promotion
- K, tuition reimbursement, and generous paid time off
- Company paid certifications, licenses and training
- Automotive repair practices and techniques
- The use of hand and power tools commonly used in the auto body trade
- Troubleshooting and repairing engine assemblies, clutch assemblies, brakes, hydraulic systems, drive trains, transmissions, and electrical systems
- Quickly and accurately diagnose issues
- Performing basic mathematic equations
Education
Southwest Minnesota State University
2001 - 2005
School's Degree in Management
Professional Skills
- Strong problem solving skills and sound judgment
- Demonstrate skills and knowledge associated with hydraulics on vehicles/equipment
- Complex problem solving skills; proven ability to solve problems independently
- Valid driver’s license and excellent driving record is required
- Five (5) years’ experience with related training development experience
- Strong understanding of customer contracting policies and procedures
- O Extensive experience repairing and maintaining Altec or Terex aerial devices such as 1 or 2 man buckets, digger derricks, and material handlers
How to write Vehicle Maintenance Resume
Vehicle Maintenance role is responsible for maintenance, software, government, translation, travel, digital, reporting, trading, security, database.
To write great resume for vehicle maintenance job, your resume must include:
- Your contact information
- Work experience
- Education
- Skill listing
Contact Information For Vehicle Maintenance Resume
The section contact information is important in your vehicle maintenance resume. The recruiter has to be able to contact you ASAP if they like to offer you the job. This is why you need to provide your:
- First and last name
- Telephone number
Work Experience in Your Vehicle Maintenance Resume
The section work experience is an essential part of your vehicle maintenance resume. It’s the one thing the recruiter really cares about and pays the most attention to.
This section, however, is not just a list of your previous vehicle maintenance responsibilities. It's meant to present you as a wholesome candidate by showcasing your relevant accomplishments and should be tailored specifically to the particular vehicle maintenance position you're applying to.
The work experience section should be the detailed summary of your latest 3 or 4 positions.
Representative Vehicle Maintenance resume experience can include:
- Good driving skills, and ability to work with hand tools and automotive test equipment
- Effectively supervise and develop assigned team to meet production/service goals while adhering to safety policies and rules
- Communicate effectively both orally and in writing; to make presentations and respond to inquiries by senior management, customers and/or employees
- Mathematical skills to include the ability to apply concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions to practical situations
- Flexibility to respond to changing work priorities and handle numerous projects at the same time
- Schedules and prioritizes work, establishes workflow, and ensures adherence to procedures, regulations and guidelines while minimizing errors and safety risks
Education on a Vehicle Maintenance Resume
Make sure to make education a priority on your vehicle maintenance resume. If you’ve been working for a few years and have a few solid positions to show, put your education after your vehicle maintenance experience. For example, if you have a Ph.D in Neuroscience and a Master's in the same sphere, just list your Ph.D. Besides the doctorate, Master’s degrees go next, followed by Bachelor’s and finally, Associate’s degree.
Additional details to include:
- School you graduated from
- Major/ minor
- Year of graduation
- Location of school
These are the four additional pieces of information you should mention when listing your education on your resume.
Professional Skills in Vehicle Maintenance Resume
When listing skills on your vehicle maintenance resume, remember always to be honest about your level of ability. Include the Skills section after experience.
Present the most important skills in your resume, there's a list of typical vehicle maintenance skills:
- Extensive experience repairing and maintaining Altec or Terex aerial devices such as 1 or 2 man buckets, digger derricks, and material handlers
- Ensure safety equipment and supplies are available, in good working order and employees receive required training to utilize equipment
- Current valid state issued driver’s license with acceptable driving record
- Five to seven (5-7) years’ international experience in challenging locations, preferably the Middle East and Southwest Asia
- Five (5) or more years’ experience performing depot level maintenance on the M1151A1/A2
- Previous attendance on product and skill training courses
List of Typical Experience For a Vehicle Maintenance Resume
1
Experience For Vehicle Maintenance Manager Resume
- Five or more years of experience as a mechanic, or in an automotive repair and maintenance facility
- Provides mechanical repair and other responsibilities including but not limited to diesel engines, electrical systems, hydraulic, tune ups, and brakes
- Complete necessary paperwork and archiving to regulatory standards
- Comply with company SOPs – Standard Operating Procedures
- Responsible for communicating daily tasks for the department
- Maintain the Preventative Maintenance database by updating the database daily
2
Experience For Vehicle Maintenance Technician Resume
- Process time entries, time cards, and payroll, including: weekly adjustments, monitor and track all time off request forms
- Manage, develop and motivate staff
- Clean all restrooms daily.
- Perform emergency and basic fabrication tasks
- Maintain tools and work area
3
Experience For Wp-vehicle Maintenance Resume
- Ensure daily work schedules for approximately twenty local national, foreign national and American national employees to include drivers, mechanics, and parts clerks are adequate for contract requirements
- Ensure accurate time and material accounting is entered on completed work requests
- Ensure employee performance appraisals are submitted as required
- Ensure adequate spare parts, tools, machines, and supplies are available. Establish reorder levels for expendable items
- Establish and monitor parts room inventory controls
- Ensure adequate instructions and trained personnel are available for disposal and control of hazardous waste generated by motor pool operations
- Ensure that vehicle maintenance employees attend, participate, and are compliant with all safety program trainings
- Provide required, detailed reports to the Operations Manager, GSO motor pool, facilities management and additional government entities as required
- Responsible for all fleet maintenance and associated support mechanisms for a fleet with 150 pieces of rubber tire equipment including but not limited to: cars, light/medium/heavy duty trucks, medium/heavy duty buses, UTV’s, road grader, loader, and heavy duty roadway snow removal equipment
4
Experience For Senior Executive, Vehicle Maintenance Resume
- Ensures assigned work is completed according to schedule and in compliance with ANSI and DOT standards, manufacturers’ guidelines, and fleet best practices
- Actively shares information with employees
- Enables employees to make decisions within boundaries of process and goals
- Resolves employee issues such as corrective action, IBEW contract administration, etc
- Provides individual employee feedback to ensure continuous improvement
- Ensures safe working conditions and practices by providing adequate safety training of work practices and procedures. Initiates action to promptly correct potential or actual safety problems
- Resolves employee issues such as corrective action
- Test drive the vehicle and record specific observations
- Pressure wash and clean chassis, engine, transmission, brake lines
5
Experience For Supervisor Vehicle Maintenance Resume
- Inspect all lights, wheel alignment and check operations
- Conduct leakage and compression test to determine the condition of the engine, check alternator output, starter draw and load test the battery
- Check operation of electrical components an perform preventative maintenance
- Elevate problem issues to the supervisors as they arise – maintain constant communication with supervisor
- Interact with other department team members to solve problems and resolve issues
6
Experience For Vehicle Maintenance Supervisor Resume
- Inputs/provides accurate documentation in RTA; the Company’s Asset Management/MMIS program
- Services, repairs, and maintains Company vehicles, mounted equipment, and mobile tools in accordance with Federal, State, and Corporate practices, procedures, and schedules
- Responsible for conducting and accurately interpreting the results of diagnostic tests performed on the computerized digital systems of the vehicular, mounted equipment, and mobile tool Fleet and for taking action to correct or repair the system problems as diagnosed
- Proficiently uses precision tools and test equipment for diagnosing, analyzing, and correcting discrepancies on computerized vehicular, mobile tool, and mounted equipment systems
- Perform maintenance, repair, and servicing on all mechanical, electrical, hydraulic, and pneumatic components of all Company vehicles, mounted equipment, and mobile tools
- Maintain all vehicle, mounted equipment, and mobile tool records and paperwork
7
Experience For Vehicle Maintenance Administrator Resume
- Follow all appropriate laws, environmental and safety procedures and regulations, and Company policies and procedures
- Vehicle Service, diagnostics, maintenance and repair
- Provide administrative support to all maintenance functions
- Coordinate schedules for service maintenance on all vehicles within the Pool as needed
- Maintain, monitor and order supplies as needed
8
Experience For Vehicle Maintenance Engineer Resume
- Ensure that Health and Safety is the number one priority by complying with all safe work practices, policies, and processes and acting in a safe manner at all times
- Review and enter technician and vendor repair orders on a daily basis
- Renew and track vehicle DOT and Tank Inspections
- Create PO's, repair orders and voucher invoices
- Work with Maintenance Manager to coordinate repairs
- Proficient in MS Office Suite: (Word/Excel/PowerPoint)
- Assist the Vehicle Program Manager in the development of OPLANs. Actions include determining wartime manpower and vehicle requirements and translation of those requirements into a TPFDD
- Assist the Fleet Manager and Vehicle Support Chain Operations Squadron (VSCOS) in accomplishing Financial Improvement and Audit Readiness (FIAR) compliance. Actions include coordinating with deployed units to sort out inventories, acceptance documentation, annual physical inventory, and leased vehicle cost tracking
- Assist the Vehicle Program Manager by working closely with USFACENT/A4X to compile WRM vehicle readiness status into required documents for higher headquarters reporting utilizing SORTS, ARTS, and OPLAN documents
9
Experience For Experienced Vehicle Maintenance Resume
- Test Drive vehicles and test components and systems, using equipment such as infrared engine analyzers, compression gauges, and computerized diagnostic devices as needed. Examine Vehicles to determine extent of damage or malfunctions. Repair, replace, and adjust brakes
- Follow checklists to ensure all important parts are examined, including belts, hoses, steering systems, spark plugs, brake and fuel systems, wheel bearings, and other potentially troublesome areas
- Perform routine and scheduled maintenance services such as oil changes, lubrications, and tune-ups
- Repair and service air conditioning, heating, engine-cooling, and electrical systems. Test and adjust repaired systems to meet manufacturer’s performance specifications
- Tear down, repair, and rebuild faulty assemblies such as power systems, steering systems, and linkages
- Assigned tasks list to include, but not limited to repairs and preventive maintenance on pumps, conveying systems, piping, heat exchangers, power transmissions, and other power driven rotating equipment. Repairs and preventive maintenance to be performed in conformance with established standards
- Achieve performance expectations set forth as part of performance appraisals to include employee expectations set forth as part of performance appraisals to include employee development planning
- Language(s) Skill: English
- Bending, twisting, stooping, walking, climbing
10
Experience For Vehicle Maintenance Tech Resume
- Supervise assigned staff to include vacation planning, discipline, conducting performance evaluations, and training
- Work requires frequent bending, climbing on/off equipment
- While the project is in Test & Commissioning phase, drive the trains for testing purposes (up to end 2017)
- Able to lift, push, or pull heavy items frequently from 15 to 120 pounds (normally with the aid of a lifting or moving device)
- Provides input to management for forecasting and monitoring stock levels for required service/repair parts and petroleum
- Communications with all team members to support the development of short and long range planning in support of the company’s goals
- Maintain personal tools required for your job to include an up to date documented personal tool lists. Required tool listing to be supplied as part of employment
- Performs preventative maintenance (PM) services and repairs on gasoline and diesel vehicles, construction equipment, associated equipment, as well as assist other technicians with PM or repairs critical to mounted mechanized equipment
- Able to sit for long periods, keyboarding
List of Typical Skills For a Vehicle Maintenance Resume
1
Skills For Vehicle Maintenance Manager Resume
- Maintaining tools and equipment ensuring they are kept in good order and that any problems are immediately notified for action
- Valid CDL (class A or B) driver’s license with a clean driving record, C
- Skilled in mechanical inspection, verification of finished work, and maintenance and repair of assigned customer vehicles
- Ensures work orders are carried out in accordance with priorities, goals and schedules
- Operates and performs routine maintenance and up-keep of equipment and tools
- Demonstrable experience within a similar role and environment, ideally within a franchise dealership
2
Skills For Vehicle Maintenance Technician Resume
- A valid MOT license – this would be an advantage however it is not essential
- Strong English language written and verbal communication ability
- Passing work as satisfactory on the completion of each job ensuring that all tasks have been completed and tested, ensuring the job is clocked accurately
- Maintaining the work bay and ensuring the surrounding areas are kept in a clean and tidy condition
- Labelling and safekeeping of all warranty exchange parts until they are handed over for warranty claims to be made
- Providing exceptional service to all internal and external customers and suppliers maintaining the Mercedes-Benz brand excellence at all times
3
Skills For Wp-vehicle Maintenance Resume
- Working knowledge of maintenance production, production control and knowledge of customer maintenance support systems
- Working knowledge of applicable DOT, OSHA, ANSI, ASME, military regulations standards and OEM requirements
- Willing to live and work on the remote island of Ascension with no family accommodations available
- Willing to accept $16.20/hour as rate of pay (non-negotiable)
- Completing the necessary documentation in respect of warranty work
4
Skills For Senior Executive, Vehicle Maintenance Resume
- Walking through areas of operation
- Responsible for ordering and maintaining an inventory of parts, tires, and other necessary items for fleet maintenance
- Capable of handling and lifting 50lbs or more repeatedly
- Lift/carry heavy objects, bending and squatting
- Implements and monitors operational processes and reinforces Company policies, practices, procedures, and attainment of operating goals
5
Skills For Supervisor Vehicle Maintenance Resume
- Provides training for subordinate personnel and monitors job performance
- Shop tools, equipment and testing instruments
- Basic understanding of vehicle maintenance and safety procedures
- Assist in lifting up to one hundred (100) pounds
- Be exposed to dust, fumes and gases from running engines and motors
- Establish, set, and implement the contract’s program management, maintenance, supply, and training strategy
6
Skills For Vehicle Maintenance Supervisor Resume
- Produce and maintain an acceptable driving record and unrestricted drivers’ license
- Develops a culture of two-way communication, encouraging employee feedback
- Develops a culture which supports continuous employee development (training, career development, technical)
- Diagnose malfunctions, conduct technical research, and make mechanical repairs to MHE, heavy trucks, heavy equipment or other assigned equipment
- Assess host country vehicle maintenance capabilities and make recommendations for development of assistance programs to help the host country maintain, repair and develop preventative vehicle maintenance programs for their security services
7
Skills For Vehicle Maintenance Administrator Resume
- Implement assistance programs in order to enhance and expand vehicle maintenance programs and related training programs for sustaining security services vehicles
- Develop policies and procedures for ordering and stocking vehicle spare parts, and implementing oversight procedures to prevent fraud, waste, and abuse in vehicle maintenance programs
- Develop and implement policies and procedures for supervision and management of security service vehicle maintenance programs
- Identify and recommend training programs to help the host country develop and implement self-sustaining vehicle maintenance programs for their security services
- Complete work in a timely manner with demonstrated attention to detail
- Inputs data in computer programs for recordkeeping. Prints out work orders, purchase orders and other documents to maintain appropriate departmental records and flow of work
8
Skills For Vehicle Maintenance Engineer Resume
- Repairs vehicles, performs preventative maintenance and safety inspection on PRIDE vehicles as necessary
- Maintains Material Safety Data Sheets and maintains health and safety records as required
- Reports regularly to management regarding operational matters and status. Maintains appropriate documentation for California Highway Patrol review as well as PRIDE’s documentation requirements
- Cross-trains employees as appropriate to ensure daily back up and coverage of departmental functions
- Responsible for assigning projects, supervising, and providing guidance and direction to Heavy Vehicle Mechanic’s in the safe operation and maintenance of assigned equipment
- Maintains activity records and logs regarding equipment and its repair
9
Skills For Experienced Vehicle Maintenance Resume
- Oversees the inspection, diagnostics, repair and rebuild of components and assemblies of assigned equipment
- Oversees the storage and disposition of hazardous materials in accordance with DI procedures and the rules and regulations of the host country
- Ensures that work orders and invoices are processed properly
- Execute vehicle maintenance and recovery operations in accordance with applicable contract requirements, company policies, government regulations, and military standards
- Manage the administration, maintenance, and distribution of approved publications, warranties, and government required documentation such as Lost, Theft, Damaged, and Destroyed (LTDD) and Estimated Cost of Damage (ECOD) reports
- Implement budgeting, analysis, and reporting for the maintenance operation, track burn rates and equipment usage, maintain appropriate stock levels, and maximize cost avoidance measures
- Prior experience with a Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS), OLVIMS or equivalent
- Prior experience with a Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS), DPAS (formerly OLVIMS”) or equivalent
- Accountable for accuracy of time cards and ensures over time is warranted prior to the Site Manager’s approval
10
Skills For Vehicle Maintenance Tech Resume
- Maintains effective lines of formal and informal communication among all levels of management and the customer as required
- Ten (10) years’ experience in vehicle maintenance and repair
- Three (3) years previous supervisory experience
- Driver’s License: From Home of Record valid for duration of the contract
- Operate forklifts or be certified to do so within 90 days
- A valid state vehicle operators’ license
- Five (5) years’ experience with heavy construction
- Possess a valid Michigan Driver License for at least 3 years
List of Typical Responsibilities For a Vehicle Maintenance Resume
1
Responsibilities For Vehicle Maintenance Manager Resume
- Directly related experience
- Six (6) years of logistics experience in a military/tactical environment
- Exposure to loud noises
- Drive Train Repair and Diagnosis
- Electrical Repair and Diagnosis
- Brake System Repair and Diagnosis
2
Responsibilities For Vehicle Maintenance Technician Resume
- Coordinates with appropriate POC to schedule vehicle maintenance and dispatch
- Performs Department of Transportation (DOT) required inspections
- Performs repair work on engine assemblies
- Re-condition hydraulic brakes on cars and light duty trucks
- Reads and comprehends schematics and blueprints
- Work in tight area
3
Responsibilities For Wp-vehicle Maintenance Resume
- Work with inventory coordinator to manage inventory
- Travel to maintenance locations to setup inventory
- Create PO’s, repair orders and voucher invoices
- Add, subtract, multiply, and divide numbers
- Able to climb a ladder
- The ability to obtain and maintain a DoD security clearance at the Secret level, as applicable to the position requirement
4
Responsibilities For Senior Executive, Vehicle Maintenance Resume
- Successful completion of a formal motor vehicle mechanic apprenticeship
- The ability to obtain and maintain a Favorable National Agency Check w/Inquires (NACI)
- Obtain and maintain a current Passport
- Area vehicles and equipment, over snow vehicles, wheeled vehicles, chainsaws and pumps
- Possess a Commercial Driver License in the state the job is in or be able to obtain one within 3 weeks of notice of selection independently
5
Responsibilities For Supervisor Vehicle Maintenance Resume
- Flexible to work in tight areas
- Subject Matter Expert (SME) in all phases of vehicle maintenance and repair
- Use Microsoft Office programs (Word, Excel, and Power Point) at an intermediate level
- Possess working knowledge of engine and vehicle repairs, drive train components, ignition/fuel electrical systems, brakes, and steering systems specific to Freightliner, International, and Cummins
- Proficient in the diagnosis and repair of electrical systems and circuits
- Boom/Crane operation, repair, and maintenance knowledge
- Possess air brake inspector qualification
6
Responsibilities For Vehicle Maintenance Supervisor Resume
- Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certification in medium and heavy duty truck repairs
- Certification in Diesel Technology
- Stand, sit, walk, stoop, squat, crouch, kneel, push and pull
- Able to work in both inside and outside conditions
- Perform as PAE’s senior leader and authorized representative for performance of maintenance services required under the Afghanistan NMS contract
- Employee shall utilize all proper lifting procedures and practices associated with all lifting and material handling tasks that are assigned and associated with this job description
- Internal Description Internal Description Required
7
Responsibilities For Vehicle Maintenance Administrator Resume
- Use of hand tools, air tools, vehicle scanners
- Supervises all maintenance/preventive maintenance operations for assigned equipment in accordance with applicable PWS, company policies, OSHA, DOT, ANSI, ASME and applicable military regulations
- Establishes job priorities and estimates down time. Coordinates work flow for downed equipment waiting for parts to minimize backlog of work and cost to customer division
- Supervises the recovery operations of for customer material handling equipment (MHE), vertical equipment (VE), construction equipment (CE), heavy and light vehicle maintenance throughout assigned area of operation
- Coordinates the proper administration, maintenance and distribution of approved publications, warranty documentation, and the loss, damage, or destruction (LDD) and estimated cost of damage (ECOD) documentation
- Plan, lead, and direct activities on the shift and give appropriate feedback to 25 to 325 drivers employees. Conduct employee evaluations. Deliver training to drivers on new systems and procedures as necessary. Keep abreast of collective bargaining agreements and Company rules regarding the Trucking Department. 15%
- Maintain a safe work environment. Remain current on Federal and State laws and regulations regarding Trucking Dept. Keep abreast of Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations; ensure all employees and equipment are in compliance with D.O.T. regulations. Respond to emergency situations (i.e. drivers accidents) Direct the DOT drug/alcohol screening and probable cause 40%
- Dispatch drivers, determine driver needs for the shift and the day, interact with drivers and stores, field all phone calls., take care of any equipment needs, knowledge of DOT to ensure we don’t have any driver log violations, driver has enough hours on his on duty time, to make it back on time. Send drivers for random drug tests and physicals
Related to Vehicle Maintenance Resume Samples
Autonomous Vehicle Resume Sample
Work Experience
• Experience in systems engineering (course related work)
• Experience with coding / controls development / etc. course related work
• Manage Roush build sites to deliver vehicles on time with high quality
• Create and develop VP Vehicle Specifications fo...
Professional Skills
• Experience with analytical and problem sol...
• Experience developing computationally inte...
• Experience in use case modelling and use c...
Vehicle Engineer Resume Sample
Work Experience
• Containment – Quickly identify and implement effective and robust containments
• Feedback – Feedback concerns at cross functional meetings reporting out to all levels including directors
• DPV / RFT reduction – (Defects per vehicle / Right First Time) Provide engineering supp...
Professional Skills
• Excellent communications skills, detail or...
• Strong organisational, interpersonal and c...
• Demonstrate experience in evaluating desig...
Vehicle Service Attendant Resume Sample
Work Experience
• Prepare, clean, inspect, and maintain all rental vehicles according to Quality Assurance standards
• Complete clerical functions and other tasks as assigned
• High work performance, standards, and reliability with little supervision
• Strong communicati...
Professional Skills
• As a Hertz VSA..
Auto Claims Resume Sample
Work Experience
• Pursuant to Company lines of business strategies and good faith claim settlement practices: investigates, negotiates and settles (within authorized limits) assigned claims
• Establishes and maintains positive relationships with both internal and external customers providing excellent customer servi...
Professional Skills
• Excellent organizational, verbal, written ...
• French language skills considered an asset
• Serve as a mentor to less experienced staf...
Mechanical Engineer Design Resume Sample
Work Experience
• Participates as a member of project team of other mechanical hardware engineers and internal and outsourced
• Performs and documents analyses to validate and verify systems and components meet requirements and specifications. Contributes to supplier development, test and production activities and d...
Professional Skills
• Experience in mechanical design for roboti...
• Experience working with any of the followi...
• Experience supporting aviation commercial ...
Specialist Parts Resume Sample
Work Experience
• Responsible for managing the Commodity in the sourcing, supplier selection and relationship building with key suppliers to leverage Eaton’s purchases, reduce cost and improve supplier performance with the support of global and regional procurement organizations
• Take phone calls from dealers on a ...
Professional Skills
• Good time management skills and the abilit...
• Excellent communication skills and the abi...
• Possess solid research skills