How to Create a Contractor Profile
Build a professional profile that showcases your automation expertise and attracts employers.
Overview
Your FEED profile is your digital resume and portfolio combined. It's how employers discover you, evaluate your expertise, and decide to reach out. A complete, well-crafted profile significantly increases your chances of landing contracts.
This guide walks you through creating a standout profile that highlights your automation skills and attracts the right opportunities.
Profile Completion Checklist
Complete these items to reach 100% profile completion:
Sign Up for FEED
Visit automateamerica.com and click "Sign Up". Select "Professional" as your account type. Enter your email and create a secure password. Verify your email to activate your account.
💡 Pro Tip: Use a professional email address that you check regularly.
Add Your Basic Information
Complete your profile header: full name (only first name + last initial shown publicly), professional title, location, and a professional headshot. Your title should reflect your primary expertise.
💡 Pro Tip: Profiles with professional photos get 7x more profile views.
List Your Technical Skills
Add your skills organized by category: PLC brands (Allen Bradley, Siemens), robot types (FANUC, ABB), programming languages (Python, C#), HMI/SCADA platforms, and industry experience.
💡 Pro Tip: Be specific - "ControlLogix" is more searchable than just "Allen Bradley".
Add Certifications
List your professional certifications: vendor certifications (Rockwell Certified, Siemens Certified), safety certifications (TÜV FSE), and industry certifications (ISA CCST). Upload verification documents for badge verification.
💡 Pro Tip: Verified certifications display as trust badges and increase employer confidence.
Describe Your Experience
Add your work history with details: company names, project types, technologies used, and measurable achievements. Focus on relevant automation experience. Include both employment and contract work.
💡 Pro Tip: Quantify achievements: "Reduced downtime by 40%" is stronger than "Improved efficiency".
Upload Portfolio Projects
Showcase your best work: system diagrams, HMI screenshots (with sensitive info removed), project summaries. Describe challenges solved and technologies used. Visual portfolios significantly increase engagement.
💡 Pro Tip: Before/after photos of automation projects are highly effective.
Set Your Preferences
Configure your availability, rate expectations, travel willingness, and preferred contract types. Set your status: actively seeking, open to offers, or not available.
💡 Pro Tip: Setting your availability status helps employers know when you can start.
Write Your Bio
Craft a professional summary (150-300 words) highlighting your expertise, specializations, and what makes you unique. Write in first person and be authentic.
💡 Pro Tip: Mention specific industries or project types you excel in.
Example Professional Bio
"I'm a controls engineer with 12 years of experience specializing in automotive manufacturing automation. I've programmed Allen Bradley ControlLogix and CompactLogix systems for assembly lines at three major OEMs, including a greenfield project that achieved 99.2% uptime in its first year.
My expertise includes PLC programming, HMI development in FactoryTalk, and FANUC robot integration. I hold Rockwell Automation certifications and TÜV Functional Safety Engineer credentials. I'm based in Detroit and available for both local projects and travel assignments throughout the Midwest."
Profile Best Practices
✅ Do This
- • Use a professional, recent photo
- • Be specific about PLC/robot brands
- • Quantify your achievements
- • Keep your availability updated
- • Add portfolio examples
❌ Avoid This
- • Generic job titles like "Engineer"
- • Outdated or casual photos
- • Vague skill descriptions
- • Incomplete sections
- • Exaggerating experience
Ready to Get Started?
Create your free profile and start connecting with automation employers today.