The construction industry is growing year after year and developing rapidly, which is also true for the requirements for its professionals. To succeed in the job market within this field, you must know exactly what to include in your resume and how to make it both informative and engaging.
In this article, we provide a step-by-step guide to building an effective resume with universal tips for all construction specialists.
Step 1: Skills
The most important part of any resume, regardless of the job, is the skills section. You must be very precise and intentional about what you include there.
If you’ve never created a resume before, start with the tools and equipment you’re most comfortable with, listing them from those you're most to least experienced with. If your job requires using any software, be sure to include that as well.
However, there is a list of general skills that most construction professionals should possess. These include construction knowledge, equipment maintenance, adherence to safety standards, and machinery operation. Additionally, for some, it may be beneficial to include physical strength or first aid familiarity.
But those are hard skills. Soft skills are equally important and sometimes make up a significant portion of the keywords found in job descriptions. Consider adding skills like attention to detail, collaboration, communication, problem-solving, and teamwork.
Due to the specifics of the industry, knowledge of the Spanish language could also be a valuable benefit. So, if you speak any Spanish, be sure to include it on your resume.
Step 2: Work Experience
The number of years you've worked can say a lot, but it’s not enough to provide a complete picture of your best achievements, practices, and work results. The information you include in this section should align with the skills you listed, completing the overall picture of your expertise and contributions.
For example, if you work with low-voltage electrical systems and include this skill on your resume, be sure to highlight the specific systems you've worked with, your level of proficiency, and how quickly you were able to set them up.
Try not only to quantify the tasks you performed, but also to qualify them. Adding numbers, percentages, and time periods will turn raw data into valuable insights.
If you don't have hands-on experience working for a company but have helped someone with renovations or construction, you can try this: refer to it as project activity, and instead of the company name, state that you were self-employed. Then, provide details on what you were able to achieve during this 'project'.
This approach will help you avoid leaving your experience section empty while also giving you the opportunity to showcase your knowledge and practical background.
Step 3: Education and Courses
While a degree is not required to work as a construction worker, earning relevant certifications can enhance your job prospects and salary potential.
If you’ve completed any courses or earned certifications, be sure to include them on your resume, particularly if it’s mentioned in the job description you plan to apply to.
Step 4: Professional Summary
The final step in creating your resume is writing your professional summary. This should be a concise overview of your experience, highlighting the most important details. Focus on your key achievements and strongest skills, summarizing them in a way that gives a clear picture of your capabilities.
The ideal length for your professional summary is between 50 and 150 words, or about three to four sentences. Additionally, avoid writing in the first person. It's generally better to avoid using pronouns, as it can create the impression of being an amateur.
By keeping these recommendations in mind and expressing your unique personality through your phrasing and the details you provide about your experience, you can greatly enhance your resume and, ultimately, your job search process.
uhired is an ideal tool for building a resume tailored to construction jobs. It allows you to input your skills and work experience details, which are customized to your specific role. Based on the information you provide, it also generates a professional summary. Then, you can choose a template that matches you the best and download your resume.