Construction Resume Examples and Writing Tips

Construction is a broad career field that includes many different jobs, including careers in carpentry, drywall, floor and carpet installation, masonry, welding, painting, roofing, and more.

Some jobs are management-level positions, such as construction supervisor and construction manager jobs, while other jobs (such as construction helpers) are entry-level positions.

Check out these tips for writing an impressive resume for a construction job. Then read some sample construction resumes to help you write your own job materials.

Choose the Right Resume Format

There are a number of different resume formats that you can choose from, based on your work experience.

• Most people write a traditional chronological resume that lists their work experience in order, with the most recent experience at the top.
• A functional resume highlights your skills and abilities. It is a great choice when you have limited work experience or have gaps in your employment.
• You can also write a combination resume, which is a mix between a chronological and a functional resume.

Whatever format you pick, you can add special sections to your resume, including an accomplishments section, a skills section, or a summary of qualifications at the top of your resume.

What to Include in Your Resume

Include relevant experience. In the “Work History” section of your resume, include any experience in construction that you have. This can include apprenticeships and other training experiences. In the “Education” section of your resume, include any work certifications, degrees, or licenses. If you are currently in (or about to start) a trade school or other relevant class, mention this.

When you don’t have experience, highlight relevant skills. No matter what, be sure to include relevant skills in your resume. However, if you don’t have much construction experience, you will really want to emphasize your skills. Include phrases that describe your work abilities such as, “fast learner” or “pays attention to details.”

These types of skills can help to offset your lack of construction experience.

While on the job hunt, consider taking classes in construction at a local trade school or volunteering on a construction project. This will help you develop your skills, and then you can list those courses or volunteer jobs on your resume.

Include numbers to show your value. A great way to show how you have contributed to previous companies and projects is to use numbers whenever possible in your resume. For example, if you managed a team of construction workers, say how many people you managed. If you worked on a project, mention either the cost of the project or the size of the project. If you helped manage the budget, include the percentage of money you saved. These numerical details will show the employer how you will add value to his or her company.

Tips for Writing a Construction Resume

Use keywords. When applying for construction jobs, you want to match your skills and experiences to the requirements in the job listing. This will help you write a resume targeted to the specific job. One way to do that is to use keywords from the listing in your resume.

For example, in a job listing for a general construction laborer, they might say they want someone with experience “operating heavy equipment.” If you have experience with that, include that phrase in your resume. Also check out this list of construction keywords, and include some in your resume.

Keywords are important because many employers use automated applicant tracking systems, which are programmed to give priority to resumes that incorporate specific keywords. If you take the time to match your resume to the job, it will help your application get noticed.

Some of these construction keyword skills include:  

• For Construction Managers / Supervisors: construction management, project management, inspection, labor relations, quality control, scheduling, supervising, building site supervision, blueprints, reporting, time management, punch lists, contracting, estimating, material costing, invoicing, renovations, OSHA, hazardous materials, HAZMAT, building codes, electrical codes, and environmental codes.
• For Construction Tradespeople: bricklaying, carpentry, cement mixing, concrete mixing, plumbing, drywall installation, electrical wiring, HVAC, refrigeration, sheet metal work, ironwork, masonry, metal lathing, painting, pipe fitting, roofing, surveying, carpeting, trim detailing.
• For General Construction Labor roles: heavy lifting, heavy equipment operation (bulldozers, forklifts, backhoes), measuring, safety regulations, hammer skills, power tools, demolition, truck driving.

Read resume samples. Check out some resume samples to get a sense of how to organize your resume and what information to include.

The resume below is for a civil engineer technician job. The writer emphasizes their knowledge of particular software programs that are often used in construction and engineering. They highlight these skills to stand out to employers looking for workers knowledgeable in the latest industry technologies. The resume also includes a resume summary at the top to highlight the candidate's key skills and experiences.

Proofread your resume. Employers want construction workers with a strong attention to detail. Therefore, avoid any spelling or grammar mistakes, which will make you look sloppy. Proofread your resume before submitting it. Consider asking a friend or family member to look it over as well.

Construction Resume Example

This is an example of a resume for a construction job. Download the construction resume template (compatible with Google Docs and Word Online) or see below for more examples.

More Construction Resume Examples

Depending on the area of construction you are applying to, your resume will look a little different. Here are some construction resume examples to review, including resumes including general construction, plumber, and electrician resumes:

• Electrician Resume
• Engineer Resume
• Plumber Resume
• Transportation Planner Resume