Meet Jim, the construction hiring manager. He's all that stands between you and a high-paying construction job. You don't want him to avoid you like an OSHA inspection? You've got experience. Credentials. When you're working, your bosses always love you.
Time to fix your construction resume. You see, for Jim, most resumes are about as different as one darkened roadside from another—nothing to see there . Luckily, you came to the right place for a construction resume makeover.
One of our users, Anjeanette, had this to say:
Zety suggested tips and revised my resume in a way I never could. Helped me word things in a much more intelligent fashion and got me my dream job.
Looking for other, construction-related jobs too? Check out one of our dedicated guides:
Construction Worker Resume Example Bobby Ganassi
Construction Worker
123-456-7890
bobbyganassi@email.com
linkedin.com/in/bobby.ganassi
Summary
Dedicated construction worker with over 5 years of experience. Eager to support ApexConstruct Builders in creating sturdy and durable infrastructures by leaving an impeccable safety track record. Reduced safety incidents by 20% through vigilant adherence to safety protocols at Stellaris Enterprises.
Experience
Construction Worker
Stellaris Enterprises, Albuquerque, NM
January 2015–December 2020
Key Qualifications & Responsibilities
Followed blueprints and plans to complete construction projects on time and under budget. Operated heavy machinery and power tools with precision and safety. Monitored the use of materials to minimize waste and maintain cost control. Supervised a team of 5-7 workers, fostering teamwork and high-quality performance. Key Achievement:
Reduced safety incidents by 20% through vigilant adherence to safety protocols. Construction Helper
SolidBuild Construction Company, Albuquerque, NM
June 2012–December 2014
Key Qualifications & Responsibilities
Assisted in the construction and repair of structures and fixtures. Maintained a clean and safe job site by removing hazards and disposing of waste. Worked closely with the construction team to complete projects efficiently. Key Achievement:
Recognized for exceptional teamwork and commitment to maintaining a high safety standard. Education
High School Diploma
Albuquerque High School, Albuquerque, NM
August 2008–May 2012
Skills
Proficient in operating heavy machinery Excellent physical stamina Exceptional teamwork and collaboration skills Strong knowledge of construction methods and regulations Keen attention to detail Excellent problem-solving skills Good communication and interpersonal skills Able to read and understand blueprints and construction plans Certifications
CEP Certification, Construction Education Pro, 2020 OSHA Certified, Occupational Safety and Health Administration, 2016 Certified Construction Worker, National Center for Construction Education and Research, 2012 Languages
English—Native Spanish—Fluent Interests
Volunteering for the local Habitat for Humanity chapter. Coaching a youth soccer team. 1. What's the Best Format for a Construction Resume? Want to know the quickest way to get rejected?
Pick the wrong format for your construction worker resume.
The wrong resume format will bury your best qualities like a backhoe.
Get your resume noticed instead.
Pick a construction resume format that shows your best qualities fast. The reverse-chronological format is your best friend.
It shows your last job first, with bullet points that catch the eye.
Use clear, legible fonts, big headings, and white space in between to make your words pop out.
Finally, save that general construction worker resume as a PDF.
There's nothing wrong with construction resume templates for Microsoft Word. That said, PDFs don't scramble in transit like MS word resumes do. Just check the job offer first to make sure PDFs aren't banned.
Now let's dig into how to write a resume for a construction job.
Want to make sure your resume will hook every recruiter and get you that interview? Get our free checklist and learn what makes a job-winning resume: 46 Things You Need To Do Before You Send Your Resume
Pro Tip: Use a spelling and grammar checker. An error-filled construction worker resume sends the wrong message about your talents.
Want to see other professional construction resume formats? See our guide: "3 Resume Formats: How to Choose the Best One [Examples]
2. How to Write a Construction Resume Objecitve or Resume Summary Try this:
Count to six.
That's how much time the average construction manager spends looking at each resume .
Does that shock you?
But you can stretch that time out.
How?
By writing a good construction worker resume summary or resume objective .
A good resume summary shows you're perfect to the job by citing your experience. Use it if you've got a lot.
A construction resume objective shows your goal and passion. It works best for entry level construction laborers.
If you do it right, you'll stick out like a gold coin in a mound of dirt.
Look at the difference in these two senior construction resume summary examples:
Resume Summary: Two Construction Resume Examples right Dedicated construction superintendent with 7+ years construction experience. Seeking to improve efficiency and profitability for Toll Brothers construction. Delivered 98% on-time completion of jobs at Jandreau Bros. Cut safety incidents by 90% per year by implementing a BBS Safety Program. Delivered fast, defect-free work.
wrong Construction worker with 1 year experience as superintendent and more as a laborer. Skilled in scheduling and safety compliance. Also skilled in leadership and communication.
That second construction superintendent resume sample blends into the rest like feathered spackle on a sheetrock wall.
The first builder resume example makes the manager say, "Wow."
But what if you don't have experience?
Making a resume with our builder is incredibly simple. Follow our step-by-step guide, use ready-made content tailored to your job and have a resume ready in minutes.
When you’re done, Zety’s resume builder ATS resume checker exactly how to make it better.
How to Write an Entry Level Construction Resume Objective An entry-level construction resume can look like a job site before breaking ground.
You can fix it with a resume objective.
A resume objective is basically a construction resume job goal.
It doesn't have to show experience. But it's a lot better if you add some. Find it in past non-construction jobs, or do a little temp work.
Construction Resume Objective: Two Entry Level Samples right Hard-working construction worker, seeking to deliver fast, high quality work for Jandreau Construction. Have worked as Skid Steer operator, parking lot construction laborer, and temp construction helper for various construction firms. Commended five times by management for strong work ethic.
wrong Physically fit laborer seeking construction job. No direct construction job experience yet but I'm hoping to train on the job.
That first general construction resume objective stands out like the Three Gorges Dam.
But wait.
Where did all that experience come from? It doesn't look like a construction labor resume with experience in that area at all! Isn't this an entry-level resume for a construction worker?
It came from construction duties in non-construction jobs and a few days of temp work.
Pro Tip: Put your 1-2 most impressive accomplishments in your construction worker resume objective or resume summary. They're the lure that gets the manager to read the rest.
For even more help, use the free construction resume template at the top of this post. Also, see our guides: How To Write A Resume Summary: 21 Best Examples You Will See +20 Resume Objective Examples - Use Them on Your Resume (Tips)
3. How to Describe Your Construction Experience on Your Builder Resume Example Remember our construction hiring manager, Jim?
For entry-level jobs, he doesn't care about experience in a construction resume.
But what if you're applying for a higher paid position? Or writing a construction manager resume?
Even if you're entry-level, showing your experience can be the thing that gets you hired.
Experience is a VIP ticket.
If you don't show it right, it's sayonara.
Look at these two professional construction manager resume samples.
Experience: Construction Manager Resume Examples Writing a senior construction manager resume? Need construction project manager resume examples? See this project manager resume template and guide
right Construction Superintendent
Jandreau Brothers Construction
2016 - 2017
Worked with the Project Manager to supervise, manage, and coordinate all work on projects, including subcontractors and laborers. Kept all jobs on schedule. Installed new real-time labor inventory system that increased on-time-completion of projects to 98%. Made sure materials and equipment were delivered to the site with 99% on-time delivery. Supervised on-site work to ensure efficiency and quality. Decreased customer complaints by 45%. Implemented Behavior Based Safety plans with all employees. Cut safety incidents by 90% per year in just one year's time.
wrong Construction Superintendent
Jandreau Brothers Construction
2016 - 2017
Construction Superintendent. Supervised and coordinated work on all projects. Created work schedules. Kept laborers working safely. Delivered high-quality work. Ordered all materials and equipment deliveries.
I can't stress this enough.
If you show a generic construction background, you'll get generic treatment.
If you show specific experience, you'll draw the eye like a safety barrier.
That first senior construction resume example doesn't just say, "I did XYZ."
It offers concrete proof that's reinforced with steel.
But what if you don't have experience?
How to Write an Entry-Level Construction Resume You don't need experience to work construction.
But if you've got it, you can get a better job.
The real trick? Everyone has experience.
First: look at your past non-construction jobs. Ask, "What do construction workers do? And when have I performed those duties?"
Then use those as your bullet points .
Next: Do a couple days of temp work or volunteering. Search temp construction jobs online or ask around with friends or family.
Check out the two entry level construction resume examples below:
right Construction Experience
2016 - 2017
Operated Skid Steer as part of daily work in fast-paced landscaping business. Assisted with installation of new parking lot in a hotel front office job. Worked as temp construction laborer for Temp to Hire Labor Pool. Worked as construction helper for Takacs and Son Construction, Inc. Commended by management 4 times for strong work ethic.
wrong Construction Experience: No construction experience yet, but I'm eager to do on-the-job training.
Other Experience
Landscaping. Hotel front office job.
Here's the key point:
Both residential construction resume samples above come from the same person. Neither has a construction background.
Pro Tip: Don't put every piece of experience in your construction laborer resume. Just use the best achievements that fill one page. Remember, it's a commercial, not a Kevin Costner film.
Keep the hiring manager on task with free construction resume action words. Use the ones in our guide: "+80 Examples of Resume Action Words for Every Profession
4. Highlight Your Education Section on Your Construction Worker Resume "Construction workers don't need education."
That's like saying a Bragg crane has so much power, it doesn't need a hook.
Any section in your construction worker resume can be the hook that gets you hired.
Start with:
School Name and Location. Years in School. Degree. Then add details that fit the construction job description.
Education: Two Construction Manager Resume Examples Let's say you're writing a general construction manager resume.
right BA, Guttman Community College
2007 - 2010
Pursued a passion for business administration classes. As peer mentor, provided guidance to disadvantaged students. Worked on college custodial staff on weekends and breaks. Avid baseball team player, four years.
wrong Guttman Community College
2007 - 2010
Received a BA. Studied business administration. GPA 3.4.
That first builder resume example here gets the hiring manager to say, "This guy can get 'er done."
Writing an entry-level construction helper resume? Use high school bullet points to get the job.
Pick "wins" like sports teams, classes, or clubs that show construction qualities like work ethic or physical fitness.
This works even on a welder resume.
Pro Tip: Make your bullet points match the job offer in some way. The good ones above show leadership, physical fitness, and a strong work ethic.
To make your construction worker resume blaze like a jobsite light tower, see this guide: "How to Put Your Education on a Resume [Tips & Examples]
5. How to Put Skills on a Resume for Construction Let's peek in again on our construction hiring manager, Jim.
He's drinking a black coffee as big as a jackhammer and about as powerful.
He's also digging through 300+ professional construction worker resumes.
He wants you to have every skill in the industry, right?
Skid Steer driving, CDL, drywall hanging, well drilling, and all the various construction job titles.
Not really, no.
In fact, he only wants the skills that fit the job.
That makes your life a whole lot easier.
Read his job description carefully. Highlight all the skills in it. Then put them in your resume if you possess them
Last, prove you've got the skills in your construction laborer resume bullet points.
Here's a construction carpenter resume sample to show you what I mean:
Skills: Construction Resume Sample Picture a construction worker job description seeking skills in speed quality flooring framing drywall
Add those to your resume skills list. Then prove them:
Performed construction duties and responsibilities in a fast paced construction firm, including painting, flooring , framing , cabinetry, and drywall . Maintained safe work status with zero accidents for five years. Worked to company specs 99.9% free of all defects . Performed work to schedule with 98% on-time status . See that? That resume is anchored to the job offer like a 40-ton bridge piling.
Notice how we added "safety" too, even though it isn't in the offer. That's because safety is important in a resume for construction jobs, even if the posting didn't mention it.
List of Construction Resume Skills Let's get you hired.
Here's a list of skills for a construction laborer resumes.
You'll need to find more in construction job offers online.
Also, look into your own past to find others.
30 Essential Construction Worker Skills for a Resume Physically Fit Communication OSHA Compliance Flooring Interpersonal Skills MS Office Framing Time Management Scheduling Software Concrete Work Organization MS Project Cabinetry Prioritization CPR/First Aid Cleaning Self-Confidence Drywall Skid Steer Operation Speed Carpentry Forklift Operation Attention to Detail Flooring Installation Developing Estimates Problem Solving Record Keeping Managing Worksites Painting Driver's License Follow the steps above, and you'll tear into the job like the Big Dig under Boston.
By reviewing 11 million resumes made in our builder, we discovered that:
Construction workers include an average of 10 skills on their resumes. Among the top skills frequently listed by construction workers are team-oriented and dependable, teamwork and collaboration, order verification, analytical thinking, and OSHA. Construction workers tend to create resumes spanning about 1.8 pages in length. 6. How to Add Other Sections for an Effective Resume Remember the hiring manager, Jim?
If you want him to ignore you, make your construction resume like all the others.
Want to get hired?
Be different. Do it with well-crafted "other" sections on your resume.
There's a trick to this.
Whatever "extras" you put on your construction laborer resume, make sure they show you've got the horsepower to do the job.
"Other" Sections: Construction Resume Sample Licensing CDL License. Basic First Aid & CPR. Courses ClickSafety 10-Hour OSHA Construction Safety Class. Additional Activities Regular construction laborer volunteer, Habitat for Humanity. Local part-time youth pastor. Remodeled home kitchen with own tools. Diagnosed neighbor's reverse-stack HVAC issue. Fixed the problem with enhanced insulation to stop air flow from attic. See how those construction resume bullet points prove you're a good pick?
They show safety, teamwork, construction experience, communication, work ethic, and problem-solving skills.
Pro Tip: If you don't have a CDL, it's not a bad idea to get one. It only takes a few hours. Plus, it can get you a construction job in a nice, air-conditioned cab.
Need more help to make the best construction laborer resume you can? See our guide: "+20 Best Examples of Hobbies & Interests To Put on a Resume (5 Tips)
7. Here's the Most Common Myth About Cover Letters "Cover letters are a terrible idea."
Wrong.
Bad construction cover letters are a terrible idea.
But 40% of hiring managers consider cover letters mandatory.
Write a good one for your general construction resume and you're halfway to hired.
Here's how:
What's the most important thing to any hiring manager?
Himself.
So, make the cover letter about him.
First, use his name.
Second , mention a fact or two you like about the company. Look online to find those facts.
Third , say how you can help. Look in the job offer to find the company's biggest need. Then cite a big accomplishment that shows how you can fill it.
Fourth , close with a call to action. You can just say, "I'd love to talk with you."
Pro Tip: Don't forget to follow up after a couple days. A well-timed thank you email can get your construction company resume a second read in the nick of time.
Need a sample cover letter? Want to write the best construction cover letter you can? See this guide: "How To Write A Cover Letter [Complete Guide With Examples]
8. How to Add Contact Info to Labor Resumes You're making a big mistake with contact info.
Of course you know your construction resume needs:
Full Name Updated Phone Number Professional Email Address Like this:
William Martinez, billfmartinez@gmail.com - 646-600-2505 But you should also add a LinkedIn profile, Twitter handle, or other relevant social hangouts.
Why?
There's an important step after the manager reads your construction resume, and before he calls you.
That step lets the construction manager get to know you without picking up the phone.
Don't have a LinkedIn profile? Make one with our handy guide
Pro Tip: Do some demo on your online presence. Don't let that New Orleans pic from five years ago take a wrecking ball to your chances. See our guide
Plus, a great cover letter that matches your resume will give you an advantage over other candidates. You can write it in our cover letter builder here.
See more cover letter templates and start writing.
Want more tips to build a professional construction resume? See our guide: "How to Make a Resume: A Step-by-Step Guide (+30 Examples)
Key Takeaway Even with construction resume templates (or sample construction manager resumes), building your own is hard. Here's how to make a resume for a construction worker:
Read the job offer carefully. Highlight all the skills and requirements. Then put them in your construction resume bullet points. Prove your construction skills in your education and experience sections. This works in a construction worker resume or a construction management resume. Differentiate yourself like a mansion in a housing project. Add "other" sections to your construction manager resume. Do you have questions on how to write a great resume for a construction worker? Not sure how to describe your skills or achievements? Give us a shout in the comments! We'll answer as soon as possible!
