How to Write a Resume for a Construction Job

Using a good, strong resume to land a construction job is a relatively new phenomenon, but in today's job market it makes sense to take any competitive edge you can get. Specific trades and positions that fit into the construction category include bricklayer, carpenter, construction manager, construction worker/laborer, electrician, ironworker, mason, painter, plumber, roofer, surveyor and welder. Many employers hire for these positions through trade unions.

Instructions

1. Be clear in the initial "Objective" section of the resume exactly what kind of job you are seeking. If you are applying for a specific opening, conform your words to the language in the job posting.

2. Create a bulleted "Skills and Qualifications" section that focuses on exactly what you know how to do on a job site, since this is more important to many construction employers than what jobs you have held.

3. Include all certifications (such as plumbing, electrical, small engine repair or welding) and trade union memberships under your "Skills and Qualifications" section, as well as any other "hard skill" areas in which you have learned on the job or been self-taught.

4. Add one bulleted line that focuses on any "soft skills" that you may have acquired such as working well within a crew or team, following direction, communicating, working with the public, managing a shop and supervising.

5. Write a "Job Experience" section that lists your past employment, with your most recent and most relevant jobs first. For each job show your job title, your employer and the years worked. Then add a line for each that tells what you accomplished and what skills you used in that job.

6. Include an "Education" section that focuses on training, certification courses and education that is relevant to the job you are seeking, as well as any diplomas and degrees you have earned.

7. Add a "References available upon request" line at the end and make sure you have prepared references who will be useful to your prospective employer.

Tips & Warnings

• There are many different categories of construction jobs, and it makes sense to make it easy for a prospective employer to categorize you so you have a shot at jobs for which you are qualified. Instead of just writing "Joe Smith" where your name goes in the heading section of your resume (with your address and phone number) consider making your resume category-specific by writing "Joe Smith--Welder."

• Don't try to dress up your resume with elaborate words. Write in plain language and one-line bulleted points to create a direct impression of you, your skills and your experience.