How to Write a First Job Resume for Construction

In the past, a resume wasn't required to get an entry-level construction job. Employers would hire someone based on that person's enthusiasm and willingness to work. In other cases, a person could get a construction job through the recommendation of a friend who already worked for the company. Training typically took place on the job. In today's competitive job market, however, it's essential to have a well-written resume to use to introduce yourself to prospective employers in the construction industry, even if it's for your first job. Here is how to write a resume for your first construction job.

Instructions

1. Make sure the first section of your resume displays your full name, address and telephone number. Your name should be in slightly bigger type than the rest of your resume. Fourteen-point type is good for the name on a resume, while the other sections should be in standard 12-point type.

2. Write a brief "Objectives" section at the top of your resume. This section should be no longer than four to five lines, and should succinctly describe the type of construction job you wish to have and any future career goals you may have in the construction industry. Ideally, the remaining content of your resume will illustrate some kind of effort to reach those objectives.

3. Write an "Experience" section. This section should contain a list of any construction-related experience you have. Since this is your first job, include any relevant experience you might have, such as helping your uncle build a screened-in porch on his house, or assisting your neighbor with pouring a concrete pad.

4. Include a section labeled "Skills." This section should list any construction tools or equipment you know how to use. Include a brief, one-line description of how you learned to use the equipment.

5. Let prospective employers know where you went to school and if you're still attending school. This section should be labeled "Education." Include the names of your schools, dates of attendance, whether or not you graduated and the type of degree or diploma obtained.

6. Mention any other skills you may have, such as good organizational abilities, bookkeeping skills or ability to work well in teams. This section should be called "Other Skills." Include every relevant skill you have, keeping in mind that you may be asked during an interview to provide examples of how you used these skills in a real-life situation.

Tips & Warnings

• Write your resume in 12-point type in Times New Roman or Arial font. It won't give you any kind of advantage to use a fancy font or extra-large type on your resume, and may actually be distracting for your prospective employer.

• Don't exaggerate your skills or experience on your resume. Prospective employers often call references, and their story needs to match yours. Even if references aren't called, your employer will find out what you can and can't do pretty quickly once you're on the job. Remember that you'll probably be subjected to a probationary employment period to start off, meaning your employer can terminate you immediately for ongoing sub-par work.