Table of Contents
Introduction
Your resume is the first chance you have to make an impression on a hiring manager. You want it to be strong, engaging and interesting. It is essential to include the right information and provide the hiring manager with what he or she needs to know you are the right candidate for the job. This is often easier said than done, though. To make it simpler, use the construction manager resume template for Word as a guide, along with the helpful tips for each section, including the summary statement, skills section, work history section and education section.
Writing Your Summary Statement
If you want a hiring manager to read through your whole resume, you have to create a standout summary statement. Found at the beginning of your resume, this section sells your most important attributes. Discover what it should look like in the construction manager resume template for Word.
Here are a few best practices you can use as you write:
• Employ strong statements that grab the reader’s attention
• Skip using pronouns, but keep it in first person
• Make sure you mention the position or title of the job for which you are applying
Check out the following four examples to see how this section should look:
Example 1:
Over 15 years of experience working as a construction manager on multi-million dollar commercial projects. Focused on maintaining budgets and timelines to ensure complete customer satisfaction. Excel at securing discounts and deals from vendors.
Example 2:
• Construction manager with five years of experience working in residential construction
• Expert at cost effectiveness and efficiency
• Strong leader with low employee turnover rates and high production rates
Example 3:
Construction manager with over 16 years of experience in residential and commercial projects. Excellent efficiency skills in both budgeting and time management. Proven track record in employee management and relations.
Example 4:
• Knowledgeable and skilled construction manager with 20 years of experience in commercial projects.
• Stickler for safety and efficiency in every project.
• Committed to complete customer satisfaction
Writing Your Skills Section
Written in list form, the skills section is an at-a-glance view of the abilities you have. It showcases the things that make you ideal for the job. This section is essential for grabbing the hiring manager’s attention and making a good impression. The construction manager resume template for Word includes a clear example of how this section should look.
Here are a few tips to help you as you work on your skills section:
• Use specific vocabulary instead of generalizations
• Keep your entries concise and avoid being too wordy
• Pack this section with key phrases that will catch the hiring manager’s eye
Here is what a convincing skills section may look like for a construction manager:
• Strong communication and organizational skills
• Focused on efficiency, with a track record of saving an average of $400,000 on each project
• Skilled in commercial and residential construction
• Committed to a safe work environment and happy employees
• Comprehensive knowledge of building codes and required permits
Writing Your Work History Section
The work history section includes a summary of your past work experiences and highlights the duties and accomplishments from each position that show you can do the job for which you are currently applying. This is an important section, packed with details. Check out how it is written in the construction manager resume template for Word, and look over these tips to help you write your own:
• Use lists to show your responsibilities and achievements instead of a paragraph
• Unless your experience was with the military or federal government, skip listing supervisors and certain other details about the job, such as pay or hours worked
• Avoid repetition by varying the words you use
• Make sure to change up the entries so this doesn’t sound like a job description
Here is a list that could appear for an entry in this section on a construction manager’s resume:
• Oversaw a 40-employee crew on commercial real estate projects
• Negotiated with vendors to secure an average of $300,000 per project
• Lead manager on three projects worth over $3,000,000,000
• Worked to maintain safety, stay on budget and ensure projects were completed within the agreed-upon time limit
Writing Your Education Section
Education may not be as important for all professions, but the education section should always be included in a resume. You can showcase special training and degrees that you have received. The construction manager resume template for Word has a strong example of this section. To assist you further, check out these best writing practices:
• There is no need to include your GPA, but feel free to note honors you received
• Relevant coursework should be listed even if you didn’t secure a degree
• List your education in reverse chronological order
Here are a couple education section examples:
Example 1:
Contractor license – current
State of California
OSHA certification – current
Occupational Safety and Health Administration
Bachelor of Science in Construction Engineering – 1999
State University – Coastville, CA
Example 2:
Contractor license – current
State of Ohio
Technical training in construction processes – 1997
Hill Valley Vocational School – Hill Valley, OH
