Starting a career in construction management is a lucrative career choice. Getting off the tools and increasing your salary are common drawcards to these positions. However, securing your new role will require a strong construction management resume behind you.
Understanding what potential employers are looking for in a construction management professional and tailoring your experience to their needs will give you an edge. With the right tips and guidance, you can create the perfect resume that reflects your skills and experience in the construction industry.
If you’re feeling stuck on what to put in your construction management resume that will make you a top candidate, a great place to start is within the job description of the job you’re applying for.
If a job description emphasizes critical thinking or multitasking skills, you should use the same words when describing your experiences on your resume. Ensure that each past job is described in terms of what it required rather than just duties and responsibilities. This makes it more relevant to employers during their first glance at your resume.
Most construction managers are responsible for liaising with stakeholders, managing teams, and overseeing worksites, and this is commonly reflected in the job descriptions of construction manager job listings.
One of the strongest tools you can use to make your construction manager resume stand out is to emphasise your experience that’s relevant to the open position. Each construction job requires different skills and abilities that you need to demonstrate. For example, if you’re applying for a role in construction management, be sure to list any applicable project completions, training classes completed, or special certifications in building codes or management.
In construction management especially, an employer needs to see which types of projects you have worked on, the results they achieved, and any problem-solving techniques used during a project. A successful construction manager will not only be experienced in a variety of ongoing projects but also possess the skills needed to complete them efficiently and on schedule.
At the top of your resume, you should include a brief summary of your qualifications that discuss your relevant experience, abilities, and education. This will provide employers with the most important information about you before delving into your work history. Make sure to tailor it for the job—highlight past experiences that showcase strong leadership skills, problem-solving abilities, or organisational talents—and back up these points with hard numbers or specific examples. A well-written summary of qualifications can instantly grab an employer’s attention as they are skimming through your resume.
A Diploma of Building & Construction (Management) (CPC50320) will teach you the necessary skills and expertise to succeed in a construction management position, and give you a competitive edge in your resume and job applications. Employers are looking for professionals skilled with the ability and skills crucial to overseeing high-level construction projects.
The benefit of studying at the College for Adult Learning is that you can obtain a nationally recognised qualification with online, self-paced learning. You can continue to build on your construction management experience while you earn your qualification, making you job-ready upon graduation.
CAL is also proud to offer our exclusive Careers Hub to our students to help them through their studies and beyond to achieve real outcomes. Our Careers Hub offers a one-on-one call to receive personalised advice from our in-house expert Career Coach. It also provides a range of information, resources, and templates for your job search and succeeding in job interviews.
Along with relevant qualifications and experience, there are often other requirements for a construction manager. These requirements can differ depending on the tasks and responsibilities expected of the specific job.
Common other requirements include construction induction training, more known as a ‘white card’, which will allow you to carry out construction work. This is a requirement set out by state governments, so be sure to check your state’s laws and codes for more information and how to apply.
If you have also earned industry-specific certifications or awards, it’s important to list these achievements to show that you are dedicated to pursuing the highest standards in construction management.
Every great resume needs a ‘key skills summary’. For a construction manager resume, you want to highlight skills and traits you have or have demonstrated in your experience, or gained from formal education. Again, try to keep as relevant to the job posting that you are applying for as possible.
Successful construction managers need a range of hands-on, interpersonal, and ‘soft’ skills. Many of these can be learned through formal education, but some are personal traits learned through hands-on work, too.
Common skills for construction managers include:
It may seem like a given, but you should still ensure your formatting and design are professional. Pick fonts that are easy to read, such as Arial or Times New Roman, and keep the font size between 10 and 12 points. Use concise headers and bold text for emphasis. Place special attention on contact information and any relevant educational accomplishments.
Make sure hiring managers don’t skim over your resume by ensuring it is easy to read and well-polished. You may be the best person for the job, but they will never know if your resume doesn’t stand out or is just too cluttered and disorganised.
Your career in construction management starts with a standout resume. Use our tips to help you craft the right resume in order to stand out from other applicants and get noticed by employers.
If a construction manager role is right for you, gain relevant industry skills and expertise with a Diploma of Building & Construction (Management) (CPC50320). Enjoy self-paced, online study to gain a diploma while you work. Upon graduating, you’ll have the skills and experience employers are looking for.
Do you want to learn more about construction management skills employers demand, emerging job roles and salaries, and recent industry insights?
Discover your career in construction management.
CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT CAREER PAGE
