By Brian Flynn, New England Regional Manager – Let’s be clear. Not having a resume or applying for a construction job without a resume is a mistake. Every hiring manager and every construction recruiter wants to get a clear understanding of your construction skills and professional experience before offering you the job or calling you in for an interview. With that said, your resume must give a brief and exact picture of the value you bring to the table. Below we have some points to keep in mind when you put together your construction resume.
Professional Summary
Walking into a construction staffing firm asking for work or applying to every opening out there without a concrete resume is not going to do it. What you need to do to increase the chances of landing your next construction job is to show that you are qualified and capable to do the job. This is where your resume comes in. Talk about your presence in the industry and how it relates to the employment opportunity you are interested in. Avoid fluff and general statements and be specific about the field you excel in and how you outmatch other applicants in order to add credibility to your application.
Labor Experience
Let’s suppose that you are a hiring manager or a construction recruiter, and you have in front of you a candidate for the open position you offer. How would you know that they are a good fit? Chances are that you would like to see whether they worked on similar jobs and they have the labor experience to meet your expectations. Be mindful of questions like this when you put together your construction resume. Include short descriptions of projects and roles you held in the past and prove that you the best fit for the job. Be specific and give examples of your industry expertise.
Technical Knowledge
In our industry, every job has distinct needs that require specific construction skills and technical knowledge. What is your professional niche? Are you an expert in fire alarm installation, Cat5 cable wiring, or in using hydraulic pipe benders? When you put together your construction resume, make sure to talk about tools and technologies you excel in and showcase that you are the right person for the job. Be honest about your capabilities and technical experience and make sure your resume is accurate and up-to-date.
References
Α very important item to keep in mind when you put together your resume is to include references that talk about previous achievements and projects that you worked on. Your references need to show that you have the work history and the construction skills to do the construction job that you are applying for. The most effective ones are those that come from people who you worked for and those who are able to showcase the professional value you bring to table. Always ask for references from previous employers and hiring managers and have them ready before they are requested.
Your Construction Recruiter
Demonstrating your construction skills when putting together your construction resume is not an easy task. Each construction job has specific needs and your resume has to show that you are capable of addressing these needs. The best way to make sure that you have the best results possible is to reach out to a construction recruiter and use their advice and guidance to best present your work history and experience. Their insight into open positions and their deep relationships with clients allow them to make the right match for professionals like you.
Key Takeaways to Landing Your Next Construction Job with Your Resume:
1. Have a professional summary that shows how qualified and capable you are
2. Include examples of previous projects and roles that are similar to the open position
3. Talk about your knowledge in using construction tools and technologies
4. Include references that speak to your construction skills and technical experience
5. Work with a construction recruiter to get the right guidance in putting together your construction resume
About TradeSource
Founded in 1993, TradeSource is a construction labor solutions firm focused on delivering labor solutions to contractors throughout the United States. By supplying skilled tradespeople – where and when they’re needed – we help contractors grow their companies, without the associated costs and hassles of full-time hires. Likewise, we match qualified employees with rewarding and well-paying job opportunities in the construction industry. www.tradesource.com
