With thousands of unfilled job positions, the construction industry is one of the most coveted and fast-growing industries in the country. However, getting one of these jobs requires more than simply figuring out how to best format a construction resume. With the right focus, attention to detail and drive, you can present yourself as one of the top candidates for a construction job this year.
Focus on One Area of Interest
Construction is a broad industry with professions ranging from painting, roofing, supervisors, building managers and so much more. It is easier to succeed in the construction industry if you hone in on one specific area of interest. Dedicate time and energy to exploring one thing and learn how to do it really well.
Take classes, find mentors, and become the best drywall expert in your area. Or master welding in a way that demonstrates your passion and skill level. This will help you create a portfolio of experience that will make you the perfect fit for your perfect job. Highlight these skills on your construction resume.
Highlight Relevant Skills and Knowledge
One of the biggest hurdles for entry-level professionals is figuring out a way to craft a compelling resume. If you lack a lot of actual work experience explore as many unpaid opportunities as you can in order to gain the experience you need.
Then learn how to highlight that on a resume. If you don’t have work experience, highlight unique skills you possess, such as a working knowledge of church construction or mastery level color design. It helps to browse a job listing for keywords and include those in your resume. For example, “can operate heavy machinery” or “fast learner.” If a company is using an applicant tracking system, this will help push your resume to the top and show you pay attention to important details.
Upskill to Upscale a Construction Resume
It doesn’t matter how hard you try to organize and create an impressive resume layout. If you aren’t actively working to continuously increase your skills, you’ll fall behind in the construction industry, or any industry. Reports published by Deloitte claim that the half-life of learned skills is now about five years. So the skills you’re learning today won’t last very long. Especially in a labor-intensive industry such as construction.
Seventy-seven percent of employers surveyed reported that they were more likely to shortlist a qualified candidate who regularly upskills. In the construction industry this means constantly staying ahead of technological changes, participating in gap training programs, or even finding a mentor who’s got the job you attain to have.
Entering a Trending Industry
As the economy continues to recover, construction companies begin to search for new talent as the older generation ages out of related jobs. This makes it a prime time for young professionals to enter a trending and lucrative industry. Now is the time to pursue careers that you are passionate about. Learning how to tailor your skills and experience on a resume will help you get there, but improving your skills throughout your career will help propel you to even greater success.
Don’t forget to take advantage of our FREE resume critique. You are great at construction and we are great at helping you get your dream job!
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Guest Blogger: Lucy Wyndham is a professional freelance writer, editor, and 
mother of two, who decided to take a step back and work from home after spending a decade working in the finance and health industries. You can reach out to Lucy at lucywyndham.writer@gmail.com
