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As a construction manager, you excel in project planning, team leadership and on-site coordination. Yet, crafting a resume that effectively showcases your skills might seem like a daunting task.
There’s no obstacle too great, however, and with the right resources, transforming your rich experience into a compelling resume is entirely achievable. Considering your track record of overcoming challenges and leading teams to success, drafting an exceptional resume is yet another project you’re equipped to master.
In this guide, we’ll provide you with:
- A range of construction manager resume examples showcasing best practices.
- Key features of the best construction manager resumes.
- Effective strategies to show potential through your resume.
- A walk-through of every section of a construction manager resume.
- Advice on selecting the most suitable design and structure for your resume.
Ready to make your resume today? Head directly to our AI Resume Builder. There, you can choose a design of your liking, plus get advice and easy-to-edit, auto-generated text for every section.
Construction manager resume examples
What makes this a great construction manager resume sample
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Uses a resume objective
This single-paragraph objective statement touches on the skill set and goals that would make this applicant a great construction manager, from hands-on experience to high-level skills like strategy and management.
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Includes substantive skills section
The skills section is comprehensive, showcasing the candidate’s tool proficiency, safety awareness and carpentry. This trio of skills portrays the applicant as a highly competent and knowledgeable professional.
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Emphasizes impact
Uses stats like “a 47% increase in customer satisfaction” to illustrate the applicant’s effective communication, project management and quality assurance strategies.
What makes this a great construction manager resume sample
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Highlights quantifiable achievements
This construction manager resume effectively showcases key successes using specific metrics, such as project completion rates, budget adherence, and safety records.
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Shows career progression
The work history section details a steady advancement through the construction industry, reflecting a series of progressively responsible roles leading to their current position.
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Illustrates leadership and vision
Through the strategic use of action verbs and compelling language, the resume conveys the candidate’s ability to lead with a forward-thinking approach.
Looking for a specific job title? Check out more construction resume examples related to your career field:
Browse other popular samples
Format your construction manager resume
When you’re leading construction projects, showing off your management skills and project experience is key to landing your next job — the best resume format can help you here.
You’ve got three main choices for your resume format, depending on where you are in your career.
- Chronological resume format: This one’s perfect if you’ve been in the construction game for a long time. It lets you list your jobs and what you achieved in each one, starting with the most recent. If you’ve been climbing the ladder in construction, use this to highlight the big projects you’ve managed and how you made them a success.
- Functional resume format: If you’re switching areas within construction or coming in from a different field, this format helps you focus on what you can do. It’s all about the skills you bring to the table, like leading teams, staying on budget and keeping to the schedule, no matter where you learned them.
- Combination resume format: If you’re somewhere in the middle of your career, this mix might be just right. It gives you space to talk about your skills and your job history. Say you’ve been in charge of sales for construction materials and now you want to manage entire projects. This format lets you show off how you’ve been a leader in sales and how those skills will make you a great project manager.
For most construction managers, the chronological resume is your best bet. It’s very popular, so hiring managers are comfortable with the format, and it clearly shows your career trajectory.
After picking the best format for you, the next step is to make your resume stand out with a great look.
Select an appropriate resume template
As the boss of the building site, you’ve got the freedom to pick any resume template that suits you.
But there’s a smart way to choose, just like picking the right tools for a job.
If you’re aiming for a role in a traditional construction firm, go for a simple template. It shows you mean business and you’re all about getting the job done right.
On the flip side, if you’re eyeing a spot in a company that’s all about innovative building techniques or eco-friendly projects, a creative resume might showcase your personality and out-of-the-box thinking.
And remember, our templates are easy to download, whether you’re a fan of Microsoft Word or Google Docs.
Let’s get to building a resume that puts you at the forefront of the construction management field.
How to write a construction manager resume in 5 easy steps
The key to a top-notch resume is tailoring it for every job — and you can do that for your construction manager resume in just five steps.
Step 1
Tailor your resume to the job description
In construction management, just like in building, precision matters. This is especially true when it comes to your resume. To really nail it, you need to use the same language the construction firm uses in their job description. Why? Because many firms use applicant tracking systems (ATS) to filter resumes before they even reach human eyes. These systems scan for specific keywords related to the job.
So, take a close look at the job posting. Identify key skills and responsibilities mentioned — things like “project management,” “budget oversight,” “safety compliance” or “team leadership.”
These aren’t just buzzwords — they’re the foundation of your targeted resume. Including these keywords helps ensure your resume passes the ATS test and makes it to the hiring manager, showing them you’re speaking their language and you have exactly what they’re looking for in a construction manager.
By ensuring you make an ATS-friendly resume, you increase your chances of landing in the “yes” pile. Remember, the goal is to make it clear you’re not just any construction manager — you’re the construction manager they need.
Step 2
Start strong with your introduction
Kick off your resume with a bang by choosing either a professional summary or an objective, depending on where you’re at in your construction management career.
For seasoned construction managers, a professional summary is your best bet. This is a quick snapshot of your career that highlights your biggest wins and skills. It’s perfect for showing off a solid track record of leading successful projects.
If you’re switching areas in construction, or coming from a different field, a resume objective might work better. It’s a chance to talk about what you’re aiming for and the valuable skills you bring to the table, even if they’re from outside traditional construction roles.
Let’s look at examples of each one.
Construction manager professional summary example:
Experienced construction manager with over 15 years leading high-stakes projects. Proven ability to deliver under budget and ahead of schedule, with a track record of boosting on-site efficiency by over 30%. Known for exceptional leadership and expertly navigating complex compliance landscapes to ensure project success.
Construction manager resume objective example:
Dedicated construction manager transitioning from a successful career in architectural design, eager to apply extensive knowledge of building design and project planning to lead construction projects. Committed to leveraging background in design to enhance project efficiency and aesthetic integrity, aiming to drive innovation in construction management.
Step 3
Pinpoint your construction management skills
As a construction manager, you juggle a lot of responsibilities. While you could list dozens of skills, it’s smarter to focus on those most relevant to your role and the job you’re applying for.
Make sure to include both hard skills (like specific technical abilities) and soft skills (which cover your interpersonal capabilities). Together, your hard and soft skills show you can lead a team to success.
Find key skills for a construction manager resume below.
- Project scheduling
- Budgeting
- Safety and compliance
- Building codes
- Construction management software
- Team motivation
- Effective communication
- Conflict resolution
- Stress management
- Strategic planning
Example of a strong skills section for a construction manager:
- Expert in using construction management software to streamline project tasks.
- Proficient in developing and adhering to budgets, with a history of reducing project costs by 20%.
- Skilled in leading diverse teams, ensuring high morale and productivity.
- Experienced in navigating zoning laws and construction permits to avoid project delays.
Don’t forget to mention your tech savviness. Having strong computer skills isn’t just a bonus — it’s essential in today’s construction industry.
Step 4
Craft a solid work experience section
Your work experience is where you get to showcase the buildings you’ve helped bring to life. Even though every construction project is unique, your resume’s mission is the same: show how valuable you are.
Highlight your past projects, starting with your most recent job and using bullet points to describe what you did there. Make sure your passion for construction and ability to lead a project shine through.
Also — use action verbs to bring your experience to life. They help paint a vivid picture of your skills and achievements.
Here’s how you might write it as a construction manager:
Construction Manager, ABC Development
Denver, CO
March 2016 – March 2024
- Spearheaded the shift from residential to commercial projects, increasing company revenue by 50% within two years.
- Managed a team of 50+ workers, promoting a culture of safety, efficiency and teamwork, resulting in a 25% rise in project delivery speed.
- Secured $10 million in project financing from key investment partners.
- Forged strong relationships with local governments and businesses, enhancing the company’s reputation and facilitating smoother project approvals.
Adding numbers to your achievements makes your impact clear. For a role as hands-on as construction manager, showcasing your results with concrete metrics is crucial.
Step 5
Detail your education and certifications
In construction management, your education and certifications show you know both the theory and practice of building. While degrees are important, the construction industry also values certifications that prove you can apply what you know on-site.
When listing your degrees and any professional certifications, make it more than a list. Show how your studies and certifications prepared you for the challenges of construction management.
How to list your construction education:
EDUCATION
Bachelor of Science in Construction Management
University of Colorado, Boulder, CO
Key Courses: Project Management, Safety and Compliance, Sustainable Building Practices
Certified Construction Manager (CCM)
Construction Management Association of America
Additional training:
- OSHA Safety Certification
- Advanced Project Scheduling with Primavera P6
Optional sections for your construction manager resume
Professional associations
Being part of professional construction management organizations not only keeps you updated on industry trends but also demonstrates your commitment to the field. Membership in such associations can enhance your resume by showing your dedication to professional growth and networking.
How to list professional associations on your construction manager resume:
- Member of the Construction Management Association of America (CMAA)
- Active participant in the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE)
Projects portfolio
Your involvement in significant construction projects highlights your practical experience and ability to turn concepts into reality. This section should showcase your leadership skills, problem-solving abilities and project delivery success.
How to list projects on your construction manager resume:
- Downtown mixed-use development: Led the construction of a $50 million mixed-use development project, completed on time and 10% under budget.
- Green office complex: Managed a team to build a LEED-certified office complex, enhancing energy efficiency by 40%.
- Infrastructure overhaul: Directed the upgrade of city infrastructure, improving traffic flow and safety for a community of 100,000 residents.
Awards and honors
Recognition for your work in construction management can set you apart from the competition. These honors and awards underscore your expertise, leadership and contribution to the construction industry.
How to list awards on your construction manager resume:
- Innovative Construction Manager of the Year – 2022: Awarded by the National Construction Association for pioneering sustainable building practices.
- Community Impact Award – 2020: Received from the City Council for the development of affordable housing projects.
Volunteer work
Volunteering, especially in roles related to construction, shows your willingness to use your skills for the greater good. In a volunteer experience section, you can also highlight your leadership qualities and commitment to community development.
How to list volunteer work on your construction manager resume:
- Habitat for Humanity: Volunteered as a project manager to lead the construction of homes for underserved communities.
- Local School Renovation: Coordinated a volunteer project to renovate and expand local school facilities, improving the learning environment for 500+ students.
Add a cover letter
Wondering if you, as a construction manager, need a cover letter? Though it might not be mandatory, a compelling cover letter can significantly boost your chances.
This additional piece allows you to delve deeper into your expertise, achievements and the unique journey that led you to construction management. It’s an excellent place to highlight specific projects and leadership successes or explain any career shifts.
For guidance, explore our tips on writing a cover letter and check out cover letter examples that have made a strong impact. These resources can help you understand what makes a cover letter stand out.
Ready to draft yours? Use our Cover Letter Builder to ensure your cover letter matches the professional look of your resume. Our cover letter templates make it easy, so you don’t have to start from scratch or worry about formatting.
Here are a few key reminders as you prepare your cover letter and resume package.
Construction manager resume — key takeaways
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Craft a summary statement
Begin with a clear and impactful summary that encapsulates your professional essence, key achievements and future objectives as a construction manager. This is your chance to make a strong first impression.
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Demonstrate leadership in your sector
A top-notch construction manager is also a standout leader. Ensure your resume highlights your leadership skills across all sections, from managing teams to steering projects to success.
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Quantify your successes
Use concrete numbers to validate your accomplishments. Whether it’s reducing project timelines, staying under budget or improving safety records, tangible metrics bolster your credibility.
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Emphasize professional development
Show potential employers your commitment to staying at the forefront of construction management practices. Highlight any additional training, certifications or education you’ve pursued.
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Detail significant projects
Your resume should shine a spotlight on the major projects you’ve managed, especially those that transformed or significantly benefited the company. Discuss the scope, your role and the outcomes.
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Include awards and recognitions
Stand out by mentioning any industry awards or recognitions you’ve received. These acknowledgments serve as a testament to your expertise and impact in the field of construction management.
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Maintain a professional design
Attention to detail matters. Ensure your resume is impeccably formatted, without errors in grammar or layout. A polished presentation reflects your professionalism and attention to quality.
Commonly asked questions about resume writing
Last Updated: February 21, 2024
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Don is a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW) with more than 10 years’ experience creating digital content, including four years helping job seekers develop their careers. He holds an M.S. in Journalism from Northwestern University.
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