How to List Construction Skills on a Resume: Best Skills and Examples

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Why employers want to see construction skills on your resume

Listing different construction skills on your resume can show hiring managers that you have experience in many different areas of the field. Employers may want to see different hard and soft skills that relate to construction so they know you have the right qualifications for the job. Adding the construction skills needed for the job can also help employers learn more about what sort of training they may need to give you if they decide to hire you. 

How to list construction skills on your resume

Here is how you can list construction skills on your resume to get the hiring manager’s attention:

1. First, list the different construction hard skills you have

Employers will want to know about the different tools, machines and methods you’re familiar with. Make sure you list the skill level with different tools or machines you’ve worked with, including any certifications you may have to operate them. You should also include any specific construction skills you have, like experience with plumbing or wiring. Try to match these skills with the ones listed in the job description. 

2. Then, describe your construction safety skills

Construction can involve working with dangerous machinery in potentially hazardous areas. Most workers follow the general regulations set by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), Uniform Building Code (UBC) and Hazardous Materials Management (HAZMAT). Make sure to list the guidelines you’re familiar with for each regulatory body to show you know how to practice safety standards on the job.3. Finally, mention construction teamwork skills and attention to detailIt’s important to work with a group of team members to complete every part of a project. Using attention to detail means you can read different instructions and blueprints and finish tasks based on the guidelines. Listing these two soft skills can show a hiring manager you understand how to be a careful employee who can work well with others. If you have other related soft skills, like organization and time management, you should list those as well.

Best construction skills to add to a resume

Here are some of the best construction skills to add to your resume:

Construction project management skills

Construction project management involves completing a variety of different leadership duties. These skills could include overseeing a construction team, communicating with the client, managing a budget and monitoring construction progress. Project management is a valuable skill since many employers seek it. It can also help you get promotions or better opportunities in project management once you have enough experience. 

Administrative skills

As a construction worker, you may need to fill out paperwork, review schedules and work with different blueprints and instructions. These tasks are important in making sure a construction site flows smoothly. Being able to list clerical or administrative skills shows you can follow certain guidelines and safety standards. It also shows you’re dedicated to following the rules and avoiding hazards. 

Physical abilities

Construction can be a physically demanding job. You can list your ability to lift heavy objects, stand or move for hours at a time and operate complex machinery. You can also list your knowledge and use of personal protection equipment, such as hard hats, goggles and respirators. These skills are some of the most important for a construction worker to have since it makes up a large part of the job.

Technical skills

Construction can involve a lot of different types of special skills. 

Here are some of the common technical skills you could list on your resume:

  • Brick working
  • Painting drywall
  • Milling and cutting metal
  • Fixing roofs
  • Monitoring/testing electrical systems
  • Fabricating/assembling
  • Plumbing-adapting pipe size and water flow
  • Installing heating, ventilation, air conditioning (HVAC) equipment
  • Laying out reference points

How to improve construction skills 

Here are some steps to help you improve your construction worker skills: 

1. First, stay up to date on new construction technology and guidelines

There are constantly new tools, machines and guidelines released to improve the construction industry. Staying up to date on the new aspects of construction can help you become a better employee and increase your appeal to hiring managers. You can read news online to educate yourself on different tools and machines you can use. Check regulatory websites occasionally to make sure you know the latest guidelines to stay safe. 

2. Second, learn different construction techniques

There may be new or different ways to perform the same duties, like adding insulation or installing wiring. Make sure you continue to learn different techniques so you can stay efficient in your job. Shadow experienced construction workers to see how they work, read articles or watch videos online to keep learning. 

3. Third, practice your leadership skills

Knowing how to lead others is an important part of construction project management. See if you can take the lead on some upcoming projects so you can practice your leadership skills. Learn how to manage schedules, explain instructions and give constructive feedback to your team members. 

4. Finally, work on your physical skills

Not only do you need to lift heavy objects and move around a lot, but you also need to be able to operate machinery and work with small tools in tight spaces. Make sure you stay physically fit and improve your coordination and dexterity by practicing as much as you can. Ask your supervisor for more opportunities to work on your coordination while on the worksite, or you could practice at home.