As the construction industry continues to thrive, hiring managers in New York City are seeking qualified and talented individuals to fill many different types of positions. Construction is a unique field with very specific hiring processes – yet like almost all jobs, construction jobs still require a resume.

Your resume is a hiring manager’s very first impression of you, so make sure it’s written thoughtfully, succinctly, and accurately and that it highlights your construction skills and experience.

Below are some tips to help you in the resume-writing process:

Find a Resume Template

There are hundreds of free resume templates online that you can use as a starting point. These are especially helpful if you’re not the strongest writer or if you’ve never written a resume. Even for professional writers, though, templates serve as a structured starting point.

When choosing templates to download, choose a one-page template – unless you have many years of different types of experience – with lots of white space on the sides. Be sure you delete the wording in the template and use the styling (bold, italics, etc.) to guide you.

Less Is More  

Choose a simple, readable font such as Arial or Times New Roman, and use it consistently throughout the resume. Be sure to use your full name, email address, and phone number at the top. Include a clear objective or goal (this should be included in a template; if it isn’t, add a spot for it).  Your objective should be clear and concise (no more than a sentence or two) and be written in active voice; fancy or flowery language will not impress the hiring manager, who is interested in learning what you want from the position. If you are applying for several different jobs, tweak your objective accordingly to fit each position – so, if you are applying for one position that focuses on carpentry and another that focuses on electrical work – assuming that you are skilled at both – be sure your objective is not too general and that it fits the job description.

List All Certifications and Licenses

Make sure to list out all current training, licenses, and certifications required for construction jobs. This will allow the hiring manager to get a better sense of your technical skills and past training. Some trainings – such as OSHA-30 – are mandatory, while others are specialized, such as certificates in masonry, welding, and heavy machinery operation. Though you may be tempted to embellish your skills, training, or experience, resist that temptation – it is important that you are truthful about everything on your resume. If you secure an interview, you will be asked to supply the hiring manager with official documents to supplement your resume.

Describe Past Jobs in Detail

The body of your resume should be descriptions of your work experiences. Be sure to use action verbs, such as contribute, collaborate, perform, and operate. Make mention of any specific materials you have worked with, such as concrete, wood, specific types of paints, or pipes. Describe your expertise and experience with any tools you have used to show a hiring manager that you have the skills to get a job done.

Ready to find your next construction job? You can get access to Building Skills NY construction job and training opportunities by checking out our Job Seekers page.