Does your resume highlight the skills and experience that the construction industry is looking for? Remember, it is a candidate market, so keep the following tips in mind when updating or reviewing your resume.
Even in this candidate-driven job market, there is still fierce competition for open positions. Many hiring managers are receiving resumes from many under-qualified applicants. As a result, vacancies are remaining open longer than usual. This can cause strain on projects, teams, and leadership. It is more important than ever to make sure that your application and resume stands out.
Whether you are putting together your first resume or updating your current one, it is important that the document be easy to read. Your resume is your first impression to the hiring manager, so make sure that it is a positive one!
If it has been several years since your last revision, look at online templates for guidance in creating a modern resume that will get noticed. Because many resumes are submitted online and then imported into an Applicant Tracking System (ATS), utilizing a template that is optimized for this type of submission will help you get through the screening process quickly and efficiently.
The basic sections that should appear on all resumes – regardless of industry – include:
- Contact information – Include a professional email. Pro tip: Create an email address dedicated to your job search so you can organize all responses in one place, thus reducing the possibility of missing an important message.
- Education – Formal education will have its own section. However, education is not only degrees you have obtained, but also continuing education courses or programs, seminars, certifications, and licenses. Be sure to list these in a separate, bulleted section.
- Experience – Just as education is not simply degrees, experience is not solely work you have been paid to perform. Volunteer experience can also be incredibly valuable and should never be discounted.
- Objective or Summary – This is where you tell the hiring manager that you have the right experience for their specific job. Your objective/summary shows that you have thoroughly read the job posting, researched the company, and feel that your skills and experience make you the best fit for the position.
Creating a clean, easy-to-read resume that is optimized for online submission and ATS compatibility will save you time and help you stand out in the right way.
Photo by João Ferrão on Unsplash
