You might be the perfect fit for a job position, but without a polished resume on hand it could be difficult to even get an interview. Having an up-to-date copy on hand is essential if you are going to be able to take advantage of last-minute opportunities that arise. Whether you are revising an existing resume or starting from scratch, keep the following tips in mind.
Tailor to Your Goals
A resume isn’t just about what you have done in the past, it’s about where you want to be in the future. Think about the type of work that you would ultimately like to be doing: Do you want to hone your talents and focus on a specific vocation? Maybe you’d like to set yourself up for a management position. Regardless of your career goals, knowing what you’d like to ultimately be doing will help you determine the skills and experience that you should highlight in your resume.
Include Relevant Certifications
There are some jobs in construction that may require on-site workers to have specific qualifications, such as OSHA or NCCER. And while these may not be an absolute requirement for many positions, stating them on your resume can only help you stand apart from the crowd. Be sure to include when and where any certifications were issued, and that they are current.
Clearly State Your Role
With each job that you include on your resume, provide information about the specific role that you played. Perhaps you have been a part of a number of indoor/outdoor commercial construction projects. Were you doing the heavy labor or prepping the materials? Were you a quick on-site learner or were you mentoring junior team members? When describing a project, start big to provide an overview and then narrow in to focus on your specific tasks and responsibilities.
Include References
Some potential employers will require that you include references who can speak to your background and skills. Including these on your resume can save hiring managers the step of asking. Alternatively, you can state “references available upon request.” Either way, it’s best to know who is available to give you a glowing recommendation. Make sure that they are aware that you have included them as a recommendation so a call doesn’t catch them off-guard.
One Final Tip: Find Inspiration Everywhere
If you aren’t sure how your resume compares to the competition or you are having a hard time even getting started, it’s easy enough to find some inspiration. Search through examples on hiring sites like Monster.com, or professional social networks like LinkedIn. What do you think they are doing well, and where do you see opportunities to improve?
Additionally, if you go in for an interview and the hiring manager has questions about your skills or background, see if you can revise your resume so that some of this information becomes more easily apparent. Remember, everything can be a learning experience, both on and off-site.
