Creating a strong resume is key for contractors seeking jobs. This article offers proven examples tailored for the contracting field. It also shares strategic tips from a hiring manager's perspective. Use this guide to present your skills and experience clearly to potential employers.
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Here's what we see in the best resumes for contractors:
Show Impact With Numbers: The best resumes show clear impact by using numbers. Common metrics include
Include Relevant Skills From The Job Description: Include skills on your resume that you have and are mentioned in the job description. Some popular ones are
Focus On Industry Standards: Knowing industry standards can set you apart. Use phrases like
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In the context of a contractor's resume, the place of your education section depends on your experience. If you are new to the field, show your education first. Hire managers look for your latest training relevant to construction or contracting. For example, a recent degree in construction management or certification in a specialized trade goes at the top. This is because it's your strongest qualification.
However, if you have been a contractor for some time, list your experience first. Strong practical experience is what most hire managers search for in this field. If you have completed new training courses that are important for your work, like a safety certification, mention these early in the education section. Even for experienced workers, recent education that upgrades your skills can be a key point. Yet, the further back your education, the lower it should be on your resume. In this case, your hands-on experience speaks louder.
Having specific certifications can make your resume stand out. For general contracting work, consider getting OSHA safety certificates or trade-specific licenses.
Highlight these near the top of your resume to ensure employers take note. It shows you are qualified and ready to start working.
As a hiring manager, I recommend that you keep your resume concise. If you're early in your construction career or have up to a decade of experience, aim for one page. This length shows that you can highlight the most relevant projects and skills without overwhelming the reader. Use clean templates to organize your information effectively.
For more seasoned professionals with extensive experience in the industry, a two-page resume can be appropriate. Ensure the first page captures your most significant and recent achievements as this is often what grabs attention during those crucial first few seconds of review. Remember, a shorter resume doesn't reflect less experience; it signifies your ability to prioritize the most important information about your work as a contractor.
Highlight your hands-on skills like equipment operation, blueprint reading, or project management. These are crucial for contractor roles.
Include any software skills related to construction management or design. Tools like AutoCAD or project management software can be important for certain jobs.
Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) are often the first hurdle when you apply for a job. As a contractor, you need to make your resume ATS-friendly to ensure it reaches a hiring manager. Here are tips to help you:
Make sure your resume shows your experience with clear, simple job titles and descriptions. For example, use 'contractor for residential construction' or 'commercial project contractor' to describe your roles. This way, the ATS can match your experience with the job requirements.
You want your resume to show why you're right for construction work. Think about what you've done that fits what the job asks for. Make sure each point is clear and shows off your skills.
As a contractor, you know your skills are the tools of your trade. Here's a list of key skills you should highlight on your resume, depending on your specialization:
Include these skills in a dedicated section for easy scanning. Remember that hiring managers often use application tracking systems (ATS) that search for these keywords. So, if you have experience in these areas, make sure they are visible on your resume.
You don't need to list every skill, only those that apply to the job you want. Think about the tasks you'll be doing and choose related skills. For example, if the job is heavy on site management, ensure
When you list your accomplishments as a contractor, using numbers can give a clear picture of your impact. This makes it easier for hiring managers to see the value you could bring to their team. Think about times when you saved money, reduced time spent, or improved efficiency.
Think about materials used or waste reduced. If you used
Use these numbers to tell a clear story of your achievements. They help hiring managers understand the tangible benefits you've provided in your past roles.