Construction contractors are aware of popular misconceptions about the construction industry: that all the jobs are “dirty” jobs requiring only brute strength and that construction is just a job, not a career path. Those mistaken ideas about the construction industry overlook current building practices and such career prospects as:
- Civil engineer: designs, builds, and supervises construction projects
- Safety director: ensures a safe work environment and safe work procedures
- Construction manager/engineer: plans, coordinates, and budgets the project
- Construction estimator: estimates time, money, materials, and labor required for the project
- Construction inspector: makes sure the building meets all codes, zoning regulations, and contract specifications
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics has made the projection that these high-paying construction positions will increase between 7% and 10% per year over the next 10 years, which is considered faster than average.
While in the past some of the positions could be learned on the job, now all of them require a college education, internship, and sometimes licenses or certifications. Among the certifications that may be useful are LEED, Project Management Professional (PMP), and Certified Professional Constructor (CPC). Civil engineer, safety director, construction manager, construction estimator, and construction inspector jobs also require:
- Leadership and negotiation skills
- Technology skills, since so much data is kept, analyzed, and manipulated on computers from cost estimates and schedules to contracts
- The ability to see a project to complete on time and on budget
- The ability to understand and adhere to building codes and regulations
- The ability to maintain positive relations with construction crews, architects, building owners, town and stage agencies, and others
- Job-specific skills such as engineering, finance, and knowledge of state and local building regulations.
As for most careers, your resume should not simply list your education and skills but give specific details about the impact you had. For example, you should say exactly how many people you supervised, the exact size of the budget and project you oversaw, and the exact results of any problems that you solved or situations you mediated.
If you are starting your career or rising through the ranks in a construction industry profession, Robin’s Resumes® is ready to create a resume that will help you on your way.