As a construction general manager, one specific resume challenge you might face is effectively communicating the breadth of your project management skills and your ability to oversee complex building projects. Our guide is tailored to help you showcase your key achievements and industry expertise, ensuring your resume stands out to prospective employers.
- Sample industry-leading examples to learn how to write your best resume yet.
- Improve the experience, education, and achievements section of your resume with insights from resume-writing professionals.
- Curate your technical expertise and personality to stand out amongst the pool of candidates.
- Succinctly focus on your unique skill set all through your construction general manager resume.
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How to style your construction general manager resume: layout and format
When creating your construction general manager resume, have you ever wondered how long it should be? Experts point out that it should be between one and two pages. Choose the longer format, if you happen to have over a decade of relevant experience. What is more, resume formats play a crucial role in presenting your experience. Use the:- Reverse-chronological resume format to highlight your experience;
- Functional skill-based resume format if you have less experience and want to focus on skills;
- Hybrid resume format to guide recruiters through both your experience and skills.
- Make sure your headline is simple and includes the job you're applying for or your current role, an abbreviation of a certificate you have, or even your professional area of interest;
- Always tailor your construction general manager resume to the role you're applying for by matching job requirements to your experience via different resume sections;
- Once you've created your resume, download it in PDF (unless otherwise specified). This is to ensure readability and that the layout remains fixed.
Think about the market’s preferences – a Canadian resume, for instance, could have a different layout.
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List all your relevant higher education degrees within your resume in reverse chronological order (starting with the latest). There are cases when your PhD in a particular field could help you stand apart from other candidates.
Fundamental sections for your construction general manager resume:
- The header with your name (if your degree or certification is impressive, you can add the title as a follow up to your name), contact details, portfolio link, and headline
- The summary or objective aligning your career and resume achievements with the role
- The experience section to curate neatly organized bullets with your tangible at-work-success
- Skills listed through various sections of your resume and within an exclusive sidebar
- The education and certifications for more credibility and industry-wide expertise
What recruiters want to see on your resume:
- Demonstrated experience in managing large-scale construction projects from initiation to completion, including budgeting and scheduling.
- Strong leadership abilities with a track record of leading multidisciplinary teams and maintaining high team morale.
- Proficiency with construction management software and modern construction technologies.
- Understanding of construction laws, regulations, and building codes to ensure compliance on all projects.
- Excellent negotiation skills with vendors, contractors, and stakeholders to ensure project goals are met within financial constraints.
Creating your construction general manager resume experience to catch recruiters' attention
Remember that for the construction general manager role, hiring managers are looking to see how your expertise aligns with their requirements. Here's where your resume experience section can help out. Make sure you:
- Include mainly roles that are relevant to the construction general manager job you're applying for;
- Don't go too far back in your experience - recruiters will only care what you did a decade ago if it's really important for the construction general manager role;
- Each bullet you include should say what you did, followed by the skills you used and the actual end result of your efforts;
- Quantify each of your achievements with numbers and possibly the overall effect it had on the organization;
- Highlight transferrable skills - or personal skills you've attained thanks to past jobs - that could be applicable within your potential workplace. This would showcase your unique value as a professional.
Formatting the experience section of your resume doesn't have to be an over-the-top deep dive into your whole career. Follow the construction general manager resume examples below to see how industry-leading professionals are presenting their experience:
- Successfully managed the construction of a 30-story residential high-rise, ensuring project delivery within the allocated $25 million budget.
- Led a team of 100+ construction professionals and subcontractors, improving team efficiency by 25% through the implementation of an agile project management approach.
- Implemented a comprehensive safety program that reduced workplace accidents by 40% over a four-year period.
- Orchestrated the strategic planning and execution of an eco-friendly commercial center, achieving LEED Platinum certification.
- Spearheaded negotiations with vendors and suppliers to decrease materials cost by 15%, saving the company approximately $2 million across all projects.
- Pioneered the adoption of innovative construction technologies, introducing a BIM system that enhanced project visualization for stakeholders.
- Managed a portfolio of residential construction projects valued at $100 million, consistently delivering projects 10% under budget.
- Developed and maintained relationships with key clients, which led to a 30% increase in repeat business.
- Improved project completion time by 20% through the strategic restructuring of the project management workflow.
- Conducted comprehensive risk assessments on critical infrastructure projects, mitigating potential overruns and ensuring completion within strict deadlines.
- Championed employee professional development, providing training that led to a 95% staff retention rate over six years.
- Directed the site selection and development process for a series of retail outlets, which increased the company's market penetration by 18%.
- Streamlined procurement processes, which cut project costs by 12% and shaved an average of three weeks off material delivery times.
- Facilitated cross-departmental collaboration that led to the completion of a complex urban redevelopment project two months ahead of schedule.
- Lobbied for green building practices, overseeing the construction of the company's first net-zero energy building.
- Developed strategic partnerships with architectural firms to deliver innovative design-build projects, enhancing the company's portfolio with 5 iconic structures.
- Overhauled internal reporting processes, improving transparency and project status updates, which resulted in a 20% increase in client satisfaction ratings.
- Drove the sustainability initiative that reduced the company's carbon footprint by integrating renewable energy systems into 70% of new projects.
- Coordinated with city planners and regulatory agencies to expedite permit approvals, reducing wait times by 60% for time-sensitive projects.
- Implemented a customized project tracking software that increased reporting accuracy and accountability among project managers.
- Negotiated and finalized a $50 million contract for the construction of a new manufacturing facility, which was delivered six months ahead of schedule.
- Successfully delivered a diversified portfolio of projects including residential, commercial, and industrial, with a combined value of over $200 million.
- Leveraged emerging AI and ML technologies to optimize construction processes, improving project efficiency by 30%.
- Cultivated a company culture centered on continuous improvement, leading to a 50% reduction in rework due to error over the first three years.
Quantifying impact on your resume
- Highlight the total value of the projects you've overseen to show your familiarity with large-scale operations.
- Indicate the percentage of projects completed under budget to demonstrate your cost-saving abilities.
- Detail the number of direct reports you've managed to illustrate your leadership and team management skills.
- Specify the reduction in construction time achieved through your strategies to emphasize your efficiency and time management.
- Report on the percentage increase in your company's client base due to your networking and relationship-building efforts.
- Document the number of safety incidents reduced under your supervision, proving your commitment to workplace safety.
- Mention the value of contracts successfully negotiated to highlight your business acumen and negotiation skills.
- Present the percentage growth of your construction firm during your tenure, reflecting your impact on overall business success.
Action verbs for your construction general manager resume
Making the most of your little to none professional experience
If you're hesitant to apply for your dream job due to limited professional experience, remember that recruiters also value the unique contributions you can offer.
Next time you doubt applying, consider this step-by-step approach for your resume's experience section:
- Rather than the standard reverse chronological order, opt for a functional-based format. This shifts the focus from your work history to your achievements and strengths;
- Include relevant internships, volunteer work, or other non-standard experiences in your construction general manager resume's experience section;
- Utilize your education, qualifications, and certifications to bridge gaps in your construction general manager resume experience;
- Emphasize your interpersonal skills and transferable skills from various industries. Often, recruiters seek a personality match, giving you an advantage over other candidates.
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If you happen to have some basic certificates, don't invest too much of your construction general manager resume real estate in them. Instead, list them within the skills section or as part of your relevant experience. This way you'd ensure you meet all job requirements while dedicating your certificates to only the most in-demand certification across the industry.
In-demand hard skills and soft skills for your construction general manager resume
A vital element for any construction general manager resume is the presentation of your skill set.
Recruiters always take the time to assess your:
- Technological proficiency or hard skills - which software and technologies can you use and at what level?
- People/personal or soft skills - how apt are you at communicating your ideas across effectively? Are you resilient to change?
The ideal candidate presents the perfect balance of hard skills and soft skills all through the resume, but more particular within a dedicated skills section.
Building your construction general manager skills section, you should:
- List up to six skills that answer the requirements and are unique to your expertise.
- Include a soft skill (or two) that defines you as a person and professional - perhaps looking back on feedback you've received from previous managers, etc.
- Create up to two skills sections that are organized based on the types of skills you list (e.g. "technical skills", "soft skills", "construction general manager skills", etc.).
- If you happen to have technical certifications that are vital to the industry and really impressive, include their names within your skills section.
At times, it really is frustrating to think back on all the skills you possess and discover the best way to communicate them across.
We understand this challenge - that's why we've prepared two lists (of hard skills and soft skills) to help you build your next resume, quicker and more efficiently:
Top skills for your construction general manager resume:
Project Management Software (e.g., Primavera, MS Project)
AutoCAD
Building Information Modeling (BIM)
Cost Estimation Tools
Scheduling Software
Construction Management Software (e.g., Procore, Buildertrend)
Quality Control Systems
Safety Management Systems
Contract Management Software
Microsoft Office Suite
Leadership
Communication
Problem-Solving
Negotiation
Time Management
Decision Making
Team Collaboration
Adaptability
Conflict Resolution
Strategic Planning
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If you failed to obtain one of the certificates, as listed in the requirements, but decide to include it on your resume, make sure to include a note somewhere that you have the "relevant training, but are planning to re-take the exams". Support this statement with the actual date you're planning to be re-examined. Always be honest on your resume.
Discover the perfect certification and education to list on your construction general manager resume
Value the insights your resume education section offers. It can shed light on various proficiencies and experiences tailored for the job.
- Add only college or university degrees, stating the institution and duration.
- If you're nearing the end of your degree, note your graduation date.
- Weigh the pros and cons of including unrelated degrees - it might not be your best choice with so little space on your resume.
- Talk about your educational achievements if they amplify your relevant experience.
There are so many certificates you can list on your resume.
Just which ones should make the cut?
- List your prominent higher education degree in a separate box, alongside the name of the institute you've obtained it from and your graduation dates
- Curate only relevant certificates that support your expertise, hard skills, and soft skills
- Certificates that are more niche (and rare) within the industry could be listed closer to the top. Also, this space could be dedicated to more recent certifications you've attained
- Add a description to your certificates or education, only if you deem this could further enhance your chances of showcasing your unique skill set
When listing your certificates, remember that it isn't a case of "the more, the merrier", but rather "the more applicable they are to the industry, the better".
Recruiters have hinted that these are some of the most in-demand certificates for construction general manager roles across the industry:
The top 5 certifications for your construction general manager resume:
- Project Management Professional (PMP) - Project Management Institute (PMI)
- Certified Construction Manager (CCM) - Construction Management Association of America (CMAA)
- Associate Constructor (AC) - American Institute of Constructors (AIC)
- Certified Professional Constructor (CPC) - American Institute of Constructors (AIC)
- Construction Health and Safety Technician (CHST) - Board of Certified Safety Professionals (BCSP)
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Showcase any ongoing or recent educational efforts to stay updated in your field.
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Deciding between a resume summary or objective for your construction general manager role
Understanding the distinction between a resume summary and an objective is crucial for your construction general manager resume.
A resume summary, typically three to five sentences long, offers a concise overview of your career. This is the place to showcase your most pertinent experience, key accomplishments, and skills. It's particularly well-suited for those with professional experience relevant to the job requirements.
In contrast, a resume objective focuses on how you can add value to potential employers. It addresses why they should hire you and outlines your career expectations and learning goals. Therefore, it's ideal for candidates with less experience.
In the following section of our guide, explore how resume summaries and objectives differ through some exemplary industry-specific examples.
Resume summaries for a construction general manager job
- Seasoned construction general manager with over 15 years of robust experience in large-scale commercial building projects, leveraging in-depth knowledge of project management, budget optimization, and team leadership. Distinguished by achieving a 30% increase in operational efficiency on major development projects by incorporating lean construction principles. Proficient in AutoCAD and BIM software.
- Driven professional with a wealth of experience in manufacturing management aiming to pivot into construction management. Brings a proven track record of improving production efficiency by 25% through strategic workforce planning and lean processes. Offers solid problem-solving abilities and a deep commitment to learning the intricacies of construction project administration.
- Adept at orchestrating complex engineering projects, an electrical project manager now transitioning into the construction industry. With over a decade of experience, keen to apply project lifecycle management skills and knowledge of electrical systems to contribute to high-stakes construction projects. Recognized for delivering multimillion-dollar projects 20% under budget and ahead of schedule.
- Goal-oriented and newly graduated civil engineer aiming to segue into a construction management role. Focused on applying academic knowledge of structural design, construction planning, and sustainability practices to facilitate project success. Determined to leverage exceptional analytical skills and a fresh perspective to support efficient and eco-conscious construction processes.
- Motivated career changer from the finance sector, excited to bring strong analytical abilities and strategic planning skills to the construction industry. Eager to apply a decade’s experience in financial management, risk assessment, and team leadership to ensure the seamless operation and fiscal integrity of construction projects. Committed to mastering industry-specific knowledge and technologies.
- Passionate individual with extensive leadership experience in retail operations, ready to immerse in the construction field. Keen to utilize skills in team management, customer relations, and operational oversight to enhance project delivery. Eager to undertake rigorous on-the-job learning to become a key contributor in executing construction projects that surpass client expectations.
What else can you add to your construction general manager resume
What most candidates don't realize is that their construction general manager resumes should be tailored both for the job and their own skillset and personality.
To achieve this balance between professional and personal traits, you can add various other sections across your resume.
Your potential employers may be impressed by your:
- Awards - spotlight any industry-specific achievements and recognitions that have paved your path to success;
- Languages - dedicate some space on your construction general manager resume to list your multilingual capabilities, alongside your proficiency level;
- Publications - with links and descriptions to both professional and academic ones, relevant to the role;
- Your prioritization framework - include a "My Time" pie chart, that shows how you spend your at-work and free time, would serve to further backup your organization skill set.
Key takeaways
- The format and layout of your construction general manager resume should reflect on both your career and what matters most to the job you're applying for;
- Use the resume summary and objective to hint at your most prominent accomplishments;
- Always be specific about your experience and consider what value each bullet you curate adds to your construction general manager application;
- Consider how your academic background and technical capabilities could further showcase your alignment to the role;
- Your soft skills should contribute to your overall construction general manager profile - aligning your personality with skills and results.
