Crafting a CV that showcases your project management skills and on-site experience can be a daunting task as a construction manager. Our guide provides expert tips and tailored examples to help you highlight your achievements and construct a resume that stands out to employers.
- Applying the simplest CV design, so that recruiters can easily understand your expertise, skills, and professional background;
- Ensuring you stand out with your header, summary or objective statement, and a designated skills section;
- Creating your CV experience section - no matter how much expertise you have;
- Using real life professional CV examples to enhance the structure and outline of your profile.
If you still have no muse to write your professional CV, find some more industry-leading examples.
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Formatting your construction manager CV to meet the role expectations
Staring at the blank page for hours on end, you still have no idea how you should start your professional construction manager CV. Should you include more colours, two columns, and which sections? What you should remember about your CV format is this - ensure it's minimalistic and doesn't go over the top with fancy fonts and many colours. Instead, focus on writing consistent content that actually answers the job requirements. But, how about the design itself :- Use the reverse chronological order to showcase your experience, starting with your most recent role;
- Include your contact details (email address, phone number, and location) - and potentially your professional photo - in the header;
- Must-have CV sections include summary or objective, experience, education, and skills: curate the ones that fit your profile;
- Your professional construction manager CV should be between one-to-two pages long: select the longer format if you have more experience.
A little bit more about your actual CV design, ensure you're using:
- plenty of serif or sans serif font (e.g. Montserrat, Exo 2, Volkhov) as they are Applicant Tracker System (ATS) compliant. Avoid the likes of Arial and Times New Roman because most candidates' CVs are in this typography.
When submitting your CV, are you still not sure what format it should be? Despite the myth that has been circling around, most modern ATS systems are perfectly capable of reading PDFs. This format is an excellent choice as it keeps all of your information intact.
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Use bold or italics sparingly to draw attention to key points, such as job titles, company names, or significant achievements. Overusing these formatting options can dilute their impact.
The top sections on a construction manager CV
- Professional Summary outlines leadership in construction projects.
- Relevant Construction Experience showcases completed projects and skills.
- Education and Certifications highlight relevant degrees and construction certificates.
- Project Management Skills section shows planning and oversight abilities.
- Health and Safety Expertise indicates commitment to worksite safety.
What recruiters value on your CV:
- Highlight your project management skills by detailing successful construction projects you've overseen, including timelines, budgets and the different stages of construction. Provide quantifiable achievements such as percentage of projects completed on-time and within budget.
- Showcase technical knowledge of construction methodologies, building codes, and health and safety regulations pertinent to the construction industry. Include any certifications such as the CSCS card or SMSTS to demonstrate your commitment to safety and industry standards.
- Illustrate your leadership capabilities by describing instances where you effectively managed teams, coordinated with subcontractors, and oversaw labour force. Mention any training or leadership courses you've completed that are relevant to managing construction teams.
- Emphasise your problem-solving skills by discussing specific challenges faced during construction projects and how you resolved them efficiently. Provide examples of innovative solutions or cost-saving modifications you’ve implemented on projects.
- Detail your communication and interpersonal skills, as liaising with clients, architects, and stakeholders is central to a construction manager's role. Mention any experience with contract negotiations, presentations, and report writing to show your proficiency.
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Making a good first impression with your construction manager CV header
Your typical CV header consists of Your typical CV header consists of contact details and a headline. Make sure to list your professional phone number, email address, and a link to your professional portfolio (or, alternatively, your LinkedIn profile). When writing your CV headline , ensure it's:
- tailored to the job you're applying for;
- highlights your unique value as a professional;
- concise, yet matches relevant job ad keywords.
You can, for examples, list your current job title or a particular skill as part of your headline. Now, if you decide on including your photo in your CV header, ensure it's a professional one, rather than one from your graduation or night out. You may happen to have plenty more questions on how to make best the use of your CV headline. We'll help you with some real-world examples, below.
Examples of good CV headlines for construction manager:
- Senior Construction Manager | BSc Civil Engineering | Chartered | Health & Safety Focus | 20+ Years Experience
- Project Lead - Commercial Builds | MSc Project Management | Cost Control Expert | NEBOSH Certified | 15 Years
- Junior Construction Supervisor | BTEC Level 3 Dip. | Site Coordination | Sustainable Practices | 3 Years On-Site
- Construction Operations Manager | High-Rise Development Specialist | Risk Assessment Pro | CIOB Member | 10 Years' Leadership
- Lead Site Manager | Residential Projects | Quality Assurance | HND Building Studies | CITB Accredited | 8 Years
- Principal Construction Engineer | Infrastructure Projects | MEng Civil Engineering | Stakeholder Engagement | MCIOB | 12 Years Experience
Opting between a construction manager CV summary or objective
Within the top one third of your construction manager CV, you have the opportunity to briefly summarise your best achievements or present your professional goals and dreams. Those two functions are met by either the CV summary or the objective.
- The summary is three-to-five sentences long and should narrate your best successes, while answering key requirements for the role. Select up to three skills which you can feature in your summary. Always aim to present what the actual outcomes were of using your particular skill set. The summary is an excellent choice for more experienced professionals.
- The objective is more focused on showcasing your unique value as a candidate and defining your dreams and ambitions. Think about highlighting how this current opportunity would answer your career vision. Also, about how you could help your potential employers grow. The objective matches the needs of less experienced candidates, who need to prove their skill set and, in particular, their soft skills.
Still not sure about how to write your CV opening statement? Use some best industry examples as inspiration:
CV summaries for a construction manager job:
- Accomplished Construction Manager with over 15 years of experience leading large-scale commercial projects, adept at budget management and workforce coordination. Notable success in the completion of the multi-million-pound redevelopment of an iconic London landmark, on time and under budget.
- Seasoned professional, transitioning from a 10-year career in architectural design to construction management, with demonstrated expertise in project planning, design implementation, and client relations. Instrumental in the design of award-winning sustainable housing complexes in Manchester.
- Dynamic Construction Supervisor pivoting from a career in civil engineering with an extensive 8-year background in infrastructure development. Proven track record in overseeing projects that meet rigorous operational standards, seeking to leverage problem-solving skills and technical knowledge in a hands-on management role.
- Forward-thinking professional possessing 12 years of impactful experience in software project management keen to bring leadership skills and a customer-focused approach to managing complex construction projects. Eager to apply agile methodologies and technological solutions to streamline construction processes.
- Eager to apply a fresh academic perspective to construction management, having recently graduated top of class from the University of Leeds with a MSc in Construction Engineering Management. Objective: to drive project efficiency and success using the latest industry techniques.
- Recent mechanical engineering graduate with a passion for sustainable building practices and modern architecture, aspiring to contribute to high-profile construction projects by applying insights from cutting-edge engineering research to real-world construction challenges.
How to meet job requirements with your construction manager CV experience
We've now reached the essence of your actual CV - your experience section. This is the space where you can list your career roles and on-the-job successes. Many candidates tend to underestimate just how much time and effort they should put into writing this CV section. Your experience shouldn't be a random list of your responsibilities, but instead:
- Match the job description with your skills, values, and accomplishments;
- Start each bullet with a strong action verb, followed up with one key skill and your outcome of applying this skill;
- Spotlight parts of your career history that are relevant to the job you're applying for.
Before we move on, make sure to check out some professional CV experience sections.
Best practices for your CV's work experience section
- Led a team of 30+ construction workers and ensured all members adhered to strict safety protocols, resulting in a 25% decrease in job-site incidents.
- Managed the construction of a multi-storey residential complex valued at £20 million, completing the project 10% under budget and two months ahead of schedule.
- Conducted regular on-site inspections and audits, leading to the identification of potential structural issues and implementing corrective measures, ensuring compliance with building codes.
- Oversaw the procurement of materials and equipment, negotiating with suppliers to reduce costs by 15% while maintaining high quality standards.
- Developed and maintained strong relationships with clients, architects, and subcontractors, which facilitated smooth project progress and minimized disputes.
- Implemented a new project management software, increasing overall team efficiency by 20% and improving communication and documentation accuracy.
- Coordinated cross-functional teams across electrical, plumbing, and carpentry trades, seamlessly integrating their work schedules to prevent project delays.
- Prepared and presented detailed project reports to stakeholders, highlighting progress, budget status, and risk management strategies, ensuring transparency and accountability.
- Championed environmentally sustainable construction practices, reducing waste by 30% and incorporating energy-efficient materials into projects.
- Directed the construction of a 50-story commercial skyscraper, managing a team of over 200, which completed the project 3 months ahead of schedule.
- Implemented a comprehensive site safety program, achieving a 40% reduction in reported incidents compared to the previous year.
- Negotiated contracts with vendors and subcontractors that led to a cost savings of 15% without compromising on quality.
- Oversaw the development and completion of a multi-use residential complex valued at $60 million, ensuring adherence to quality standards and local building codes.
- Facilitated cross-functional team meetings to enhance project coordination, which increased on-site productivity by 25%.
- Spearheaded a sustainability initiative that incorporated green building practices, resulting in LEED Silver certification for the project.
- Coordinated the technological integration for construction management, introducing BIM software that improved project visualization and reduced rework by 30%.
- Managed a budget of over $80 million, delivering all assigned projects within the allotted budget and timeframe.
- Developed and maintained relationships with local government officials to ensure smooth permit acquisition for new construction projects.
- Played a key role in the restoration of historically significant buildings, preserving architectural integrity while upgrading facilities to modern standards.
- Led weekly training sessions for on-site staff, increasing team efficiency and enhancing understanding of complex construction methods.
- Conducted thorough risk assessments for large-scale projects, mitigating potential issues through strategic planning.
- Managed the construction of a 30-mile highway expansion project, which improved local infrastructure and reduced traffic congestion by 20%.
- Implemented advanced project tracking systems to monitor progress, that allowed stakeholders to receive real-time updates on construction developments.
- Negotiated land acquisition deals and zoning changes necessary for the successful expansion of urban development projects.
- Coordinated with architects and engineers to streamline the construction process of a state-of-the-art educational facility, enhancing project delivery by 18%.
- Managed the implementation of energy-efficient systems in new constructions, leading to an average energy cost saving of 22% for building owners.
- Authored comprehensive progress reports that detailed project status, budget adherence, and compliance with local, state, and federal regulations.
- Supervised the renovation of a luxury hotel chain, overseeing multiple sites simultaneously while ensuring each met the brand's high standards for quality.
- Streamlined communication between project stakeholders by implementing cloud-based collaboration tools, significantly enhancing project transparency.
- Introduced a vendor performance tracking system, improving material sourcing efficiency and reducing delivery delays by 15%.
- Directed the successful installation of renewable energy systems in construction projects, such as solar and wind power, to promote environmental sustainability.
- Cultivated a culture of safety and accountability on the job site, resulting in a record number of consecutive days without an OSHA-recordable incident.
- Collaborated with local municipalities to manage the logistical aspects of urban infrastructure upgrades, impacting over 100,000 residents.
- Led the on-site management for the construction of a high-end retail complex, which included coordinating the intricate façade work using specialty materials.
- Ensured project compliance with increasingly stringent environmental laws, keeping the project ahead of regulation changes and avoiding fines.
- Developed a subcontractor incentive program that boosted on-site productivity and reduced the project’s overall timeline by 10%.
- Executed a comprehensive site logistics plan for the construction of a major sports arena, accommodating large-scale equipment and materials deliveries in a dense urban area.
- Led cross-disciplinary design reviews to ensure that architectural and engineering plans were optimally aligned with construction methodologies.
- Pioneered the use of drone technology for real-time aerial surveillance of construction progress, enhancing site safety and project management efficiency.
What to add in your construction manager CV experience section with no professional experience
If you don't have the standard nine-to-five professional experience, yet are still keen on applying for the job, here's what you can do:
- List any internships, part-time roles, volunteer experience, or basically any work you've done that meets the job requirements and is in the same industry;
- Showcase any project you've done in your free time (even if you completed them with family and friends) that will hint at your experience and skill set;
- Replace the standard, CV experience section with a strengths or achievements one. This will help you spotlight your transferrable skills that apply to the role.
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Talk about any positive changes you helped bring about in your previous jobs, like improving a process or helping increase efficiency.
The CV skills' divide: between hard and soft skills
Of course, you may have read the job requirements plenty of times now, but it's key to note that there is a difference between technical and personal skills. Both are equally relevant to your job application. When writing about your skill set, ensure you've copy-pasted the precise skill from the job requirement. This would not only help you ensure you have the correct spelling, but also pass any Applicant Tracker System (ATS) assessments.
- Hard skills show your technological capabilities. Or whether you'll be a good technical fit to the organisation. Ensure you've spotlighted your hard skills in various sections of your CV (e.g. skills section, projects, experience) by including the technology and what you've attained;
- Soft skills pinpoint your personality and people or communication skills, hinting at if you'll easily accomodate into the team or organisation. Quantify your soft skills in your CV achievements, strengths, summary/objective, and experience sections. Always support your soft skills with how they've helped you grow as a professional.
Top skills for your construction manager CV:
Project Management
Budgeting and Cost Control
Construction Methods and Technologies
Safety and Compliance
Contract Management
Quality Assurance
Blueprint Reading and Interpretation
Risk Management
Site Management
Building Codes and Regulations
Leadership
Communication
Problem-solving
Teamwork
Decision-making
Time Management
Negotiation
Adaptability
Attention to Detail
Conflict Resolution
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Order your skills based on the relevance to the role you're applying for, ensuring the most pertinent skills catch the employer's attention first.
Your university degree and certificates: an integral part of your construction manager CV
Let's take you back to your uni days and decide what information will be relevant for your construction manager CV. Once more, when discussing your higher education, select only information that is pertinent to the job (e.g. degrees and projects in the same industry, etc.). Ultimately, you should:
- List only your higher education degrees, alongside start and graduation dates, and the university name;
- Include that you obtained a first degree for diplomas that are relevant to the role, and you believe will impress recruiters;
- Showcase relevant coursework, projects, or publications, if you happen to have less experience or will need to fill in gaps in your professional history.
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Use mini case studies or success stories in your CV to demonstrate how your skills have positively impacted previous roles or projects.
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Key takeaways
Your successful job application depends on how you well you have aligned your construction manager CV to the job description and portrayed your best skills and traits. Make sure to:
- Select your CV format, so that it ensures your experience is easy to read and understand;
- Include your professional contact details and a link to your portfolio, so that recruiters can easily get in touch with you and preview your work;
- Write a CV summary if you happen to have more relevant professional experience. Meanwhile, use the objective to showcase your career dreams and ambitions;
- In your CV experience section bullets, back up your individual skills and responsibilities with tangible achievements;
- Have a healthy balance between hard and soft skills to answer the job requirements and hint at your unique professional value.
