how to write a resume for a construction project manager

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7 Construction Project Manager Resume Examples for 2024

• Construction Project Manager

Best for candidates with 3+ years of experience

With your job experience and a stunning resume layout, recruiters will be ready to give your application the official stamp of approval.

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Like this template? Customize this resume and make it your own with the help of our Al-powered suggestions, accent colors, and modern fonts.

• Construction Project Manager Resumes by Experience
• Construction Project Manager Resumes by Role

Construction project management is a career that demands clear lines of clarity and accountability. Your job is to focus on the overall project and make sure your team understands what’s needed. You have the opportunity to build something important, leading others in this accomplishment while keeping them safe.

Whether you’re just starting a career in construction management as an intern or you’re a seasoned professional, jobs are awaiting you during this time of growth. Using our AI cover letter generator and construction project manager resume samples as a starting point will give you a leg up on the competition in 2024.  We’ve done the research and know what will get your resume noticed , so you can secure an interview and, ultimately, your next job!

Construction Project Manager Resume

or download as PDF

Why this resume works

• Use this opportunity to showcase any specializations you’ve honed in this short paragraph. Different from a  resume objective , the summary is reserved for those with 10+ years in their field.  
• Pro tip: Look at the job description and responsibilities required, and use metrics in your resume to demonstrate how you’ve already accomplished similar objectives.

Entry-Level Construction Project Manager Resume

• Yes, this is possible even with little experience! Obviously, having internship experience in project management is helpful, but even if you don’t, it’s possible to demonstrate you’re the right candidate for the job.
• For example, if the position you’re hoping to land is seeking someone who can manage teams or analyze trends, use your work experience bullet points to showcase how you’ve led others to complete an assignment or how you’ve advised management to adopt certain equipment based on current trends. 
• Include mostly hard skills, skills you’re genuinely adept in that match those on the job description.
• These might include site safety or job-specific software.
• Soft skills are also appropriate to list, such as strong communication and negotiation. 

Junior Construction Project Manager Resume

• Attaching your knowledge of communication and management software/tools in the form of your construction project manager cover letter will also point out your technical skills.

Senior Construction Project Manager Resume

• Discern the difference between what you want to include because you’re proud of your accomplishments, as you should be, and what is truly relevant to the job you’re applying to. Relevancy is king when keeping your resume to one page.
• This reinforces to employers that you’re genuinely skilled in those areas.
• It also provides context around how you used your skills in construction project management, making your candidacy stronger.

Commercial Construction Project Manager Resume

• Use your past construction experience and list exactly what the job expects from the perfect candidate. From documentation to completing high-value projects, quantify each task with accurate numbers to give the employer a solid insight into your potential!

Assistant Construction Project Manager Resume

• Forgetting to include your degree is a deal-breaker as hiring managers need to immediately discern whether you have that qualifier. 
• Hiring managers will first see your most recent and, likely, most relevant position. Then, they can scan down the rest of your resume to see older history. 
• This is important because as you seek an assistant construction PM role, your goal is to demonstrate that your previous positions have progressively prepared you to take on management work. 

Residential Construction Project Manager Resume

• Using an aid like our  free resume checker  will allow you to take advantage of professional templates, formats, and tools that assist with active language, metrics, and more. 
• For example, in a past construction project management job, did you lead coordination between teams, implement new processes, or receive positive feedback from leadership or clients?

Related resume guides

• Construction Worker
• Electrician
• Landscape Worker

Construction Project Manager Resume Example [For 2024]

As a construction project manager, you’re responsible for large-scale projects.

You will undoubtedly face many problems along the way.

But maybe you weren’t expecting to face one so soon: your resume.

Creating a resume is hard at the best of times, but especially for someone going for the role of construction project manager. 

After all, how do you show your project management skills, construction knowledge, and leadership ability? 

There are many questions to be answered, but don’t worry, simply follow our step-by-step guide for:

• A job-winning construction project manager resume example
• How to create a resume that hiring managers love
• All of the latest tips and tricks to make your resume stand out

Not feeling inspired yet? 

Here’s a construction project manager resume example, created with our very own resume builder:

Keep reading through this guide to create a resume that looks as good (or better) than the above example!

How to Format a Construction Project Manager Resume

Before we get to the juicy details, you need to decide on the best format.

After all, the hiring manager will think twice before hiring a project manager who has a poorly-formatted resume. 

Remember, your resume is the first chance you have to impress your future employer, so it needs to be professional.

The most common resume format is “ reverse-chronological ,” so we’d recommend starting with that:

Two other resume formats you may want to try are:

• Functional Resume – If you’re skill-strong but experience-poor, this is the format for you. The functional resume focuses on skills, which makes it ideal for individuals lack experience or have gaps in their employment history.
• Combination Resume – If you have both skills AND work experience, you may want to try a combination resume. The combination resume combines both the reverse-chronological and functional formats.

Once you’ve decided on the format, you need to get your resume layout right.

Here’s a quick summary of what we recommend:

• Margins - One-inch margins on all sides
• Font - Pick a font that stands out, but not too much. 
• Font Size - Use a font size of 11-12pt for normal text and 14-16pt for headers
• Line Spacing - Use 1.0 or 1.15 line spacing
• Resume Length - Don’t go over the 1-page limit. Having trouble fitting everything into one page? Check out these one-page resume templates.

Use a Construction Project Manager Template

Ever made a resume using a normal text editor?

If so, you probably agree with us: it’s a total pain.

For starters, you end up messing around with the formatting longer than it actually takes to write the content.

Then, once everything is perfect, you make a single change, and BAM! Your entire resume falls to pieces. 

To skip the headache, try using a construction project manager free resume template .

What to Include in a Construction Project Manager Resume

The main sections in a construction project manager resume are:

• Contact Information
• Work Experience

If you want your resume to stand out more, you can also try these optional sections:

• Awards & Certification

Interests & Hobbies

• Volunteer Experience

Now, let’s go through every section, and explain how to write each one.

Not sure which sections to use? Check out our guide to What to Put on a Resume .

How to Get Your Contact Information Section Right

The most crucial element in your whole resume is the contact section. After all, the whole purpose of the resume is to get them to contact you! As such, triple check that you’ve made no typos. 

For your contacts, include:

• Title - Make this specific to the role you’re applying for, which in this case is “Construction Project Manager”
• Phone Number - Double-check, and then triple-check this. One small mistake can really ruin your chances
• Email Address - Make sure to use a professional email address ([email protected]), and avoid that email you created back in 5th grade ([email protected])
• Location - Applying for a job abroad? Mention your location
• Josh Fakester - Construction Project Manager. 101-358-6095. [email protected]
• Josh Fakester - Construction King. 101-358-6095. [email protected]

How to Write a Construction Project Manager Resume Summary or Objective

The job market is fierce.

And because each job opening receives resumes by the hundred, it should come as no surprise that recruiters spend less than 6 seconds reviewing each resume!

This means one thing:

Your resume needs to catch the recruiter’s attention – immediately!

But how can you do this?

The answer is simple: use a resume summary or objective .

As a quick intro, both resume summary and objective are short, snappy sections that go on top of your resume, just under the contact information section.

The main difference between the 2 sections is that:

A resume summary is a 2-4 sentence summary of your professional experiences as a construction project manager.

• Driven project manager with 5+ years of construction experience for corporate and private clients. Strong history in meeting budgeting requirements and timeline targets. Passionate and ready to manage large-scale construction projects for Company X.

A resume objective , on the other hand, is a 2-4 sentence snapshot of your professional goals and aspirations.

• Motivated architectural engineer graduate seeks employment with Building Company X. Experience planning and coordinating projects at private construction sites in Boston. Adept at budgeting, problem solving, communicating, and organizing. 

So, which one should you use on your resume? 

Construction managers usually have a lot of experience, so a resume summary is the best and most commonly used option.

Resume objectives are more suited to those working in construction but never held a management position, or those who have held management positions but not in construction.

How to Make Your Construction Project Manager Work Experience Stand Out

It goes without saying, but your work experience is the most important section in your resume.

And as you’re going for a management role that takes on a lot of responsibility, the hiring manager will want to see that you’ve “been there and done it”.

Here’s how to correctly structure your work experience section:

• Position name
• Company Name
• Responsibilities & Achievements

Construction Project Manager

Construkt Inc. 

01/2015 - 06/2019

• Monitored 10 sites on a daily basis to check progress
• Daily delegation of responsibility to 34 members of staff
• Kept all projects on budget, while always being prepared for unplanned costs
• Managed a healthy relationship between key stakeholders and clients

As you may notice, the example places an emphasis on achievements, not just daily tasks.

So, instead of saying:

“Managed delegation”

“Daily delegation of responsibility to 34 members of staff”

What’s the difference here?

The second quote is more specific. It creates an image in the reader’s mind, which allows them to see the benefits to hiring you for the job. You know exactly what the person did, and you can say that they’re reliable.

The first example doesn’t go into enough detail. Sure, you were in charge of delegation, but readers can’t tell how many people you delegated to, and on with what frequency.

Use Action Words to Make Your Construction Project Manager Resume POP!

• “Responsible for”
• “Worked in”

These are just some of the most common words you’ll find on ANY project manager resume.

And since you want to be different, we’d recommend avoiding them as much as possible.

Instead, use some of these power words to make your responsibilities and achievements stand out:

• Conceptualized
• Spearheaded

How to List Your Education Correctly

The next section in any construction project manager resume is the “Education” .

All you need to here is list out your education entries, and you’re good to go!

• Degree Type & Major
• University Name
• Years Studied
• GPA, Honours, Main Courses, Thesis

B.A. in Construction Project Management

Boston State University

• Relevant Courses: Fundamentals of Construction Project Management, Construction Estimating & Documentation, Building Construction Drawing, Creating Construction Plans, OSHA Standards, MEP Plans and Specifications, Mechanical and Electrical Systems.

Before we move onto the next section, here are our answers to the most frequently asked questions on education:

What if I am still in education?

• Whether you’re still studying or not, you should still mention all courses that you have started. 

Do I include my high school education in this section?

• Only if that is your highest education qualification. The hiring manager won’t care about your high school education if you have a construction degree.

Should I prioritise education or experience?

• Have relevant work experience? Then they go on top

Still have some questions? Check out our guide on how to list education on a resume .

Top 12 Skills for a Construction Project Manager Resume

When the hiring manager is looking over your resume, they want to see that you’re highly-skilled.

You see, hiring managers will be briefed about what skills to look for. 

The danger is, if you don’t list your skills, the hiring manager will likely skip your resume altogether. 

Need a dose of inspiration?

Here are some of the most common construction project manager skills:

Hard Skills for a Construction Project Manager:

• Project management & planning
• Commercial & residential development
• Job site health & occupational safety
• Civil engineering
• Pipeline asset management
• Building codes and regulations

Soft Skills for a Construction Project Manager:

• Communication
• Negotiations 
• Team building
• Stress tolerance
• Risk management 
• Now, soft skills are important for a management position, but we generally recommend not going overboard with them. Generic soft skills are harder to back up, and because of this, every resume contains the same soft skills listed.

Looking for the most comprehensive list out there? Check our mega-list of 150+ must-have skills .

Other Resume Sections You Can Include

At this point, you’re probably looking at your resume with pride, ready to send it over.

But wait, does your resume stand strong among the sea of resumes?

Imagine this: there are ten applicants with similar skills and experiences, but three of the applicants have gone a step further and talked about their successful portfolio, who do you think gets the interview?

Yep, those that included a portfolio. 

Truth is, there are a number of other sections you can add to your resume, let’s look at a few:

Awards & Certifications

Did you win a competition during your studies?

Did you win an award at your previous job?

Have you completed a number of courses on Coursera?

If you’ve won or five, be sure to mention them in your resume!

Awards & Certificates

• “Best Presentation” - Boston University  
• “Learning How to Learn” - Coursera Certificate
• AGC Certified

Are you passionate about all-things construction?

Well, that’s great! That’s exactly what your hiring manager likes to hear.

And the best way to display your passion is with a project.

Whether it’s a college class project or a personal side-hustle, HR would love to know more.

Here is the type of projects you could mention:

• Managing your own small-scale construction project
• University where you managed a team project

Now, a second language is very rarely a requirement when going for the role of construction project manager.

With that said, being able to speak multiple languages is always impressive.

Although this isn’t an essential part of your resume, but if you have space, go for it! 

Make sure to split the languages by proficiency:

• Intermediate

You enjoy managing construction projects, but why does the hiring manager need to know about your passion for climbing on the weekend?

Well, it says something about who you are as a person. It makes you more relatable and human.

You see, the company is looking for someone they’re going to enjoy working with.

Not sure which hobbies & interests you want to mention? We have a guide for that!

Include a Cover Letter with Your Resume

Following the tips in this guide will give you one of the best resumes the hiring manager will read.

But is this enough?

What if another applicant goes one step further by including a cover letter?

Well, then you’re in trouble.

You see, cover letters are still very important .

Cover letters show the recruiter that you’re passionate about working for this exact position , not just firing off your resume to every company out there.

As such, including a cover letter with your resume can significantly increase the chances of getting that elusive job.

Like when crafting your resume, you must first get the structure of your cover letter right. Here’s how to do that:

Here’s how to craft a winning Cover Letter:

Contact Details

Your personal contact information, including full name, profession, email, phone number, location, website.

Hiring Manager’s Contact Information

Full name, position, location, email

Opening Paragraph

Write a strong introduction that instantly hooks the reader. The opening paragraph should mention…

• The exact position you’re applying for
• Your experience summary and top achievements to date

Once you’ve got the hiring manager hooked, you can go through the rest of your background. Some of the points you can mention here are:

• Why you want to work for the company
• What do know about the company’s beliefs and culture
• What are your best skills and how do they benefit the company
• If you’ve ever worked in similar industries or positions

Closing Paragraph

This is where you:

• Conclude the points made in the body paragraph
• Thank the hiring manager for their time
• End with a call to action to continue the conversation. Something like, “I’d love to further discuss how my experience as an X can help the company with Y”

Formal Salutations

Use a formal closing, such as “Best regards” or “Sincerely.”

Creating a cover letter is hard, and it’s not worth taking any chances. Follow our step-by-step guide on how to write a cover letter .

Key Takeaways

So, that’s how to create a winning construction project manager resume! Simply follow the steps in this guide to land that dream role. Before you go, let’s quickly go through everything you’ve learned today:

• Choose the correct format for your construction project manager resume. If you have the experience, you should use a reverse-chronological format. For the layout, follow the best practices.
• Use either a resume summary or objective to keep the recruiter hooked
• Your work experience section should talk more about your achievements, instead of your responsibilities.
• Create a solid portfolio of your best work.
• Give a cover letter explaining why you’re best for the construction project manager job.

Related Resume Examples

• Architect Resume
• Graphic Design Resume
• Welder Resume
• Career Change Resume

Suggested Reading:

• What Is Your Greatest Accomplishment? [3 Proven Answers]
• How to Write an ATS Resume [8+ Templates Included]
• 43+ Resume Tips and Tricks to Land Your Next Job in 2024

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• • Oversaw the development of a high-profile $10M commercial building project, ensuring completion 2 months ahead of schedule.
• • Managed a diverse team of 50+ professionals, achieving a 30% increase in efficiency through effective leadership and resource allocation.
• • Implemented innovative construction techniques, resulting in a 15% reduction in material costs and a 10% increase in sustainability.
• • Negotiated contracts with vendors, securing favorable terms that saved the company $500K over the project duration.
• • Conducted comprehensive risk assessments, mitigating potential issues and ensuring project compliance with industry standards.
• • Managed a $7M residential construction project, delivering high-quality results within budget and on time.
• • Coordinated with cross-functional teams to streamline processes, enhancing overall project efficiency by 20%.
• • Implemented cost-saving strategies, reducing project expenses by 10% without compromising on quality.
• • Facilitated regular client meetings, ensuring alignment with client expectations and project objectives.
• • Contributed to the successful completion of a $4M public infrastructure project, meeting all regulatory requirements.
• • Assisted in budget management, tracking expenses and identifying cost-saving opportunities.
• • Collaborated with architects and engineers to resolve technical challenges, ensuring project adherence to design specifications.
• • Managed subcontractor relationships, ensuring timely completion of assigned tasks.

9 Construction Project Manager Resume Examples & Guide for 2024

Ensure your construction project manager resume showcases your leadership skills. Highlight your ability to effectively lead teams and manage resources. Demonstrate your knowledge of construction processes and project management tools. Detail your experience with budgeting, scheduling, and safety compliance.

All resume examples in this guide

Construction General Manager

Construction Manager

Construction Office Manager

Construction Superintendent

Facilities Manager

Maintenance Manager

Roofing Project Manager

Site Manager

Construction Project Manager | Strategic Planning | Team Leadership resume example

Resume Guide

Construction Project Manager Resume

Resume Format

Resume Experience

Hard & Soft Skills

Certifications & Education

Resume Summary Tips

Additional Resume Sections

Key Takeaways

Construction project managers don’t get the recognition they deserve. What people don’t know is that once the planners finish hammering out the details, everything gets passed to you. You draw up a timeline and oversee the entire operation, so everything is done on schedule.

It’s a thankless job but an important, high-paying, and in-demand one, nonetheless. After years of delays due to COVID-19 and supply-chain challenges, the industry is booming again.

It’s time you get used to bragging about your accomplishments, because you’ll need it to write a kick-ass construction project manager resume experience.

Don’t worry if you don’t know where to start. We’ve got a detailed blueprint for you here:

• The best construction project manager resume template
• How to pick which hard and soft skills to list
• How to write an attention grabbing but not too long construction project manager resume summary
• What to write on your resume experience section if you have no experience
• How to quantify details on your resume work experience, especially for soft skills like leadership and problem solving

We also have a ton of guides for different roles in the construction industry, such as:

• Construction administrative assistant resume & guide
• Construction manager resume & guide
• Construction superintendent resume & guide
• Construction general manager resume & guide
• Construction office manager resume & guide  
• Construction manager cover letter & guide  

Construction project manager  resume example

Here's what this applicant does well in their resume:

• Highlighting significant achievements: Successfully oversaw a high-profile $10M commercial building project, completing it 2 months ahead of schedule.
• Demonstrating leadership skills: Managed a diverse team of 150+ professionals, enhancing efficiency by 30% through effective leadership and resource allocation.
• Showcasing project management expertise: Implemented innovative construction techniques, resulting in a 15% reduction in material costs and a 10% increase in sustainability.

How to format a construction project manager  resume

A solid foundation is important for any high-rise project, right? It’s the same with formatting your resume. Font size, heading placements, and where you put each section matter.

Use the reverse-chronological format  for your resume as this is the most recognized format. If you had a lot of project-based or part-time work and some of them overlapped, it’s better to organize your resume work history in two sections — one for full-time work and another for project-based and part time gigs. This prevents recruiters from getting confused with overlapping employment dates.

Here are 5 points to remember when formatting your resume:

• Use a professional email address and check that your listed number is correct
• Use easy-to-read fonts like Montserrat, Volkhov, and other popular serif fonts. These are the best font choices because they’re ATS-friendly and easy to read, as the letters aren’t jumbled too close. Cursive fonts are a no-go, even for headings.
• Save your resume in a PDF or Word Format. Some employers have a preference, so check the job ad to make sure.
• Leave plenty of white space in the margins and between sections or headings.
• The heading should be a tad bigger than the regular text font so it stands out.

Demystifying the Applicant Tracking System (ATS)

There’s a lot of fear mongering going around Tiktok saying applications will get rejected  without the right keywords.

Nope, the ATS isn’t the one calling the shots. It’s just a filtering tool, like how Google crawls millions of contents based on keywords provided. Does this mean you shouldn’t bother putting keywords on your resume? Of course not! That’s not what we’re saying here. Just don’t waste all your efforts into weaving keywords on your resume.

See, if your resume has the right keywords, it will pop up on the recruiter’s search results. But then, they’ll have to read it to see if it meets the requirements. If you think about it, the text surrounding those keywords matters more.

And whatever you do, don’t put a bunch of keywords at the bottom of your resume and change the text to white so it’s invisible to the naked eye but can still be picked up by the ATS. That will backfire on you.

If you’re still not sure if your resume is good or not, check how it compares to hundreds of real-world construction project manager resumes at Enhancv resume checker.

Is your resume good enough?

Drop your resume here or choose a file . PDF & DOCX only. Max 2MB file size.

So how did your resume fair against the competition?

Don’t fret, you still have a chance to improve it. Keep reading and we’ll show you a step-by-step guide .

Let’s first discuss the top sections hiring managers want to see on your resume:

The top sections on a construction project manager resume:

• Professional summary:  This gives a succinct overview of your experience in the construction industry, such as the type of builds you oversaw, and your unique management style. The goal is to capture the recruiter's attention.
• Core competencies: Highlight relevant knowledge and skills such as construction project management, project planning, and contract negotiation.
• Professional experience:  Detailing your construction project management experience allows recruiters to assess your qualifications and track record.
• Project portfolio:  Include a section with pictures of past projects with spec   drawings and work  breakdown structure (WBS)  to show the different phases of the project.
• Certifications and education: Showing your relevant educational background and professional certifications, such as Project Management Professional (PMP) or Certificate of Management Lean Construction (CM-Lean), validates your technical competence in construction project management.

What recruiters want to see on your resume:

• Proven experience: Recruiters prioritize candidates with proven experience in managing construction projects like the ones they handle.
• Project management certification:  A PMP, Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM), or similar certification demonstrates a candidate's commitment to professional development and understanding of industry-standard project management methods.
• Technical skills:  In-depth understanding of architectural designs, construction materials and methods, cost estimation, etc., are highly valued because it gives employers confidence that the candidate can execute the build effectively.
• Leadership qualities: The ability to lead, motivate, and coordinate people is crucial as construction project managers often manage people of different socio-economic backgrounds and skill sets.
• Problem-solving skills: Construction projects often encounter unexpected issues so recruiters prioritize candidates who show strong problem-solving capabilities in their work history.

It’s time to write the construction project manager work experience section. For those with no prior experience, just skip ahead to the next section where we detail how to add transferrable skills and experience from other jobs.

How to write your construction project manager resume experience

The resume experience section is where you show off your notable accomplishments. Experienced construction project managers may struggle between choosing which achievements to list. Try including 3 to 5 bullets tied to different job skills, such as site management or budgeting cost and control. This way, employers can see both variety and proof of the skills listed on your resume.

It’s alright to include work related jargon as well, but don’t overdo it and try not to include jargon you’ve only used with a previous employer.

Look at the work experience section below.

• • Analyzing project sites and creating project estimates
• • Managing supply inventory to avoid work delays
• • Worked with construction managers and conduct regular site inspections
• • Created the schedule of construction crew
• • Coordinate with city officials to ensure all safety codes and zoning rules are followed

What do you notice in this construction project manager experience section? For starters:

• Lack of measurable outcomes: This reads like a job description, not the resume of an experienced construction project manager.
• No mention of project details:  It’s impossible to tell whether this applicant worked on residential homes or huge commercial complexes. There’s no mention of square footage, budget, or personnel count either. Those are important for employers.
• No technical skills listed:   Construction project managers work both in the field and in the office. They need to be familiar with both technical tools like AutoCad and other 3D or 2D collaboration software, and on-site tools used to manage supply orders or track the crew productivity. Mentioning specific tools will not only light up your resume on the ATS. It will also catch a recruiter’s attention  especially when they’re not reading your resume word per word.

Here’s an improved construction project manager experience  section:

• • Managed ground up and launch of 3 commercial construction projects simultaneously, ranging from $50 to $235M in value using ProCore and Autodesk.
• • Oversaw the ground-up construction of a $65M, 74 unit, 10 story apartment with a mid-size grocery store and two-level retail space. Site located nearby a commercial township with strict safety and zoning laws.
• • Overhauled the past risk management strategy, leading to a 35% reduction in delays and a $750K savings in fines, overtime pay, and surplus supplies.
• • Managed crews of up to 300 contractors and construction managers, while liaising with architects and engineers on full-scale build out and renovation projects.
• • Coordinate with local authorities to ensure zoning and safety compliance across projects in Brooklyn, Queens, and Kings County.

The second construction project management resume example lists accomplishments but it also:

• Shows a clear picture of the different projects the applicant can handle including the tools used
• Explains how many projects and teams they can handle simultaneously, which is important for a hectic job
• It mentions construction challenges they overcame and familiarity with local specific zoning laws
• Provides evidence of success with metrics like “35% reduction in delays” and dollar amount saved.

How to quantify the impact on your resume

Construction project managers must demonstrate how they will impact the bottom line. You can do this by adding quantifiable results  and projects completed on your resume.

Here are a few tips to add quantifiable metrics to your resume:

• Provide a range for how long different projects take, such as residential homes, renovations, industrial projects, etc.
• List the number of contractors you oversee and people you coordinate with like architects and vendors
• List the budget range you’ve worked with, and note which projects were completed on or under budget. If possible, include the strategy or reason for said savings.
• Cite safety standards maintained, including percentage reduction in accidents or highest “ days without incident ” achieved on a project
• Quantify supply and labor contracts negotiated that resulted in time or money saved

How do I write a construction project manager resume with no experience

They say everyone starts as a beginner but it’s a fact that employers prefer to hire construction project managers with experience. While you can take courses on construction safety and construction project management, sometimes that’s not “ on-the-job experience”  enough.

Millions of dollars are on the line, so it’s hard to blame them.

If you haven’t held this job title before, the best you can do is to demonstrate how your previous construction or project management experience makes you a qualified candidate.

Here are some tips to beef up your construction project manager experience:

• Show a clear path of your promotions. Starting out as a general contractor then becoming a site supervisor and then a construction manager shows that you have on-site experience and are familiar with the tasks you’ll end up supervising.
• Fill your resume bullet points with quantifiable achievements, especially if you helped save time and money for a build.
• Include bullet points showing your ability to take on managerial tasks, like creating crew schedules, or helping with project estimates.
• Focus your work history not on the tasks of your previous roles but on transferable skills like use of construction project management software, and tasks related to procuring supplies and equipment.

If you’re a Certified Construction Manager (CCM), list that on the header of your resume.

Specialize in a niche

This isn’t exactly a tip for writing bullet points on your work history. But if you have experience in both residential and commercial builds, it might be better to choose between the two.

If you’ve had more leadership tasks in residential projects, then highlight those projects on your work experience, and apply for residential construction project manager roles for now. You can break into commercial construction later when you have more experience.

Niching down can also mean choosing an industry, like townhouse construction, condominium construction, or even school construction. Either pick the industry you have more experience with or pick one with more job openings.

Read our guide for more information on how to write a resume with no experience .

How to list your hard skills and soft skills on your resume

You use anywhere from 5 or even ten software a day to see the full status of your projects. Add to that the finesse it takes to coordinate with multiple contractors, vendors, engineers, and architects— you could be looking at a list of 30 or more skills. This section will help you decide which construction project manager's hard skills are worth including in your application.

Let’s differentiate between hard and soft skills. Hard skills, also known as technical skills , are specific to the job. For construction project managers, these skills could include schematic design, contract management, and knowledge of building codes. You might’ve picked up these skills from school or from an apprenticeship.

Meanwhile, soft skills help with your job but the applications aren’t limited to your industry. Problem-solving and creativity are good examples of construction project manager soft skills.

Each firm has software preferences, such as Procore or Microsoft Projects, and those will be listed on their job ad. They’ll also prioritize certain skills like constructing a specific build (e.g. K12 school construction) or the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously. Include all the hard and soft skills you have that match the role and put it at the top of your list so it’s easy to spot. Then pick 3 to 5 skills you have that aren’t listed on the job ad but are still relevant then add it at the bottom of your list.

Here’s a list of construction project manager hard skills:

Best hard skills for your construction project manager resume

• Project Management
• Low-bid and Best Value Selection
• Risk Management
• Budgeting and Cost Control
• Quality Assurance
• Contract Management
• Conceptual Planning
• Knowledge of Building Codes
• Site Management
• AutoCAD Proficiency
• Construction Management at Risk Delivery Method (CMAR)
• Understanding of Construction Methods and Procedures
• Materials Procurement
• Safety Management
• Use of Project Management Software like MS Project
• Structural Engineering Concepts
• Bluebeam Revu competence
• Knowledge of BIM (Building Information Modeling)
• LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification
• Capability in using estimation software like Timberline
• Strong understanding of HVAC, Plumbing and Electrical Systems
• Proficiency in utilizing Construction Management software like Procore or PlanGrid

Project management is like keeping ten plates spinning at once, except dropping one plate might lead to a delay that costs millions. Yikes. So you have to show the hiring team that you have what it takes to keep those plates spinning.

You’re responsible for communicating the architect’s vision to the onsite team. You need good leadership, reporting, and coordination skills. Construction project managers need good visual acuity too, because directives often come in the form of construction blueprints and other technical drawings.

While many job ads won’t list patience and flexibility on their must-haves, you’ll need it to stay sane. Because despite best-laid plans, things rarely go according to plan. Sometimes, it’s just a case of rain delaying the setting of concrete.  Other times, delivery is late because of supply-chain problems, like what happened during the pandemic. Show employers that you can pivot accordingly, so the crew doesn’t waste a day doing nothing.

Here are construction project manager soft skills worth including on your resume:

Best soft skills for your construction project manager resume

• Communication
• Problem-Solving
• Adaptability
• Time Management
• Decision Making
• Conflict Resolution
• Negotiation
• Critical Thinking
• Attention to Detail
• Customer Service
• Stress Management
• Project Planning
• Risk Assessment
• Organizational Skills
• Ability to Work Under Pressure

How to list your certifications and education on your resume

Yes, it’s possible to work your way up as a construction project manager without a degree. But to do that you’d need about ten to 15+ years’ experience on the job, starting as a construction worker, then a construction manager, and finally as a construction project manager — or a similar career path. If this is the case for you, you should list any professional certifications first and then follow it up with your incomplete degree .

Many big companies expect candidates to have at least a bachelor’s degree while big-name firms prefer those with industry-recognized certifications on their resume  like Project Management Professional (PMP).

Whatever academic qualifications you have, it’s best to list them properly so recruiters with certain requirements can see them.

Here’s how to list education and certifications on your resume:

Best certifications for your construction project manager resume

• Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
• Certified Safety Manager (CSM)
• American Concrete Institute (ACI)
• Certified Construction Manager (CCM)
• LEED Accredited Professional (LEED AP)

If you’re applying for jobs within the US, check with the American Council for Construction Education  (ACCE). Their accredited courses are industry-recognized and comply with the latest standards.

How to write your construction project manager resume summary or objective

You see that paragraph below your name and contact details on your resume? That’s your make-or-break moment. At just three to five sentences in length, it gives employers a snapshot of what you bring to the table.

A resume summary is a snapshot of your crowning achievements on the job, while an objective is about what you want career-wise. But don’t think of the construction project resume objective  like a wishlist because that’s not what it is. It answers the questions: “What do I want to accomplish in this new role? ,   and  “What kind of problems do I want to solve for my future employer?”

If you have a few years under your belt as a construction project manager, go with the resume summary. If you’re a project manager from another industry, or a construction manager looking to take the leap, you’re better off with a construction project manager resume objective.

Here are two examples of a great and not-so-great resume summary. See if you can spot what makes the better example tick.

On the surface, this resume summary looks alright. The applicant mentioned his specialty — commercial projects and even mentioned the average value of each build. But the wow factor stops there.

There are a lot of loopholes too. Where are the projects located? That’s important because it shows which building and zoning regulations they know. It would’ve been better if the type of commercial project was specified too. Was it malls, hotels or office buildings? Each project is different and some firms look for construction project managers with experience in a particular project.

Now compare that with this detailed construction project manager resume summary:

Read this guide to learn how to write a winning construction project manager resume summary .

Additional sections for a construction project manager resume

Employers need to see your portfolio too, because it’s the best tangible proof of your work.

The problem is, that the portfolio for a construction project manager is long and detailed, reaching 30 or more pages for seasoned applicants. You can’t include all that on your resume, right? The recruiter won’t appreciate it and the ATS won’t process it correctly.

So instead of including everything on your resume, just include a high-level overview of your portfolio to give recruiters a glimpse of your projects. Then include links to your actual portfolio online, so they can click on it for more details.

Here’s what to include on your attached resume portfolio:

• Project name and location
• Build type, whether it was a renovation, structural modifications, or a design and build
• Project size and budget
• Project type: residential, commercial, infrastructure, or industrial
• Major phases and key milestones for each project, including challenges faced
• Project duration
• Feedback from clients and other stakeholders you’ve worked with

Include noteworthy projects that won awards or accolades or those completed on time or on budget. Read this guide for more information on what to put on a resume .

Key takeaways

Alright you’re almost ready to send your amazing construction project manager resume to employers. Before you go, here are a few things to remember (and double-check) on your resume:

• Include the project type, budget, and the number of the crew managed on your construction project manager experience section.
• Don’t include your whole portfolio on the resume. Just put a few key points then link to your portfolio so employers can read more, if they want to.
• Show off your impact on each project by adding details. Do this not just in time and money saved but also through construction delays you helped avoid, or how you maintained site safety throughout the build.

Construction Project Manager resume examples

Explore additional construction project manager resume samples and guides and see what works for your level of experience or role.

Looking to build your own Construction Project Manager resume?

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