Build a Stronger Resume, Land More Jobs
Identify and correct the top resume mistakes that construction workers make.
Common Mistakes That Kill Your Chances
Each mistake includes why it hurts, how to fix it, and before/after examples
- Hiring managers can’t verify your qualifications
- ATS often filters for certification keywords
- You appear less qualified than competitors
- Create a dedicated Certifications section
- List each certification with issuing body and date
- Use exact certification names (e.g., OSHA 30‑Hour, NCCER Forklift)
John Doe Construction Laborer Experience: General site work, demolition, cleanup
John Doe Construction Laborer Certifications: OSHA 30‑Hour (2023), NCCER Forklift Operator (2022), Certified Concrete Finisher (2021)
- Doesn’t show why you’re a fit for construction roles
- Wastes valuable space that could highlight achievements
- ATS may ignore vague language
- Replace the objective with a concise Professional Summary
- Focus on years of experience, specialties, and measurable results
- Incorporate key construction keywords
Objective: Seeking a position where I can utilize my skills and grow professionally.
Professional Summary: 5+ years of commercial construction experience specializing in concrete framing and site safety. Proven track record of completing projects 10% ahead of schedule while maintaining zero safety incidents.
- Provides no evidence of impact
- Makes resume look like a job description
- ATS prefers quantifiable results
- Turn each duty into an achievement with numbers or outcomes
- Use action verbs and specific metrics
- Show how you added value to past projects
- Performed concrete pouring - Operated backhoe - Followed safety protocols
- Executed concrete pours for 10+ commercial builds, reducing material waste by 12% - Operated backhoe to excavate 3,500 cubic yards, completing tasks 15% faster than schedule - Enforced safety protocols, contributing to a 0% record of lost‑time injuries over 2 years
- Hiring managers may skip your resume
- ATS can’t parse information correctly
- Looks unprofessional in a hands‑on industry
- Use a clean, single‑column layout with standard headings
- Choose a legible font (e.g., Arial 10‑12pt)
- Keep margins at 0.5‑1 inch and use bullet points consistently
John Doe | 555‑1234 | john@example.com Experience: *General labor – various tasks *Safety training – completed Education: High School Diploma
John Doe Phone: 555‑1234 | Email: john@example.com Professional Summary ... (2‑3 lines) Key Skills - OSHA Safety, Heavy Equipment, Blueprint Reading Work Experience Construction Laborer, ABC Builders, Dallas, TX June 2020 – Present - ... Certifications - OSHA 30‑Hour (2023) - NCCER Forklift Operator (2022) Education High School Diploma, Dallas High School, 2018
- Use a professional email address
- Include a clear 'Professional Summary'
- List certifications with dates
- Quantify achievements in every role
- Use standard headings and bullet points
- Save as PDF before submitting
- Highlight missing certifications
- Convert duties to achievement statements
- Standardize date format to MM/YYYY
- Add high‑impact construction keywords
