Why this resume works
- Highlights industry-specific skills: Showcasing construction management expertise, the applicant has shown to improve efficiency and compliance in past roles, aligning perfectly with industry demands in every position held.
- Quantifies accomplishments: Including quantified accomplishments like reducing project costs by 15% and improving delivery timelines by 25% highlights the applicant’s impact.
- Uses action-oriented language: By employing action verbs like “directed” and “managed,” the candidate illustrates an assertive approach to leadership.
More General Contractor Resume Examples
Check out these general contractor resume examples to learn how to showcase your project management skills, construction expertise, and leadership abilities for a resume that positions you as a strong applicant in construction roles.
Project manager
Why this resume works
- Effective use of keywords: Strategically embedding role-relevant keywords like “project management” and “budget management” ensures the resume passes ATS filters effectively.
- Sections are well-organized: Effective use of bullet points and headers makes the resume easy to scan, ensuring key achievements are quickly accessible and improving readability.
- Centers on academic background: Prominent degrees from Yale University and the University of Connecticut emphasize a solid academic foundation, important for early career development in project management.
Construction supervisor
Why this resume works
- Demonstrates language abilities: Listing expert language skills in Spanish and intermediate French, the applicant shows how they can support cross-cultural communication in the workplace.
- Points to measurable outcomes: Improving project efficiency by 15% and reducing costs by 10% annually showcases clear, quantifiable results that highlight the applicant’s significant contributions.
- Includes a mix of soft and hard skills: Combining technical skills like blueprint analysis with interpersonal skills such as team leadership presents a well-rounded skill set.
Certified crane operator
Why this resume works
- Focuses on work history: Using a chronological resume, the applicant details a consistent career path in crane operation, emphasizing extensive experience across multiple roles and projects.
- Showcases impressive accomplishments: The applicant’s standout achievements, like increasing efficiency by 20%, reflect senior-level performance and impactful contributions.
- Places contact information prominently: A professional resume header is essential for callbacks, providing quick access to contact information and establishing credibility right from the start.
General Contractor Resume Template (Text Version)
Daniel Patel
Riverview, FL 33587
(555)555-5555
Daniel.Patel@example.com
Professional Summary
Experienced General Contractor with proven ability to enhance efficiency, manage multi-million dollar projects, and lead teams to achieve cost-effective results.
Work History
General Contractor
Efficient Construction Co. – Riverview, FL
June 2020 – June 2025
- Directed 18 projects with a 15% reduction in costs
- Managed teams to improve efficiency by 20%
- Ensured compliance, reducing errors by 30%
Project Manager
BuildRight Solutions – Tampa, FL
June 2017 – May 2020
- Led project timelines improving delivery by 25%
- Budget oversight resulted in 12% cost savings
- Coordinated teams within multi-million contracts
Site Supervisor
Prime Developments – Tampa, FL
January 2015 – May 2017
- Oversaw daily site tasks improving productivity 10%
- Guided safety protocols enhancing compliance by 40%
- Reduced site incidents by implementing checks
Skills
- Project Management
- Budgeting
- Team Leadership
- Safety Compliance
- Quality Assurance
- Blueprint Reading
- Construction Planning
- Vendor Coordination
Certifications
- Project Management Professional – PMI
- LEED Green Associate – USGBC
Education
Master of Construction Management Construction Engineering
University of Colorado Boulder, Colorado
May 2014
Bachelor of Civil Engineering Civil Engineering
Colorado State University Fort Collins, Colorado
May 2012
Languages
- Spanish – Beginner (A1)
- German – Intermediate (B1)
- French – Beginner (A1)
Related Resume Guides
Advice for Writing Your General Contractor Resume
Crafting a standout resume for a general contractor role can be your ticket to landing that next big project. Explore our tips on how to write a resume tailored just for you, and discover how to highlight your construction expertise, leadership skills, and knack for managing successful projects.
Highlight relevant technical skills
For a general contractor role, technical skills are incredibly important. These abilities help you manage construction projects smoothly and ensure everything is built to code.
Create a technical skills section in your resume to list these abilities clearly, or include them in the work experience section by providing examples of how you’ve used them on the job.
Commonly sought-after skills for a general contractor include:
- Knowledge of building codes
- Skill with construction management software like Procore or Buildertrend
- Understanding electrical, plumbing, and HVAC systems
- Reading blueprints and plans accurately
- Project scheduling, cost estimation, and quality control
When writing about your work experience as a general contractor, try to weave these technical skills into your achievements. For example, mention specific instances where you managed complex projects using specialized software or ensured compliance with building regulations.
This will demonstrate that you not only possess these skills but also know how to apply them effectively in real-world situations.
Example of a technical skills section
- Project management software (primavera, microsoft project)
- Building codes and regulations
- Construction scheduling and planning
- Cost estimation and budgeting
- Autocad for construction drawings
- On-site safety protocols
- Contract negotiation and administration
- Quality control procedures
- Material procurement and logistics
- Team leadership and communication
Employers look for more than just technical skills, so highlight soft skills like teamwork and communication on your resume as well to show you’re an effective collaborator.
Quantify your accomplishments
Quantifying accomplishments in a resume makes it more compelling than simply listing job responsibilities. When you include measurable results, such as percentages, time savings, cost reductions, or efficiency improvements, it shows the real impact of your work.
For example, instead of saying “managed construction projects,” you could say “completed 10 construction projects on time and within budget, resulting in a 15% cost saving.” This gives hiring managers a clear picture of your skills and achievements.
In the work experience section, each entry should include the job title, employer name, location, and employment dates. To create a results-driven resume, use action verbs like “achieved,” “improved,” or “reduced” along with metrics.
By quantifying accomplishments, you make it easier for employers to see how you can benefit their company. It highlights your ability to achieve tangible outcomes rather than just performing tasks. This makes your resume stand out because it demonstrates how you can deliver results if hired.
5 general contractor work history bullet point examples
- Managed construction projects from inception to completion, consistently delivering under budget and ahead of schedule by an average of 10%.
- Coordinated with subcontractors and suppliers to streamline supply chain operations, reducing project delays by 25%.
- Led a team of 15 skilled workers on a multimillion-dollar development, achieving a client satisfaction rate of over 95%.
- Implemented safety protocols that decreased worksite accidents by 40%, ensuring compliance with OSHA standards.
- Negotiated contracts with vendors and clients, resulting in cost savings of approximately $500K annually.
Looking at professional resume examples can give you great ideas on how to format and write your own resume.
Write a powerful professional summary
A professional summary serves as an introduction to hiring managers, offering a snapshot of your qualifications. Depending on your experience level and career goals, you can choose between writing a summary or a resume objective instead.
A professional summary is typically three to four sentences highlighting your experience, skills, and achievements. It’s best for experienced applicants since its objective is to quickly convey what you have accomplished in your career.
In contrast, resume objectives focus on career goals and are ideal for entry-level applicants, career changers, or those with employment gaps. While summaries highlight “what I’ve accomplished,” objectives emphasize “what I aim to contribute.”
Next, we’ll provide examples of both summaries and objectives tailored to different experience levels.
General contractor resume summary examples
Entry-level
Recent graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Construction Management, eager to start a career as a general contractor. Completed internships focused on project planning and site inspections, along with OSHA 30-hour certification. Strong foundation in blueprint reading and cost estimation, ready to contribute to successful project completion.
Mid-career
Skilled general contractor with over seven years of experience managing residential and commercial projects. Expertise in coordinating subcontractors, ensuring compliance with building codes, and maintaining project schedules. Known for delivering projects within budget and on time while fostering strong client relationships. Certified Construction Manager (CCM) dedicated to quality craftsmanship.
Experienced
Seasoned general contractor specializing in large-scale infrastructure projects with advanced knowledge of sustainable building practices. Over 15 years of leadership in guiding teams through complex builds, driving efficiency improvements, and achieving high customer satisfaction ratings. Proven track record of increasing company profitability and expanding market reach.
General contractor resume objective examples
Entry-level
Detail-oriented and resourceful individual seeking an entry-level general contractor position to use foundational knowledge in construction management and hands-on skills acquired through internships. Committed to contributing effectively to project teams while ensuring quality and safety standards are met.
Recent graduate
Ambitious recent graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering aiming to start a career as a general contractor. Equipped with strong analytical skills and knowledge of construction principles, eager to assist in delivering successful projects from conception to completion.
Career changer
Dedicated professional transitioning into the field of general contracting, bringing extensive experience in project management and team coordination from the tech industry. Excited to apply transferable skills and learn new techniques to contribute positively to construction projects.
Choose a clean and simple resume template with clear sections, and steer clear of fancy fonts or excessive colors to let your skills and experience shine.
Showcase your credentials
Listing your credentials as a general contractor is important because it shows you have the right skills and knowledge. Certifications, licenses, and specialized training are key in technical fields like construction. They help prove you can do the job safely and correctly.
Make sure to create a dedicated certifications section on your resume to show these off. This can be added alongside your education section for extra impact.
- Project Management Professional (PMP)
- OSHA 30-Hour Construction Industry Outreach Training Program
- LEED Green Associate
- Certified Construction Manager (CCM)
- Certified Professional Constructor (CPC)
Having these certifications listed on your resume shows you’re ready for the challenges of being a general contractor. They give employers confidence that you know what you’re doing and can handle complex projects. Highlighting them helps set you apart from others who might not have the same qualifications.
Example of a certifications section
Certified Construction Manager (CCM)
Issued by: Construction Management Association of America (CMAA)
Issued 2021
OSHA 30-Hour Construction Safety Certification
Issued by: Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
Expires 2026
LEED Accredited Professional (LEED AP)
Issued by: Green Building Certification Institute (GBCI)
Issued 2019
Project Management Professional (PMP)
Issued by: Project Management Institute (PMI)
Expires 2025
When listing your certifications, include either the issue date or expiration date of each to show that your credential is current.
FAQ
Do I need to include a cover letter with my general contractor resume?
Yes, including a cover letter with your general contractor resume can significantly improve your application.
A cover letter gives you the chance to highlight specific projects or achievements that showcase your skills and expertise in construction management.
If the company specializes in certain types of construction, like residential or commercial builds, you can tailor your experience to align with their focus.
You might find it useful to use a Cover Letter Generator or templates to draft a cover letter that effectively complements your resume and highlights relevant experiences.
Also, reviewing cover letter examples from other contractors can provide inspiration and guidance for crafting a compelling narrative tailored to potential employers.
How long should a general contractor’s resume be?
For a general contractor, aim for a one-page resume if you have less than 10 years of experience. This format helps to keep your skills and projects concise and focused.
If you have over a decade of experience or specialized certifications, extending to a two-page resume is acceptable. Make sure every detail included is relevant to the role, such as significant construction projects you’ve led and any safety training you’ve completed.
To ensure you’re presenting your information effectively, explore our guide on how long a resume should be. This can help you tailor your resume length based on your career stage and specific experiences in the field.
How do you write a general contractor resume with no experience?
Starting out in the field, it’s important for your general contractor resume to highlight skills, education, and any relevant experience that showcases your potential. Follow these tips to create a compelling resume with no experience for entry-level general contractors.
- Highlight your education: List any degrees or certifications related to construction management or building trades. Include courses or projects that relate directly to construction, such as blueprint reading or project management.
- Emphasize transferable skills: Identify skills you’ve gained from other experiences that are applicable to contracting work. These might include leadership from team sports, negotiation from sales jobs, or problem-solving from engineering projects.
- Include relevant projects: Even if unpaid, detail any personal projects like home renovations or volunteer work with Habitat for Humanity. Describe what you accomplished and the skills you used.
- Showcase technical knowledge: If you’ve taken online courses or workshops in areas like safety regulations, carpentry basics, or CAD software, list these under a ‘Professional Development’ section.
For more guidance on crafting a compelling resume without direct experience, consider checking out resources specifically tailored for emerging professionals in the construction industry.
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General Contractor
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