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How to Write a Construction Laborer Resume

Your resume format is as important as how you write your resume. This sample construction laborer resume demonstrates the best resume layout hacks to follow: 1-inch margins, bullet points and clear resume headings for each of the following sections. 

construction laborer resume
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  • Professional header and contact info:

    • Include your name, contact information and a professional email address.

  • Compelling summary statement:

    • A brief resume summary or objective highlighting two or three construction-relevant skills, experience or accomplishments.

  • Highlight your skills:

    • Create a dedicated section to showcase hard and soft skills specific to construction work, like scaffolding setup and physical stamina.

  • Emphasize your work history:

    • List your work experience in reverse-chronological order: include job titles, company names, dates of employment, and key responsibilities and achievements for each role in a bullet list.

  • Supporting education section:

    • Detail your educational background, mentioning any relevant degrees, diplomas or certificates obtained.

  • Additional sections:

    • You can add resume sections for licenses, certifications, industry memberships or unions, awards, volunteer experience or spoken languages.

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How to Write a Construction Laborer Resume Summary

The resume summary is your first professional pitch. It serves as a concise introduction to your resume and can significantly impact the hiring manager’s decision to keep reading. Follow these guidelines to craft a compelling resume summary for a construction laborer job:

Keep it concise and impactful:

The resume summary should be a brief paragraph of three to four sentences. Focus on highlighting the most relevant qualifications and accomplishments that align with your target construction worker role. 

Showcase your expertise:

Emphasize the experience and skills that make you a strong candidate for the construction laborer position. Mention your years of construction experience, proficiency with power tools, scaffolding knowledge, time management and any other relevant skills that set you apart.

Tailor it to the job description:

Customize your resume summary to match the requirements of the construction role you’re applying for. Use keywords and phrases from the job description to demonstrate that you possess the desired qualifications and understand the position’s needs.

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Good construction laborer resume summary example

“Dedicated and reliable construction laborer with over eight years of experience working in various construction projects, including residential, commercial and infrastructure. Proven ability to perform multiple tasks, including site preparation, material handling and assisting skilled tradespeople. Adept at following safety protocols, operating heavy machinery and executing tasks efficiently under pressure. Solid physical stamina and a commitment to delivering high-quality results while meeting project deadlines.”

This example is persuasive because it includes essential skills the candidate needs to fulfill the role. It also highlights their commitment to high-quality results and site safety, critical skills for a construction laborer. 

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Poor construction laborer resume summary example

“Hardworking construction laborer with experience in the field. Capable of performing general tasks on construction sites, including carrying materials and helping with various duties. Familiar with basic safety procedures and machinery operation. Reliable and able to work in different conditions. Looking for an opportunity to contribute to construction projects and gain more experience.”

This resume summary is less impactful because it needs more specific skills or professional experience that can put the candidate ahead of the competition. 

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PRO TIP:

The resume summary works best if you have over three years of experience. Try the resume objective if you’re a first-time job seeker, freelancer or career changer. This alternative introduction pitches your transferable skills and downplays your lack of relevant experience. 

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How to Add Your Construction Laborer Work History

The work history section of your construction resume provides an opportunity to highlight your relevant professional experiences and accomplishments. Follow these guidelines to showcase your work history effectively:

Start with your most recent role:

List your work history with your current or most recent position as a construction worker. Include the company’s name, your job title and the dates of employment.

Focus on achievements:

Instead of listing job responsibilities, emphasize your accomplishments and contributions in each role. Highlight any improvements you made to organizational processes, successful initiatives you led or positive outcomes you achieved. Use quantifiable metrics whenever possible to demonstrate the impact of your work.

Tailor it to the role:

Highlight experiences directly relevant to the position you’re applying for. Emphasize material handling, knowledge of safety protocols, teamwork and other construction skills that showcase your suitability for the role.

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Good construction laborer work experience example

Construction Laborer | Detroit Construction Detroit, MI | June 2020 – Present

    • Assist in completing over 30 residential and commercial construction projects, contributing to a 95% overall rate of on-time and within-budget project completion.
    • Operate heavy machinery, including forklifts and backhoes, with a 100% safety record and contribute to a 20% increase in on-site efficiency by implementing improved material handling processes.
    • Prepare and maintain construction sites, including setting up scaffolding, removing debris and ensuring proper material placement to reduce site accidents by 15%.
    • Collaborate with skilled tradespeople and team members to complete tasks such as framing, pouring concrete and installing fixtures.

This work experience example shows the skill level and expertise the candidate can bring to the new job. Quantifiable metrics like a 20% efficiency increase and a 15% site accident reduction strengthen the impact of their contribution and highlight their ability to drive positive outcomes. 

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Poor construction laborer work experience example

Construction Laborer | Detroit Construction Detroit, MI | June 2020 – Present

    • Assist in completing residential and commercial construction projects.
    • Operate heavy machinery, including forklifts and backhoes and follow safety protocols. 
    • Prepare and maintain construction sites.
    • Collaborate with skilled tradespeople and team members to complete tasks.

This example needs to be more specific and include measurable accomplishments showcasing the candidate’s ability to perform the job duties. 

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How to Write a Construction Laborer Education Section

Careers in construction don’t require a formal degree. However, include any academic experience that prepared you for the role. Follow these guidelines to present your educational qualifications effectively:

1Start with your highest level of education:

Begin the education section with your most advanced degree. Include the degree type, primary or focus area, institution name and dates of attendance or graduation.

How to list your degree or diploma:

Associate Degree in Multidisciplinary Studies, Rochester University
Detroit, MI | September 2018 – May 2020

2Highlight specialized certifications and training:

Emphasize any certifications or specialized training that enhance your qualifications as a construction worker. 

How to list your certifications:

Certified Associate Constructor | American Institute of Constructors
August 2021

3Showcase relevant coursework:

Mention any coursework that demonstrates your expertise in construction, on-site safety or relevant areas of study. This can provide insights into your knowledge and skills in the field.

How to list relevant coursework:

Data in Construction | Procore Learning

  • 10-hour course on how to identify, interpret and analyze data to set up construction projects for success.

4Include notable institutions or educational affiliations:

If you have attended prestigious educational institutions or are affiliated with reputable construction associations, highlight them to strengthen your resume’s credibility and showcase your commitment to excellence.

How to list membership associations:

Active Member, Associated General Contractors of America

5Mention professional development activities:

Highlight workshops, conferences or training programs relevant to construction that you have attended. Include the program name, organization and dates to demonstrate your commitment to staying updated with the latest trends and best practices in the field.

How to list professional development:

Foreman Training
Construction Education Center | November 2022

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15 Skills for Your Construction Laborer Resume

We covered how to incorporate soft, hard and technical skills in your resume’s summary and job history sections. Your skills section is the last place to add construction skills you’d like employers to know about. Here’s a starting list of construction-related skills to feature on your resume for a construction laborer: 

soft skills

Soft skills

  • Attention to detail 
  • Communication
  • Teamwork
  • Dependability
  • Problem-solving
soft skills

Hard skills

  • Heavy machinery operation
  • Concrete work
  • Carpentry
  • Blueprint reading
  • Site preparation and cleanup
soft skills

Technical skills

  • Power tool operation
  • Scaffolding erection
  • Masonry
  • Plumbing basics
  • HVAC systems
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PRO TIP:

By including a well-rounded mix of construction resume skills, you can effectively showcase your capabilities and suitability for the role. Remember to tailor your skills section to align with the requirements of the specific position you’re applying for.

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20 Construction Laborer Action Verbs

With the ease of online job boards and professional social media sites like LinkedIn, hiring managers can see dozens to hundreds of applications for a single opening. Unique action verbs and power words can help your resume stand out against the monotony of repetitive resumes. 

  • Assemble
  • Build
  • Clean
  • Collaborate
  • Construct
  • Demolish
  • Dig
  • Erect
  • Excavate
  • Frame
  • Install
  • Lift
  • Measure
  • Operate
  • Prepare
  • Repair
  • Set up
  • Transport
  • Unload
  • Weld 

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Additional Resume Sections

Consider adding the following sections to your construction laborer resume based on your specific circumstances and to enhance your qualifications:

  • Certifications:

    Include a separate section to showcase relevant credentials.

  • Professional development:

    Use a professional development section featuring workshops, seminars or educational programs to replace or supplement your education section.

  • Awards and achievements:

    If you have received recognition or awards for your performance or productivity, include a section to showcase these accomplishments.

  • Volunteer experience:

    Supplement your work history section with a volunteer section if you don’t have much experience yet. Use this space to demonstrate relevant skills or attributes, such as organization, discipline and time management.

  • Language proficiency:

    Since construction companies can host a diverse range of employees, multilingual fluency could support your daily responsibilities. 

  • Memberships:

    Let hiring managers know about your membership to construction-specific organizations or unions. 

Use a Cover Letter to Express Yourself

A resume is a concise overview of your skills and experience — a cover letter expands on this foundation. Add a cover letter to share one or two examples of how you excelled in similar roles or how your skills match a company’s needs. Use this sample as a guide, or visit our helpful resources to boost your application.

Construction Laborer Resume FAQ

What is a good resume objective for a construction worker?

A resume objective is an excellent alternative to a professional summary if you’re a recent graduate, changing careers or have little experience in the industry. Here’s an example of a construction worker’s resume objective: 

“Highly motivated and skilled construction worker with two years of experience in residential and commercial construction projects, seeking to leverage expertise in operating heavy machinery, site preparation and teamwork to contribute to Michigan Constructing’s success. Dedicated to maintaining safety standards, enhancing productivity and delivering high-quality results in fast-paced environments.”

Should I tailor my resume to each job application?

We strongly recommend tailoring your resume to each job application. Read the job description, identify key skills and requirements, and customize your resume accordingly. Highlight experiences and achievements that directly relate to the position’s specific needs.

Should I include references on a construction laborer’s resume?

We do not recommend including references on your resume. Instead, create a separate document with references and provide it when specifically requested.