What to Include on Your Resume When Working in the Construction, Engineering and Environmental Industries

In highly specialized or skilled fields, a resume can set you apart from all of the highly qualified and trained individuals competing for the same position.

Here are some things you may want to consider. 

Keywords

In the age of the search engine and algorithm, employers are relying more frequently on their computers to weed out undesirable candidates based on keywords used (or not used). When writing the whole of your resume, keep your past experience and current occupation goals in mind in order to include as many keywords as possible. The Balance Careers has compiled potential lists for construction specialists, to review, several engineering specializations (including mechanical engineering and environmental professionals ) while not exhaustive, these lists might get you started. 

Job Title

Ask for what you want! With your name and contact information at the top of your resume, it can also be a good idea to list the position or title you desire; if you are applying for several different positions that do not carry the same title, taking the extra time to modify your resume and customize it for each application can highlight you as a candidate. Make sure, however, that your resume demonstrates that you can truly do the work required of the position you are listing. 

Work Experience

This section of your resume will most likely make up the bulk of your resume (if you are newly graduated, it may not, in which case, replace this section with your “Academic History” section). If you have worked many jobs in the past, some of which were not related to your current field (such as a stint at McDonald’s), or if you made a career change, you may want to consider omitting the irrelevant work experience. However, do not be dishonest; if you leave off work experience because you had a poor relationship with the company, it may be revealed with later background checks and cast you in an unfavorable light. It is usually better to over-explain than under-explain. 

Skills

The skills section of your resume is a great place to use the keywords you have decided on for your profession. Many people list generic things, such as “proficient in Microsoft Suite,” or “team player,” but for candidates in construction, engineering, and environmental careers, these generic lists will not highlight the specialized skills that individuals in these fields often have. List those useful and specific skills that are going to set you apart from the rest. 

Academic Achievements and Contributions

It is important for employers to know that their employees have been thoroughly trained, especially for skilled jobs. Obviously, you should list universities attended (along with cumulative GPA) and training programs completed. Additionally, if you have taught in your field, or done academic research in a specific area (this may be especially applicable to environmental professionals), you may want to include a Curriculum Vitae, or at least list several of your publications to prove your expertise. 

A little extra time and care spent on perfecting your resume could mean the difference between a job offer and a polite rejection; it may be a few hours that you do not want to spend, but the results are worth the effort for landing a great job opportunity in the construction, engineering or environmental industries. 

Michael DeSafey is a leading executive recruiter for professionals in the construction, engineering and environmental industries. He is currently the President of Webuild Staffing www.webuildstaffing.com . To learn more about Michael or to follow his blog please visit www.michaeldesafey.com