Construction Manager Jobs Overview
Construction managers oversee the teams of professionals who build houses, commercial buildings, and other structures. Some managers start as construction workers and gain managerial positions after getting experience and a bachelor's degree. Others transition into construction manager jobs after supervising employees in different fields. Either way, managers adhere to a budget and schedule while prioritizing their employees' safety above all else.
You can expect a lot of work on-site in outdoor environments. Keep in mind that construction managers may also work overtime when projects have strict deadlines, so you can expect to use your communication and time management skills in this role. The projected job growth for the industry is 8%, which is faster than the overall average for all occupations.
Some of the many positions in the construction industry include:
- Construction project manager: organizes and oversees construction projects by hiring and supervising contractors and laborers, securing permits and licenses, acquiring equipment and materials, and collaborating with engineers and architects.
- Construction superintendent: monitors construction projects to ensure adherence to quality and safety standards, estimates costs, and sets performance goals while also reporting on project progress and communicating with vendors, lawyers, and other external partners.
- Construction inspector: inspects building structures throughout the construction process to determine compliance with regulations while establishing structural soundness, identifying environmental hazards, and issuing violation notices and stop-work orders when necessary.
- Wireless construction manager: works on telecommunications construction projects managing staff and subcontractors, preparing contracts, coordinating with utility companies, and troubleshooting issues that arise.
Salaries for Construction Manager Jobs
The median construction manager salary is $71,471. Salaries range from $45,000 to $96,000 with managers in New York, NY, Houston, TX, and Los Angeles, CA earning the most. In terms of demand, Chicago, Seattle, and San Francisco are experiencing some biggest rises in construction projects.
Your experience and education level can influence your salary. Earning a master's degree and gaining several years of experience will help you find a higher-paying construction manager job. Furthermore, many employers in the industry offer additional incentives, bonuses, and benefits.
Check out our salary calculator to learn how much you could potentially make. Simply enter your desired job title and location to see up-to-date information.
How to Find Jobs That Fit You
To start, figure out what you want from a construction manager job by asking yourself the following questions:
- Do you prefer steady hours, rotating shifts, or opportunities for overtime pay?
- What's your ideal salary?
- Do you want to go back to school?
- How can you use the skills that you already have?
Make a list of everything you want to achieve in your job. Not all construction manager jobs will meet every need, but writing down specifications helps you narrow down job opportunities.
Define Your Skills
Write down every skill that you've acquired through education and work experience. This includes broad skills, such as time management, as well as using software, reviewing safety codes, and other specialized talents.
Valuable skills for construction manager jobs include:
- leadership
- problem solving
- math and budgeting abilities
- technical understanding
- attention to detail
- communication
Once you've inventoried your skills, look for construction manager jobs that utilize your strengths. If you need to improve an essential skill, search for mentorships, classes, and training opportunities.
Read Job Descriptions
Always read the entire job description before you apply. In addition to considering the pay, review all the responsibilities of the position. Think about your past experience and training, and imagine if you could see yourself in the described role.
Applying for Construction Manager Jobs
Human resource (HR) managers may receive hundreds of applications. Grab their attention by getting right to the point, highlighting your skills, and presenting a professional cover letter. Likewise, read the instructions carefully before you apply. HR managers appreciate applicants who get everything right the first time.
Build Your Resume
Review the job description for keywords to include in your resume. Keywords are skills and accomplishments that HR managers look for when they review your documents. For example, if the job description mentions "time management," "bachelor's degree," or "million-dollar projects," adding these keywords shows employers that you're suited for the job.
Additionally, list your most prestigious projects or successes to back up your claims. If the job posting mentions specific aspects, such as high-profile clients or types of construction work, include your relevant accomplishments. Also include references who you know will provide a positive recommendation.
Need help? Hire Monster for resume and cover letter writing services, and choose from three tiers that fit your budget. You can also reference our sample construction manager resume for inspiration.
Write a Cover Letter
Many employers require a cover letter, which is a single-page document that summarizes your work and accomplishments. A strong introduction shows your interest and makes you stand out from other applicants. Once you've hooked the reader, you can add more details about your achievements and work history and then conclude with your signature.
For ideas, check out a sample property manager cover letter. This document greets the recipient and summarizes the applicant's education, experience, and accomplishments in a single page. Keep it short so that the recipient can quickly take in your qualifications.
Submit Your Application
When you're ready to apply, sign up for a Monster account. You can upload your resume, search for jobs, and apply for positions quickly and easily. Always double-check your documents before you submit to ensure that you meet the job description's requirements.
Following Up With Employers
Send the recipient a follow-up email a week after you apply to emphasize your commitment to the job. Start by thanking the individual for their time, and then highlight your contributions to previous employers. Remind them where they can contact you afterward.
This sample follow-up letter thanks the recipient and reiterates the applicant's qualifications without rehashing their entire resume. End your letter with your contact information, subtly encouraging the recipient to call you back.
Tips on Mastering Your Interview
Construction manager jobs require strong communication skills. The job interview gives you the chance to display your professionalism in person.
How to Prepare
Start by visiting the employer's website to learn about their values, mission, and company culture. Researching the employer helps you prepare for possible leadership interview questions and ask targeted questions to show your interest. Practice answering questions at home so that you have a response ready during the interview.
What to Expect During Your Interview
Supervisors, hiring managers, and HR managers conduct job interviews. Your future employer may start with a phone or video interview, allowing you to discuss your qualifications and get to know the interviewer. If you do well, the manager may contact you for a follow-up.
Second interviews often take place in an office. You'll greet the manager in person, then answer supervisor interview questions, such as "How do you resolve employee conflicts?" and "What is your ideal workplace culture?"
The interview may focus on your competencies or ask behavioral questions. If they ask about specific behaviors, respond using the STAR method:
- Situation: What was the situation that you found yourself in?
- Task: What role did you play in this situation?
- Action: How did you address the issue?
- Result: What happened when you took action?
For example, maybe you found yourself mediating a conflict between two employees. Your role was to supervise your team. You came up with a solution and that helped the employees to resolve the issue.
Tips on Following Up
If you haven't heard from the employer a week after the interview, send a follow-up email that thanks them for their time and reiterates your qualifications and commitment to the position. However, if you don't hear back after that, try searching for another construction manager job to find another position that's a better fit for you.
What to Do When You Get an Offer
Respond as soon as possible when you receive an offer, thanking the manager and showing enthusiasm for the position. Next, review the offer that you received. This document usually contains the proposed salary, benefits, and job responsibilities. You can accept the offer or negotiate with the supervisor.
While accepting the offer might be your first instinct, use Monster to research the average salary for construction manager jobs in your area. If their offer is lower than average, consider negotiating for a higher salary. Emphasize your education, years of experience, and high-profile projects that generated money for your clients as evidence of your value.
Compare the offer with the original job description to make sure that they line up — you don't want any surprises at the last minute. Furthermore, feel free to ask the supervisor for clarification on anything related to your job duties, working hours, or compensation. Asking questions emphasizes your commitment to the job.
If everything is settled to your liking, tell the manager that you've accepted the offer. They'll follow up to start the onboarding process.
Construction Manager Career Paths
According to projected trends, population growth, infrastructure upgrades, and building retrofittings will increase the number of construction manager jobs you qualify for. Construction manager career paths vary according to your expertise. Do you enjoy managing people, working with materials, or focusing on safety?
You could seek positions as a construction superintendent, construction materials tester, or construction inspector. If you enjoy construction management, you could gradually advance to more prestigious companies with higher salaries.
Construction manager jobs require extensive safety knowledge, so stay on top of the latest laws and regulations. Earning licenses and certifications provides access to more jobs and ensures that you can operate legally. Make sure you renew your certifications on schedule. Likewise, join professional construction organizations for networking opportunities that can lead to future positions.
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