What are the most important construction resume keywords?

Safety is #1. Always include 'OSHA Compliance,' 'Safety Protocols,' and 'PPE.' For skills, list specific tools ('Pneumatic Tools') and machinery ('Forklift,' 'Excavator').

Do keywords matter for general labor jobs?

Yes! Large construction firms use ATS to filter laborers. Keywords like 'Reliability,' 'Physical Endurance,' 'Site Maintenance,' and 'Teamwork' help you pass the screen.

How do I list my construction certifications?

Use their exact acronyms (OSHA 10, OSHA 30, CDL, NCCER) because that's what the ATS scans for. Spell them out once, then use the acronym.

Should I include 'Hard Worker' as a keyword?

No. 'Hard worker' is vague. Use 'Proven Reliability,' 'Met Deadlines,' or 'Zero Safety Incidents' instead.

How can I check if my resume has the right keywords?

Use the ResumeAdapter free scan. Upload your resume and the job posting to see exactly which safety or trade keywords you are missing.

🚨 Construction experience doesn't matter if the computer can't read it.

You know how to read blueprints, operate heavy machinery, and keep a site safe. But if your resume is missing keywords like "OSHA Compliance" or "Project Estimation," the ATS will reject you before a site manager ever sees your name.

This guide lists 60+ essential construction resume keywords for 2026—from general labor to site management.

👉 Scan Your Construction Resume for Missing Keywords — Free

Why Construction Resume Keywords Matter

In 2026, even local construction firms and contractors use software to hire. They don't have time to read every resume. They search for:

Safety Certifications (OSHA, First Aid)
Specific Tools & Machinery (Must be listed by name)
Project Types (Residential, Commercial, Industrial)

If you just write "Worked on building sites," you will be ignored. You need to write: "Executed Commercial Construction projects with strictly enforced OSHA Safety Protocols."

60+ Essential Construction Keywords

🏗️ General Labor & Site Operations

Use these for any on-site role.

Category	Keywords
Site Duties	Site Preparation, Demolition, Debris Removal, Material Handling
Work Ethic	Reliability, Physical Stamina, Time Management, Team Collaboration
Skills	Blueprint Reading, Measurements, Power Tools, Hand Tools
Environment	Hazardous Materials, Weather Conditions, Heights, Confined Spaces

🚜 Heavy Equipment & Machinery

Crucial: List the exact machine names you can operate.

Category	Keywords
Earth Moving	Excavator, Bulldozer, Backhoe Loader, Skid Steer
Lifting	Forklift, Telehandler, Boom Lift, Scissor Lift
Transport	Dump Truck, Flatbed, CDL Class A, CDL Class B

🛡️ Safety & Compliance (Must Have)

Safety is the first thing hiring managers check.

Category	Keywords
Certifications	OSHA 10, OSHA 30, First Aid / CPR, Hazmat
Protocols	PPE (Personal Protective Equipment), Lockout/Tagout, Safety Inspections
Compliance	Code Compliance, Building Codes, Quality Control, Incident Reporting

👷 Skilled Trades (Carpentry, Electrical, Plumbing)

Category	Keywords
Carpentry	Framing, Drywall, Finish Carpentry, Cabinetry, millwork
Electrical	Wiring, Circuitry, Troubleshooting, National Electrical Code (NEC)
Plumbing	Pipefitting, Welding, HVAC, PVC, Copper Piping
Masonry	Concrete Pouring, Bricklaying, Rebar Installation

📋 Construction Management & Supervision

For Foremen, Site Superintendents, and Project Managers.

Category	Keywords
Management	Crew Supervision, Subcontractor Management, Scheduling
Project	Project Estimation, Budget Tracking, Change Orders, Punch List
Docs	RFIs, Daily Logs, Inspection Reports, Permits

Examples: How to Write Construction Bullets

❌ Weak Example

"Worked on construction sites. Used tools and drove trucks. Kept things safe."

✅ Strong Example (General Labor)

General Laborer

Performed Site Preparation and Demolition for high-volume Commercial Projects, maintaining 100% adherence to OSHA 10 Safety Standards.

Operated Skid Steers and Forklifts to move materials, increasing daily Material Handling efficiency by 20%.

Collaborated with Framing and Electrical crews to ensure Project Deadlines were met without inspection failures.

✅ Strong Example (Construction Manager)

Site Superintendent

Supervised a crew of 25+ tradesmen on a $5M Commercial Construction build, managing Subcontractor Schedules and Daily Logs.

Enforced strict Safety Protocols resulting in zero Lost Time Incidents over 18 months.

Managed Blueprints and Change Orders to ensure all work met Building Codes and client specifications.

Complete Resume Keywords List Hub - Browse all guides
Logistics & Warehouse Resume Keywords - For warehouse specific roles
Project Manager Resume Keywords - For construction PMs
Free ATS Resume Scanner - Check your resume score

Get to Work Faster

The job market for skilled trades is huge, but competition is high. Don't let a bad resume keep you on the bench.

Make sure your resume lists the tools you know and the safety rules you follow.

👉 Scan Your Construction Resume for Free

See exactly which keywords are missing and fix them in seconds.