Crafting a construction cover letter is just as important as any role in the industry. Be it as an inspector, surveyor, laborer, or metal worker, your unique skills and talents should shine through.
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Take advantage of our tips, examples, and templates to create a compelling cover letter that underscores your professional expertise. Keep reading to learn all about:
- Formatting your construction cover letter header & headline effectively
- Creating a personalized greeting on your construction cover letter
- Writing a compelling construction cover letter introduction
- Showing your professional value as a construction professional
- Ending your construction cover letter with a strong closing statement
- Accessing top resources for job-seeking construction professionals
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1. Format your construction cover letter header & headline effectively
To begin your cover letter as a construction professional, the first key step is to craft a well-formatted header and headline.
A cover letter header refers to the block of text usually found in the upper left corner that details the identifying information about the applicant and company they are applying to.
Following the header is the cover letter headline, a concise title that helps to hook an employer’s attention by previewing the most important information within the letter.
To help better demonstrate how to create each of these cover letter elements, we have included more in-depth explanations and examples below:
Formatting the header
The header on your cover letter can vary in formatting and order of information, depending on the overall style you are aiming for with your letter.
For instance, some applicants will list their names and professional information larger at the top. Others will include all of this information in a more uniform block of text styled more like a formal address on a letter. Regardless of how you choose to format your header, it should always include:
- The name of the company you are applying to (& the department, when applicable)
- Your name and professional title
- Your professional contact information (phone number, email, LinkedIn, etc.)
Here is an example of a well-formatted header on a construction cover letter
To: Builders United, Project Management Department
From: John Doe, Construction Project Manager
(123) 456-7890 | johndoe@email.com | linkedin.com/in/john-doe
Writing the headline
Your cover letter headline serves a highly useful purpose in helping to attract an employer’s attention immediately. To make this headline eye-catching, you should always use a keyword related to the position, an eye-catching number or trigger word, a powerful adjective or verb, and a promise.
Here is an example of a well-written headline on a construction cover letter, followed by a brief breakdown of its main components
My 3 Best Construction Skills & How They Can Improve Your Company’s Projects
Trigger Word/Number: 3 Skills
Keyword: Construction
Adjective/Verb: Best, Improve
Promise: Your Company’s Projects – the addition of this detail to the headline tells employers you will go beyond simply describing their skills to relate them directly to the company’s needs.
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2. Create a personalized greeting on your construction cover letter
Whenever you write a cover letter, including a personalized greeting is essential.
Unlike generalized greetings – such as “To Whom It May Concern” – a personalized greeting will address a specific person or department within a company by name. This is crucial, as it shows the employer the effort you have put forth to thoroughly research their company.
If you have researched a company and are unable to pinpoint an exact person or department that will review your cover letter, try out one of the following alternatives:
To the [Company Name] Team
Or
To the [Company Name] Hiring Manager
3. Write a compelling construction cover letter introduction
Following your header, headline, and greeting is the introductory paragraph of your cover letter. To make this introduction compelling, you should include:
- A brief overview of your professional history and goals
- A statement on why you are enthusiastic about applying to this company
- A mutual acquaintance (when possible)
Here is an example to help demonstrate how to write a construction cover letter introduction
To the [Company Name] Hiring Manager,
I am a Construction professional with over 5 years of specialized experience in Metal Working and Project Management. Recently, I spoke with your Head Foreman, Jack Smith, about the opening for an Assistant Project Manager. Mr.Smith recommended I apply after reviewing my portfolio of relevant work and completed projects.
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4. Show your professional value as a construction professional
Once you have successfully grabbed the employer’s attention, it’s time to use the body paragraphs of your cover letter to show the professional value you have to offer. To achieve this, you should aim to answer each of the following questions:
- What excites you about working at this company?
- What do you hope to learn from working at this company?
- What accomplishments or qualifications make you stand out as an applicant?
- What key skills do you possess that are relevant to the position?
Focusing on accomplishments in the body text is especially important, as your real-life achievements help show employers the value and success you can bring to their companies.
Here is an example of how to describe an accomplishment in a construction cover letter
As the Construction Supervisor at [Previous Employer], I sourced a new supplier for mechanical parts, reducing equipment maintenance costs by 15%. Additionally, I implemented a new work schedule that increased the daily productivity of 10+ teams by an average of 45%.
5. End your construction cover letter with a strong closing statement
To conclude your cover letter, you need a strong closing statement that includes:
- An enthusiastic sentence saying you are looking forward to hearing from them
- An additional sentence stating you will follow up, including how you will contact them or how they can contact you
- A formal sign-off
Here is an example of an effective closing statement on a construction cover letter
As the newest addition to your team, I will bring a high level of expertise and a collaborative spirit to your work environment. I am eager to speak with you directly and am available to schedule a meeting any weekday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The best way to reach me is at (123) 456-7890 or via email at johndoe@email.com.
Kind Regards,
[Applicant Name]
Follow this cover letter outline for maximum success.
6. Top resources for job-seeking construction professionals
Job-seeking in the construction industry is like constructing a building, with each element contributing to the final structure. Here are the top resources to build a solid foundation for your job search:
- Industry-specific job boards: Websites like iHireConstruction concentrate solely on construction job listings. They offer a wide range of roles, from entry-level to executive positions.
- Associations: Groups such as the Associated General Contractors of America (AGC) offer valuable resources including training programs, certifications, and networking events.
- Continuing education: Institutions like the National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) offer ongoing education and training for construction professionals.
- Networking platforms: LinkedIn's Construction Group, with over 500,000 members, is a virtual trove of industry news, job openings, and networking opportunities.
- Career coaching services: Companies like BlueSteps or Career Sidekick can provide you with personalized guidance and insights to enhance your resume, interview skills, and construction cover letter.
Remember, success in job-seeking is in the mix of all these resources. Use them to showcase your unique value in this competitive field.
Construction Cover Letter FAQ
What should I prioritize in my construction cover letter?
The foundation of your cover letter should be your skills and experiences that directly relate to the construction role you're pursuing. Think of it like selecting the right tools for a construction project.
How long should my cover letter be?
A skyscraper of text isn't necessary. A well-crafted cover letter should be no longer than a page. In other words, keep it as short and sweet as a well-placed nail.
Should I list all my previous construction jobs?
You're building a resume, not a house. Prioritize the roles and responsibilities that align with the job you're seeking.
Are specific examples of my work important to include?
Absolutely. It's like the blueprint for a building - it gives a clear vision of what you can accomplish. Use your cover letter to highlight particular projects or accomplishments.
Should I mention my construction certifications?
Yes, indeed. It's like a safety helmet on site — it adds credibility. Include any relevant certifications that bolster your qualifications for the job.
