What Hiring Managers Look for in Construction Project Managers

Project managers are responsible for making sure projects are completed on time, safely, within the budget, and according to very specific quality standards. Thus, not surprisingly, hiring managers look for project managers with specific experience on projects who can exhibit the foregoing.

If you are a prospective project manager looking for work, understanding what hiring managers are looking for will help you bolster your resume and cover letter, and better prepare for any upcoming interviews.

Here are some of the most important skills and experience that hiring managers look for in their candidates.

1. Industry Experience

If there is one thing a hiring manager wants to see in a prospective candidate, it is that they possess relevant, real-work experience leading construction projects. There is perhaps no better indicator that a potential project manager will lead a project to successful completion than one who has done so previously on projects of similar sizes and budgets.

2. Leadership and Communication Skills

Strong leadership skills are a necessity for project managers who must lead diverse teams of subcontractors, suppliers, and internal staff. A project manager who cannot lead and command the respect of their team is doomed to fail. Strong leaders are great communicators. Project managers must be able to relay complex information clearly and effectively to different stakeholders, from onsite workers to senior management. Strong leadership and communication skills will also help resolve conflicts on the job site and help in negotiating contracts.

3. Technical Expertise

There’s a growing list of construction software solutions that are designed to help project managers perform their jobs more effectively. A tech-savvy project manager who’s familiar with the latest and best management tools is more likely to better manage a project. Hiring managers want candidates who are proficient in project management software, cost estimation tools, and scheduling programs such as Microsoft Project or Primavera P6.

4. Time Management Skills

Timely completion of projects is one of the most critical requirements in the construction industry — a requirement that’s failed far too often. Hiring managers want project managers who can create realistic schedules and make sure all project phases progress as scheduled. The ability to prioritize competing deadlines and tasks, delegate responsibilities, and quickly handle conflicts will signal to hiring managers that a candidate will get a project done on time.

5. Financial Awareness

Completing a job on time is one thing. Completing a job on time and on budget is significantly more difficult. Managing a construction project’s budget is a fundamental responsibility of project managers. Thus, hiring managers want someone who can create accurate cost estimates, efficiently manage resources, keep projects within a budget, and find cost-saving opportunities that don’t compromise quality.

6. Safety-Oriented

Job-site accidents and injuries still occur at rates that are far too high. Hiring managers want project managers who prioritize workplace and jobsite safety. Candidates must demonstrate they’ve taken regular job safety trainings and that they’ve run safe projects in the past.

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