Confident that your abilities and eagerness are enough to lay the groundwork for getting hired in construction? Don’t be so sure, unless a compelling construction cover letter is part or your carefully laid plan to edge out other qualified applicants. For now, it’s the building project that could make or break your chances of winning the job.
This writing guide, along with construction cover letter examples you can adapt, will cover these topics:
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Just like any building project, a cover letter takes shape in an orderly series of steps, conforming to the following basic framework:
Each cover letter component is designed to impress hiring managers from a slightly different angle. Together, they form a neatly compact, functional package of reasons why you’re an outstanding contender for this construction job.
Word-efficiency is the key to optimal persuasive impact on a single page. That means no more than 400 words.
At arm’s length, your cover letter should look inviting to read. The layout and design should be clean, streamlined and clutter-free. The best cover letter fonts are basic without being boring, dynamic but highly legible. You can find more specific formatting advice in our comprehensive guide to cover letter writing.
Below is a construction cover letter example that you can customize for your desired position and hiring organization:
Dear Mr. Matthews,
As the construction manager for Jenkins, I led integrated teams of 30+ employees including supervisors, bricklayers, electricians, plumbers, steel workers and wall and floor specialists. Managing budgets between $2m and $40m, I ensured 94% compliance with critical paths and maintained a customer satisfaction rate of 98%.
I understand that the open position at Bowes includes developing new safety protocols. At Jenkins, I rewrote our internal training course (that brought us fully into line with OSHA regulations) that every contractor had to pass, resulting in a 25% reduction in incidents.
I am adept at leading a construction team with a combination of practical insight and interpersonal motivation. Bottlenecks are a common part of construction work, so my ability to get the most out of others shortens project timelines and makes for a more productive site. I am always ready to resolve disputes and challenge suppliers on behalf of my team – they need the materials for the job without the frustration of delays.
I enclose a portfolio of my recent work in your sector and have over 20 client recommendations that testify to my expertise. I would welcome the opportunity of an interview to discuss how my experience might add value to your operations.
Sincerely,
Peter Hawsley
For additional inspiration, check out these cover letter examples for related maintenance and repair occupations:
A striking cover letter header can be the most effective way to stand out from the competition right off the top. It’s worth the extra time and effort to create a header that:
Address the hiring manager for this construction job by name in your cover letter greeting, simply as “Dear <Mr.> <Ms.> Surname.” It may be your future boss, someone in a more senior management or contractor role, or an HR officer, depending on how large the company is. If you’re not sure about the recipient, try to find out. Check the employer website or LinkedIn, or make a phone call to the office.
If it proves impossible to identify anyone by name, you can still customize your cover letter greeting along the following lines: “Dear <Job Title> Hiring Manager,” “Dear <Construction Project Name> Manager“ or “Dear <Company Name> Construction Hiring Team.”
Below you’ll find the greeting from our adaptable construction cover letter example.
Dear Mr. Matthews,
Again, your cover letter is an opportunity to set yourself apart from other construction job applicants. It starts in the introduction, where you seek to catch the hiring manager‘s attention right away.
Your most impressive qualifications dominate these opening sentences — how much relevant work experience you have and specific skills that you know are vitally important to this position. There’s no need to elaborate yet; just pique the reader’s interest in learning more.
Here’s the introduction from our construction cover letter sample.
As the construction manager for Jenkins, I led integrated teams of 30+ employees including supervisors, bricklayers, electricians, plumbers, steel workers and wall and floor specialists. Managing budgets between $2m and $40m, I ensured 94% compliance with critical paths and maintained a customer satisfaction rate of 98%.
The middle paragraphs of your cover letter build on the foundation laid in the introduction. Hiring managers should be getting a picture of how well you would fit and function on the construction crew being put together, in exactly the role needing to be filled.
To help them appreciate your knowledge of what’s required to measure up, select the most relevant examples of work experience, training and skills you bring to bear. Construction is a field in which facts and figures are available to illustrate tangible achievements. So describe results and outcomes in measurable terms. Also add a personal dimension with stories or commentary that readers can relate to.
This construction cover letter sample illustrates what you might include in the middle part:
I understand that the open position at Bowes includes developing new safety protocols. At Jenkins, I rewrote our internal training course (that brought us fully into line with OSHA regulations) that every contractor had to pass, resulting in a 25% reduction in incidents.
I am adept at leading a construction team with a combination of practical insight and interpersonal motivation. Bottlenecks are a common part of construction work, so my ability to get the most out of others shortens project timelines and makes for a more productive site. I am always ready to resolve disputes and challenge suppliers on behalf of my team – they need the materials for the job without the frustration of delays.
It’s time to close your construction cover letter by encouraging the hiring manager to make the next move. At best, you hope for an interview invitation, and at the very least an acknowledgement of your application. An effective call to action puts some onus on the employer to respond in one of those ways — anything but set your letter aside and forget about it. Last comes the sign-off (signature): your full name below “Sincerely,” “Best regards” or “Best.”
Below is the closing section of our construction letter sample.
I enclose a portfolio of my recent work in your sector and have over 20 client recommendations that testify to my expertise. I would welcome the opportunity of an interview to discuss how my experience might add value to your operations.
Sincerely,
Peter Hawsley
With such a low tolerance for mistakes in your line of work, construction job seekers should understand the need to avoid them in a cover letter. These are some common ones.
A polished-looking cover letter can quickly give you the edge over candidates who didn’t put much thought into their appearance. If graphic design isn’t your thing, consider using a professionally-designed cover letter template.