Construction Management
Construction Management is a professional service that oversees building projects from start to finish. Think of it as the process of directing and organizing all aspects of construction work. Construction managers act like conductors of an orchestra, coordinating different teams like architects, contractors, and workers to ensure projects are completed on time, within budget, and meet quality standards. This role combines both office work (planning, budgeting, scheduling) and field work (site supervision, safety oversight, quality control). Similar terms you might see include "Project Management in Construction" or "Construction Project Management."
Examples in Resumes
Led $50M commercial project using Construction Management principles to deliver ahead of schedule
Applied Construction Management techniques to reduce project costs by 15%
Supervised team of 50 workers using Construction Management and Project Management methodologies
Implemented Construction Management software to improve site coordination
Typical job title: "Construction Managers"
Also try searching for:
Where to Find Construction Managers
Professional Associations
Online Communities
Job Boards
Example Interview Questions
Senior Level Questions
Q: Can you describe a challenging construction project you managed and how you handled unexpected problems?
Expected Answer: Look for answers that demonstrate leadership, problem-solving abilities, and experience with large-scale projects. They should explain their decision-making process, how they managed stakeholders, and the successful outcome.
Q: How do you handle project budget overruns and schedule delays?
Expected Answer: Expect discussion of preventive measures, monitoring systems, corrective actions, and experience negotiating with contractors and clients. Should mention specific examples from past projects.
Mid Level Questions
Q: What safety protocols do you implement on construction sites?
Expected Answer: Should discuss OSHA requirements, safety meetings, personal protective equipment, site inspections, and incident reporting procedures.
Q: How do you coordinate between different contractors and trades on a project?
Expected Answer: Should explain communication methods, scheduling techniques, conflict resolution, and ways to ensure different teams work together efficiently.
Junior Level Questions
Q: What construction management software are you familiar with?
Expected Answer: Should mention common software like Procore, PlanGrid, or Microsoft Project, and basic understanding of their use for scheduling, documentation, and communication.
Q: How do you ensure quality control on a construction project?
Expected Answer: Should discuss basic inspection procedures, documentation methods, understanding of building codes, and importance of following specifications.
Experience Level Indicators
Junior (0-3 years)
- Basic understanding of construction processes
- Reading construction drawings and specifications
- Site safety awareness
- Basic scheduling and budgeting
Mid (3-7 years)
- Project coordination and scheduling
- Contract management
- Quality control oversight
- Subcontractor management
Senior (7+ years)
- Multiple project oversight
- Strategic planning and risk management
- Client relationship management
- Team leadership and development
Red Flags to Watch For
- No field experience or practical construction knowledge
- Lack of safety certification or awareness
- Poor communication skills
- No experience with construction documentation
- Unable to read construction drawings
- No knowledge of building codes and regulations
Related Terms
Need more hiring wisdom? Check these out...
Cutting HR Costs Without Sacrificing Quality: A How-To for Savvy Executives
Beyond the Resume: Cultivating a "Hire for Potential" Mindset in Management
Changing Careers: A Recruiter's Inside View
