It starts with the resume.

Hiring managers look at many resumes, so yours needs to make a positive first impression. A clean, professional layout is critical. Use a modern, readable font, utilize bullet points to list information, and leave plenty of white space to avoid a cluttered look.

Try to tailor your resume to address the precise skills and experience listed in each job posting. Incorporating specific language from the job description into your resume helps employers match your qualifications to their requirements. For instance, if the job calls for “2-3 years of truck driving experience,” make sure you explicitly address how you meet that requirement.

In addition, quantifying your qualifications can boost your resume’s effectiveness. Instead of simply stating you possess a commercial driver’s license, highlight that you “Hold a Class A CDL for manual transmission, a clean driving record, and a valid DOT physical.”

If your background does not include construction work experience, highlight any relevant skills that could apply to the job, such as certificates you earned in safety or specialized training you completed. Be sure to include the names of the organizations providing your certification and the dates received.

When listing your work history, prioritize relevant roles and experiences directly related to the job you’re seeking. Most people list work experience chronologically. But if you’ve changed career directions or had gaps in employment, a functional format highlighting notable experiences might work best for you.

If your background does not include construction work experience, highlight any relevant skills that could apply to the job, such as certificates you earned in safety or specialized training you completed. Be sure to include the names of the organizations providing your certification and the dates received.

While many construction jobs do not require college degrees, most expect a high school degree or an equivalent GED. Always list when and where you graduated from high school or earned your GED.

Focusing on the interview process.

Preparation is critical for interviews. Before an interview, research the company to learn its values, mission, and industry position. Visit the employer’s website and social media platforms and look for recent news about the organization. Doing your homework helps you demonstrate your interest in the job and the employer.

In the interview, be prepared to discuss your background, why you are interested in the job, and how your experience aligns with the company’s needs. Practice summarizing your work background clearly and concisely while highlighting milestones and showcasing your skills and achievements.

Interviewers often rely on behavioral-type questions to gauge how you might handle various workplace scenarios. Questions such as, “Tell me about a time when you…” require you to recite examples of how you reacted in prior situations. Again, practice can help you structure comprehensive responses emphasizing your expertise and problem-solving abilities.

Of course, the interviewer should not be the only person asking questions. Asking insightful questions helps engage the interviewer, creates a conversational atmosphere, and demonstrates your interest in the position. Questions about training opportunities and how the company measures success show an interviewer that you are considering a long-term future at the company.

Successfully navigating the job application process involves setting yourself apart from other candidates by tailoring your resume, quantifying your achievements, and preparing thoroughly for interviews. But remember, you are not the only one interested in success. Hiring managers are eager to find qualified candidates to fill their positions. Don’t be afraid to ask them for guidance on showcasing what you can offer.