Top construction skills to look for in candidates
1. Construction
Included in 17.93% of construction job postings
Construction skills cover a wide range of talents and abilities, from physical labor to specialized trade skills like plumbing and carpentry. These skills are essential for roles that involve hands-on work, adherence to safety protocols and collaboration with a team.
Job description example: Experience with general construction tasks, including plumbing, drywall installation and compliance with safety protocols.
Assessing the skill: Employers can assess construction skills by asking candidates to describe specific projects they’ve worked on and by asking about their experience with various construction techniques and tools.
2. Communication skills
Included in 15.57% of construction job postings
Communication skills are vital in construction, as workers must often communicate with coworkers, supervisors, clients and vendors. This skill is important for helping to ensure smooth operations and clear understanding on the job site.
Job description example: Strong verbal communication skills for coordinating with team members and clients.
Assessing the skill: Employers can assess communication skills through interviews by observing the candidate’s ability to articulate their thoughts, actively listen and engage in meaningful dialogue.
3. Carpentry
Included in 9.78% of construction job postings
Carpentry is a specialized skill that involves working with wood to construct, install and repair structures. This skill is essential for construction roles that require building frameworks, installing fixtures or finishing work.
Job description example: Proficient in carpentry with experience in framing, finishing and using woodworking tools.
Assessing the skill: You can assess carpentry skills by asking candidates specific carpenter interview questions. Hands-on assessments, such as creating a small structure, can also be effective.
4. English
Included in 7.91% of construction job postings
English proficiency helps ensure that construction workers can communicate effectively with the rest of the team and follow written instructions and safety guidelines.
Job description example: Proficiency in spoken and written English is required.
Assessing the skill: Assess English proficiency through interviews, focusing on the candidate’s ability to understand and respond to questions, as well as their comprehension of written materials.
5. Power tools
Included in 5.42% of construction job postings
Proficiency with power tools is important for construction workers who must operate equipment like drills, saws and grinders. This skill is essential for roles that require the use of power tools to complete tasks efficiently and safely.
Job description example: Experience with power tools, including but not limited to circular saws, drills and grinders.
Assessing the skill: You can assess power tool proficiency by asking candidates to describe their experience with specific tools and by conducting practical assessments to observe their tool-handling skills.
6. Excavator
Included in 5.16% of construction job postings
Operating an excavator involves using heavy machinery to move dirt and other materials to prepare sites for construction. Employers should include excavator operation in job descriptions for roles that involve heavy equipment use.
Job description example: Experience operating excavators for site preparation and trenching.
Assessing the skill: Evaluate excavator operation skills by discussing the candidate’s experience with heavy machinery and by reviewing any certifications or licenses they hold.
7. Customer service
Included in 4.84% of construction job postings
Customer service skills are important for construction workers who interact with clients, homeowners or project stakeholders. These skills help in building professional relationships and ensuring client satisfaction.
Job description example: Strong customer service skills with the ability to build relationships and resolve client inquiries on-site.
Assessing the skill: Assess customer service skills by discussing past experiences where the candidate interacted with clients and by role-playing scenarios to evaluate their approach to customer interactions.
8. Construction painting
Included in 4.70% of construction job postings
Construction painting involves applying paint to various surfaces as part of the finishing process. This skill is necessary for roles that require precision and knowledge of different painting techniques and materials.
Job description example: Experienced in construction painting, including knowledge of airless paint sprayers and various paint types.
Assessing the skill: You can assess painting skills by asking about the candidate’s experience with different painting tools and techniques.
9. Hand tools
Included in 4.69% of construction job postings
Hand tools are fundamental to construction work, and proficiency with tools like hammers, screwdrivers and wrenches is necessary for many tasks.
Job description example: Proficient in the use of hand tools, including hammers, wrenches and screwdrivers.
Assessing the skill: Evaluate hand tool skills by asking candidates to demonstrate their proficiency with specific tools during a practical assessment or by discussing their experience with various hand tools.
10. Computer skills
Included in 4.15% of construction job postings
Computer skills are increasingly important in construction for tasks like budgeting, scheduling and project management. This skill can be necessary for roles that involve administrative tasks or the use of construction-related software.
Job description example: Proficient in using construction-related software for budgeting, scheduling and team communication.
Assessing the skill: Assess computer skills by discussing the candidate’s experience with specific software applications and by testing their ability to perform relevant tasks on a computer.
11. Mechanical knowledge
Included in 3.66% of construction job postings
Mechanical knowledge involves understanding how machinery and equipment work, which is critical for maintaining and operating construction equipment. This skill is necessary for roles that require technical expertise in machinery operation and maintenance.
Job description example: Strong mechanical knowledge with experience in operating and maintaining construction equipment.
Assessing the skill: Evaluate mechanical knowledge by asking candidates about their experience with specific machinery and by discussing their approach to equipment maintenance and troubleshooting.
12. Plumbing
Included in 3.35% of construction job postings
Plumbing skills are necessary for workers involved in installing and repairing piping systems. As a specialty trade skill, plumbing candidates may be required to hold licenses or certifications.
Job description example: Experienced in plumbing installation and repair, with knowledge of various piping systems and materials.
Assessing the skill: Assess plumbing skills by discussing the candidate’s experience with different types of plumbing systems and by reviewing any relevant certifications or licenses.
13. Manufacturing
Included in 3.22% of construction job postings
Manufacturing skills in construction involve creating or adapting materials on-site, such as fabricating components or assembling prefabricated parts. This skill is important for roles that require on-site production or modification of materials.
Job description example: Proficient in on-site manufacturing and assembly, with experience in fabricating construction components.
Assessing the skill: You can evaluate manufacturing skills by discussing past projects where the candidate was involved in fabricating or assembling materials.
14. Management
Included in 3.22% of construction job postings
Management skills are essential for construction managers who oversee projects, coordinate teams and ensure that everything runs smoothly. Employers should include this skill in job descriptions for roles requiring leadership and project oversight.
Job description example: Experienced construction manager with strong leadership and project management skills.
Assessing the skill: Assess management skills by discussing the candidate’s experience in leading construction projects and by asking about their approach to team coordination and problem-solving.
15. Commercial driving
Included in 3.16% of construction job postings
Commercial driving skills are important for roles that involve transporting materials or equipment between sites. A commercial driver’s license (CDL) is often required for these roles. Employers should include this skill in job descriptions for roles that involve driving as part of the job.
Job description example: Valid commercial driver’s license required for transporting construction materials and equipment.
Assessing the skill: Evaluate commercial driving skills by confirming the candidate’s CDL and by discussing their experience with transporting materials and driving large vehicles.
16. Microsoft Excel
Included in 3.13% of construction job postings
Microsoft Excel is commonly used in construction for tasks like budgeting, data analysis and project tracking. This skill is essential for roles that involve administrative or project management tasks.
Job description example: Proficient in Microsoft Excel for budgeting, data analysis and project tracking.
Assessing the skill: Assess Excel skills by asking candidates to demonstrate their ability to use Excel for specific tasks or by reviewing their experience with spreadsheet management.
17. Welding
Included in 3.10% of construction job postings
Welding skills are important for construction workers who need to join metal parts together using heat and are essential for roles that involve metal fabrication or structural work.
Job description example: Experienced welder with proficiency in ARC welding and metal fabrication.
Assessing the skill: Evaluate welding skills by discussing the candidate’s experience with different welding techniques and by reviewing any relevant certifications. A practical welding demonstration may also be appropriate.
18. Heavy equipment operation
Included in 3.04% of construction job postings
Heavy equipment operation involves using machinery like bulldozers, cranes and excavators to move materials and prepare sites.
Job description example: Proficient in operating heavy equipment, including bulldozers, cranes and excavators.
Assessing the skill: Assess heavy equipment operation skills by discussing the candidate’s experience with specific machinery and by reviewing any relevant certifications or licenses. A practical assessment of their ability to operate heavy equipment may also be necessary.
19. Forklift
Included in 2.93% of construction job postings
Forklift operation is important for moving heavy materials on construction sites and for roles that involve material handling and logistics.
Job description example: Experienced in operating forklifts for material handling on construction sites.
Assessing the skill: Evaluate forklift skills by confirming the candidate’s certification (if required) and by discussing their experience with forklift operation. A practical assessment may also be useful.
20. Microsoft Office
Included in 2.83% of construction job postings
Microsoft Office is used in construction for tasks like communication, scheduling and document management. This skill can be important for roles that involve administrative tasks or project coordination.
Job description example: Proficient in Microsoft Office, including Outlook, Excel and Teams for project coordination and communication.
Assessing the skill: Assess Microsoft Office skills by asking candidates to describe how they have used Office applications in past roles and by testing their ability to perform relevant tasks using these tools.
21. Time management
Included in 2.70% of construction job postings
Time management skills are needed to meet deadlines and ensure that construction projects stay on schedule. Employers should include this skill in job descriptions for roles that demand strong organizational and time management abilities.
Job description example: Excellent time management skills with the ability to prioritize tasks and meet project deadlines.
Assessing the skill: You can assess time management skills by discussing how candidates have managed tight deadlines in past projects and by asking about their strategies for prioritizing tasks.
22. Computer literacy
Included in 2.54% of construction job postings
Computer literacy refers to the ability to use computers and related technology effectively and can be important in construction for tasks like communication, data entry and using specific software.
Job description example: Comfortable using computers for daily tasks, including email communication and data entry.
Assessing the skill: You can assess computer literacy by discussing the candidate’s experience with computer-based tasks and by testing their ability to perform basic functions on a computer.
23. Basic math
Included in 2.18% of construction job postings
Basic math skills are needed for construction work where accurate measurements and calculations are required. This skill is important for roles that involve tasks like measuring, cutting and estimating materials.
Job description example: Strong math skills required for precise measurements, calculations and layout work.
Assessing the skill: Assess math skills by testing the candidate’s ability to perform basic arithmetic and measurement tasks relevant to the job.
24. Frame carpentry
Included in 2.10% of construction job postings
Frame carpentry involves constructing the framework of buildings, which is a critical part of the construction process. This skill is essential for roles that focus on structural building tasks.
Job description example: Experienced in frame carpentry, with the ability to construct frameworks based on blueprints and schematics.
Assessing the skill: Assess frame carpentry skills by discussing the candidate’s experience with building frameworks and by evaluating their ability to read and interpret construction blueprints.
25. Maintenance
Included in 2.01% of construction job postings
Maintenance skills are important for ensuring that construction sites and equipment are kept in good working order.
Job description example: Skilled in performing routine maintenance on construction equipment and keeping the site clean and organized.
Assessing the skill: Assess maintenance skills by discussing the candidate’s experience with site and equipment upkeep and by asking about their approach to maintaining a safe and organized work environment.
Other top construction skills in-demand
Here are an additional 25 construction skills that are common in construction job postings on Indeed:
26. Microsoft Word: Included in 1.97% of construction job postings
27. Spanish: Included in 1.97% of construction job postings
28. Construction estimating: Included in 1.86% of construction job postings
29. Writing skills: Included in 1.83% of construction job postings
30. Organizational skills: Included in 1.82% of construction job postings
31. Supervising experience: Included in 1.81% of construction job postings
32. Heavy lifting: Included in 1.81% of construction job postings
33. Drywall: Included in 1.71% of construction job postings
34. Leadership: Included in 1.65% of construction job postings
35. Commercial construction: Included in 1.59% of construction job postings
36. Project management: Included in 1.58% of construction job postings
37. Warehouse experience: Included in 1.52% of construction job postings
38. Bilingual: Included in 1.50% of construction job postings
39. Auto estimating: Included in 1.49% of construction job postings
40. OSHA: Included in 1.41% of construction job postings
41. Maths: Included in 1.39% of construction job postings
42. Schematics: Included in 1.36% of construction job postings
43. Analysis skills: Included in 1.35% of construction job postings
44. Handyman experience: Included in 1.26% of construction job postings
45. Roofing: Included in 1.18% of construction job postings
46. Microsoft Outlook: Included in 1.06% of construction job postings
47. Fabrication: Included in 0.98% of construction job postings
48. Assembly: Included in 0.98% of construction job postings
49. Driving: Included in 0.93% of construction job postings
50. Restoration: Included in 0.93% of construction job postings
¹Indeed data (US), January 2023 – Dec 2023
