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What does a Foreman do?

Photo of Brenna Goyette
Brenna Goyette
Certified Professional Resume Writer, Career Expert

Published 3 min read

A foreman is a supervisor who is responsible for overseeing the work of a group of employees. The foreman is responsible for ensuring that the work is completed safely and efficiently.

Foreman job duties include:

  • Overseeing and coordinating the work of subordinates
  • Assigning tasks and checking work for accuracy
  • Inspecting equipment and tools to ensure they are safe and in good working order
  • Addressing problems and resolving issues as they arise
  • Maintaining records of employee attendance, work schedules, and job assignments
  • Training new employees and providing ongoing training for existing staff
  • Ensuring that safety regulations are followed
  • Planning and scheduling work to meet deadlines
  • Preparing reports and other documentation as required

Foreman Job Requirements

Most foreman positions require at least a high school diploma, although some jobs may require postsecondary education, such as an associate's degree in construction management. Many employers also prefer to hire foreman who have previous experience working in the construction industry. Some companies may require candidates to possess certification from a professional organization, such as the American Contractors Association.

Foreman Skills

  • Leadership
  • Communication
  • Organization
  • Problem solving
  • Delegation
  • Time management
  • Motivation
  • Teamwork
  • Conflict resolution
  • Flexibility
  • Adaptability

Related: Top Foreman Skills: Definition and Examples

How to become a Foreman

There are many different types of foremen, but the most common type is a construction foreman. To become a construction foreman, you will need to have experience working in the construction industry. Many construction foremen start out as apprentices or journeymen workers. Once you have worked in the construction industry for several years, you can apply for a position as a foreman. Some companies may require you to take a written exam or participate in an interview process.

As a construction foreman, you will be responsible for supervising and coordinating the work of a crew of construction workers. You will need to be able to read and understand blueprints and specifications. You will also need to be familiar with the use of tools and equipment used in the construction industry. Safety is a major concern for all construction projects, so you will need to be aware of safety hazards and how to prevent accidents.

In order to be successful as a construction foreman, you must be able to work well under pressure and meet deadlines. You must also be able to communicate effectively with other members of the construction team, including the project manager, engineers, and inspectors.

Related: Foreman Resume Example

Related: Foreman Interview Questions (With Example Answers)

Editorial staff

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Editor

Brenna Goyette

Expert Verified

Brenna is a certified professional resume writer, career expert, and the content manager of the ResumeCat team. She has a background in corporate recruiting and human resources and has been writing resumes for over 10 years. Brenna has experience in recruiting for tech, finance, and marketing roles and has a passion for helping people find their dream jobs. She creates expert resources to help job seekers write the best resumes and cover letters, land the job, and succeed in the workplace.

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