Top 12 Estimator Skills to Put on Your Resume
Crafting an effective resume as an estimator requires showcasing a blend of technical skills and soft abilities that demonstrate your proficiency in cost estimation and project management. Highlighting the top estimator skills on your resume is essential for capturing the attention of potential employers and standing out in the competitive job market.
Estimator Skills
1. AutoCAD
AutoCAD is a computer-aided design (CAD) software used for creating precise 2D and 3D drawings and models, instrumental for estimators in calculating materials, costs, and dimensions accurately.
Why It's Important
AutoCAD is important for an Estimator because it allows for the precise and efficient creation of detailed drawings and measurements, facilitating accurate cost and material estimates.
How to Improve AutoCAD Skills
To improve AutoCAD efficiency for an estimator, consider these concise strategies:
Master Keyboard Shortcuts: Learn and use AutoCAD's keyboard shortcuts to speed up your drafting process. Autodesk provides a comprehensive list.
Customize Your Workspace: Tailor the AutoCAD interface to suit your tasks. Autodesk's customization guide can help streamline your workflow.
Use AutoLISP: Automate repetitive tasks with AutoLISP scripts. Find resources and tutorials on Autodesk's AutoLISP page.
Implement Sheet Set Manager: Organize your drawings and streamline the publishing process with Sheet Set Manager. Learn more through Autodesk's Sheet Set Manager tutorial.
Leverage Data Extraction: Extract valuable information from your drawings for estimations using AutoCAD's Data Extraction tool. Autodesk offers a step-by-step guide.
Stay Updated: Regularly update your AutoCAD software to benefit from the latest features and improvements. Check Autodesk's official updates page.
By incorporating these strategies, estimators can significantly enhance their productivity and accuracy in AutoCAD.
How to Display AutoCAD Skills on Your Resume
2. Revit
Revit is a Building Information Modeling (BIM) software used for creating detailed 3D models of buildings, which allows estimators to accurately calculate materials, costs, and timelines for construction projects.
Why It's Important
Revit is important for an estimator as it enables precise and efficient quantity takeoffs, integrates cost estimation with design changes in real-time, and enhances collaboration with the design team, leading to more accurate and timely project cost estimations.
How to Improve Revit Skills
To improve Revit for an Estimator, focus on enhancing accuracy, efficiency, and integration:
- Utilize Add-Ons and Plugins: Explore tools like CostX for better estimation and cost management directly from Revit models.
- Leverage Dynamo for Automation: Use Dynamo to automate repetitive tasks, like quantity takeoffs, to save time and reduce errors.
- Implement BIM 360 for Collaboration: Adopt BIM 360 to improve coordination with project teams, ensuring real-time updates and access to the most current project data.
- Engage in Continuous Learning: Stay updated with the latest Revit features and best practices through Autodesk University and LinkedIn Learning.
Focusing on these areas will enhance an Estimator's efficiency and accuracy when working with Revit.
How to Display Revit Skills on Your Resume
3. Excel
Excel is a spreadsheet software developed by Microsoft, used for organizing, analyzing, and storing data, valuable for estimators in calculating costs, creating budgets, and analyzing financial scenarios.
Why It's Important
Excel is crucial for estimators because it offers powerful tools for accurate cost calculations, data analysis, and budget management, enabling efficient, precise project estimations.
How to Improve Excel Skills
Improving Excel skills, particularly for an estimator, involves mastering functions, pivot tables, and external data integration to enhance efficiency and accuracy in cost estimation and data analysis.
Advance Excel Functions: Focus on mastering functions relevant to estimation like
VLOOKUP,HLOOKUP,SUMIFS,COUNTIFS, andINDEX-MATCH. ExcelJet offers concise tutorials.Pivot Tables: Learn to create and manipulate pivot tables for summarizing, analyzing, and presenting your data. Microsoft Support has official guides.
Data Validation and Conditional Formatting: Use data validation for error checking and conditional formatting to highlight critical metrics. Contextures provides practical examples.
External Data Sources: Integrate Excel with external data sources such as databases or web services for real-time data updates. Excel Off The Grid offers insights on importing data from APIs.
Excel Macros and VBA: Automate repetitive tasks and customize Excel functions with VBA scripting. Automate Excel is a great place to start learning.
Excel Add-ins for Estimators: Explore and use Excel add-ins specific to estimation work for enhanced functionalities. PlanSwift and CostX are popular options.
By focusing on these areas, estimators can significantly enhance their Excel capabilities, leading to more efficient and accurate estimations.
How to Display Excel Skills on Your Resume
4. Bluebeam
Bluebeam is a software application designed for architects, engineers, and construction professionals, offering advanced PDF creation, editing, markup, and collaboration features. For an estimator, it streamlines the process of quantity takeoffs, facilitates accurate cost estimations, and enhances project communication through its markup and collaboration tools.
Why It's Important
Bluebeam is important for estimators because it provides advanced tools for accurate PDF measurements, markup, and editing, enabling precise cost estimations and efficient project bid preparation.
How to Improve Bluebeam Skills
To improve Bluebeam for an Estimator, focus on customizing tool sets, mastering markup list management, and integrating estimation software. Here’s how:
Customize Tool Sets: Tailor Bluebeam's tool sets specifically for estimation. Create custom measurement tools and symbols for quick access to frequently used items. Bluebeam Tool Sets Guide.
Markup List Management: Utilize the Markups List to track, sort, and report all annotations and measurements. This feature streamlines the estimation process by organizing data efficiently. Managing Markup Lists.
Integration with Estimation Software: Integrate Bluebeam with your estimation software for a seamless workflow. Check for plugins or export options that allow data transfer. Explore Bluebeam's integration capabilities to streamline processes. Integration Options.
By focusing on these areas, estimators can significantly enhance their efficiency and accuracy in Bluebeam.
How to Display Bluebeam Skills on Your Resume
5. CostX
CostX is a software tool designed for estimators, providing digital takeoff capabilities, estimating functionalities, and integrated project cost management, enabling accurate and efficient construction cost estimations.
Why It's Important
CostX is important for an estimator because it streamlines and enhances the accuracy of construction cost estimation through its integrated takeoff, estimating, and reporting features, resulting in time and cost savings and minimizing the risk of errors.
How to Improve CostX Skills
To improve your proficiency with CostX, an estimating software for construction projects, follow these concise strategies:
Explore Official Resources: Begin with CostX's official tutorials and webinars to understand the basics and advanced features.
Practice Regularly: Gain hands-on experience by working on sample projects or previous estimates to enhance your skills.
Utilize Support Forums: Join CostX forums or groups where you can ask questions, share insights, and learn from experienced users.
Stay Updated: Regularly check for software updates and new features on the CostX website to ensure you're using the software to its full potential.
Training Courses: Consider enrolling in CostX training courses or certifications to deepen your understanding and proficiency.
By integrating these practices, you'll significantly enhance your CostX skills, leading to more accurate and efficient estimates.
How to Display CostX Skills on Your Resume
6. Primavera P6
Primavera P6 is a powerful project management software tool used for planning, scheduling, and controlling complex projects, enabling estimators to forecast costs, allocate resources, and assess project timelines accurately.
Why It's Important
Primavera P6 is important for an estimator because it allows for detailed project scheduling and cost estimation, enabling precise control over project timelines and budgets, thereby improving the accuracy of project cost forecasts and resource allocation.
How to Improve Primavera P6 Skills
Improving your proficiency with Primavera P6 as an estimator involves focusing on efficient project cost estimation and schedule management. Below are concise steps and external resources to enhance your skills:
Understand Project Management Fundamentals: Gain a solid foundation in project management principles. This includes understanding the scope, time, cost, and quality management. Project Management Institute offers resources and certifications.
Learn Primavera P6 Basics: Start with the essentials of Primavera P6. Oracle offers an official guide to get you started.
Master Cost Estimation in P6: Focus on the cost management features of Primavera P6. Utilize the 'Costs' tab effectively for budgeting, actual cost tracking, and variance analysis.
Schedule Management: Improve your scheduling techniques. Learn how to create, manage, and update schedules efficiently. The Oracle Learning Library offers specific tutorials.
Advanced Features: Explore advanced features like Earned Value Management (EVM) within P6 for better cost and schedule performance measurement. Oracle’s User Guide covers these topics.
Continuous Practice: Apply your knowledge in real-life scenarios. Regular use and challenge-driven learning enhance your proficiency.
Join Online Forums and Communities: Engage with other professionals on platforms like Plan Academy for community support, tips, and tutorials.
Professional Training and Certification: Consider formal training or certification to deepen your expertise. Oracle University offers courses tailored to different user levels.
Utilize YouTube Tutorials: Channels like Project Control Academy provide visual guides and tips for mastering Primavera P6.
By focusing on these areas and leveraging the provided resources, you can significantly improve your Primavera P6 skills, making your estimations more accurate and your project management more efficient.
How to Display Primavera P6 Skills on Your Resume
7. Timberline
Timberline, in the context of an Estimator, refers to a comprehensive construction estimating software developed by Sage, designed to assist in accurately calculating costs, managing bids, and planning projects.
Why It's Important
Timberline, also known as Sage 300 Construction and Real Estate, is important for estimators because it provides accurate and efficient cost estimation tools. These tools help in creating detailed and precise budget forecasts, managing bids, and controlling construction project costs, ensuring profitability and competitive bidding.
How to Improve Timberline Skills
Improving Timberline for an Estimator involves optimizing both software skills and project management practices. Here’s a concise guide:
Enhance Software Proficiency: Engage in Sage University courses to deepen your understanding of Timberline. Regularly updating the software ensures access to the latest features and bug fixes.
Customize Reports and Templates: Personalize templates and reports to match your estimating needs. This increases accuracy and saves time.
Leverage the Database: Regularly update and maintain your cost database. This database management guide can help optimize your resource efficiency.
Integrate with Other Software: Utilize Timberline's integration capabilities with project management and accounting software for streamlined workflow. Explore integration options here.
Practice Continuous Learning: The construction industry is always evolving. Stay informed on best practices and new features through forums and webinars.
Network with Peers: Join online communities and forums such as LinkedIn groups related to Sage Estimating to exchange tips and stay updated.
By focusing on these areas, you can significantly enhance your efficiency and accuracy as an estimator using Timberline.
How to Display Timberline Skills on Your Resume
8. On-Screen Takeoff
On-Screen Takeoff is a digital estimating and takeoff software designed for construction estimators to accurately measure, quantify, and bid on projects directly from digital blueprints or plans, enhancing efficiency and accuracy in the estimation process.
Why It's Important
On-Screen Takeoff is important for an estimator because it significantly enhances accuracy and efficiency in measuring and quantifying materials from digital plans, reducing errors and saving time compared to manual methods.
How to Improve On-Screen Takeoff Skills
Improving your skills with On-Screen Takeoff (OST) as an estimator involves a few targeted strategies to enhance accuracy and efficiency. Here are concise recommendations:
Understand the Software Completely: Start with the official On-Screen Takeoff Tutorial to familiarize yourself with all features.
Learn Keyboard Shortcuts: Mastering keyboard shortcuts can significantly speed up your workflow.
Customize Your Toolbars: Tailor the toolbars to fit your most frequent tasks, ensuring quick access to essential tools.
Use Layers Strategically: Organize your takeoffs by using layers for different materials or sections of the project, improving clarity and manageability.
Regularly Update Software: Ensure you're using the latest version of OST for new features and bug fixes. Check the ConstructConnect website for updates.
Practice with Sample Plans: Enhance your speed and accuracy by practicing on a variety of sample plans.
Join User Communities: Engage with other users in forums or LinkedIn groups to exchange tips and best practices.
Attend Training Sessions and Webinars: Participate in ConstructConnect training sessions and webinars to learn advanced techniques and features.
Improving your proficiency with On-Screen Takeoff not only involves mastering the software itself but also adopting a continuous learning approach to stay updated with the latest features and industry practices.
How to Display On-Screen Takeoff Skills on Your Resume
9. BIM 360
BIM 360 is a cloud-based construction management platform designed to connect project teams, streamline workflows, and enhance decision-making processes, enabling estimators to efficiently manage project cost estimates, collaborate in real-time, and access project data anywhere, anytime.
Why It's Important
BIM 360 is important for an Estimator because it enables accurate, real-time access to project data, streamlines collaboration, and reduces the risk of costly errors or discrepancies in the estimation process.
How to Improve BIM 360 Skills
Improving BIM 360 for an estimator involves leveraging its collaboration, model coordination, and cost management tools effectively. Here are concise ways to enhance your experience:
Integrate with Estimating Software: Use Autodesk Construction Cloud integrations to connect BIM 360 with your estimating software, ensuring real-time updates and seamless data transfer.
Utilize the Quantification Tool: Take advantage of the BIM 360 Model Coordination module for automatic quantification from models, allowing for accurate and efficient material takeoffs.
Leverage Collaboration for RFIs: Improve the RFI process by using BIM 360’s collaboration features, enabling quick clarifications and updates directly linked to the estimate.
Customize Reports: Customize reports within BIM 360 to focus on relevant cost information, ensuring estimators can quickly access and analyze needed data. BIM 360 Cost Management provides a detailed view for tracking and managing project costs effectively.
Training and Resources: Regularly update skills and knowledge by accessing Autodesk University and BIM 360 Resource Center for tutorials and best practices tailored for estimators.
By focusing on these aspects, estimators can significantly improve their efficiency and accuracy when working with BIM 360.
How to Display BIM 360 Skills on Your Resume
10. ProEst
ProEst is a cloud-based construction estimating software designed to help estimators create accurate and competitive bids for construction projects by automating and streamlining the estimating process.
Why It's Important
ProEst is important for an estimator because it streamlines the estimation process, enhancing accuracy and efficiency by automating calculations, integrating cost databases, and facilitating project management, thereby saving time and reducing errors.
How to Improve ProEst Skills
Improving your experience with ProEst as an estimator involves enhancing efficiency, accuracy, and integration capabilities. Here are concise strategies:
Training and Certification: Engage in ProEst training to master advanced features and best practices.
Custom Templates: Create custom templates tailored to your estimating processes to save time and ensure consistency.
Integration: Utilize ProEst's integration capabilities with other software like accounting and project management tools for seamless data flow.
Data Analysis: Leverage ProEst’s reporting and data analysis features to gain insights and make informed decisions.
Feedback Loop: Implement a feedback loop with your team to identify and address any inefficiencies in your current estimating process.
Software Updates: Regularly update ProEst to the latest version to take advantage of new features and improvements.
By focusing on these areas, you can significantly enhance your efficiency and effectiveness as an estimator using ProEst.
How to Display ProEst Skills on Your Resume
11. RSMeans
RSMeans is a comprehensive construction cost database that provides detailed cost information for various construction materials, labor rates, and project types, helping estimators accurately forecast project expenses and create detailed budget estimates.
Why It's Important
RSMeans is important for an estimator because it provides accurate and up-to-date construction cost data, enabling precise budgeting, planning, and bid preparation for construction projects.
How to Improve RSMeans Skills
Improving your use of RSMeans for estimating can be achieved through consistent practice, leveraging technology, and ongoing learning. Here are concise tips:
Familiarize Yourself with the Database: Spend time navigating RSMeans to understand its structure and categories. This improves speed and accuracy in finding relevant costs.
Use Software Integration: Many estimating software platforms allow integration with RSMeans data. This can streamline your estimating process, making it more efficient and reducing the risk of errors.
Attend RSMeans Training: Gordian offers training courses on how to effectively use RSMeans. These courses can provide valuable insights and tips for maximizing the utility of RSMeans data in your estimates.
Practice Regularly: Like any skill, proficiency with RSMeans comes with practice. Regularly use it for your estimates to become more efficient.
Stay Updated: Construction costs can change. Make sure to always use the latest version of RSMeans for the most accurate and up-to-date data.
Utilize the Online Platform: The RSMeans online platform offers additional tools and functionalities over the book versions, like the ability to adjust costs for specific locations.
Network with Peers: Engage in forums or groups with other estimators. Exchanging tips and experiences can provide new insights into making the most out of RSMeans.
By following these steps, you can enhance your efficiency and accuracy as an estimator using RSMeans.
How to Display RSMeans Skills on Your Resume
12. SketchUp
SketchUp is a 3D modeling software used for various drawing applications, including architectural, interior design, landscape architecture, and more. For an estimator, it facilitates the creation and visualization of project designs, enabling accurate measurements and estimations of materials, costs, and dimensions.
Why It's Important
SketchUp is important for an estimator because it enables precise and easy visualization of designs, facilitating accurate measurements and cost estimation for materials and labor, streamlining the estimating process.
How to Improve SketchUp Skills
To improve SketchUp for an Estimator, focus on enhancing accuracy, efficiency, and integration:
Accuracy: Utilize SketchUp's precision tools for exact measurements. Implement extensions like Quantifier Pro for detailed material and cost estimates.
Efficiency: Master keyboard shortcuts and SketchUp's inferencing system to speed up modeling. Use LayOut for streamlined document creation.
Integration: Leverage SketchUp's compatibility with other software, such as Excel, for seamless data exchange. Utilize Trimble Connect for cloud-based collaboration and file sharing.
By focusing on these areas, estimators can significantly enhance their workflow with SketchUp.
How to Display SketchUp Skills on Your Resume
