Top 12 Project Estimator Skills to Put on Your Resume

In today's competitive job market, having a standout resume is crucial for project estimators aiming to secure their next role. Highlighting a robust set of skills that showcases your expertise in project estimation can significantly enhance your chances of catching an employer's eye, making it essential to identify and present the most impactful abilities relevant to this field.

Project Estimator Skills

1. CostX
2. PlanSwift
3. Excel
4. Primavera P6
5. AutoCAD
6. Revit
7. BIM 360
8. RSMeans
9. Timberline
10. Bluebeam Revu
11. On-Screen Takeoff
12. Procore

1. CostX

CostX is a software tool designed for project estimators, providing accurate cost estimates by allowing the measurement of quantities from digital drawings and the automation of repetitive calculations, enhancing the efficiency and accuracy of the estimating process.

Why It's Important

CostX is important for a Project Estimator because it streamlines the estimating process, enhances accuracy through automated takeoffs from digital plans, and facilitates real-time cost updates, enabling more precise and efficient project budgeting and cost control.

How to Improve CostX Skills

Improving your proficiency with CostX, a leading estimating software for the construction industry, involves focusing on key areas such as software mastery, efficient data use, and continuous learning. Here’s how a Project Estimator can enhance their CostX skills succinctly:

1. Master the Basics: Start with the foundation. Ensure you're well-versed in the basic functionalities of CostX, such as measuring dimensions, using rate libraries, and generating reports.

2. Advanced Training: Enroll in advanced training courses provided by Exactal. This can include online tutorials, webinars, or even in-person classes to deepen your knowledge in specific features like BIM integration and custom report creation.

3. Practice Regularly: The more you use CostX, the better you become. Set aside time to practice on past or hypothetical projects to refine your skills and discover shortcuts.

4. Stay Updated: Software updates can introduce new features or improve existing ones. Regularly check the Exactal news section for updates and enhancements that can improve your workflow.

5. Join User Communities: Engaging with other CostX users through forums or social media groups can provide insights into best practices and innovative uses of the software. Sharing experiences can help you solve common challenges and learn new techniques.

6. Leverage Support and Documentation: Make use of the comprehensive support and documentation available from Exactal. This can include user manuals, FAQs, and customer support for troubleshooting specific issues.

By focusing on these areas, a Project Estimator can substantially improve their efficiency and accuracy in using CostX for construction estimating.

How to Display CostX Skills on Your Resume

2. PlanSwift

PlanSwift is a digital takeoff and estimating software used by project estimators to efficiently calculate material quantities, labor, and costs directly from blueprints or digital plans, enhancing accuracy and speed in preparing construction project estimates.

Why It's Important

PlanSwift is important for a Project Estimator because it significantly enhances accuracy and efficiency in calculating material quantities and costs, streamlining the estimation process and reducing the risk of human error.

How to Improve PlanSwift Skills

Improving PlanSwift for a Project Estimator involves enhancing efficiency, accuracy, and customization capabilities. Here are concise strategies:

1. Enhance Efficiency with Templates: Create and use customized templates for repetitive tasks or projects. This saves time and ensures consistency across estimates.

2. Increase Accuracy with Advanced Takeoff Methods: Utilize PlanSwift's advanced takeoff options, such as the digital plan takeoff, to increase accuracy. This feature allows for precise measurements directly from digital plans. Learn more about digital takeoffs.

3. Customize with Plugins: Integrate with specialized plugins to expand functionalities specific to your estimating needs. Plugins can automate tasks, add new features, or connect with other software. Explore PlanSwift Plugins.

4. Utilize Training Resources: Improve your proficiency with PlanSwift by accessing their online training resources, tutorials, and webinars. This ensures you are leveraging all available features to their fullest potential. Access PlanSwift Training.

5. Implement a Standardized Process: Develop a standardized estimating process within PlanSwift to ensure consistency and efficiency. This includes setting up a common structure for all projects and using a consistent set of items and assemblies.

By focusing on these strategies, a Project Estimator can significantly improve their efficiency and accuracy in PlanSwift, leading to better project outcomes.

How to Display PlanSwift Skills on Your Resume

3. Excel

Excel is a spreadsheet software developed by Microsoft, used for organizing, analyzing, and storing data, commonly utilized by Project Estimators for budgeting, forecasting, and financial analysis.

Why It's Important

Excel is crucial for Project Estimators because it facilitates accurate cost estimations, budget management, and financial analysis through its powerful calculation, data organization, and reporting capabilities, enabling efficient project planning and decision-making.

How to Improve Excel Skills

Improving Excel proficiency, especially for a Project Estimator role, involves mastering formulas, data visualization, and external data integration. Here are concise strategies:

1. Master Advanced Formulas: Enhance your ability to perform complex calculations and data analysis. Focus on formulas like VLOOKUP, INDEX, MATCH, and SUMIFS.

   • Excel Jet offers a comprehensive list and examples of advanced Excel formulas.

2. Utilize PivotTables: Gain insights from large datasets by summarizing, analyzing, and presenting data.

   • Microsoft Support provides a beginner's guide to creating PivotTables.

3. Incorporate Data Visualization Tools: Use charts and graphs to represent data visually for better understanding and presentation.

   • Excel Charts Guide from Excel Easy offers tutorials on creating various charts.

4. Automate Repetitive Tasks with Macros: Learn to record and write VBA code to automate routine tasks and improve efficiency.

   • Automate Excel has tutorials for learning VBA and automating tasks in Excel.

5. Integrate Excel with External Data Sources: Connect Excel to external databases, web pages, or APIs to import live data for your estimations.

   • Connecting to External Data provides Microsoft's guide on how to connect Excel with different data sources.

6. Learn Power Query for Data Transformation: Use Power Query to import, transform, and automate the preparation of data.

   • Excel Power Query Guide offers an introduction and how-to guide for Power Query.

By focusing on these areas, a Project Estimator can significantly enhance their capability to manage, analyze, and visualize data more effectively in Excel.

How to Display Excel Skills on Your Resume

4. Primavera P6

Primavera P6 is a comprehensive, multi-project planning and control software, widely used by project estimators for scheduling, managing, and evaluating project timelines, resources, and performance, ensuring accurate forecasting and efficient project delivery.

Why It's Important

Primavera P6 is important for a Project Estimator as it offers sophisticated scheduling, resource allocation, and progress tracking tools, which are essential for accurately estimating project timelines, costs, and resource needs, ensuring precise and reliable project planning and budgeting.

How to Improve Primavera P6 Skills

To improve your proficiency in Primavera P6 as a Project Estimator, focus on mastering the following areas concisely:

1. Data Analysis: Enhance your skills in analyzing project data within P6. Focus on cost and resource allocation, forecasting, and variance analysis. Oracle's official Primavera P6 Analytics page provides insights into advanced analytics capabilities.

2. Custom Reporting: Learn how to create custom reports tailored to estimating needs. This will help in presenting specific cost, resource, and schedule information. The Oracle Construction and Engineering Learning Subscription offers tutorials on reporting.

3. Integration Skills: Improve how you integrate P6 with estimating software. Understanding the data exchange between P6 and other applications (like Excel or cost estimating software) streamlines the estimating process. Visit Oracle's Integration Solutions for more on integration capabilities.

4. Baseline Management: Develop an understanding of baselines for accurate project forecasting and variance analysis. Oracle provides guidance on managing project baselines.

5. Advanced Scheduling Techniques: Enhance your ability to use P6 for sophisticated scheduling, including critical path method (CPM), resource leveling, and what-if scenario analysis. The Oracle Construction and Engineering Community offers resources and discussions on advanced scheduling.

6. Training and Certification: Consider official Oracle Primavera training and certification to deepen your knowledge and demonstrate your expertise. Check out the Oracle University for courses and certification paths.

By focusing on these areas and leveraging the resources provided, you can significantly improve your effectiveness in using Primavera P6 for project estimating.

How to Display Primavera P6 Skills on Your Resume

5. AutoCAD

AutoCAD is a computer-aided design (CAD) software used for creating precise 2D and 3D drawings and models, essential for project estimators in calculating materials, costs, and dimensions accurately.

Why It's Important

AutoCAD is crucial for a Project Estimator as it enables precise drawing and measurement of project dimensions, facilitating accurate cost estimation and material requirement analysis.

How to Improve AutoCAD Skills

Improving AutoCAD for a Project Estimator involves enhancing precision, efficiency, and integration capabilities to ensure accurate project estimations and streamlined workflows. Here are key strategies:

1. Customize Tool Palettes: Tailor tool palettes specific to estimation tasks to streamline your workflow. Autodesk's guide on customizing tool palettes offers insights into optimizing this feature.

2. Use AutoLISP for Automation: Implement AutoLISP scripts to automate repetitive tasks, such as measurements and calculations. Autodesk's AutoLISP tutorials can get you started.

3. Integrate with Estimation Software: Enhance accuracy by integrating AutoCAD with specialized estimation software. This can streamline data transfer and reduce manual entry errors. For example, integrating with ProEst or CostX can significantly improve efficiency and accuracy.

4. Optimize Template Use: Develop and use standardized templates for projects to ensure consistency and save time. Autodesk provides resources on creating templates.

5. Leverage Data Extraction Tools: Utilize AutoCAD's data extraction tools to quickly gather measurement data for estimates. Learn how to use these tools effectively through Autodesk's guide.

6. Stay Updated on New Features: Regularly update your skills and knowledge to leverage the latest AutoCAD features. Autodesk's AutoCAD blog is a great resource for updates and tips.

By focusing on these areas, Project Estimators can significantly enhance their use of AutoCAD, leading to more accurate estimates and efficient project planning.

How to Display AutoCAD Skills on Your Resume

6. Revit

Revit is a Building Information Modeling (BIM) software used for creating detailed 3D models of buildings, which facilitates accurate project estimation by allowing estimators to analyze materials, quantities, and dimensions directly from the model.

Why It's Important

Revit is important for a Project Estimator because it facilitates accurate and efficient cost estimation by allowing the extraction of material quantities and dimensions directly from detailed 3D models, ensuring precise budgeting and resource allocation for construction projects.

How to Improve Revit Skills

To improve Revit for a Project Estimator, focus on the following areas:

1. Customize Templates: Start with industry-specific templates and customize them to include estimation-specific parameters. This ensures all necessary data for cost estimation is captured from the start.

2. Enhance Parametric Models: Use Revit's parametric modeling capabilities to create detailed models that automatically adjust and recalculate materials and costs as changes are made.

3. Leverage Dynamo for Automation: Utilize Dynamo, Revit's open-source graphical programming interface, to automate repetitive tasks, such as quantity takeoffs and data entry, improving accuracy and saving time.

4. Integrate with Estimation Software: Establish a seamless workflow between Revit and specialized estimation software. For example, Assemble Systems allows you to extract model data for cost estimation directly from Revit.

5. Utilize Revit Add-Ins: Explore Revit's Add-Ins to find tools specifically designed to enhance estimation processes, such as automatically linking model elements to cost data.

6. Continuous Learning: Keep abreast of the latest features and best practices in Revit for estimation through Autodesk University and other online resources, ensuring you are leveraging the software to its full potential.

By focusing on these areas, a Project Estimator can significantly enhance the functionality and efficiency of Revit for cost estimation purposes.

How to Display Revit Skills on Your Resume

7. BIM 360

BIM 360 is a cloud-based construction management platform designed to connect project teams, streamline workflows, and facilitate efficient project delivery. For a Project Estimator, it allows for accurate cost estimations by providing access to the latest project data, models, and documentation, enabling more precise and efficient budgeting and financial forecasting.

Why It's Important

BIM 360 is important for a Project Estimator because it facilitates accurate, real-time cost estimation by providing centralized access to updated project information, models, and documentation, thereby enhancing the accuracy and efficiency of estimating project costs.

How to Improve BIM 360 Skills

To improve BIM 360 for a Project Estimator, focus on enhancing integration, automation, and collaboration features:

1. Integration with Estimation Software: Streamline workflows by integrating BIM 360 with leading estimation software (ProEst), allowing direct data transfer and real-time updates.

2. Automate Takeoffs: Utilize Autodesk Construction Cloud features to automate quantity takeoffs from BIM models, reducing manual entry errors and saving time.

3. Cloud-Based Access: Ensure all project data is cloud-based (BIM 360 Docs), enabling estimators to access the most current project information from anywhere, facilitating accurate and timely estimates.

4. Enhanced Collaboration Tools: Leverage BIM 360’s Design Collaboration module to improve coordination between estimators, designers, and the construction team, ensuring all cost-related decisions are based on the latest designs.

5. Training and Support: Invest in training for the Project Estimator on the latest BIM 360 features and best practices (Autodesk University) to maximize efficiency and accuracy in estimations.

By focusing on these areas, BIM 360 can become a more powerful tool for Project Estimators, improving accuracy, efficiency, and collaboration.

How to Display BIM 360 Skills on Your Resume

8. RSMeans

RSMeans is a comprehensive database and publication that provides accurate and up-to-date cost information for construction professionals, including project estimators, to help with budgeting, estimating, and planning construction projects.

Why It's Important

RSMeans is important for a Project Estimator because it provides accurate and up-to-date cost data for materials, labor, and equipment, enabling precise and reliable construction project budgeting and estimation.

How to Improve RSMeans Skills

Improving your use of RSMeans for project estimating involves both enhancing your understanding of the tool and incorporating best practices in your estimating processes. Here's a succinct guide:

1. Educate Yourself: Begin with mastering RSMeans through their official training and education resources. Understanding the nuances of the data and how to navigate the online platform is crucial.

2. Stay Updated: RSMeans data is updated annually, so always use the latest data to ensure your estimates reflect current market conditions.

3. Customize Data: Tailor RSMeans data to your specific project needs. Adjust labor rates, material costs, and productivity factors based on local conditions and your project's specifics.

4. Use Technology: Leverage estimating software that integrates with RSMeans, such as Sage Estimating or ProEst. This can streamline your estimating process and improve accuracy.

5. Benchmarking: Compare your estimates against historical data and industry standards. RSMeans offers benchmarking tools that can help identify areas for improvement.

6. Collaborate: Use RSMeans as a common language among all stakeholders (contractors, clients, consultants) to ensure clear communication and avoid misunderstandings about cost expectations.

7. Continuous Learning: The construction industry is always evolving. Engage in continuous learning through industry publications, webinars, and professional organizations to stay ahead of trends that could impact cost estimating.

By following these steps and continuously refining your approach, you can leverage RSMeans more effectively to produce accurate and reliable project estimates.

How to Display RSMeans Skills on Your Resume

9. Timberline

Timberline, now known as Sage 300 Construction and Real Estate, is a comprehensive software solution designed for project estimation, accounting, and management, aimed at professionals in the construction and real estate sectors. It helps project estimators accurately forecast costs, manage budgets, and track project progress.

Why It's Important

Timberline, now known as Sage 300 Construction and Real Estate, is important for a Project Estimator because it provides comprehensive cost estimating, project management, and accounting tools tailored for the construction industry, enabling accurate and efficient project cost forecasting, budget management, and financial tracking.

How to Improve Timberline Skills

To enhance your skills as a Project Estimator using Timberline, focus on the following concise strategies:

1. Training: Enroll in comprehensive Sage University courses to deepen your understanding of Timberline's features and functionalities.
2. Certification: Obtain a Sage Certification to demonstrate your proficiency and commitment to excellence in using Timberline.
3. Networking: Join forums and user groups, such as the Sage City Community, to exchange insights and tips with other Timberline users.
4. Practice: Regularly use Timberline’s simulation features to practice your estimating skills in a risk-free environment.
5. Stay Updated: Keep abreast with the latest updates and features of Timberline by regularly checking the Sage Product Support and Updates page.
6. Leverage Add-Ons: Explore and integrate Timberline-compatible add-ons to extend its capabilities tailored to your project estimating needs.

By following these strategies, you can significantly improve your proficiency and efficiency in using Timberline for project estimation.

How to Display Timberline Skills on Your Resume

10. Bluebeam Revu

Bluebeam Revu is a PDF markup and editing software widely used in the construction and engineering industries, offering project estimators powerful tools for quantity takeoffs, cost estimation, and collaboration on project documents.

Why It's Important

Bluebeam Revu is important for a Project Estimator because it streamlines the estimation process by allowing for accurate, efficient measurement and markup of digital plans, which enhances the accuracy of cost estimations, reduces errors, and saves time.

How to Improve Bluebeam Revu Skills

Improving your efficiency with Bluebeam Revu as a Project Estimator involves mastering a few key features and incorporating best practices. Here's a concise guide:

1. Markup Tools: Familiarize yourself with the markup tools for detailed annotations. Customize tool sets specific to estimation tasks for faster access. Bluebeam Tool Sets

2. Measurement Tools: Use the measurement tools for accurate takeoffs. Calibrate your tool to ensure precise measurements. Calibration Guide

3. Layers: Organize your markups and measurements on different layers for easy management and review. This helps in isolating specific information for detailed analysis. Layers Overview

4. Tool Chest: Save commonly used markups and measurements in the Tool Chest for quick reuse. This significantly speeds up your workflow. Tool Chest Basics

5. Templates: Create templates for frequently used documents to save time on repetitive tasks. Creating Templates

6. Batch Link: Automate the creation of hyperlinks in your documents. This is useful for quickly navigating plans and specifications. Batch Link

7. Integration and Collaboration: Utilize Bluebeam Studio for real-time collaboration with team members. This facilitates seamless communication and updates. Bluebeam Studio

By enhancing your proficiency in these areas, you can significantly improve your productivity and accuracy in project estimation with Bluebeam Revu.

How to Display Bluebeam Revu Skills on Your Resume

11. On-Screen Takeoff

On-Screen Takeoff is a software tool used by project estimators to digitally measure, quantify, and visualize construction plans and materials directly from digital blueprints, facilitating accurate and efficient project cost estimations.

Why It's Important

On-Screen Takeoff is important for a Project Estimator because it significantly enhances accuracy and efficiency in measuring and calculating materials and costs for construction projects, directly impacting project budgeting and bidding processes.

How to Improve On-Screen Takeoff Skills

To improve your On-Screen Takeoff skills as a Project Estimator, focus on the following steps:

1. Learn the Basics: Start with mastering basic functionalities. Utilize the official user guides and tutorial videos to get a solid foundation.

2. Practice Regularly: Like any skill, proficiency in On-Screen Takeoff comes with practice. Set aside time to work on different types of projects to become more versatile.

3. Use Keyboard Shortcuts: Increase efficiency by learning and using keyboard shortcuts. This can significantly speed up your work.

4. Customize Your Toolset: Tailor the software settings and toolsets to fit your specific estimating needs. This personalization can streamline your workflow.

5. Attend Training Sessions: Participate in On-Screen Takeoff training sessions offered by On Center Software. These sessions can provide you with advanced techniques and tips.

6. Join Forums and User Groups: Engage with other users in forums or groups. Sharing experiences can offer new insights and problem-solving strategies. LinkedIn groups or the On Center Community are great places to start.

7. Stay Updated: Software updates can introduce new features or improvements. Always keep your On-Screen Takeoff software up to date and review release notes to understand the changes.

Focusing on these areas will enhance your efficiency and accuracy with On-Screen Takeoff, ultimately benefiting your role as a Project Estimator.

How to Display On-Screen Takeoff Skills on Your Resume

12. Procore

Procore is a cloud-based construction management software designed to streamline and enhance project management, including tasks related to project estimation, by facilitating communication, documentation, and project tracking among all project stakeholders.

Why It's Important

Procore is important for a Project Estimator because it streamlines the estimation process by providing accurate, real-time data and tools for budget tracking, cost management, and collaboration, ensuring precise project costing and efficient resource allocation.

How to Improve Procore Skills

Improving Procore for Project Estimators can be achieved by focusing on enhancing integration, automation, and user interface. Here’s a concise guide:

1. Enhance Integration: Streamline data exchange between Procore and estimating software (like Sage, PlanSwift, or ProEst). This prevents data silos and improves accuracy. Procore Marketplace offers integrations that can be further explored or expanded.

2. Implement Automation: Use automation for repetitive tasks such as data entry, report generation, and budget tracking. This reduces errors and saves time. Procore's Custom Solutions can help customize automation needs.

3. Improve User Interface (UI): Enhance the UI for estimators by customizing dashboards to display relevant data (costs, timelines, resources) at a glance. Procore's Dashboard Tool can be tailored to fit estimator needs.

For more detailed guides and updates, regularly check Procore's Support Page and consider engaging with the Procore Community for shared insights and tips.

How to Display Procore Skills on Your Resume