
A CV is one of the most effective and efficient ways to represent yourself to potential employers, so getting it right is vital. It’s your chance to demonstrate your professional experience and qualifications to employers, showcasing why you are the ideal candidate for the position. The Construction industry is highly competitive, so ensuring your CV stands out will be vital to helping you secure an interview.
A compelling Construction CV showcases a robust skillset in a clear and easy-to-read format. It should include relevant industry experience and qualifications, along with specific references to skill sets that relate to the role you are applying for. Whether you are applying for a Labourer role or a Site Manager position, your CV should be slick, professional, and highlight your education and work experience to date.
Through our wealth of partners in the Construction industry, and our many years of training delegates for jobs in Construction, we have learned a few tricks along the way that will help make your CV stand out. Drawing on our expertise and the general rules of thumb for CV writing, we have devised a list of top tips for building the perfect CV for the Construction industry.
Top 5 Construction CV Tips
- Presentation is key. A CV is the first impression a potential employer will get of you, so it needs to look the part. Using programmes such as Word will help ensure the presentation of your CV is slick and professional.
- Formatting & Structure. Construction worker CVs are typically more formal and structured, following a clear format to present your experience to an employer. As best practice, follow our recommended Construction CV format: – Your Name – Address – Email (make sure you use a professional email address) – Contact number – Professional Summary (use this space to give a brief overview of yourself, your key skills, and some personal attributes) – Work history (starting with your most recent role, list all your previous work experience, make sure in each you indicate the dates you worked for that business, and use bullet points to outline your main duties and tasks)
TOP TIP: When highlighting your work experience, refer back to the job description for the role you are applying for, is there something you have done the employer is asking for? Make sure to include anything relevant. Education (list details of all your relevant education to date) – Skills (using bullet points list all your skills, remember to keep referring back to the job description, and always pick out skills the employer is looking for that you have) – Hobbies & Interests (have you recently completed a marathon? Do you enjoy the outdoors? Use this space to share some of your interests, this will allow the employer to get to know you a bit better) - Include key phrases from the job description Including key phrases from the job specification will boost your chances of standing out, and help the recruiter understand your previous experience and skills, and how they will support you in succeeding in the role you are applying for. A CV is not enough!
- Just submitting a CV is not enough to stand out, pairing your CV with a personalised Cover Letter will demonstrate your passion and enthusiasm for the company.
TOP TIP: Remember to create a new Cover Letter for each new role you apply for, a standard Cover Letter won’t be applicable for each role. - Keep your CV up to date. A CV that is out of date isn’t a clear representation of your work experience and qualifications. As a rule of thumb, aim to update your CV every few months, adding in new skills gained or any new work experience.
Whether you are just starting your career in Construction, or you already work in the industry a compelling CV is the best way to help you impress potential employers. Take the time to develop and build your CV, and give yourself the best chance of securing employment in the Construction industry.