Writing the Perfect Construction CV

Until an employer meets you in person, your CV is the sole representation of your career and potential fit within their organisation. It can either make or break your chances of making the shortlist and landing that all-important interview. Think of it as your career highlight reel, showcasing your skills, background and qualifications in a way that matches the needs of the role. Writing a Construction CV that leaves a lasting impression with the hiring manager will go a long way in securing the Construction job of your dreams. If you’re looking to create the perfect document that will get you ahead of the competition, our top CV tips will ensure you have the best possible Construction job application.

The Foundations

The content of a CV alone is not enough to get into the ‘YES” pile – to truly nail it, a CV must be well-presented, easy to read and professional. If the basics aren’t right, it’s not going to present you in the best light. When it comes to getting the foundations right, keep the following CV advice in mind:

• Length: Articulate your experience as succinctly as possible to keep your document to no more than two pages.
• Simplicity: Be clear and concise and ensure the format is easy to navigate through, without the use of any unusual fonts or outlandish layouts. Bullet points are a great way to organise information.
• Spelling and grammar: Nothing screams unprofessional more than spelling mistakes or bad grammar. Take time to proofread your work and then do it again!
• Contact Details: Include your current contact details at the top, along with your LinkedIn URL and email address.
• Order: Organise your CV in reverse chronological order, starting with your most recent role.
• Sell your brand: An example of a good CV will always tell the story of your career. Include achievements, details of professional development, special projects or relevant volunteering.

Skip the Buzzwords

Many applicants think the best way to sell their personal brand is through the use of buzzwords and generalisations to illustrate achievements. Statements such as “I am an ambitious and highly valuable Construction professional who is motivated to succeed” won’t offer the employer a clear picture of your skills or experience. Rather, focus on quantifiable results and specific achievements such as “Completed the management of XXX project to completion, 95 days ahead of schedule and 10% ahead of budget.” The achievement is succinct and based on facts rather than empty adjectives.

Address the Gaps

When writing a construction CV, it’s important to explain any spaces in your work history. From the hiring manager’s perspective, CV’s with ‘gaps’ may mean red flags that need further investigation. By justifying these periods, whether it was for travel, extra study, looking after family or other reasons, you will ensure any concerns are addressed from the get-go. Most employers are very understanding if you have been up-front and given a good reason. If, however, these breaks are left unexplained, they are more likely to impede the progress of your application.

Tailor the content in your CV to Each Construction Job

One of the most important CV tips to keep in mind is the need to tailor for every Construction job you have applied for. Ensuring your CV mirrors the criteria of the role that you’re applying for is key for a successful outcome. Making the necessary alterations for every job may take a bit more time, but it will fortify your chances of getting that interview.

The best way to do this is to review the job description and identify the keywords and phrases that describe all the qualities, skills and experience the employer is looking for. Based on your analysis, update your CV accordingly and illustrate your skills in a way that aligns with the role’s requirements. By researching the company’s website or social media sites such as LinkedIn, you may be able to find more information on its culture and values, which can prove valuable when tailoring your achievements.  

Remember to keep the content of your resume relevant. If you choose to include your Year 12 Biology results, you may be wasting valuable space on your CV that could have been used to highlight key skills the hiring manager is looking for.

Summary

Your Construction CV is the best representation of your previous tenures, skills and experience, and is one of the most important tools you can use to land the role you’ve always wanted. By following our helpful CV advice, you will give yourself the best chance to meet a potential employer face-to-face and demonstrate why you’re the perfect person for the job.

To download our CV template, learn more CV tips or get support with your next Construction job search, contact the team at Consultive.