Let’s help address the CV mistakes that can stop a construction professional in their tracks. 

If you think interviews and contact are not progressing as much as you think, we are prepared to say that it has got nothing to do with the fact you are not suited to the job or lack the expertise required. 

It is more than likely that you are making some fundamental errors.

You might think that your CV is a good stamp of your career, but even the most experienced construction professionals can continually make the same mistakes.

Russell Drinkwater, Director, shares his most noted mistakes that professionals make, “I have seen people applying for senior roles but their CV is one page of company names they have worked for. Potential employers are not interested in a list of duties, roles and credentials, you have to prove to others that your career has presented opportunities and milestones.”

“For instance, you can’t just add the title ‘Contracts Manager’ and where you worked. This is what I suggest. No matter the role, consider adding more meat to the bones: highlight the projects you have worked on; show the value of what you delivered to the role; share the software you use; if you have won awards shout about them; what skills and qualifications have your gained?; how many staff did you work with or manager? An average CV provides the ‘what you did,’ a great CV highlights ‘why you did it.’”

According to Jack Bond, Director, he identifies relevance is a huge factor when it comes to putting together your CV, “If you are applying for a senior site manager role, including your GCSE results is not what an employer is going to pay attention to. Always consider the significance of what you have achieved to the role you are applying for. Show your trade background, what levels of training from an NVQ to a masters, what CSCS card do you have? This is your opportunity to capture the attention of someone else.”

“I would also say that if you have been in the industry for the past 20 plus years, you don’t need to include every single job, so your CV effectively becomes an essay. Focus on your experience from the past five to ten years. Remember, this is your opportunity to educate a potential employer. Make your CV relevant to the role.”

It’s the most obvious CV error, so let’s save this to the end. One of the most common faults that hold anyone back, no matter the position, comes down to spelling mistakes. Jack says, “When I see people who can’t spell the name of an employer, it doesn’t help anyone. An employer shouldn’t need to make a first impression of, ‘does this person actually care?’” 

“Look at it this way, an error-free CV is demonstrating your attention to detail. The Bond Recruit team can make a CV read with a structure for a potential employer so it is thorough. However, the initial work and consideration have to be done from the candidate side.”

The skills, expertise and type of person you are, deserve to be recognised. To avoid any pitfalls be specific, relevant and thorough. To get the job you want, the time and thought you put into your CV can result in a positive first impression.

If you need help with your next job and to have your CV in a place that looks attractive for your next move, get in touch with us.