Craft a top CV
Writing a good CV
You've got 10 seconds to capture the reader's attention and convince them that you're worth inviting for an interview. How are you going to do it?
First and foremost, compiling a CV isn't like writing a novel. You can't slowly intrigue the reader, or entice them with little titbits of information. With a CV, the impact has to be immediate in order to get you noticed.
The objective is to sell you and your skills - and draw attention to you as a jobseeker. So stick to clear and concise information about your qualifications, experience and what you hope to achieve.
Think of the first half of page one as your prime selling space. After your contact details, include a three-line personal profile statement that outlines what you have to offer. Write in plain yet persuasive English, making sure you sound upbeat and positive.
Also, give some thought to what particular combination of skills and experience might give you an edge over others going for the same job. If the recruiter can see this instantly, the chance of your CV ending up in the yes' pile is much greater.
Finally, don't be afraid to tweak your CV to match different job applications. It might just be a case of re-ordering your key attributes, or changing the focus of your personal profile but adapting your CV to better suit individual role requirements helps to demonstrate why you're such a good fit.
To top
Tips to get started
Many employers searching online CV databases are looking for specific mixes of skills and knowledge. Although everyone's CV is unique, by following some basic principles you can put together a clear, concise and persuasive CV that gets you noticed.
Produce your CV electronically and if you print a copy, use good quality paper. Stick to one type font throughout and also use the same font in your covering letter
Ensure that your CV is no more than two pages in length. You only have a limited amount of time to attract an employer's attention, so include just enough of the right information to get noticed
At the top of your CV, always include name, address, contact telephone number (s), email address and nationality
To top
Education History
As a graduate or school/college leaver, your education status is current while examples of work experience may be limited. Detail your education and qualifications up front in chronological order and a clear format, including:
- Qualification gained
- Dates of study (years)
- University/College name
- Highlight good grades
It could be beneficial to add in a section detailing your Skills and Personal Qualities, such as a good attendance record, willingness to train or gain further qualifications and timekeeping.
You may also want to bullet point any particular areas or modules you studied during the course which will help communicate your areas of knowledge and skill to a prospective employer.
To top
Work Experience
With limited employment history, you can highlight any work experience you have gained - but only include examples relevant to the construction industry.
Lay out any work experience history in chronological order with your most recent example first. Use bold type to highlight the name of the employer and position to distinguish each one.
Include an accompanying paragraph with a brief description of your role, responsibilities and duties. Wherever possible, try to highlight:
Projects worked on try and quantify projects by size or cost, it gives a good indication of the breadth of experience you've accumulated
Any new skills developed in your work experience role
Key achievements maybe you worked on a scheme that was completed ahead of schedule, on budget or won an award
An understanding of the planning or construction stages, and all those involved, as well as contact with subcontractors and the client
References:
If this is your first job references from tutors, mentors or friends (who work in the sector, ideally) are fine. You should only list referees and their contact details if they have agreed to provide references for you. If prospective employers shouldn't contact referees without your permission, state this clearly at the bottom of the CV.
Hobbies/Interests:
Outside work interests can sometimes give an employer a better insight into the applicant, and even provide a light hearted conversation starter in an interview. However, you should really only include a simple list if you have enough space.
Presentation:
Most people follow a historical CV format as this is the most familiar with employers - and easy to write. A skills-based CV specifically focuses on your abilities and aptitudes, giving you the chance to describe what you can do rather than detailing a list of previous roles.
Whatever format you choose, all employers will expect to find information under clear headings highlighted in bold or capitals, such as WORK EXPERIENCE or EDUCATION.
Finally, some important dos and don'ts:
Do:
- Check thoroughly for correct spelling and grammar - spotting errors is an easy way for recruiters to weed out weaker candidates
- Get a second opinion
- Include examples of your work, wherever appropriate
Don't:
- Leave any gaps in your work or education record make sure your history is clear and transparent
- Lie - employers can check CV details for accuracy, including qualifications, places of study and job references
- Include a photo unless you know the employer wants one
- Fax it without sending a copy in the post as well
- Forget that your CV is just a tool to get you an interview - the rest is up to you
To top
Writing a powerful cover letter
A successful cover letter should encourage an employer to read your CV. It will also give you the chance to show that you understand the nature of the job, why you want to work in that area and how your skills and abilities fit the role.
Your cover letter should state which position you are applying for, quoting a reference number if applicable. Keep it short and factual and refer to the CV you have attached (whether hard copy or email) just in case it gets lost.
Tailor every cover letter to a specific application by explaining why you want the job and how suited you are to it. Another good tip is to demonstrate that you have researched the organisation, for example mentioning that you have visited their web site or read about their progress in a trade journal.
If you think it's applicable, or the employer has asked for them, also state your salary expectations for the job. Finally, do always check that your letter is addressed to the right person, with the correct job title, and is spelt correctly.
To top
Have any burning questions?
Check out the frequently asked questions here
