In the construction industry experience is the key that opens doors to new opportunities, but you must be able to showcase it. Whether you are a general labourer, site supervisor or a civil engineer your CV is a chance to present yourself in the light the recruiter wants to see you in.
What Recruiters Look for in a Construction CV
Recruiters are scanning for candidates who have been on-site, used the tools, and managed challenges. They want proof that you can handle pressure, follow safety procedures, and deliver quality work on time. It is not just about what you know — it is what you have done.
Writing a Strong Professional Summary
Consider having a short, to the point summary of your career as it draws the attention of the recruiter from the very first sentence. When writing it consider these questions: Who are you? What do you do? Why should someone hire you?
Example:
“Experienced Construction Foreman with 12+ years of residential and commercial build expertise”
Clear & Concise
Employers tend to receive to a lot of applications from eager candidates who often fill as much information as possible on their CV. This often makes them cluttered & messy, and these types of applications tend to be quickly looked over as recruiters do not have time to be reading all of them word by word. Some of these candidates may be perfect for the job but are looked past because of the way their CV is formatted.
You are more likely to standout to recruiters by making your CV clear and to the point with strong one-to-two-line sentences that clearly outline your experience within the construction industry. This allows your application to be easier to read and makes you more memorable to the hiring manager.
One page is often more than enough for a construction CV but make it two pages if all information is relevant!
How to List Work Experience Effectively
Be sure to have your construction experience in reverse chronological order, so you start with your most recent role and work backwards. This makes it easier for employers to see where you are at in your career right now.
Job Title, Employer, Dates, and Duties
Example:
Site Supervisor – ABC Contractors, Dublin | Jan 2020 – Present
- Supervised 15-person team on commercial projects.
- Maintained safety compliance and managed site logistics.
Highlighting Career Progression
Make sure to Include any promotions, highlights, or progression within your career from when you started to when you finished a project. This shows the recruiter that you are a hard worker and keen to learn from others.
Detailing Key Responsibilities and Achievements
Numbers speak volumes in construction – whether it is safety, meeting deadlines, or delivering cost-efficiency. If you reduced incidents, achieved every project milestone, or delivered savings, make sure to showcase it. Mention if you completed a project ahead of schedule, cut costs, or successfully managed large teams.
Example:
“Led a team of 10 in a €5M retail fit-out completed 3 weeks ahead of schedule with no recorded incidents.”
Showcasing Licences, Certifications, Skills and Training
Be sure you clearly list all licenses, certifications and training required to work on a construction site. These being the Safe Pass, CSCS & Manual Handling.
Be sure to mention any relevant training such as working at heights, confined spaces, or machinery depending on the role you have applied to work for.
Adding Construction Skills That Employers Value
List all relevant skills that don’t require certs or licenses such as Soft Skills (Teamwork, Communication) and even some Technical Skills (Blueprint Reading)
Quotes & References
Make sure to include references and quotes from Site managers or Supervisors from past projects to showcase your impact. Even one or two sentences can instil trust
Example:
“Tom consistently delivered excellent workmanship under tight deadlines – Site Manager, JJ Builders”
Conclusion
Showcasing your construction experience isn’t just listing jobs. It’s telling the story of your hard work, growth, and the value you bring to every site. Just make sure to keep it concise, focused, and relevant.
