In construction recruitment, your CV is often your first introduction to us. Before we speak to you on the phone, ask about your availability, or discuss what you’re looking for next, we read your CV to understand your experience, the types of projects you’ve worked on, the responsibilities you’ve held, and where you might be best suited.
The clearer this picture is, the easier it is for us to match you to the right site.
Many candidates don’t realise that a CV is not a test. It’s a practical tool that allows us to represent you accurately to site managers and clients. Small details on a CV can make a big difference to the opportunities we can confidently put in front of you.
One common issue we see is CVs that are too brief. Candidates often want to keep things short, but when there is very little detail, it becomes difficult for a recruiter to understand the depth of your experience.
For example, a line such as “Carpenter – 5 years’ experience” tells us very little. It doesn’t show the types of projects you’ve worked on, whether you specialise in first or second fix, whether your background is residential, commercial or industrial, or the level of responsibility you’ve had on site. Without context, we are left making assumptions, and assumptions are never as strong as facts when presenting you to a client.
Just an extra line describing projects, duties, and types of sites worked you’ve worked on can transform how clearly, we understand your background. That detail allows us to match you to roles that genuinely suit your experience rather than roles that only seem suitable on the surface.
Employment dates are another detail that makes a big difference. Construction work is naturally project-based, and moving between sites is normal. Including dates helps us understand your timeline so we can explain it clearly to clients. Even adding a short note such as “project completion” beside a role provides helpful context.
The layout of your CV also plays a role. A clear, easy-to-read structure allows us to quickly identify key information such as your trade, most recent experience, and tickets or certifications. This isn’t about presentation for the sake of it, it’s about making information accessible so we can work efficiently on your behalf.
Tickets, certifications, and system knowledge are often missed. Many candidates assume they can mention these over the phone, but initially, we can only work with what we see on the page. Including Safe Pass, Manual Handling, CSCS, IPAF, MEWP, or BIM and software knowledge allows us to immediately identify roles you’re qualified for. This can speed up the process and often means we can put you forward without additional questions.
We also look at how your experience has developed. If each role has the same short description, it can be hard to see your progression. Adding details about new responsibilities, larger projects, or additional skills gained shows how you’ve grown in your career so far, and site managers and clients really value this.
Short-term roles are common due to project timelines, but without context, they can raise questions. A simple note such as “contract role” or “project finished” provides clarity and prevents confusion when presenting your CV.
The CVs that allow us to work most effectively clearly reflect real construction experience. When we see project names, main contractors, site types, and specific responsibilities, we can quickly understand where you’ve worked and what you’ve done. That allows us to confidently recommend you for roles that genuinely suit your background.
Your CV is not about impressing the recruiter manager with design or complicated wording. It’s about giving us the information we need to represent you properly. The clearer we understand your experience, the better we can advocate for you, speak on your behalf to clients, and match you to the right opportunities.
A little extra detail on your CV doesn’t just make our job easier; it gives you a better chance of being put forward for the roles that suit you best.
