How to position your CV for the construction industry
Construction is a fast-growing and in-demand industry, with many vacancies at both the entry-level and managerial level. However, constructing a targeted CV is essential to stand out against the competition.
Demonstrating technical skills is key to crafting a job-winning CV. Create a section right at the top of the page to demonstrate your niche. If you are certified to use specific tools or machinery, this is the perfect place to call attention to that.
Learn more about the construction industry
Industry demand is high
Construction workers in the UK are high in demand. Goconstruct estimates that the UK needs more than 4,000 construction project managers every year.
Qualifications you’ll need
Many construction jobs do not require an advanced degree but will require certifications. To work on an active construction site, you will need to hold a Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) card. This requires safety training and passing a test. Most employers will pay for this certification.
Working environment conditions
Being flexible is an essential aspect of working in the construction industry. Many hours will be late at night to avoid large crowds or traffic. Though a typical week might be 40 hours, if a project has a tight deadline or needs more work, you may be asked to work overtime.
Finding construction jobs
Networking is a great way to make connections and find construction jobs. You can join professional groups or guilds to find open positions. You can also look for job posts on these sites: Careers in Construction and Construction Manager Jobs.
Build your CV with confidence
- Standard work experience section
- Content recommended based on your job title
- Tips and guidance as you build
How your construction industry CV for the UK should look
Since construction is so in-demand, you want to make sure that your CV is concise and easy to read. Hiring managers will only look at your CV for a few seconds (6 to be precise), so writing your content in bullet format will help them get a sense of your experience quickly.
The only large chunk of text on your CV should be your construction CV personal profile. Otherwise, all your experience should be in bullet formatting. Look at our example construction CVs for inspiration.
In the spirit of keeping it short, all your experience should fit on two pages. Once you have written a standout CV, make sure that you download it as a PDF. This ensures that nothing changes when the document is opened.
