How to structure a good CV to get a new Construction Job

To ensure you get invited for an Interview for the Construction Job you are going for, you need to focus on getting your CV right. A good CV is the gateway to getting an Interview and one of many that will end up in a recruiters hands. It is, therefore crucial that you sell yourself and impress the reader at this stage.

The presentation, content and structure are all very important factors to getting a CV right. Here we will focus on creating the best structure.

Before you start, write down a list of competencies, skills and experiences so you have something to work from. Try to pinpoint those areas that make you stand out from others.

The structure is fairly standard and should follow a similar order to that detailed below.

Personal Details: At the top of the CV, always include your basic personal details including: Name, Date of birth, Contact details, Nationality etc

Work Experience: With the most recent job first, write down in order those companies you have previously worked for. After writing the company name, make sure you put your role down and a brief description of your tasks, responsibilities and achievements. If you have many years experience in the construction industry, write down all the construction jobs you have done, highlighting those skills most relevant to the job you are going for.

Achievements: Think about what achievements you have made and list those most recent, especially those achievements you have made in any previous construction jobs. Employers will deduce a lot about you from what you decide to be important.

Education and Qualifications: With your most recent qualification first, list the full degree/qualification, where you studied and what you achieved. Focus on GSCE and above and ensure you mention any construction related qualifications you have achieved.

Extra-Curricular Activities: Keep this relatively short and mention your interests and hobbies. Think about memberships of sports teams/drama societies. Try to keep it purposeful.

General Skills: Mention if you have a driving licence, what courses you have attended, foreign languages and IT skills at the end. This is less relevant to your work experience, qualifications and education.

References: You do not need to mention references but you can however write 'Reference available on request' and the employers can then contact you if they need them.

By following the above structure, you will make it easy for the reader to pinpoint what they are looking for and easy to identify your skills and abilities that are suitable for the role. As well as getting the structure right, you also need to look at the presentation. Good CV's are clear, logical and concise. If you can get this right, you are half way there to providing a perfect CV to help yourself get a new Construction Job!