Tips for Writing a Construction CV 

Crafting an effective CV is a crucial step when job hunting. A high-quality construction CV will showcase your skills, professional experiences and qualifications. Writing a CV that stands out can be a challenge, however, especially if you don’t have a clear picture of what to include and what to leave out.

To help you out with this task, we’ve created a practical guide on writing a construction CV for jobs in New Zealand, complemented by a downloadable template you can access here, to jumpstart your application process.

Leave the Photo Out!

Despite plenty of advice to the contrary, many candidates still assume they should include their photo on their CV. This might be expected in the entertainment industry, but we can assure you that your portrait isn’t necessary for a CV you’ll be using to apply for construction jobs!

Construction employers are only interested in your ability to do the job, so it’s best to leave the photo out of your CV. Including a photo might inadvertently introduce bias and even worse, make your CV appear outdated.

Instead of a CV photo, reserve your professional photo for your LinkedIn profile, which could also include a link in your CV for easy access.

Make Your CV Readable

In the digital age, where CVs are commonly uploaded to websites and analysed by applicant tracking software (ATS) platforms, it’s essential that your CV is structured in a format that is simple enough for a computer to understand.
Embrace the use of bullet points to present information concisely and effectively. Focus only on the most recent roles, skills, and qualifications that have direct relevance to the job requirements.

Use Job-Relevant Keywords

Considering that CVs are received and analysed with software tools, incorporating relevant job keywords on your construction CV is essential.

When looking at job postings, identify the key skills and certifications highlighted by the employer and present them in your CV in a way that aligns with the advertised position. When applying for construction jobs in New Zealand, it’s worthwhile to highlight your location.

For those with a project-based work history, consider dedicating a section to highlight key projects you’ve contributed to. Outline the scope of the projects, your specific responsibilities, and the outcomes you achieved. This provides a more detailed and practical illustration of your capabilities, which is particularly beneficial for roles where project management skills are crucial.

Write a Decent Cover Letter

Cover letters remain an important companion to CVs, even in the era of one-click job applications. Where a job posting asks for a cover letter, be sure to include one. If you’re applying for a role by email, embed the cover letter within the body text of the email instead of attaching it as a separate document. This helps hiring managers assess your application faster and gives you a better chance of standing out as a candidate.

Tailor each cover letter to the specific construction job you’re pursuing, outlining your interest and highlighting what makes you a good fit for the role.

One Final Piece of Advice…

Remember, your CV is a living document that evolves with your career, so it’s important to regularly update it to reflect new experiences, skills, and accomplishments.

Job opportunities can arise unexpectedly. Whether it’s a promising job opening, or a chance encounter with a potential employer, having an updated CV ready allows you to seize these opportunities fast.

Enlist a Construction Recruitment Expert

For additional CV tips and dedicated support in finding a role, speaking to a construction recruitment specialist can save you quite a bit of time and hassle. If you’re looking for a construction job in New Zealand, our dedicated team at OneStaff is readily available to assist you. Contact us today for expert guidance tailored to your needs.