When recruiting, employers are looking for value. How much value will you add to their business?
Make sure you are ticking the right boxes to write a more RELEVANT, interesting CV and Cover Letter. These will give you a greater chance of getting an interview and succeeding in it.
THE TOP 10 VALUE BOXES
Over the last 33 years recruiting in the construction sector, I have learned what the top 10 values employers are looking for. Make sure to tick as many of these boxes as you can in your Cover Letter, your CV and at your interview!
1: ENTHUSIASM TO LEARN AND GROW:
If you want to stand out from the crowd, don’t just say you want to learn and grow – that’s easy – say why!
Eg: What interests you about the potential to become a (eg) BIM Coordinator? Try not to be generic!
Even if this was evident in any of your previous job roles it is still a vital part of re-assuring employers that you are a Trainee worth investing in so refer to it in your profile.
2: SOCIAL SKILLS:
Prove you’re a team player, in your work history, education or interest sections make it clear what teams/clubs/ social activities you are/were involved in.
This isn’t as essential in your profile but can be included if you are light in other areas.
3: SELF-STARTER:
Good employers will give you 100% if you put that much in. They want you to develop and set an example to others. Unfortunately, experience has taught them (and me) that many trainees just aren’t bothered. We yearn for candidates that can look after themselves, drive themselves and show enterprise. Any examples of you doing this should be made obvious. Assuming you are, you should call yourself a self-starter in your profile. Additional detail/evidence should appear in your work history, education and/or interest sections.
4: FLEXIBILITY: Going the extra mile is a much sought-after attribute. Rolling your sleeves up to help others, research/studying in your own time. Easy to evidence in your work history, education or interest sections and maybe in your profile if there is time – remember you only have 60 words.
5: WORK ETHIC: This is where references make a BIG difference. Anyone can say they are willing to work hard and you should mention your strong work ethic in your profile but PROVE IT with quotes from previous employers.
6: COMMUNICATION SKILLS: Golden rule – check all your grammar and spelling and check it again. Get someone else to check it too. There is no excuse for typos in the 21st century! In an industry that depends on good communication skills, it is an immediate warning sign if your CV has typos!
Have you done any public speaking, hosted events, done any promotional work? Talk about it. Sell it in your interests or employment history. This is not critical for your profile – but good grammur is!
7: TECHNICAL PROFICIENCY: If you have used any of the Digital Construction Technology, this is a passport to early career progression. It’s not a problem if you don’t but if you don’t have a technical bent and don’t want to learn the tools the industry uses, STOP now and look for another profession! Otherwise, any reference to Lego, Minecraft etc. will go down a treat in your profile. And, of course, any technical bias at school etc.
8: INTEREST IN CONSTRUCTION: Why? Lego? Grand Designs? Stirling Prize? Opportunity to transform? You must convey your interest in construction early on in your profile.
9: INTEREST IN DIGITAL CONSTRUCTION: What is it – do your research! Why does it interest you? Refer to this in your profile.
10: AN INTEREST IN THEM: Be specific. Do your research. Why does this company mean something to you? Prepare to talk about it in your interview and if there’s time, mention it in your profile.