Time to update your CV?
It's getting to the pointy end of the year and I'm sure we can all taste those refreshments in the sun and the upcoming holiday. But what else should you do during this period?
It's the perfect time to have a look at your CV. Has yours got digital dust and cobwebs on it? Do you have a million projects to update or even several promotions?
Then why don't you cast your eye over your CV and/or portfolio and make sure it's ready for the new year, because who knows what opportunity is right around the corner. Here are just a few tips from someone who has looked at 10's of thousands of them.
1️⃣ Make it clear and concise, especially with your chronological work history. Recruiters generally make a decision off the first few seconds of scanning it so if it is difficult to follow or convoluted, it puts you behind the eight ball.
2️⃣ List projects you have worked on. In the construction industry, your work is measured by the projects you've been involved in, so naturally you'd want the world to know; especially the high profile or particularly complex ones.
3️⃣ Tell us what you did on those projects. Did you help design a small portion? Or did you lead a multi-disciplinary team? Make sure you give detail in this section so it backs up your level of experience.
4️⃣ Include all registrations, certifications, and licenses and make them stand out. If you have your chartership or RPEQ that's important for me to know and for my clients.
5️⃣ Perhaps contrary to others and also keeping in mind my first point, I don't mind a multi page CV. If you have a good history of work, then include it, especially if it is relevant projects/achievements. Obviously there isn't a need to include your first job in 1974 or your grade 6 maths awards but I think some curated detail is good.
6️⃣ I am someone who doesn't need a cover letter. I can't speak for everyone but if I am representing you to a client, I'd much rather meet with you to figure out your whole story so we can put together a summary together.
7️⃣ Provide a word copy ideally. There may be some things that need anonymising or a bit of formatting changed to accommodate our branding.
Of course, if you can think of any major hints or tips I have missed, chuck them in the comments or drop me a line.
Thanks for coming to my Ted talk. 😊
Or if you want to have a more in depth chat about your CV, a new role or a need in your team call me.
Contact Nick
📧 nick@vividrecruitment.com.au
You can also connect with Nick on LinkedIn or follow the Vivid Recruitment LinkedIn page for more industry insights, news, jobs and general chit chat and tips!
