Construction CV examples

When you’re writing a CV, you need to consider what’ll make things easiest for recruiters to find and understand the key information.

This guide will walk you step-by-step through how to format your CV, showcase your skills, and present your experience in a way that ensures hiring managers see you as the right person for the job.

In construction, a strong framework is key – your CV should follow the same principle. If hiring managers have to dig through your CV like it’s a pile of rubble, they’ll move on to the next candidate. A coherent layout will help them identify the qualities that make you the right candidate.

Here’s the structure you should follow:

• Name and contact details – Display your personal details clearly at the top so employers can get in touch easily. Including a photo of yourself is entirely optional.
• Profile – Begin with a concise summary that highlights your expertise and what you bring to the role.
• Core skills – Highlight your strongest skills, such as site preparation, equipment operation, and health and safety compliance, that align with the role’s requirements.
• Work experience – Start with your most recent role and work backwards, showcasing achievements and responsibilities.
• Education – Mention your degree, certifications, and any training that supports your career path.
• Additional info – Include any additional details, like hobbies, awards, or memberships, that highlight your skills or personality.

A messy CV format is like a poorly planned worksite – disorganised and hard to navigate. Keep your application clean, structured, and easy to read, so formatting mistakes don’t overshadow your genuine skills.

Follow these formatting tips:

• Bullet points – These help recruiters skim through your accomplishments quickly and easily.
• Divide sections – Break your CV into distinct sections with clear headings for smooth navigation.
• Use a clear and readable font – Use a simple, professional font and keep your layout uncluttered for maximum readability.
• No more than 2 pages – This is enough length to highlight your expertise while keeping the recruiter interested.

Your CV profile is your chance to introduce yourself as a skilled construction professional. Think of it as your blueprint for success: you’ll need to convince recruiters that hiring you would bring tangible benefits to their projects.

These are the things you should include in your profile:

• Construction experience – Whether you specialise in residential, commercial, or industrial construction, highlight your area of expertise.
• Key skills – Mention abilities such as carpentry, plumbing, site management, or scaffolding.
• Safety and compliance – Employers want professionals who follow regulations and work safely.
• Project involvement – Highlight major builds you’ve contributed to, from housing developments to large-scale infrastructure projects.
• Equipment and tools – Mention any heavy machinery, power tools, or specialist equipment you’re trained to use.

A core skills section gives employers a quick look at your abilities. It should bullet point a few key skills that recruiters are actively looking for when they open up an application. 

Since construction covers many specialisms, tailor this section to match the job description. If the role focuses on site management, highlight leadership, scheduling, and compliance. If it’s hands-on work, focus on your trade skills and certifications.

Your work experience should clearly show how you’ve applied your skills on construction sites. Recruiters want more than job titles: they want proof that you can turn plans into reality. Show the projects you’ve worked on, the tasks you handled, and how your work contributed to overall site operations.

List roles in reverse chronological order, ensuring each entry is structured with bullet points. If you’re new to the industry, include apprenticeships, internships, or any relevant hands-on experience.

• Outline – Introduce the company, your role, and the types of projects you worked on.
• Responsibilities – List key tasks, such as site preparation, structural work, or safety compliance. Use power words like “constructed”, “installed”, and “supervised”.
• Achievements – Highlight measurable results, such as project completion times, cost savings, or safety improvements.

Construction is an industry where hands-on experience is key, but relevant qualifications can still give you an edge.

List any formal education, apprenticeships, or trade qualifications, starting with the most recent. If you’ve completed specialist courses in health and safety or equipment operation, include them here.