A Recruiter’s Tips for Higher Visibility in a Sea of Applicants

You could have exactly the right experience for a job, but if your CV doesn’t quickly demonstrate that, it may never make it to the next stage. As specialist construction recruiters, we see hundreds of CVs and know what makes one stand out — and what makes another easy to overlook.

Here are some simple tips from a recruiter to improve your CV’s visibility.

1. Put your most relevant experience first

Recruiters are looking for evidence that you match the role. Make it easy for them.

If you are applying for a Senior Estimator role, for example, don't simply write "Estimator". Highlight the type and scale of estimating experience you have, including relevant sectors, project values and responsibilities.

Think: what does the recruiter need to spot within the first 30 seconds?

2. Use the language of the job description

Recruiters and recruitment databases often search for specific skills, qualifications, job titles and project experience.

If the role requires cost planning, infrastructure estimating and NEC experience, and you have those skills, make sure they are clearly stated in your CV.

Don't rely on the recruiter to infer your experience.

Maxim has previously highlighted the importance of making relevant experience easy to identify and searchable within recruitment databases. (Maxim Recruitment)

3. Don't hide your key information in fancy formatting

A beautifully designed CV isn't necessarily a more effective CV.

Complex graphics, tables, multiple columns, icons and text embedded in images can make information harder for both people and recruitment systems to read.

Clear headings, straightforward formatting and concise bullet points usually work best.

4. Quantify your experience

"Managed major projects" is less powerful than:

"Managed commercial delivery across £250m+ infrastructure projects."

Where possible, include:

• Project values
• Team sizes
• Sector experience
• Types of projects
• Client experience
• Commercial responsibility
• Key achievements

Specifics help recruiters understand your level of experience quickly.

5. Tailor your CV but don't rewrite everything

You don't need a completely different CV for every application.

Instead, make sure your profile, key skills and most relevant project experience reflect the requirements of the particular role.

This can make a significant difference when a recruiter is comparing candidates with similar backgrounds.

6. Make your LinkedIn profile work with your CV

Your CV isn't the only way recruiters find candidates.

Make sure your LinkedIn profile clearly states your job title, specialist area, location and key experience. Consistency between your CV and LinkedIn profile can also make it easier for recruiters to understand your career history.

7. Get your CV in front of a specialist recruiter

One of the biggest advantages of registering with a specialist recruitment consultancy is that your CV doesn't necessarily have to compete with hundreds of applications for one advertised vacancy.

At Maxim Recruitment, registered candidates can be considered for suitable roles that may be confidential, upcoming or not yet publicly advertised.

We also work with candidates to understand their experience and career objectives before putting them forward for relevant opportunities.

The recruiter’s golden rule

Don't make the recruiter work to find your suitability.

Your CV should answer three questions quickly:

What do you do? What relevant experience do you have?  Why are you a good fit for this type of role?

Get those three things right and you give yourself a much better chance of getting your CV seen by a human — and getting that all-important conversation started.

Looking for your next construction career move? Register your CV with Maxim Recruitment and let our specialist consultants know what you're looking for.

Steve Thomas
Construction Recruitment Director, UK & Canada
Maxim Recruitment
LinkedIn

Steve is responsible for Maxim Recruitment in the UK and Canada. He is based in the Maxim head office in Leicester, UK and the Toronto office in Canada. He regularly travels to meet employers and job seekers and attend construction industry networking events in the UK, Canada and worldwide. Steve has over 25 years of experience in construction and property recruitment and enjoys working with many repeat clients. He manages dedicated search and headhunting assignments for a range of premium UK, Canadian and international clients.