For professional workers – career tips
ExpanderaMera has extensive experience in staffing and recruitment of professional workers in the construction, civil engineering and installation industries. Here we have gathered some of our tips for you as a job seeker professional in the construction industry.
You will find tips for CV writing, the design of a cover letter and what to consider when interviewing.
For professional workers
Writing CV – for professionals in the construction industry
In your job seeker, CV is one of your top tools. Below we have listed a number of tips that you can use when writing a CV.
Work experience
Some general guidelines when describing your work experience are to think Where?, When? and What? Where did I work; When did I work; What did I do the most/ what did I do best?
Use a reverse chronological order (i.e. your last job at the top) for previous work experience, this to make it easier for the recruiter to review your work experience. You don't need to describe everything in detail, only your experiences relevant to the position and usually no more than your last five employers or ten years back in time. Highlight the experience you consider most important. For work experience further back in time, it is enough that you mention company names and what you had for service; e.g. concrete workers/armers.
Education
Image
It can be nice to get a face on the person behind the application. If you choose to add an image, keep in mind that the image should be neutral. By neutral we mean a simple background and without other elements; that is, no food, drink, animals or other people for example.
Other qualifications and tasks
Think about what other qualifications/information you have that may be good to know about the recruiter. Perhaps you were a safety representative at your previous workplace? Maybe you were tutoring an apprentice? This may be of interest as well as demonstrate your commitment.
Also highlight which licenses/certificates you have. Licenses such as ski passes or Hot Works are usually valid for a limited period, if you have a license that has expired, feel free to write it in your CV but note the expiration date. It is good for us as an employer to know what needs to be updated and what licenses you have at the moment. Examples of licenses can be Hot work, Lift pass, Safe lift, Hilti bolt gun or cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Don't forget to sign if you have a professional certificate!
Another example of this may be what driving licences you have and whether you have access to a car to get to and from the workplace
References
Feel free to write with references with the name of the person, company name, what position they have on the company e.g. team base / supervisor and phone number. Do not forget to check that the number is correct/still in use.
For professional workers
Writing a personal letter – for professionals in the construction industry
In the personal letter, you have the opportunity to present why you are interested in the specific position or company you are looking for a job at.
Some guidelines:
- Customize the letter according to the company and the service you are looking for! If you are looking for a job in several professional areas, it is important that you do not send the same letter when applying for a job. It is easy for you to send letters with the "wrong" professional titles, which gives a disengaged impression.
- Be brief - write a maximum of one page
- Don't go into the private too much – around your family, accommodation or hobbies
- Show why you're right for the job and try to "sell" yourself
- Look what words describe the person your company is looking for in your ad. Do those words describe you? Try to explain in the letter how you are, for example, thorough and a good team player.
For professional workers
Interview preparations – for professionals in the construction industry
When you've been called for an interview, keep in mind:
- Arriving on time (but not too early, 10 minutes before is just right)
- Sometimes you can get nervous when you go to an interview, try to relax and be yourself. Don't be afraid to think about it if you don't come up with the answer to any of the recruiter's questions right away.
- Be "whole and clean"
- Bring references if you have not already provided these to the recruiter
- Do you have any questions? Take the opportunity to ask them at the time of the interview