FIRST IMPRESSIONS DO COUNT!
Everything counts when it comes to first impressions. But when recruiters and career mentors talk about first impressions, they often refer to the interview, although that is not the first point of contact that someone has with a prospective employer.
The truth is that although the way you dress, speak, introduce yourself with a handshake are fundamental to the recruitment process – the real first impression that you make is through your CV. Sometimes your LinkedIn profile might even be crucial in the decision-making process of bringing you in for an interview. Below you can find some insights gathered from our experience over the years and feedback from our clients. These should help you set some guidelines and create a compelling CV that takes you to the next step in the hiring process.
UNDERSTAND THE CONTEXT OF YOUR APPLICATION.
In today's talent market, your CV is only one part of your personal brand (this includes all your social profiles to which a potential employer has access to). Moreover, it is very important to understand the context of your submission. There are a variety of questions to which it is highly recommended to have the answer to:
- Who are you competing against and how do they present themselves?
- Is your information consistent across all your social profiles?
- Do you know why they are hiring for that position?
- What are the company's visions and values? Do they match your own?
- What aspects of their work do they take pride in?
- Are there any key words which consistently repeat themselves in the job – for you to pay a closer attention to?
Making a note of all these things, and then tailoring your CV accordingly, will not only help you land the interview, but also give you the ability to make a lasting impression before stepping into the room.
SHOWCASE YOUR ATTENTION TO DETAIL.
Quantity Surveyors are renowned to have a very good attention to detail. The best candidates for this position are very good in recognising opportunities, inefficiencies, and solutions to prominent challenges that may arise over the course of a project. Being responsible for the financial aspect of a build means that oversights can be costly. Very costly.
HOW CAN YOUR CV REFLECT THIS?
Giving real-life examples of where you noticed something in a project that was inefficient, broken, or could otherwise be improved – and then giving quantifiable evidence of how the solutions or ideas improved those shortcomings – is very beneficial. It is best if you take your time to ensure that everything is accurately conveyed in your CV, avoiding any exaggerations in numbers which might affect your reputation in a negative way. Be clear and concise in your CV. You won't get a second chance to get to make a first good impression. The formatting of your CV is an indication of your communication abilities - which in turn, are an expression of how comprehensive your reports and written correspondence will be. According to the National Center for Biotechnology Information, the average human attention span is only 8 seconds, which means you have 8 seconds to compel the recruiter and future employer to invite you for an interview. It is highly recommended that you get a second pair of eyes to review your CV before submitting it for a position – ideally someone who is not involved in the hiring process for the particular position.
For over 30 years we have been sourcing professional staff for the private and public sector, for a range of projects including residential, commercial, education and retail, etc.
Our reputation is based on exceptional service levels and support from our consultants and our ability to create and maintain long, trustworthy relationships with our clients.
If you are a recruitment consultant or a construction, property or engineering professional seeking to fulfil your full potential, contact us at 020 8655 1600 / careers@calco.co.uk or press the Send Voicemail button to leave a voicemail on the website and someone will contact you shortly.