In Ireland’s fast-moving construction market, opportunities are everywhere, but only for those who get noticed.
A strong CV is your first chance to stand out, yet many skilled professionals lose interviews over small, fixable mistakes.
At Necto Selection, we review thousands of construction CVs each year. The difference between a shortlist and a rejection often comes down to clarity, relevance, and presentation.
Here are seven of the most common CV mistakes that can quietly cost you your next construction job and how to avoid them.
1. Listing Every Job You’ve Ever Had
Recruiters do not need your full work history since school.
Your CV should highlight relevant experience only, ideally the past 10 to 12 years, focused on projects, responsibilities, and outcomes related to the role you are applying for.
Tip: Emphasise project types (data centres, fit-outs, infrastructure), contract values, and your specific contribution. Quality is always better than quantity.
2. Forgetting to Add Project Details
Saying “Worked on commercial developments” tells us very little.
Hiring managers want to know what kind of projects you worked on, your role, and what was achieved.
Add a few bullet points under each role showing:
- Project type and value
- Team size or subcontractors managed
- Specific responsibilities (planning, H&S, cost control)
- Key result (on time, under budget, safety record, etc.)
This shows you can deliver results, not just participate.
3. Using a Generic CV for Every Job
Sending the same CV to every employer is one of the quickest ways to get overlooked.
Tailor your profile and key achievements for each role, matching the language in the job description.
Example:
If the ad mentions “client liaison,” include that phrase in your CV if it accurately reflects your experience.
Customising does not take long, and it shows attention to detail, a key skill on any site.
4. Overlooking Certifications and Cards
In construction, credentials equal credibility.
We often see great candidates forget to list essentials such as:
- CSCS / Safe Pass / ECS cards
- SMSTS / SSSTS
- First Aid / Manual Handling
- Trade certificates or diplomas
These credentials instantly qualify you for certain sites or projects. Without them on your CV, recruiters might assume you do not have them.
5. Weak Personal Summary
Your opening paragraph is prime real estate, yet many CVs start with vague lines like:
“Hard-working team player looking for a new opportunity.”
That tells hiring managers nothing.
Instead, open with a concise, factual summary of your expertise:
“Experienced Site Manager with 10+ years overseeing commercial and data centre builds across Dublin and Cork. Strong record of delivering projects on time, safely, and within budget.”
In two lines, you have told them who you are, what you do, and why you are relevant.
6. Ignoring Presentation and Structure
Even the best experience can be overlooked if your CV looks messy.
Avoid dense blocks of text and use clear headings and bullet points. Keep fonts simple (Arial, Calibri, or similar) and ensure spacing is consistent.
Your CV should be easy to skim in 30 seconds.
If someone has to search for your experience or qualifications, they will move on to the next candidate.
7. Missing Contact or Location Details
This one seems obvious, but it happens often.
Always include:
- Your current location (city or county is enough)
- Email address and phone number
- Optional: LinkedIn profile if it is up to date
Recruiters often filter by location and cannot contact you if these details are missing.
A great CV is not about design or length. It is about clarity, relevance, and proof of value.
By fixing these seven simple mistakes, you make it easier for hiring managers to see your strengths at a glance.
At Necto Selection, we help skilled professionals across Ireland and the UK refine their CVs, connect with leading employers, and find roles that match their expertise.
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At NECTO Search & Selection, our mission is to connect talented construction professionals with opportunities that can transform their careers. Whether you're looking to advance professionally or aiming to enhance your team with top talent, we are here to facilitate your journey to success.
About NECTO Search & Selection
NECTO Search and Selection specializes in recruiting white-collar construction professionals throughout the Island of Ireland. The firm comprises knowledgeable consultants who connect candidates with appropriate clients through a targeted matching process. With relevant construction qualifications, site experience, and over ten years in recruitment, the team focuses on specific roles including quantity surveyors, estimators, buyers, contracts managers, project managers, site managers, site engineers, civil engineers, health and safety/SHEQ/HSEQ professionals, planners, and design managers.
Email: info@nectoselection.com
Belfast: +44 (0) 2890993234
Dublin: +353 (0) 15766667
