Creating a CV that gets noticed by employers requires clarity, structure, and relevance. Hiring managers sift through numerous CVs, so yours needs to make a strong impression from the start. Here’s what they’re looking for and how to make your CV stand out:

1. Structure it clearly

Start with your contact information at the top: name, phone number, email, and LinkedIn profile. Next, include a personal summary—a brief overview of your key skills, experience, and goals. Keep this to a few sentences that convey your strengths effectively.

  • Skills: List your top skills in a dedicated section. Focus on skills that align with the job description, making it easy for recruiters to see what you bring to the table.
  • Experience: Start with your latest role and work backward. Rather than listing tasks, highlight your contributions and results. For instance, instead of “Managed a team,” try “Managed a team of five, increasing project efficiency by 25%.”

2. Tailor it for each role

A generic CV doesn’t capture the unique needs of each position. Review the job description and pull-out keywords, especially specific skills, tools, or certifications that match your experience. This helps ensure your CV aligns with the role and improves its chances with Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS), which scan CVs for relevant terms.

3. Stick to a professional, simple design

Choose a clear layout with consistent formatting and enough white space. Use an easy-to-read font like Arial or Calibri, size 10-12, and avoid distracting colours or graphics. This keeps the focus on your experience and makes it easy for recruiters to navigate.

4. Focus on achievements, not just duties

Employers want to see what you’ve accomplished in each role. Use specific numbers and results where you can. Example:

  • Instead of: “Managed construction site activities.”
  • Try: “Coordinated daily site operations for a £10 million infrastructure project, improving project timelines by 10% and reducing downtime by 15%.”

5. Include action verbs and relevant keywords

Start bullet points with action verbs like “Led,” “Developed,” or “Achieved.” These words show initiative and clearly communicate your contributions. Incorporate keywords naturally to match the role description but avoid overloading your CV with terms—make sure each word adds value.

6. Avoid common pitfalls

  • Typos and Grammar Errors: Proofread carefully or ask someone else to review.
  • Clichés: Terms like “hard worker” or “excellent communicator” are overused. Show these traits instead through examples.
  • Length: Keep your CV focused, ideally within one or two pages. Emphasise recent and relevant experience.

Top 5 Pitfalls to Avoid When Applying for Built Environment Jobs  – Advance TRS

Creating a standout CV in the built environment sector means focusing on structure, relevant skills, and clear achievements. Tailor each application to the role, use metrics to highlight your impact, and keep formatting clean and professional. By showing to hiring managers not just what you did, but how you contributed, you’ll improve your chances of securing an interview.

Need an up-to-date CV? Read our CV writing tips! – Advance TRS

For more career tips or to explore opportunities with Advance TRS, check out our latest jobs, here.

Navigating the job market in the built environment sector can be challenging. To stand out in this competitive field, avoiding common application mistakes is crucial. Here’s a guide to the top 5 pitfalls and how to steer clear of them. 

1. Not Tailoring Your CV and Cover Letter 

Tip: Customise your application for each role. Highlight skills and experiences that align with the job description and company’s needs.  

Pitfall number one is sending generic applications to employers. In the built environment sector, where roles can vary significantly, a tailored CV and cover letter are essential to demonstrate your fit and showcasing your skills for a specific job. 

2. Overlooking Keywords in Job Descriptions 

Tip: Use keywords from the job description in your CV and cover letter to improve your chances of passing the ATS screening.  

Many applications are filtered by Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) that search for specific keywords. Failing to include these can result in your application being overlooked. 

3. Lack of Clear Career Progression 

Tip: Show a clear career path with relevant roles and projects that highlight your development and expertise.

A CV that lacks a clear career trajectory can be confusing. Demonstrating how you’ve grown and specialised in your career is crucial in the built environment sector. 

4. Inadequate Interview Preparation 

Tip: Prepare for technical assessments with industry-specific questions and review common behavioural interview questions to showcase your fit for the role.  

Technical and behavioural interviews are critical in the built environment sector. Insufficient preparation can impact your performance. 

5. Poor Attention to Detail 

Tip: Proofread your CV and cover letter multiple times and seek feedback from others to ensure accuracy and professionalism.  

Errors in your application, such as typos or incorrect details, can undermine your professionalism. Attention to detail is key in a sector where precision matters. 

How to Improve Your Chances of Success 

  • Research the Employer: Understand the company’s projects and values to tailor your application effectively. 
  • Network with Professionals: Build connections within the sector to gain insights and opportunities. 
  • Engage in Continuous Learning: Stay updated with industry trends and consider further training to enhance your skills. 
  • Seek Feedback: Get input on your CV and interview techniques to refine your approach. 

By avoiding these common pitfalls and implementing these strategies, you can significantly improve your chances of landing a job in the built environment sector. Present a well-prepared, tailored application to stand out in this competitive field. 

Follow us on LinkedIn to view our latest roles and opportunities, or sign up for our job alerts, here.  

Choosing between contracting and a permanent role in the built environment can make a big difference to your career path and lifestyle. Both routes offer distinct advantages and challenges, making it crucial to consider which aligns best with your professional goals and personal preferences.

Contractor Roles: Flexibility and Independence

Pros:

  • Flexibility: Contracting in the built environment allows you to choose projects and set your own hours. This can be especially appealing for those who prefer varied work or wish to work remotely.
  • Higher Earning Potential: Contractors often have the opportunity to earn more per project compared to permanent roles, particularly if they have niche skills that are in high demand.
  • Diverse Experience: Working on different projects with various clients can provide a broad range of experience, from commercial buildings to infrastructure projects, enhancing your skills and portfolio.

Cons:

  • Inconsistent Income: The variability in project availability can lead to fluctuating income, which might be challenging if you prefer financial stability.
  • Lack of Benefits: Contractors do not typically receive benefits such as health insurance, paid leave, or pension contributions that are common in permanent positions.
  • Administrative Burden: Contractors must manage their own business tasks, including taxes, contracts, and client negotiations, which can be time-consuming.

Permanent Roles: Stability and Structured Growth

Pros:

  • Job Security: Permanent roles offer more financial stability and job security, which can be reassuring, especially in sectors like construction or infrastructure where long-term projects are prevalent.
  • Career Development: Permanent positions often come with clear career progression pathways, training opportunities, and professional development, helping you advance within the company.
  • Company Benefits: In addition to a steady salary, permanent employees typically receive benefits such as health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off.

Cons:

  • Less Flexibility: Permanent roles usually involve set working hours and less freedom to choose projects or work remotely, which might not suit those seeking flexibility.
  • Potential Monotony: Working for one employer may limit the variety of projects you work on, which could be less appealing if you thrive on diverse experiences.

Which Path Is Right for You?

Deciding between a contractor and a permanent role largely depends on your personal and professional priorities. If you value flexibility, diverse experiences, and are comfortable with the administrative aspects of freelancing, it might be the right path for you. On the other hand, if you prefer stability, structured career development, and comprehensive benefits, a permanent role could be more suitable.

Ready to explore your options?

Check out the latest roles available in the built environment on our website and find the perfect opportunity that matches your career goals, whether you’re considering a contractor role or seeking a permanent position.

It has been an exciting six months for the Advance TRS team! Although it’s hard to believe we are over halfway through 2022 already, we have been reflecting on the company’s achievements and highlights from what has been a successful start to the year so far.

Getting back out and meeting face to face

At the end of 2021, we spoke to Managing Director Andy about where he wanted the company to be in the immediate future. He spoke about wanting to re-engage with clients face to face, rather than remotely via zoom or teams. Whilst these tools were an important part of business over the past two years, nothing beats working together face to face.

In addition to getting out and about visiting clients on-site, our team have been delighted to attend a number of industry events including:

Celebrating staff achievements

We understand that talented and motivated staff is the key to any successful business. Therefore, we support staff to grow and succeed as the company does the same.

Already this year we have celebrated as 15 staff members mark an anniversary with Advance TRS. Plus, three of our team have earned hard-won promotions. These team members have demonstrated their hard work, skill and fully embody the core values that the business was founded on. Our company values run at the heart of our approach, we believe in them and recognise each of them in the way we act, both with each other and those we support.

Notably, our Operations Director Paul Merton marked 10 years at Advance TRS in April. As our resident expert of legislation, Paul oversees the continual development of Advance TRS’s compliance and operational systems.

Coming together as a team

At Advance TRS, we work hard to deliver the best possible service for our clients and candidates, so enjoy taking the time to celebrate together as one united team. This unified approach is a core part of our success and ongoing practices towards those we work with.

With COVID-19 restrictions finally lifted we’ve taken the time to come together as a team and celebrate our achievements. At the start of our financial year, we brought the team together for our annual Kick-Off Conference. We shared our upcoming business plans for the year and celebrated achievements from 2021-22. Since then, our teams have enjoyed trips to Brighton, clay pigeon shooting, go-karting, driving experience days, and lunches out. More recently our whole team enjoyed a day out at Sandown races for our Summer Social.

Growing our team

Due to a period of rapid growth, we have welcomed nine new starters across our Guildford and Port Solent offices. The new additions are proving to be great assets to the sectors they have joined and excelling in their roles. We’re excited to witness the positive impact this has on the services we deliver to our clients and candidates. A warm welcome to Advance TRS’ new team members of 2022.

Managing Director Andy said:

“These new appointments have come at an exciting phase of our development and growth strategy. These new starters join us to build out teams across the business. Whilst some bring years of industry experience, and others are showing incredible promise at the start of their recruitment career, they are all showing to be brilliant additions to the team and share our core values and commitment to being the best.”

For a confidential chat about our current vacancies, the opportunity to discuss your potential and the possibility of making a career move, contact our Talent Acquisition Manager Jess.

Launching our new website

Our marketing team and developers worked behind the scenes to launch our new website, with a key focus on improving user experience and creating a seamless job search.

Not only have we given it a brand-new look, but we have made extensive adjustments to our job boards and candidate zone. By registering an account with us, you can:

  • Set up detailed job alerts relevant to your skills and disciplines
  • Upload and manage multiple CVs
  • Shortlist your favourite jobs and easily apply at a time suitable to you
  • Access additional resources and advice to support your job search

With new vacancies added regularly, you can search our job boards and quickly apply to various opportunities across our sectors, with some roles exclusively available to us.

Company video production

This year we are delighted to have partnered with a video production company for the first time. Arranging a number of filming days with our team helps support our internal recruitment drive and provides a fresh, dynamic insight into life at Advance TRS. Look out for these new videos coming soon.

Giving back to charities

Advance TRS have a strong history of taking on personal challenges to raise money for causes important to the team. This year has seen us continue to raise money for good causes, with preparations for more activities later in the year.

Most recently we assembled 7 of our rail consultants to take on the Longest Golf Day Challenge. The challenge saw the team complete 72 holes and 4 rounds of golf, in 16 hours. This is the latest challenge in a line of activities that has seen the team raise over £65,000 for charities in 10 years.

Looking forward

The next 6 months look to be as exciting as the first!

Following the success of last year’s event, Railway Children and Advance TRS have again teamed up for the annual Advance TRS Golf Day for Rail Aid, at the prestigious Belfry Hotel & Resort. The day brings together industry leaders for some healthy competition, networking and most importantly to raise money for the Rail Aid campaign.

This October our Director of Client Services & Rail Signalling, Sam Jennings will be taking part in Railway Children’s Ride Vietnam Challenge. The trip will see Sam spend between six and eight hours in the saddle each day, travelling across waterways and plantations on unpaved and dusty roads, slightly different surfaces to the hills he will be training on but all part of the challenge for a true bike novice! Sam is well on his way with his training journey. You can keep up to date with his progress or donate to his fundraising total on his JustGiving page. https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/sam-jennings4

As well as continued growth and driving our internal recruitment, we are also looking forward to opening new offices later in 2022/2023.

Advance TRS

Advance TRS offers a supportive environment to help you to be the best you can be and reach your career goals as part of our team, whether you are an established recruiter or just starting out on your journey. View our latest vacancies here.

Job searching in 2022? You may find yourself wondering if writing a cover letter is still necessary, and our answer? Absolutely. It is thought that at least 56% of employers still expect a cover letter to accompany a job application.

A cover letter shows prospective employers that you’re committed to the job and willing to put in the extra effort. It can set you apart from other candidates and help you stand out from the crowd.

We conducted a recent survey and found that 34% of candidates least like writing a cover letter in their job search. So, we’ve put together some tips to give you confidence in submitting a cover letter and make the process easier:

Research the company

Before writing a cover letter, you should take some time to dig a little deeper into the role you’re applying for and the company. You can then use this information to tailor your letter accordingly.

Some things you want to find out are:

  • What does the company do?
  • Who are their competitors? (this develops your understanding of the industry)
  • Who are their target audience?
  • What skills and experience do they value?
  • What does the role involve and how does this sit within the rest of the company?

Start with a header

Include all essential information about yourself, including name, phone number, email, and the date you’ve written the letter on. Most of this information should already be on your CV, but this saves the employer having to go between the two documents.

Write an impactful introduction

It’s essential to catch the employer’s attention from the very first paragraph. Most candidates start with a simple introduction, stating who they are, their interest in the role and previous work experience.

For example, “With over 10 years’ experience at my current company, I wish to apply for the role of Creative Director being advertised on your website.”

As this is quite generic and a common opening from candidates, you could get lost in the sea of cover letters the recruiter is receiving.

To really grab their attention, start off introducing yourself and your top 2-3 achievements (most relevant to the company or role). This is a great way to impress the employer and shine the light on yourself.

Why you’re suitable for the job

In your second paragraph, describe your professional skills and how you meet the role requirements. Read the job description and identify which of the responsibilities are of high importance for the employer. You’ll need to demonstrate how you meet these and why you’re the perfect fit for the job.

If you’re trying to change role, industry, or struggling to meet all requirements, think about skills and attributes that are transferable.

Try to be specific and give examples of your skills in action.

For example, a statement like “I’m a team player” is very vague.

A statement such as “In my previous role, I worked with a team of 10 on a project and ensured everyone was working towards the same goal. This project led to a 12% rise in sales in first 3 months of completion” is more specific and showcasing what you can do.

What you offer the company

Now is your opportunity to emphasise what you can do for the company and that you’ll be a good fit for their business. This is also a great time for you to state exactly why you want the job and why you’re passionate about working for them.

Again, don’t be too generic just for the sake of writing something. It’s very easy to look up the values of an organisation and simply say these align with your own values. Instead, be as specific as possible, giving example of something they’ve done or detailed knowledge of their culture.

Closing the letter

Wrap up your cover letter by thanking the employer for their time or consideration and include a call to action. This could be the opportunity to discuss further or arranging an interview.

At this point, you should also double check the length of your cover letter. Whilst it is important to cover all the information we’ve advised; you don’t want to put off an employer because it is too lengthy. Aim for half a side of A4 or at a maximum, one A4 page.

Finally, make sure you proofread your letter before sending. Having put so much effort into producing the perfect cover letter, you don’t want to be let down by any grammatical errors or spelling mistakes. There are some great online tools such as Grammarly that can help you check, or maybe even ask a friend or family member to look.

Our final checklist

  • Have you done your research into the company?
  • Have you provided all essential information?
  • Does your introductory paragraph make an impact?
  • Have you detailed why you’re suitable for the job?
  • Do you state what you can offer the company?
  • Did you close the letter with a call to action?
  • Have you checked the length of your letter?
  • Have you proofread and checked for errors?

Why Advance TRS?

We offer an in-depth candidate management process supporting you through interview, remuneration negotiation, resignation, counteroffer and notice period. Our consultants go out of their way to keep you informed throughout every stage of the recruitment process.

View our latest jobs and find your next opportunity!

Celebrating the achievements of women in recruitment

International Women’s Day celebrates the achievements of women and marks a call to action to accelerate women’s equality. Today, it is fighting to #BreakTheBias, advocating a world free of bias, stereotypes, and discrimination. A world that is diverse, equal, and inclusive. So what is life like for women in recruitment?

We sit down with our Client Services Delivery Manager Louise to discuss her experiences and achievements as a woman in the recruitment industry. Her role involves headhunting experienced candidates and developing a good understanding of client companies and their industry, to best understand their assignments. She builds and nurtures strong relationships with our clients to swiftly source the best candidates.

With over 9 years’ recruitment experience, she has a proven track record in the sector. She understands the importance and impact of building strong relationships with client account representatives for the company.

When did you first consider pursuing this career?

Quite early on in my career, my employer suggested I transfer my original role into a more sales-based one. I found I really enjoyed the work, and it came quite naturally to me. This made me consider what I can achieve if I take this full-time.

I didn’t initially intend to go into the built environment sector, but after securing my first recruitment role in the industry I found it really interesting and enjoyed working with engineers. I’ve spent a long time working in a sales environment, I enjoy working with people and very target driven. This became something that I wanted to pursue further. So I then found a position at Advance TRS and the rest is history as they say!

What was your experience of entering the industry?

I was aware that I was entering quite a male-dominated role and sector, but I’ve never had any issues. I enjoy the competitive nature of recruitment and like the challenge of proving what I can do. I’ve never felt out of my depth, in fact, it’s helped pushed me to achieve more than I could think possible.

How important was diversity and inclusivity when you were job searching?

To be honest, I didn’t really consider it or find myself thinking about it, but in a way, I think this is a positive thing? I never felt like being a woman made things challenging or caused a barrier in creating a career for myself. I also feel like I make more of an impact. Yes, I am sometimes competing with men in the sector, but I’m able to prove that I am competent, provide value, ambitious and just as capable.

WomenInRecruitment, an initiative by APSCO, produced a report in Spring 2020 which found over two thirds of recruitment firms have more than 50% female representation and support staff level. Two-fifths have more than 50% female representation at recruitment/resourcer level.

The report also found that a third of recruitment firms have less than 5% female representation at board level. Whilst another third has between 21-50%.

What would you say is your greatest professional achievement so far?

I think there are a few accomplishments that I’m proud of. Firstly, when I achieved entry to the Millionaire’s Club, £1 million in billings in my time for Advance TRS. I was the first female to achieve this for the business so feel proud to be paving the way.

I also brought on board a new client to Advance TRS who have since become one of our top grossing clients. So this is quite an achievement. Finally, hiring during the pandemic and securing over 100 permanent hires for one client. Considering we were in lockdown and recruiting under very challenging circumstances, it was very rewarding to accomplish that.

How would you describe your experience of being a woman in your industry?

In general, I don’t feel there is much disparity. I have on occasion witnessed gender bias, with certain words and phrases used that wouldn’t have been said to a man. However, the industry overall is very understanding of equality and diversity. I don’t feel that being a woman has created any barriers or hindrances in my career. You just need to find your voice and have confidence in your abilities, back yourself!

Have you been given any advice that has helped shape your career?

One piece of advice I received regarding recruitment specifically is “ride the wave.” With the nature of recruitment there are highs and lows, but I was taught to just persevere and keep going. When things are going well it’s incredibly rewarding, so you’ve got to remind yourself of that when going through a low point.

Do you have any female role models that have encouraged you in your career?

A lot of the candidates I work with are very inspiring. I’ve supported a lot of women in getting a new opportunity, some in quite senior positions. When you’ve heard their story, their background and helped them through the process, it’s so rewarding to see them succeed. The dedication that some of these women have to their career and sector is amazing, and I feel so proud when they secure their next job.

Based on your experience, what advice would you give to women considering a career in your sector?

For a woman considering a career in the recruitment industry, be confident and don’t be afraid to speak up! Be your biggest supporter. In recruitment, you do have to be quite driven and versatile but have courage in your work. As the saying goes “She believed she could so she did.”

Why Advance TRS?

At Advance TRS, we believe everyone deserves the same opportunities, regardless of age, race, gender, religion or sexual orientation. The diversity of our workforce is an essential part of our success. As such, we are committed to supporting contractors and staff to work in an environment that is free from discrimination and promotes equal opportunities for all.

We are a niche recruitment consultancy specialising in the provision of highly skilled technical professionals for the built environment. We provide permanent, contract and temporary recruitment solutions to both candidates and clients across several key technical sectors including rail, construction and water & environment services.

Since establishing in 2011, the company has shown remarkable growth, delivering MSPs and RPOs for some of the biggest businesses in the built environment. The team continue to work closely together to deliver honest, reliable solutions to clients and candidates.

Celebrating the achievements of women across the built environment industry

Tuesday 8th March 2022 marks International Women’s Day, a day that celebrates the achievements of women and marks a call to action to accelerate women’s equality. International Women’s Day has been marked for over a century, with the first gathering in 1911 supported by over a million people. Today, it belongs to all groups everywhere, not country, group, or organisation specific.

This year’s theme is #BreakTheBias, advocating a world free of bias, stereotypes, and discrimination. A world that is diverse, equal, and inclusive.

Today we sit down with two of our successfully placed female candidates. Both have found placements within the rail sector as Specialist Consultants and Safety Assurance Engineers. They’ve spoken to us about their experiences and achievements in their chosen fields.

When did you first consider pursuing this career?

Nicky – Well I didn’t really plan on doing this career. A friend sent through a short-term opportunity which was so interesting. I found I met most of the criteria they were looking for, apart from sector knowledge/experience. Using an agency like Advance TRS helped me see that I had transferrable skills that I could use across sectors. Their knowledge gave me the confidence in my capabilities when I couldn’t see them myself, which was really encouraging.

Ria – I’ve actually been in the rail sector for 12+ years now. Originally, I was working in the aviation and maritime industry, but then offered a new opportunity when my company moved offices. I felt this was quite a good move to make, I had skills that could be transferred across, just had to learn more about the rail industry and technical aspects.

What was your experience of entering the industry?

Nicky – It was good. I found the industry and people very welcoming and didn’t feel like there were any barriers holding me back.

Ria – Generally very smooth sailing. Early on in my career as a junior it could get a bit intimidating being the only woman and have your voice heard, but on the whole, there were never any hindrances.

What made you want to pursue/continue with this career choice?

Nicky – I enjoyed the prospect of being challenged by something new, it was a good opportunity. The scale of projects is interesting; you’re involved in something that is there for years to come. I feel rewarded knowing that I’m making a difference to people’s lives, or making their journeys easier. I also get to work with world class engineers, highly specialised in their roles and incredibly knowledgeable, it’s very fulfilling work.

How important is diversity and inclusivity when you are job searching?

Nicky – This is always at the top of my list. We all have different circumstances, situations, backgrounds etc and the industry needs to be, and generally is, very understanding of that. It’s so important to feel part of a diverse workplace, where you can be heard, no matter what your experiences, or where you are with your life or career.

Ria – At the start of my career it wasn’t something I really thought about, however I was aware that I was one of very few women, and the only woman of colour. In recent job searches I am more aware of it and have noticed a lot of progress, lots more inclusion/diversity. However, I have still seen instances where for example a job description is written in the male pronoun, using “he”.

STEM Women have compiled an in-depth Whitepaper that explored students’ and graduates’ attitudes towards gender issues that are prevalent within STEM.

The report found that from 2019 to 2021, the percentage of respondents that see diversity initiatives as extremely or very important when accepting job offers rose from 74% in 2019, to 83% in 2020 and 89% in 2021.

From 2019 to 2021, the number of respondents who said that the gender balance of a company would influence whether they would accept a job offer rose from 54% to 67%, that’s an increase of 13%.

What would you say is your greatest professional achievement so far?

Nicky – I’ve been very fortunate to work on several ground-breaking campaigns, introducing new technologies, working with amazing teams and clients. Even though I might have played a small part in the project, it’s so rewarding to see the result and know you’ve been a part of that. Balancing work and family life is also something I feel proud of.

Ria – Completing my master’s degree in Railway Systems Engineering & Integration. I completed this whilst working full time, studying part-time and expecting my first child. It was a lot to take on but brought a lot of value and additional knowledge that I didn’t have before.

How would you describe your experience of being a woman in your industry?

Nicky – While diversity and gender balance are improving, engineering is still a male dominated sector and you’re sometimes aware that you are working in an environment where you are the minority. However, I’ve never had any negative experiences or felt like being a woman is an issue. I’ve seen a big improvement in equality and more women are coming into the industry. There are many opportunities for women to enter and it’s good to see a greater variety of roles beyond engineering. This includes senior roles, management roles and apprenticeships.

Ria – It’s never felt like a barrier. You have to find your voice and fight for what you believe in, not afraid to say how you feel. I do feel like my degree has helped empower me and prove to people that I do know what I’m talking about.

STEM’s report also found that in 2021, 57% of respondents said they had suffered from or experienced imposter syndrome. Many highlighted that this arose from feeling like the ‘odd one out.’ To read the full article click here.

Have you been given any advice that has helped shape your career?

Nicky – As early as possible, find your niche. If you can find something you enjoy doing, get really good at doing it. It took me a while to understand what that means/what that is but try anything! Don’t be afraid to try different things to narrow down what it is that you’re looking for. Also, take opportunities when they present themselves, until you try – you don’t know.

Ria – I don’t think there has been any specific advice, but I did have a mentor that really supported me. She helped me navigate and overcome challenges that I was having and encouraged me in recognising my achievements. Sometimes it’s hard to recognise these in yourself but she really saw the best in me. It’s hard to explain the value and impact this had on my career.

Do you have any female role models that have encouraged you in your career?

Nicky – Yes, I have a strong network of men and women and I’ve received some great advice from them throughout my life and career. I always listen carefully and learn from them – to take on board their suggestions and advice and carry it forward in what I do. It’s important to welcome and consider any feedback you receive – from everyone.

Ria – I’ve got a good friend who’s a chartered engineer in a senior role. She’s also a mum of 2 so it’s really inspiring to see someone else managing both career and motherhood. It helps me recognise what I can achieve myself. I also think having a female support network around you is so important. Having people looking out for you and wanting the best for you is really encouraging.

Based on your experience, what advice would you give to women considering a career in your sector?

Nicky – You must find your voice, find confidence in what you do and how you do it. In this sector you’ve got to be quite versatile and be able to think on your feet. Do what you can to get as much experience behind you as possible, so you’ll feel more confident and able to succeed. Create a support network. Build your own personal brand! There are many opportunities, go for it!

Ria – It’s a globally growing industry, with many projects starting up. This sector needs female intelligence, the way we think and being able to provide a different perspective. Believe in yourself and challenge yourself, don’t be afraid to go for it – take a chance!

Why Advance TRS?

At Advance TRS, we believe everyone deserves the same opportunities, regardless of age, race, gender, religion or sexual orientation. The diversity of our workforce is an essential part of our success. As such, we are committed to supporting contractors and staff to work in an environment that is free from discrimination and promotes equal opportunities for all.

We are a niche recruitment consultancy specialising in the provision of highly skilled technical professionals for the built environment. We provide permanent, contract and temporary recruitment solutions to both candidates and clients across several key technical sectors including rail, construction and water & environment services.

Since its establishment in 2011, the company has shown remarkable growth, delivering MSPs and RPOs for some of the biggest businesses in the built environment. The team continue to work closely together to deliver honest, reliable solutions to clients and candidates.

Take a look at our job board for our latest vacancies.

Delivering premium quality solutions for the technical engineer sector

Tam Shahid is a Delivery Project Manager, Water Environment & Infrastructure Team. He joined Advance TRS in November 2020, specialising in the delivery process for Senior Consultants. Tam generates suitable candidates to match client requirements/expectations.

Group MD and Founder Andy Ridout explains:

“Tam is an absolute asset to the company. In his time with us, he has mastered the complexity and skill required to deliver exemplary service to both clients and candidates. Tam project manages the assignments from our clients and supports our consultants throughout the process. Having the knowledge, expertise, and skillset to source and deliver niche engineering specialists. He provides our clients with an efficient and top quality service, something Advance TRS is recognised for.”

Tam provides bespoke support to our Port Solent based Water and Environment team. The team offer an expert focus and quality recruitment service to both clients and candidates in the sector. They consistently meet and exceed expectations. As a well-respected and effective recruitment partner, the team deliver results time and time again. They offer services for a range of public and private sector clients across the UK. These include consultancies, contractors, and non-governmental organisations (NGOs). They place exceptional talent in permanent, contract and interim roles.

In his time in the role, Tam has assisted in the development of a dynamic and efficient delivery function within the team. He is capable of supporting the sales function across market verticals. Tam truly understands the calibre of staff required for our business to thrive.

Today our Marketing Consultants sit down with Tam and his Director to understand more about the role Tam plays in driving the Port Solent office’s success and growth.

So, Tam, what led you to this career?

I started working from the age of 16 part-time within retail, whilst studying full-time. Once I graduated from the University of Portsmouth, I was looking for a change in direction from Retail and came across Recruitment. I saw this as an opportunity to expand on my skills in areas such as communication, time management, persuasion, multi-tasking etc. It also meant I could learn new skills, and learn about the specified markets.

What made you take the job at Advance TRS?

Advance TRS are a growing company and has a clear vision for the future. The company and colleagues I work with have specialist knowledge that enables you to progress in this role. Having previously worked with Rob Kelly at another company, I was managed and trained by him to a high level, so this also drew me to the role. I was excited to be contributing and be part of it all!

How has your role developed since you joined the company?

Initially, I was asked to carry out a Senior Delivery role where I would generate candidates, working on live jobs, advertising roles, writing adverts etc. My role has since developed, and my responsibilities now include supporting internal recruitment. I also project manage the growth of the delivery team, train and develop new staff and provide regular reports on the delivery output. The managing director has approved training to gain my APMP qualification, to become a qualified project manager and progress my role even further.

In what way does your role assist your colleagues and the company?

My role helps support the Senior Sales team workload, allowing them to focus on other key areas and ease some of their work pressures. The process involved contributes to increasing our company’s reputation. We provide a more thorough and polished search, ensuring we are covering all markets and sourcing that ideal candidate for our clients. My experience within the role means I’ve developed a good understanding of the candidates I’ve spoken to, their skills, qualifications, responsibilities etc.

When a client presents us with a role, I’m able to deliver someone suitable and who meets the requirements. Unlike other consultants, I don’t specialise in one area, or one job role. I’ve worked on a broad range of different roles and built a knowledge and understanding based on the job specification and the candidates. Each time we successfully fill a role, it increases our reputation and generates a flow of further work from the clients.

What complexities do you find with this role?

As with the nature of recruitment, it’s always tough when you lose out on a candidate. There may be a number of reasons why they may have rejected a job offer but through experience, you learn when to be persuasive with someone, when you need to be persistent and when you need to be patient. It can sometimes be challenging trying to juggle multiple job roles, so the ability to multitask and be organised is key. You have to learn to prioritise the most important task.

What have been some of your biggest successes?

Since joining the team in November 2020 I have helped contribute to 31 placements for the business. I continually support the business with the growth of the delivery team.

If you are interested in learning from Tam and finding out how you can pursue a career in Delivery, we are always hiring. Find out more about our current opportunities here (https://www.advance-trs.com/about/careers-at-advance/)

Rob Kelly, our Water & Infrastructure Director works closely with Tam throughout the recruitment process. He explains the vital role Tam plays in supporting the candidates and meeting our clients’ requirements.

How would you describe the benefits of having Tam in his role?

Tam co-ordinates between our sales function and candidate delivery function. His role ensures an excellent experience for the candidates, developing a rapport with them throughout the entire hiring process. He has likely pre-interviewed and pre-referenced a volume of candidates and assessed their suitability prior to jobs being advertised by our clients. This provides clients with a more efficient, pro-active service and means we are able to quickly source appropriate candidates. This gives us and our clients an edge over competitors and puts us at the forefront of recruitment.

If you’re interested in joining our team, or viewing our latest sector vacancies, please visit our website https://www.advance-trs.com/jobs. Alternatively, you can speak to one of our dedicated team on 01483 361 061.


Why Advance TRS?

Advance TRS is a niche recruitment consultancy specialising in the provision of highly skilled technical professionals for the built environment. We provide permanent, contract and temporary recruitment solutions to both candidates and clients across several key technical sectors including rail, construction and water & environment services.

Since its establishment in 2011, the company has shown remarkable growth, delivering MSPs and RPOs for some of the biggest businesses in the built environment. The team continue to work closely together to deliver honest, reliable solutions to clients and candidates.

As recruiters, we really understand that talented and motivated staff is the key to any successful business. To help us develop our team into the best they can be, all staff receive invaluable mentorship from our experienced senior leaders and map out potential routes of progression within the company.

We’ve rounded up some top news stories from across the Built Environment

National Rail Christmas and New Year engineering works complete

Network Rail have completed hundreds of Christmas and New Year projects across Britain’s railway. Giving you better and more reliable journeys for the long term. Read more…

Leaves on the line: a thing of the past?

Poor adhesion is now in the news following the collision between two trains at Salisbury Tunnel Junction, on the evening of 31 October. Read more…

Construction project starts dip but contract awards soar in mixed picture for sector

The number of construction projects started at the back end of the year has dropped sharply. However, a spike in contract awards indicates that the sector remains on track as it recovers from the Covid-19 hit. Read more…

Kier wins 142 rental home job at BBC TV centre site

Joint venture developer Stanhope, Mitsui Fudosan has picked Kier to build 142 affordable homes at its wider former BBC Television Centre development in West London. Read more…

Anglian Water CEO Peter Simpson says cross-sectoral collaboration crucial to tackle challenges and find solutions

It was a huge breakthrough to see water play a central role for the first time at any COP, with the first ever dedicated Water Pavilion and widespread acknowledgement that water is critical to the climate debate. Read more…

Water UK launches campaign to get the UK winter ready

Industry body Water UK is encouraging customers to take some immediate steps, such as lagging pipes and checking central heating, to ensure they stay safe and warm over the winter months. Read more…

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This weeks news from across the Built Environment

How storms and flooding affect the railway

Floods, high winds and landslips can destroy railway infrastructure and block lines. Network Rail teams repair damage and clear debris to ensure trains can continue to run. Read more…

Rail operator unveils first co-operative energy project on UK rail network

The new initiative is expected to save up to 50 tonnes of carbon a year, generating over 200,000 kW hours of electricity. Read more…

Government ‘collusion’ with construction sector allowed combustibles loophole

The Grenfell Tower Inquiry has told that hundreds of high-rise buildings in the UK were clad with combustible materials because the government failed to crack down on a loophole after colluding with the construction industry. Read more…

Glow-in-the-dark concrete used on first commercial scheme

A glow in the dark paving system that absorbs ultraviolet rays during the day and radiates light at night has been used for the first time on a major commercial development in Derbyshire. Read more…

Initiatives boost opportunities for women in water

British Water’s unique Women on Water campaign continues to build momentum, with the renewal of a successful mentoring programme and the announcement of an in-person networking reception. Read more…

Water retailers opt for new United Utilities in-house meter reading service

United Utilities has seen a growing uptake by water retailers of its non-household meter reading service – more than 90 per cent of non-household meters in the North West are now being read by the water company. Read more…

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The latest news across the built environment

Arcadis, Colas and Costain teams to battle for £500M HS2 power contract

HS2 Ltd has revealed the shortlist of bidders for its £523M high voltage power supply systems contract. Read more…

Crossrail | Another West London station transformed ahead of Elizabeth line opening

The transformation of West Ealing station in West London has been completed ahead of the Elizabeth line opening. Read more…

Common prequal system launches to save £1bn in paperwork

Two of the country’s largest contractor trade bodies have launched a nationally recognised single prequalification system for construction with the promise of saving £1bn in industry paperwork. Read more…

Brownfield housing funding for 500 Manchester new-builds

Manchester has secured nearly £8m from the Brownfield Housing Fund to help deliver around 522 new homes. Read more…

New measures to cut water companies’ reliance on storm overflows to discharge sewage into rivers to become law

The government has confirmed that measures to reduce sewage discharges from storm overflows will be put into law. Read more…

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The job market is constantly changing now more than ever, we have discussed the soft skills required to succeed in a post COVID world, but what about the hard skills that are in demand right now? In this monthly update we review the job roles in high demand right now. 

Principal Civil Engineers 

What does a Principal Civil Engineer do? The Principal Civil Engineer will lead the project team throughout the design and construction process, adapting civil plans according to budget constraints, design factors or client needs. Leadership skills and communication skills are crucial in their work. They also need to be creative to come up with innovative approaches to their projects and any issues that arise. 

What are the benefits of working in civil engineering? Being a civil engineer is an exciting career choice. Civil engineering is about shaping the world and civil engineers work on some of the biggest and most high profile projects in society. From building new roads, railways, airports, sports stadiums, ports or off-shore oil platforms, a civil engineer will be involved from start to finish on these large scale projects. These projects can usually be multi-million or even multi-billion pound programmes so the pressure is on to make sure they are delivered on time and within budget. From early on in the career civil engineers are provided responsibility for certain aspects of a project. Furthermore, no two days in this job are the same. One day you could be in the office working on CAD designs then the following day you could be dealing with contractors, physically constructing work or undertaking site surveys.

What are the current opportunities for Principal Civil Engineers? As specialist recruiters for the built environment we recruit civil engineers at all levels of experience across a wide range of sectors. Currently, our water and environment team are urgently seeking Intermediate to Principal Civil Engineers with experience in river and/or coastal engineering and flood risk management projects for a client working on the Environment Agency framework. Particularly candidates with a design consultancy background (optioneering, outline and detailed design) of flood defences, fish passes, weirs, river and coastal embankments, ports and maritime in the Haywards Heath, Peterborough and Leeds areas. 

If you are looking to take your next step in your civil engineering career, browse our latest Principal Civil Engineer jobs which offer excellent career opportunities and competitive salaries in the market. Here are a couple of our hottest jobs this month:

Property Managers 

What does a Property Manager do? A property manager oversees and performs the daily operations of a real estate property. As a liaison between the property owner and the tenants of the property, a property manager ensures that both parties are satisfied with the property and its daily operations.

What are the benefits of working in property management? Property Managers have a diverse role with exposure to a huge range of tasks, which can quickly strengthen your skill base and value as an employee. It also provides an incredible opportunity to establish a wide and varied knowledge of the real estate sector.  This job will give you insight and experience within the real estate world that will benefit you in future property management jobs or allow you to invest in real estate for yourself.

What are the current opportunities for Property Managers? At Advance TRS our Property teamwork with some of the leading hirers of property managers in the country. A key focus for our clients at the moment is finding Property Managers that have dealt with EWS1 forms (evaluating the fire risk of the external wall system and assessing whether remedial works are required) and have experience of dealing with High Net Worth Individuals.

If you are looking to take your next step in your property management career, browse our latest Property Manager jobs which offer excellent career opportunities and competitive salaries in the market. Here are a couple of our hottest jobs this month: 

Permanent Way Supervisors

What does a Permanent Way Supervisor do? Permanent Way Supervisors lead, direct and motivate staff within the Permanent Way team. They are responsible for maintaining all tools, plant, vehicles and other equipment of the Permanent Way Department, ensuring they are safe for use, returned to storage, and ready for the next job.

What are the benefits of working in Permanent Way? Maintaining the physical system of rail tracks, or permanent way, is more important than ever for the UK’s complex and far-reaching rail network. As the network expands to meet increasing demands for more convenient and faster travel routes, the permanent way division must enlist a workforce that delivers high-level results. With the continued expansion and maintenance requirements of the rail network, nationally and internationally, permanent way engineers are in high demand, with opportunities to transfer skills to international rail networks. 

What are the current opportunities for Permanent Way Supervisors? As specialist recruiters for the built environment, with an expert focus in the rail industry, we recruit permanent way engineers at all levels of experience on leading projects across the UK. If you are looking to take your next step in your permanent way career, browse our latest Permanent Way Engineer jobs which offer excellent career opportunities and competitive salaries in the market. Here are a couple of our hottest jobs this month:

Other roles in high demand this month: 

Technical Engineers 

Depending on their industry, a technical engineer may build or set up equipment, conduct experiments, make models of new equipment, test products, collect data, or help design and develop products. In all areas, they find ways to make things work efficiently.

Contractors Responsible Engineer (CRE)

The Contractor’s Responsible Engineer (CRE) is the person within a design and/or construction organisation with the responsibility for the day-to-day management and coordination of the technical and engineering activities for a specific engineering discipline / project and is responsible for ensuring the Construction and Installation teams follow the project approved Inspection and Test Plan (ITP) Process. 

Are you looking to take the next step in your career?

Advance TRS are growing quickly and we are always looking for ambitious, driven people to join the team. If you are interested to find out more about our current opportunities, visit our website or for a discrete conversation, contact Paul Metcalfe, Advance TRS CEO on 07793 554 413 or email pme@advance-trs.com.

The COVID pandemic and events of 2020 have required everyone to adapt and change throughout the workplace in just about every industry you can imagine. But change does not have to be a negative, and can be a catalyst creating opportunities to find improvements and drive forward positive transformation. 

Here are some of the key skills to help people succeed in this new time of uncertainty. 

1. Adapting to change

An ability to accept and adapt to change is essential, change has always been inevitable but more than ever before, those who can think quickly and embrace the new normal (at every phase) are those who succeed. Employers are increasingly looking for people who can move out of their comfort zone and see change as an opportunity for growth and innovation.

Through the pandemic, you’ve likely faced and overcome new challenges that you didn’t foresee. So, although this may have felt difficult and uncomfortable at times, you will have been building up your resilience, adaptability and ability to deal with change in the process.

You should take time to acknowledge how your mindset may have shifted in recent weeks and months. If you’ve noticed that you’ve managed to adapt to the changes quickly, it’s likely that you will have done so using a growth mindset, which is a great attribute to highlight in interviews with employers. 

2. Creative problem solving

With a rapidly changing world of work comes the demand for people who are quick to adapt and solve problems efficiently and effectively. As leaders involve their teams in problem-solving discussions, they are looking for professionals who can come up with creative ideas and solutions to ensure deadlines are met and results achieved, despite limited or perhaps strained resources.

Chartered occupational psychologist Dr Maggi Evans explains some ways to help yourself to get your creative problem solving juices flowing;

  • Giving yourself some space; many people come up with their best ideas when they’re doing something unrelated, such as walking their dog
  • Be curious and playful; take fresh perspectives on a problem by asking yourself questions like, ‘What would my superhero do?’, ‘What if I had more time or limitless resources’, or ‘What if I had to find a solution today?’
  • Create a positive environment; if you’re working with a team on a challenging project, spend some time chatting or doing something positive first

3. Enthusiasm

People from all backgrounds and seniority levels will likely be feeling the pressure at the moment, from tough decision making to lingering uncertainty, by embracing the best and being enthusiastic to adapt, compromise, support and even upskill, you can set yourself apart. Your positivity and enthusiasm can be contagious and may just help set the tone for your team or be the positive kickstart someone needs to their day. 

Furthermore, we now live in a world where everything can change almost overnight, and with this change comes demand for different skills. As a result, upskilling should have moved up your priority list. By devoting time now to upskilling and learning, you will be demonstrating to future potential employers your willingness to learn through how you used this time to better yourself and grow your knowledge base.

Regardless of the industry, a willingness to learn and a desire to stay on top of current trends and changes relevant to your profession is valued by employers both large and small. Showing that you are willing to learn is key to learning about and understanding any new developments from a technical point of view, ultimately helping your organisation to progress. 

4. Effective communication

These above-mentioned skills are all well and good but get lost if you’re not able to communicate and demonstrate them successfully to others, such as a potential employer in a job interview.

For example, stating that you are adaptable to change isn’t enough; you need to use your strong communication skills to illustrate just how adaptable you are, perhaps by providing examples. After all, employers favour jobseekers who possess exceptional communication skills and are comfortable speaking with people at all levels of an organisation in a professional manner.

It’s worth acknowledging, too, that communication has now changed substantially and as we transition to a hybrid working world – with team members split between home-working and office-working – strong interpersonal and communication skills are only going to become more important as we learn and adapt to building and maintaining relationships, collaborating and sustaining productivity virtually rather than in person.

Video calls, virtual conferences and online presentations also require new levels of self-confidence you might not currently possess, but will be able to develop in time.

Are you looking to take the next step in your career?

Advance TRS are growing quickly and we are always looking for ambitious, driven people to join the team. If you are interested to find out more about our current opportunities, visit our website or for a discrete conversation, contact Paul Metcalfe, Advance TRS CEO on 07793 554 413 or email pme@advance-trs.com.

A question that is often asked during interviews and that can be difficult to answer: what are your weaknesses? This blog is dedicated to exactly this question, to give you some guidance on how to answer it professionally. 

Firstly, remember that there is no “one size fits all” approach to answering this question. We suggest you find the way that works best for you. When you prepare for the interview, sit down and tailor the answer to yourself. 

For more interview tips and other useful guides, take a look at our Advance Advice section.

Where to start

A good way to start is to describe your weakness to the interviewer(s). For example, you could start by saying “My big weakness is sometimes doubting my work.”

You don’t want to eliminate yourself from the race by mentioning something too negative. However, you also want to show that you’re human, and nobody’s perfect. 

Put it into context

This will help the interviewers understand why you perceive this particular habit to be a weakness of yours. You can also demonstrate whether or how it affects your daily work. So using the above-described example of a weakness, you could say “I hold myself and my work to a high standard and want to make sure that everything is done right. Sometimes this means that I don’t come forward with an idea or that I take more time to finish a task I have been working on.”

Your learnings 

Lastly, explain to the interviewer how you are dealing with this weakness and what you might have learnt from it. In the above example, it might be that you’re working on worrying less and voicing your ideas more often, while still putting a focus on delivering high-quality work.

If you go into the interview prepared, having come up with a suitable answer for you, then you have nothing to worry about. Remember that the main focus for the interviewers is to find out whether your skill set and personality are the right fit for their team. 

Are you looking to take the next step in your career? 

Advance TRS is growing quickly and we are always looking for ambitious, driven people to join the team. If you are interested to find out more about our current opportunities, visit our website or for a discrete conversation, contact Jessica Wells, Talent Acquisition Manager.

The latest news this week in the Built Environment:

 

Microplastics are most common waste found along Mediterranean coast, study says

Polyethylene used to make plastic shopping bags and cling film forms most of plastic found in coastal waters, according to marine scientists from University of Barcelona. Read more…

EU re-approves NI water protection plans

The EU has given its re-approval for plans to protect water quality in Northern Ireland. Read more…

Graham wins £18m Carlisle cancer centre

Graham has been awarded an £18.3m contract to design and construct the new cancer centre at Cumberland Infirmary in Carlisle for North Cumbria University Hospitals NHS Trust. Read more…

Network Rail to spend £42bn on railway improvements to ‘restore public trust’

Network Rail is to spend £42bn on the railway over the next five years in a bid to improve poor punctuality in “the biggest modernisation of our rail network in over a century.” Read more…

Heathrow shortlists 18 construction hub sites

Heathrow Airport today revealed 18 sites left in the running to become construction hubs for the third runway project. Read more…

 

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The latest news this week in the Rail Industry:

 

 

Network Rail reveals the winner of final track works contract worth £1.5bn

Network Rail has announced Balfour Beatty as the preferred bidder to carry out track upgrades across central England for the next decade in a contract worth an estimated £1.5bn. Read more…

Greater Anglia train drivers taking leap into new technology

New state-of-the-art train simulators are being used to train 768 Greater Anglia drivers that will be driving the new trains due to replace all of the company’s existing fleet from later this year, when it starts to receive 38 bi-mode and 20 all-electric trains from Stadler followed by 111 more electric commuter trains from Bombardier. Read more…v

The Train Drivers Academy

In the months up until 2021, around 7,000 new vehicles are set to be introduced by train companies across the country. Drivers will swap some of the oldest rolling stock on the network for some of the most state- of-the-art in the world as a result of the country’s current multi-billion-pound train-building boom. Read more…

“Radical yet respectful” proposals for Birmingham Moor Street station revealed

Proposals for a “radical yet respectful” transformation to Birmingham Moor Street station have been released. Read more…

New Hitachi 385s to replace ScotRail’s ‘happy trains’

ScotRail has confirmed that it is withdrawing its Class 365 ‘happy trains’ fleet and replacing them with new Hitachi Class 385s. Read more…

 

 

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The latest news this week in the Built Environment:

 

 

AquaPea leak system finding success in insurance sector

Innovations company Qinov8 has partnered with Auger, a tech specialist for the insurance industry, on the AquaPea leak repair system for water supply pipes. Read more…

Peabody plans 1,000 homes at former Holloway Prison site

Peabody has today successfully acquired the former Holloway Women’s Prison site in London for around £80. Read more…

New May timetable announced as rail bosses insist ‘lessons learned’ following last year’s chaos

The rail industry has confirmed the new summer 2019 timetable, with 1,000 extra services added to relieve overcrowding as rail bosses say they “learned the lessons” of last year’s chaos.

Read more…

SWR and Porterbrook trial new emission-slashing rail technology

Groundbreaking emission-reducing technology is to be fitted to South Western Railway (SWR) train units as part of a new trial aiming to cut down harmful emissions from diesel trains by 80%. Read more…

Annual house price growth climbs to 2.8%

The latest data and analysis from Halifax has revealed that house prices in the three months to February were 2.8% higher than in the same three months a year earlier – a rising from 0.8% recorded in January. Read more…

 

 

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The latest news this week in the Built Environment:

 

 

New TfW director appointed for north Wales

Transport for Wales (TfW) has appointed Lee Robinson as its new development director for North Wales. Read more…

Buckingham confirmed for £120m Swansea arena

Buckingham Group Contracting has been confirmed by Swansea Council as the principal contractor under a pre-construction services agreement (PCSA) for the city’s new £120m digital arena. Read more…

Yorkshire Water starts smart analytics trial to help battle leakage

Yorkshire Water is trialling the use of smart analytics to find leaks in its network. Read more…

UK Recycling Rate Edges Up To 45.7%, New Figures Show

The UK recycling rate for waste from households was 45.7% in 2017, increasing slightly from 45.2% in 2016, according to new figures from Defra. Read more…

Where is currently the best place to buy a home in England?

A perfect balance of affordability and low crime rates surely has to be high up on the list of priorities for prospective homebuyers. And, it’s safe to assume that some areas will fare better than others with regards to this. But where are they? Read more…

 

 

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Not sure where to start with writing a CV or not fully happy with your one? Want to see an example to compare to yours to?

We have created a CV template that you can download to either fill straight in or just to use as a reference.

Remember

Your CV needs to:

  • Look smart
  • Be readable
  • Have clear and concise information

Try and keep your CV down to two pages wherever possible. When going through CVs, most recruiters or employers will look at the last three jobs that you’ve had. If you’ve worked in a number of jobs or on a number of projects, try including the summary of your duties in just your last three jobs and then list all other jobs with just the company, job title and the dates you were there. You can elaborate on any of your older jobs in an interview.

Register on our website to get access to free CV template downloads, and other helpful resources. 

Take a look at our Advance Advice for more help with CVs, interview preparation, and all things relating to your job search!

The latest news this week in the Construction Industry:

 

Balfour Beatty delivers 2-3% construction margin goal

Balfour Beatty chief Leo Quinn has achieved his goal of returning the business to industry standard margins by the end of this year. Read more…

VolkerHighways to replace Skanska on Bath roads

Bath and North East Somerset Council has picked VolkerHighways to deliver its £49m highways maintenance services for the next seven years. Read more…

Modular village to be built in Corby for London commuters

Groundworks will start this month on a new modular village in Corby, Northants targeted at London commuters. Read more…

Big Yellow 20-floor flats and storage scheme approved

Big Yellow Group has gained planning for a 20-storey residential block and separate self storage building in South London. Read more…

RSK buys scaffolding and traffic specialists

Expanding consultant RSK Group has acquired another raft of companies after securing a new financing package. Read more…

 

Browse our latest Construction jobs here.

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The latest news this week in the Rail Industry:

 

175 years of progress

Electrification of the Great Western main line (GWML) reached a new milestone at the end of October when, following the installation of overhead electrical equipment from Didcot Parkway, the first revenue service operating under electric power pulled into Swindon station. Read more…

Winner Announced in the Network Rail Footbridge Design Ideas  Competition

Network Rail and RIBA Competitions are delighted to announce the winner and highly commended entry in the competition seeking new design ideas for footbridges. Read more…

The past, present and future: A look at electrification of the UK’s railways

Standing here on the platforms of the electrified York station, breathing in a fog of diesel fumes from five diesel trains awaiting departure, it is easy to wonder what went wrong. Read more…

New HQ for Auctus Management Group following significant growth

Specialist infrastructure services provider Auctus Management Group (AMG), as well as its subsidiaries INFRA Skills and RSS Infrastructure (RSSI), have relocated their headquarters to a new 10,000 sq ft premises in the heart of the West Midlands. Read more…

Passengers across London reminded to check before they travel this Christmas and New Year

Rail passengers preparing for their Christmas getaway this week are being issued a final reminder to plan their journeys. Read more…

 

Browse our latest rail jobs here.

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The latest news this week in the Built Environment:

 

Hitachi and Spencer Group join forces for £500m Tyne and Wear Metro deal bid

Hitachi and Spencer Group have launched a joint bid to win a £500m contract to build new trains and a maintenance depot for the Tyne and Wear Metro. Read more…

Balfour Beatty delivers 2-3% construction margin goal

Balfour Beatty chief Leo Quinn has achieved his goal of returning the business to industry standard margins by the end of this year. Read more…

London millennial exodus fueling rental growth across UK

Across the UK’s regional hubs, rents are continuing to spiral upwards faster than both London and the UK average, driven by workers continuing to relocate from London amid rising living costs. Read more…

Scottish Water trials use of sniffer dogs to find leaks

Sniffer dogs are being used to help find leaking water mains for the first time in Scotland and have scored a big success with two discoveries in the past few days. Read more…

Infrastructure giant Amey to be sold to private equity firm in new year

Infrastructure giant Amey is expected to be sold to a private equity firm in the new year, according to reports. Read more…

Northumbrian Water agrees ‘second life’ energy storage deal

Northumbrian Water is planning to pilot the use of large-scale battery storage at a number of sites across the North East, Essex and Suffolk. Read more…

 

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The latest news this week in the Built Environment

 

Coca-Cola Invests In Supply Of 100% Recycled PET Plastic

Coca-Cola European Partners (CCEP) is making a new strategic investment from Loop Industries to purchase a supply of 100% recycled PET (rPET) plastic to accelerate the increased use of recycled materials in the creation of its bottles. Read more…

ISG lands £70m refurb deal for Canary Wharf tower

ISG has been awarded a £70m contract to refurbish the former Canary Wharf offices of the Financial Conduct Authority. Read more…

Severn Trent creates machine learning to help tackle leakage

Severn Trent has started to use machine learning to help transform the way it approaches leaks. Read more…

Network Rail awards first CP6 contracts

Railway specialists Story Contracting and AmcoGiffen have bagged the first major contracts to be let by Network Rail for the CP6 control period from 2019 to 2024. Read more…

Cheaper digital signalling, more exports and better data-sharing: DfT launches the Rail Sector Deal

The government has today announced the new Rail Sector Deal in order to help the government work better with the rail industry, reduce the cost of infrastructure, encourage greater use of digital technologies, and double the UK’s rail industry exports by 2025. Read more…

 

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The latest news this week in the Property Industry

 

TfL and Barratt get the green light for Blackhorse Point development

Transport for London (TfL) has announced that it has been given the go-ahead to start building hundreds of new homes working with Barratt London as part of its Property Partnership Framework. Read more…

Lendlease tops sustainability index

An analysis of the sustainability performance of the UK’s 25 largest house-builders has put Lendlease on top. Read more…

VolkerFitzpatrick wins £20m National Maritime Systems Centre contract

VolkerFitzpatrick has been awarded a £20m contract to construct a new National Maritime Systems Centre in Portsdown Technology Park. Read more…

Overcoming the Hurdles of Payments in the Affordable Housing Industry

Online payment adoption is rising steadily in conventional multifamily and leading to the expectation of more self-service opportunities for renters. Read more…

UK’s most sustainable homebuilders revealed

NextGeneration, the benchmark which assesses and ranks the UK’s 25 largest homebuilders on their sustainability performance has released its annual report which names Lendlease, Barratt Developments Plc and Redrow as the UK’s most sustainable homebuilders. Read more…

 

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The latest news this week in the Built Environment

 

New prompt payment initiative to crackdown on slow paying contractors

A new prompt payment initiative to ensure all Government suppliers and subcontractors benefit from being paid on time has been announced. Read more…

Assurances Needed for a “World Leading” Environment Bill

Stakeholders from business sectors, environmental groups, academics and professional bodies have come together to establish common ground in shaping a world leading Environment Act. Read more…

Experts to discuss optimising networks with smart technology

How can water companies embrace the disruptive transformation of smart technology to revolutionise networks? Senior leaders from Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water, FCC Aqualia, Yorkshire Water, and other leading organisations, are meeting to share strategic expertise at this year’s Smart Water Networks Conference, taking place on 21st March 2019 at the Birmingham Conference and Events Centre. Read more…

Go-ahead for £270m Swindon ski and cinema centre

Plans to build a 500,000 sq ft regional leisure scheme in Swindon featuring a big snow centre have been given the thumbs up. Read more…

Bombardier and Hitachi commit to high-speed rail learning programme if HS2 bid is successful

Hitachi and Bombardier are to work closely together in developing a high-speed rail learning programme as part of their joint bid to build trains for HS2. Read more…

 

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The latest news this week in the Built Environment

 

Thameslink director appointed as East West Rail’s first CEO

East West Rail has announced its first chief executive as Simon Blanchflower, the programme director for Thameslink. Read more…

Interserve to roll-out £650m debt reduction plan

Interserve chief Debbie White has pledged to unveil plans to tackle the group’s mountain of debt early next year. Read more…

Rail parliamentary roundup: Grayling denies ‘tin ear’ jibes on northern investment, investigation launched into SWR’s ‘Mayhem Monday’

The transport secretary has hit back against claims that the government has underinvested in transport in the north following new analysis from the IPPR this week. Read more…

Yorkshire Water announces £30M Saltend WWTW investment

Yorkshire Water is to invest £30M in its wastewater treatment works in Saltend, Hull to improve the site’s operation. Read more…

My life in rail: Caitlin Gent

For the first in a new series meeting rail staff at different stages of their careers, we sat down with rising rail apprentice Caitlin Gent. Read more…

Major Brands Sign “Waste To Wealth” Commitment

Business in the Community – The Prince’s Responsible Business Network will challenge business to reduce waste or turn “waste into wealth” to prevent catastrophic climate change during at the Waste to Wealth Summit, held today (22 November). Read more…

 

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The latest news this week in the Property Industry

 

Expanding Weston Homes invests in logistics division

South east volume house builder Weston Group is ramping up its fledgeling logistics arm as part of a big expansion drive. Read more…

Mears buys Mitie housing upkeep arm for £35m

Mears has agreed to pay £35m for Mitie’s social housing repairs and maintenance business. Read more…

Countryside completions up 27% against 2017

Housebuilder, Countryside, has announced that it has enjoyed “another year of strong growth” with total completions up 27% against 2017. Read more…

HUB gets go-ahead for 424-flats in Maidenhead

Developer HUB and landowner Smedvig have got the green light to redevelop The Landing site in Maidenhead town centre. Read more…

The state of the FM recruitment market in 2018

The FM industry certainly had a sobering start to 2018 with the collapse of Carillion, yet it remains a highly buoyant sector to be working in – and one that will always be a critical part to any business. Read more…

 

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The latest news this week in the Water & Utilities Industry

 

MUS gets water network alliance deal with Welsh Water

Morrison Utility Services (MUS), the UK’s largest dedicated utility service provider and part of M Group Services, has been awarded a new four-year water network alliance contract with Dwr Cymru Welsh Water. Read more…

Tesco And WWF Join Forces To Make Food More Sustainable

Tesco and WWF today announced a ground-breaking, long-term partnership2 with the aim of reducing the environmental impact of the average UK shopping basket by 50%, improving the sustainability of food while ensuring it remains affordable for all. Read more…

South Staffs and Cambridge Water make new board appointments

South Staffs Water has welcomed three new independent non-executive directors to its board. Read more…

Co-op Rolls Out Compostable Carrier Bags In 1,000 Stores

The Co-op has this week rolled out its scheme to offer compostable carrier bags to customers from 1,000 stores across the country, replacing an estimated 60m single-use plastic bags. Read more…

Yorkshire Water announces £30M Saltend WWTW investment

Yorkshire Water is to invest £30M in its wastewater treatment works in Saltend, Hull to improve the site’s operation. Read more…

“Refundable” Levy On All Packaging Recommended In New Report

Policy measures to deliver increased use of post-consumer recycled materials (PCR) in the UK economy are outlined in a new report from Eunomia Research and Consulting, released today (20 November). Read more…

 

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The latest news this week in the Construction Industry

 

UK and Ireland’s most considerate construction companies revealed

The highest-performing construction companies and suppliers in the UK and Ireland have been announced at the 2018 National Considerate Constructors Scheme Company and Supplier Awards. Read more…

Plans go in for tallest tower in the City of London

The team behind the Gherkin at 30 St Mary Axe in the City of London have lodged a planning application for a new tower next door. Read more…

Union demands “toilet dignity” for construction workers

Unite leaders are demanding that construction employers take action to ensure that workers are granted “toilet dignity in the workplace.” Read more…

Bid race starts for £435m HS2 Birmingham station

HS2 has given the signal for bid prequalification to start for Birmingham Curzon Street station. Read more…

GRAHAM completes £35m student accommodation in Surrey

GRAHAM has completed the design and build of Magna Carta Park, a new build student accommodation scheme in Runnymede. Read more…

 

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The latest news this week in the Built Environment

 

Colmore Tang has won the contract to convert the former Intel Security office building in Slough into a luxury apartment complex for developer SevenCapital.

Work will see the building converted into 58 one and two-bedroom boutique apartments. Read more…

Network Rail supplier spend table revealed

Network’s Rail’s investment in signalling and train control systems saw Siemens Rail Automation unseat Costain as the infrastructure group’s biggest supplier by spend. Read more…

London council picks Countryside for big estate rebuild

The London Borough of Kingston has selected Countryside Properties to redevelop a major housing estate. Read more…

BAM Nuttall wins first stage of £60m Lowestoft bridge

BAM Nuttall has won the contract for the first stage of completing the £60m Lake Lothing Third Crossing in Lowestoft. Read more…

New framework announced for measuring the impact UK rail has on society and sustainability

The RSSB has developed a new framework which can measure the social value of the UK’s railway. Read more…

DERAGGER demonstrates benefits in independent trial

Clearwater Controls’ DERAGGER device cuts energy consumption by up to 80 per cent, significantly reduces maintenance requirements and helps to extend asset life, according to a new independent trial. Read more…

Thames Water publishes environmental, social and governance statement

Thames Water has published its first Environmental, Social and Governance Statement today (25 October) and been recognised for its commitment to sustainability in a global review. Read more…

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This September, the Advance TRS team marked 7 years of trading in style. Since establishing in 2011, Advance TRS has grown from one man’s idea into a £30 million turnover business, now with 2 office locations and over 35 staff recruiting across 4 key industry sectors.

Group Managing Director Andy Ridout’s unique energy and dedication has inspired and driven the team to place over 2,600 professionals, boasting over 1.5 million hours worked on the railway without serious incident.

In the last year alone, Advance TRS Ltd. have been presented awards including Leadership Team of the Year and Employer of the Year for Surrey. These add to the companies growing awards cupboard, as previous winners of the M3 Growth Hub High Growth Award and Finalists for the UKRIA Recruitment Excellence award.

With plans to more than double the workforce again in the next 3 years, the rapidly growing team shares Andy’s commitment to providing excellent customer service to both candidates and clients alike, finding the best candidates for each role.

Building on more than 150 years of combined industry experience and mobilising the dynamism of new recruits, the team are going from strength to strength.

The company has recently invested in a new Training and Development Director and Head of Facilities Managment to support the senior leadership team, with expansion plans including new recruits and new office locations.

All of this has been achieved whilst maintaining a singular dedication to excellent customer service, epitomized by the company’s Core Values of Quality, Commitment, Integrity, Honesty and Loyalty.

With business development plans firmly rooted in these five principles, Advance TRS aims to continue this pattern of growth whilst maintaining their strong reputation as dependable, effective and honest.

“Advance TRS’ success has been proven that hard work and a dedication to delivering excellent service pays off” Andy explains, reflecting on the last 7 years.

“Now, the team and I are more motivated than ever to continue this sensational track record of growth and are excited for what the future brings.”

If you’re interested in being part of an award-winning team, please contact Neil Wilkie on 01483 361061 or click here to visit our ‘Work for us’ page and apply for one of our current vacancies!