Tag: job hunting

Recruitment is more than just matching CVs to job descriptions. Behind every hire, recruiters are working hard to find the best fit for both candidates and employers. To help job seekers navigate the hiring process more effectively, here are some key insights from a recruiter’s perspective.

1. Your CV is Your First Impression

A well-structured, tailored CV makes all the difference. Highlight relevant experience, showcase key skills, and keep formatting clear and professional. Recruiters often scan CVs quickly, so make sure the most important information stands out.

2. Communication is Key

Responding promptly to emails, calls, or interview requests keeps the process moving smoothly. If you’re no longer interested in a role, letting your recruiter know helps maintain a good relationship for future opportunities.

3. The Hiring Process Takes Time

Recruiters work within employer timelines, which can sometimes be longer than expected due to internal approvals, multiple interview stages, or sudden changes in hiring needs. Patience and professionalism throughout the process will leave a positive impression.

4. Cultural Fit Matters

Beyond skills and experience, employers look for candidates who align with their company values and culture. Demonstrating enthusiasm for the company and role can set you apart from equally qualified applicants.

5. Feedback Isn’t Always Immediate

While recruiters strive to provide updates, decisions often rest with hiring managers. If you haven’t heard back right away, it doesn’t necessarily mean bad news—some processes simply take longer than others.

6. Recruiters Want You to Succeed

A recruiter’s goal is to place the right people in the right roles. Being honest about your goals, skills, and expectations helps them find the best fit for you.

By understanding how the hiring process works from a recruiter’s perspective, you can better position yourself for success and build strong relationships with recruiters who can support your career journey.

Looking for your next opportunity? Explore our latest vacancies here: Advance TRS Jobs

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.