Expert Resume Tips

How to Craft a Winning CV (That Recruiters Can Actually Find)

Your CV isn’t just a document — it’s a searchable marketing tool. Our job is to help you present clearly, confidently, and in a way that gets you shortlisted faster.

1) Make Your CV Searchable (ATS + Recruiter Keyword Searches)

Recruiters use search tools to find you. Help them help you.

Include:

Role titles you’ve held (exact + industry-standard terms)
Key keywords from your target roles (e.g., Subdivisions, Bulk Earthworks, TMR, Utilities, Rail, Water)
Locations (home base + willingness to travel/relocate)
Certifications (RPEQ, safety tickets, degree, etc.)

2) Put the “Must-Know” Info Up Front

In the first 10 seconds, we should know who you are and what you do.

Top section should include:

Full name
Mobile + email
Current location (suburb/city + state)
Target role(s) + sector(s)
Short summary (4–6 lines max): strengths, project types, what you bring

3) Prove Impact (Not Just Duties)

Anyone can list responsibilities. Shortlisted candidates show outcomes.

Use bullet points that start with action verbs and include numbers where possible:

Budget sizes ($)
Project values
Lot counts / scope
Crews led
Program outcomes (time/cost/safety)

Example style:

“Delivered $25M civil package ahead of program by 6 weeks through resourcing and sequencing improvements.”

4) Keep It Clean, Simple, and Easy to Scan

Your CV should feel effortless to read.

Best practice:

Clear headings
Bullet points (not paragraphs)
Consistent formatting (font, spacing, dates)
Avoid jargon-heavy fluff and clichés (“hard-working team player”)

5) Include the Right Detail (So We Can Sell You Properly)

Recruiters need enough detail to match you to roles — fast.

Make sure your CV includes:

Employers + titles held
Dates of employment (month/year)
Key duties & responsibilities
Project experience (type, value, client, scope)
Education + licences + certifications
Full contact details

6) Final Check Before You Send

Small errors cost interviews.

Quick checklist:

Spelling/grammar checked (read it out loud once)
Employment Dates and titles are accurate
Contact details correct
Word format is always preferred or PDF format (unless requested otherwise)

Interview Preparation (Simple, Strong, and Confident)

Before the Interview

Do these 3 things:

Research the company (projects, values, recent wins)
Re-read the job brief and align your examples to it
Prepare 5 smart questions (below)

Questions You Should Ask the Employer

Pick 5–7:

What does success look like in the first 90 days?
What are the key projects and priorities this role will focus on?
How is the team structured, and who will I report to?
What are the biggest challenges the team is dealing with right now?
What’s the leadership style and communication rhythm?
What career progression is realistic in 12–24 months?
Why is this role available?
What are the next steps and timelines from here?

Common Questions Employers Will Ask You

Be ready for:

Why this role / why this company?
Why are you looking to move?
What’s your biggest achievement (and how did you measure it)?
Strengths/weaknesses (keep it honest and practical)
What do you want next in your career?
What can you bring to this team immediately?

Want Us to Help You Nail This?

If you’re applying for a role on our website (or want help positioning your CV), reach out — we’ll work with you to tighten your CV, sharpen your story, and set you up to interview well.