Whether you're actively looking or just exploring, we've put together practical advice to help you stand out from the crowd and get hired faster.
Your CV gets about 6 seconds of attention. Here's how to make those seconds count.
List your tickets & certs upfront
CSCS, SMSTS, SSSTS, first aid — put them where they're easy to spot
Quantify your experience
"Managed teams of 8 on £2M+ projects" beats "Managed teams"
Tailor it to the role
Read the job ad and mirror the language they use
Keep it to 2 pages max
Unless you're very senior, 2 pages is plenty
You've got the interview. Here's how to walk in prepared and walk out with an offer.
"Tell me about yourself"
Keep it work-focused: current role → relevant experience → why you're interested in this position. 2 minutes max.
"What's your biggest weakness?"
Pick something real but not job-critical, and explain how you're working on it. Don't say "I'm a perfectionist."
"Why are you leaving your current role?"
Stay positive. Focus on what you're looking for (growth, challenge, new skills) not what you're running from.
"Where do you see yourself in 5 years?"
Show ambition but be realistic. Talk about developing skills, taking on more responsibility, or progressing within their company.
When multiple people have similar experience, these small things make a big difference.
If a recruiter calls or emails, get back to them within a few hours. Speed shows you're keen and organised.
Check your voicemail is set up, answer unknown numbers, and keep your phone on during work hours. Missed calls = missed jobs.
For trades/construction: bring photos of your work, ticket cards, or a portfolio. Shows you're proud of what you do.
Warn your referees in advance, give them context about the role, and choose people who'll actually pick up the phone.
"What does success look like in this role?" or "What challenges is the team facing?" shows you're thinking ahead.
Hiring managers aren't just looking for the most qualified person on paper. They're looking for someone who:
Sometimes being easy to work with beats being the most experienced. Don't underestimate soft skills.
Not every job is worth taking. Here's what to look out for when evaluating an employer.
If they can't clearly explain what the role involves, that's a problem. You need to know what you're signing up for.
If the role's been advertised multiple times or they mention "replacing several people," ask why people keep leaving.
If they won't give you a ballpark figure upfront, they're either underpaying or haven't thought it through.
Constantly rescheduling, unprepared interviewers, or not knowing who you're meeting? Red flag for poor organisation.
Any decent employer will give you time to think. If they rush you, they're probably desperate or hiding something.
Check Google and Glassdoor. One bad review is normal, but consistent complaints about pay or culture? Listen to them.
👉 "Why is this role available?"
New position? Someone left? Someone promoted? The answer tells you a lot.
👉 "What does success look like in the first 3-6 months?"
Shows if they have clear expectations or if you'll be winging it.
👉 "What's the team structure like?"
You want to know who you'll be working with and reporting to.
👉 "What are the next steps?"
If they're serious, they'll tell you their timeline and what happens next.
Good recruiters are on your side. Here's how to make the relationship work for you.
Be honest about what you want
Salary expectations, location, type of work — the more we know, the better we can help.
Keep your CV updated
Send us your latest version with current qualifications and tickets.
Stay in touch
Let us know if your situation changes or you accept another role.
Give feedback
After interviews, tell us what you thought — it helps us improve and understand what you're looking for.
We're working with great employers across construction, engineering, trades and operations. Let's have a chat about what you're looking for.
"We don't just send CVs. We take the time to understand what you want and only put you forward for roles that are genuinely a good fit."