How to Tailor your CV for jobs

If you want to stand out in the building materials sector, a tailored CV is essential. This industry values hands-on experience, technical knowledge, and relevant qualifications — so your CV needs to highlight exactly how you match the role you’re applying for.

Whether you’re aiming for a position in sales, manufacturing, logistics, or product development, here’s how to make your CV shine.

1. Showcase Relevant Industry Experience

Practical experience is highly valued. Make sure your CV highlights roles where you’ve directly contributed to industry-relevant projects:

• Construction Projects: Mention jobs where you worked with various clients or teams. Emphasise measurable outcomes, such as meeting deadlines, cutting costs, or boosting efficiency.
• Supply Chain Management: If you’ve worked in logistics, or supplier coordination, focus on your ability to streamline operations and manage costs effectively.
• Sustainability: Experience with eco-friendly materials or green building practices is a big plus. If you’ve worked on energy-efficient projects or sustainable product development, be sure to highlight it.

Tip: Tailor your experience to the job you’re applying for. Only include the most relevant roles and responsibilities.

2. Highlight Specialist Skills and Technical Knowledge

Your technical expertise can set you apart. Focus on skills that match the job description:

• List any hands-on experience with specific products, tools, or materials.
• Include knowledge of product development, testing, or innovations in construction materials.
• If you’ve led teams or managed projects, show how your leadership delivered results.

3. Emphasise Qualifications and Training

Certifications and training are often essential in this industry. Include relevant credentials such as:

• OSHA Certification: Demonstrates your commitment to safety and industry standards.
• PMP (Project Management Professional): Shows you can manage complex projects from start to finish.
• Sustainability Training: Courses or certifications in sustainable building or circular economy practices can give you an edge.
• Manufacturer Training: Include any brand-specific or product-specific training you’ve completed.

Tip: Don’t forget to list any other industry-relevant qualifications or training you’ve completed.

4. Tailor Your CV to the Job Description

Make your CV a mirror of the job ad:

• Use keywords from the posting – e.g., “sales leads,” “product innovation,” or “managing medium-spend accounts.”
• Match your accomplishments to the employer’s goals, such as increasing efficiency, expanding product ranges, or driving sustainability.
• Wherever possible, quantify your impact (e.g., “Reduced delivery delays by 20% through improved logistics planning”).

5. For Recent Graduates: Focus on Early Experience

If you’re just starting out, highlight education and transferable skills:

• Apprenticeships or Placements: Even short-term experience counts – focus on what you learned.
• Relevant Coursework: Mention any academic projects related to materials, construction, or sustainability.
• Transferable Skills: Communication, teamwork, and familiarity with tools like AutoCAD, BIM, or SAP all add value.

6. Polish Your CV’s Presentation

A well-presented CV is easier to read – and more likely to impress:

• Use clear headings and bullet points for easy scanning.
• Keep it to one or two pages, focusing only on the most relevant information.
• Consider including a short professional summary at the top (e.g., “Experienced Logistics Coordinator with 10+ years in the building materials sector, specialising in cost control and process improvement.”)

Tailoring your CV isn’t just about listing experience – it’s about aligning your skills with the employer’s needs. With a clear, focused, and relevant CV, you’ll stand out in the competitive building materials industry.

Ready to take the next step? Update your CV today and highlight the skills and experience that make you the perfect fit.