Webinar Reacp: CV Tips and Tricks
Peopleconnexion’s Divisional Manager of Engineering, Paul Hansford recently joined the Pakistan Australian Cultural Association (PACA) on a Webinar to discuss his thoughts around job hunting and putting together a CV. See the recap of what was discussed below.
So firstly the CV, what can you do to improve you chances at getting that first role?
There is no right or wrong way to present a CV; you will read lots of conflicting information saying one thing or another. For people with limited experience, Paul suggests a CV no longer than 2 pages is best, but he agrees it’s difficult getting 20 years of experience on 2 pages.
Paul’s advice would be to start with personal information:
- Name
- Address Telephone No
- Residency Status (Visa)
- Qualifications
- Software packages you have used (12d /AutoCAD/BIM/PDMS/Smart plant) etc
- Open to permanent and contract roles
- Key skills, which you tailor for each role (will come onto this later)
Then go into your career history:
- Position Title
- Company Dates
- Duties
- Projects
- Achievements
Keep this standard structure for each role.
Sometimes your application will go to an internal recruiter to screen before being given to a line manager. Internal recruiters may not have the right skills background to read your CV properly and often will be given key criteria to look for in a CV. This means it is key that the skills section in your CV changes with each application to match the criteria in the advert. Be writing make sure you addressed necessary years? of experience, major projects, software experience and your degree. Make it easy for the reader, mention project values in AUD and if the company you have worked for isn’t a well known, then state what they do and the size of the company.
Paul’s top tip: I often see a lot of is lengthy and very formal covering letters addressed to the hiring manager or Mr. Smith or something equally formal. I suggest using first names if you can and keep them brief, to the point and friendly.
Job-hunting Tips
So you now have your CV ready to go and you want to apply for roles. The obvious thing to do is to send your CV everywhere, recruiters, companies and job ads, however, whilst you need to be on the front foot this isn’t always the best strategy.
Firstly it causes confusion. Recruiters won’t invest time in you because your CV is everywhere.
Responding to job ads through Seek also probably won’t yield a great result as it will just go into a big pile of CV’s. Multiple applications to the same company is also a big no, as it cheapens your brand and makes you look desperate. You need to be smart around how you apply for jobs and whilst you will need to be relentless you need to be measured.
Recruiters
Be selective about where you send your CV. Do research, speak to friends and colleagues to find out who they would recommend. Once you have identified someone ask them if they would be prepared to work with you exclusively. Inform them where you have sent the CV and will they be able to help. Try and agree on an action plan with them and start by working exclusively with them for 2 weeks and then review. ALWAYS ask the recruiter to get your permission before they send you CV to companies. This will enable you to keep track of exactly where your CV is sent. If after 2 weeks no progress has been made review your options and go somewhere else.
Use LinkedIn
Start building your profile, your contacts, message people, meet people, and use it for research. Keep an eye on project awards by following companies of interest, and if they win a project make contact before they advertise roles.
Job Applications
It is very easy to respond to multiple jobs via Seek or other job sites in a click of a button. However, you will be in the process with multiple other candidates and the likelihood is that you want to get a response. Be smart when you apply, Paul suggests researching the company on LinkedIn soy you can find out who the line manager is or at the very least someone else working in the team. Either contact them via LinkedIn or even better give them a call and speak to them. Ask their advice, or suggest a coffee catch and explain that you don’t want to just send your CV through Seek. This shows that you want to do something a little different, you are taking initiative and it sets you apart from other applications – you will be surprised how well this is received.
Paul’s number one piece of advice is to be smart in your approach of job hunting, this means protecting your brand in the market and setting yourself goals for speaking to people and making new contacts. Whilst this approach seems counter-intuitive, it will pay dividends. He bets that you would have more success sending 10 CVs out using this approach than sending 100 CVs out on Seek alone!
Paul also discussed the Queensland Engineering Job market during the Pakistan Australian Cultural Association (PACA) webinar, read his insights here.
Paul Hansford works for Peopleconnexion. He has worked in Brisbane for the last 10 years, having relocated from the UK. Paul along with his team provides a full suite of recruitment services within the engineering sector across all disciplines and all levels including civil, mechanical electrical, structural, process, rail, and water. Paul works with a range of consultancy clients across Transportation (road/rail/metro) as well as EPC and EPCM company’s involved in the design and delivery of greenfield and brownfield mining projects.
If you have any questions or are interested in exploring opportunities in the sector, contact Paul via email paul@peoplconnexion.com.
Peopleconnexion, has been in operation for 15 years focusing on recruitment, talent management and training across the APAC region. Peopleconnexion have offices in Brisbane, Gold Coast and Port Moresby PNG. Initially, the company was focused within the mining and resource sector but over the last 5 years, it has diversified its sectors and now views transportation and civil infrastructure space as our core market.
Thank you Pakistan Australian Cultural Association for inviting Paul onto your webinar, you can find out more about PACA here.