Choose from a wide range of CV templates and customize the design with a single click.
Use ATS-optimised CV and resume templates that pass applicant tracking systems. Our Resume builder helps recruiters read, scan, and shortlist your Resume faster.
Use professional field-tested resume templates that follow the exact CV rules employers look for.
Create Resume
Use professional field-tested resume templates that follow the exact CV rules employers look for.
Create CVIf you’re applying for a general contractor job in the UK, your CV must do one thing exceptionally well: prove you can deliver construction projects safely, on time, and within UK regulations. Employers aren’t looking for generic resumes. They want clear evidence of site experience, knowledge of HSE standards, CSCS certification, and a track record of managing contractors, budgets, and deadlines. This guide shows exactly how to structure your CV, what to include, and how to position your experience whether you’re entry-level or experienced.
In the UK construction industry, your CV is not just a career summary. It’s a credibility document.
Hiring managers want to quickly verify:
You understand UK building regulations and compliance
You have hands-on site or contractor management experience
You can manage subcontractors and timelines
You prioritise health and safety (HSE)
You hold relevant certifications (especially CSCS)
Unlike other industries, vague descriptions won’t work. Your CV must show specific projects, measurable outcomes, and regulatory awareness.
A UK general contractor CV should be clean, structured, and no longer than 2 pages.
Contact details
Professional summary
Key skills
Work experience
Project portfolio (critical for this role)
Certifications and qualifications
Education
This format works because it mirrors how recruiters scan construction CVs: fast, practical, and evidence-based.
Your summary should clearly state your role, experience level, and area of expertise in construction.
Experienced General Contractor with 8+ years managing residential and commercial builds across the UK. Skilled in subcontractor coordination, budget control, and ensuring compliance with UK building regulations and HSE standards. Proven track record delivering projects on time and within budget.
Hardworking construction professional looking for new opportunities.
The difference is clarity and relevance. UK employers want to know your scope and impact immediately.
Avoid generic skills. Focus on those directly tied to contractor performance.
Knowledge of UK Building Regulations
Health & Safety (HSE compliance)
Subcontractor management
Site supervision
Budget and cost control
Project scheduling and planning
Risk assessment
Contract negotiation
Quality control and inspections
If you have software experience, include it:
AutoCAD
Microsoft Project
Primavera P6
These tools are commonly used in UK construction environments.
This is the most important section of your CV.
Each role should show:
Scope of responsibility
Type of projects
Results and outcomes
General Contractor
ABC Construction Ltd, London
March 2019 – Present
Managed residential and commercial projects valued up to £2.5M
Coordinated teams of 15+ subcontractors across multiple sites
Ensured full compliance with UK building regulations and HSE standards
Reduced project delays by 20% through improved scheduling
Delivered 10+ projects on time and within budget
It shows scale, responsibility, and measurable impact.
Responsible for construction work
Worked with teams
Completed projects
Too vague. No evidence. No results.
This is what separates average CVs from strong ones.
Instead of just listing jobs, include a mini portfolio of projects.
Project Name: Residential Housing Development
Location: Manchester
Value: £1.8M
Role: Lead Contractor
Oversaw full build from groundwork to completion
Managed subcontractors and suppliers
Ensured compliance with UK planning and safety regulations
Delivered project 2 weeks ahead of schedule
This section proves real-world capability instantly.
Certifications are often non-negotiable in construction hiring.
CSCS Card (essential for site work)
SMSTS (Site Management Safety Training Scheme)
First Aid at Work
NEBOSH (for safety-focused roles)
If you lack experience, certifications become even more important.
If you’re entry-level, your goal is to show potential, training, and site exposure.
Construction-related courses or apprenticeships
Any site work experience (even short-term)
Certifications like CSCS
Transferable skills such as teamwork and physical work
Construction Trainee
XYZ Builders (Placement)
Assisted with site preparation and material handling
Supported subcontractors during residential build projects
Followed strict HSE safety procedures
Gained practical understanding of UK construction workflows
Even basic experience can be positioned effectively.
Avoid these if you want interviews.
If you don’t show awareness of UK building standards, you’ll be overlooked.
Employers want proof, not general statements.
“Hardworking” and “team player” won’t help.
Lack of CSCS or safety training is a major red flag.
Messy CVs signal disorganisation, which is unacceptable in construction roles.
Even within contractor roles, expectations vary.
Residential vs commercial projects
Site-based vs project management roles
Small firms vs large contractors
Highlight relevant projects
Match skills to job description
Emphasise certifications required in the listing
Tailoring increases interview chances significantly.
These roles overlap but are not identical.
General Contractor: Focus on execution and site operations
Project Manager: Focus on planning, budgeting, and coordination
If applying for project manager roles, emphasise:
Budget management
Stakeholder communication
Planning tools and reporting
But keep your contractor experience as supporting evidence.
The best CVs share these traits:
Clear project outcomes
Strong compliance knowledge
Evidence of leadership on-site
Real metrics and results
Clean, professional formatting
Your goal is simple: make it easy for a recruiter to trust you with a project.
Use this as a base structure:
Name
Phone | Email | Location
Professional Summary
Short paragraph highlighting experience, projects, and expertise
Key Skills
Skill 1
Skill 2
Skill 3
Work Experience
Job Title
Company | Dates
Responsibility + result
Responsibility + result
Project Portfolio
Project name, value, role, outcomes
Certifications
CSCS Card
SMSTS
Education
Relevant qualifications
Keep it structured and easy to scan.
Before sending your CV, confirm:
It’s no longer than 2 pages
It includes measurable achievements
It shows UK regulatory knowledge
Certifications are clearly listed
Projects are highlighted
If all boxes are checked, your CV is competitive.
Upload Resume
Import from Linkedin
