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CV examples · Construction

Builder CV example

Building ads want to know your trade level, the kind of builds and whether you can run a site. This builder CV example answers all three, with your licence where it's found fast.

Written for New Zealand, with notes for Australia · Checked

Free. Then compare it with a real Builder job ad.

The example

A Builder CV, start to finish.

Tom Riordan is made up, and so are the employers. The layout and the wording are what New Zealand employers expect: no photo or date of birth, the most recent job first, and every bullet showing what was done and what came of it.

Tom Riordan

Licensed Building Practitioner, residential builds

Nelson · 021 555 0110 · tom.riordan@email.com

Profile

Licensed building practitioner and qualified carpenter with nine years on residential new builds and renovations. Runs a small crew, reads plans closely, and keeps sites safe, tidy and on programme.

Skills

Residential new builds · Renovations · Framing and cladding · Reading plans · Running a crew · Site safety · Working with subcontractors

Experience

Lead Builder, Rimu Homes

Nelson · 2021 to now

  • Run a crew of three on residential new builds from foundations to handover
  • Coordinate subcontractors and inspections to keep builds on programme
  • Carry out restricted building work as a licensed building practitioner
  • Keep the site safe and tidy, with daily hazard checks

Carpenter, Tasman Renovations

Richmond · 2017 to 2021

  • Framed, clad and fitted out renovations and extensions
  • Worked from plans and specifications with the lead builder

Education

New Zealand Certificate in Carpentry (Level 4), Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology

2017

Other details

Licence
Licensed Building Practitioner, Carpentry
Site safety
Site Safe passport
Driver's licence
Full, with own tools and ute

Referees

Available on request

Tom wrote a cover letter to go with it. Read the builder cover letter

Skills and keywords

What builder job ads look for.

Use the ad's own words where they're true of you. An ATS, and a recruiter skimming, both look for them.

  • LBPSay your licence class. Restricted building work needs it.
  • New buildsName the kind of work: new builds, renovations or commercial.
  • Running a crewShows you're ready to lead a site.
  • Reading plansEvery building ad asks for it.
  • SubcontractorsCoordination keeps builds on programme.
  • Site SafeHealth and safety is in nearly every construction ad.

Bullet points

8 strong lines to borrow from.

Each says what was done, how, and what came of it. Swap in your own facts: a line is only strong if it's true.

  1. 1Ran a crew of three on residential new builds from foundations to handover
  2. 2Coordinated subcontractors and inspections to keep builds on programme
  3. 3Carried out restricted building work as a licensed building practitioner
  4. 4Kept sites safe and tidy, with daily hazard checks
  5. 5Framed, clad and fitted out renovations and extensions
  6. 6Worked from plans and specifications, raising issues before they became rework
  7. 7Trained an apprentice carpenter through the second year of their apprenticeship
  8. 8Handed over homes with snag lists cleared before the client walkthrough

Common mistakes

What costs builder CVs interviews.

  • Leaving out your licence.

    Put your LBP class in your headline and details. Clients and employers check it.

  • Listing trades skills with no scale.

    Say the kind of builds, the size of crew and what you were responsible for.

  • Skipping safety.

    Name your safety record and tickets. Every construction employer screens for them.

New Zealand and Australia

What changes across the Tasman.

New Zealand

Restricted building work in New Zealand must be done or supervised by a Licensed Building Practitioner. Show your licence class.

New Zealand CV format

Australia

Builder licensing in Australia is run by each state and territory, so say what you hold and where. Australian employers usually say resume rather than CV, and expect about two pages.

Australian CV format

Sources: Licensed Building Practitioners scheme, Australian Business Licence and Information Service.

FAQ

Questions, answered.

Something else on your mind? Email support@smartcvs.ai and a person will reply.

Should I include photos of my work?

Not on the CV. Add a link to photos or a portfolio if you have one.

How do I show apprenticeship experience?

List the apprenticeship as a job. Once qualified, keep it short and lead with your work since.

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