Experienced Professionals:
Development & Application

The CV is your first opportunity to make an impression on a potential employer. So it is important that it provides the best possible showcase for your achievements.

CV writing tips

Your CV should be easy to read: use clear fonts, bullet points and concise language.

• If you are still studying start with your education and any relevant qualifications or training, detail what the subjects are and any predicted/achieved grades
• If you have worked summarise your employment history with the most recent position you have held, using action verbs for the greatest impact
• Highlight your individual achievements - not just those where you have excelled as part of a team
• Always provide contact details, both mobile and email address
• Spell-check your CV and ask someone to proof read it for you.

What can you expect in the interview? How can you best prepare to make a good impression? We offer you a number of hints and tips to give you confidence on the big day, and take control of your own destiny.

• Learn as much as you can about Laing O’Rourke: who we are, our services, and our vision for the years ahead. Make sure you can articulate how your strengths and career goals are aligned with ours, and why you think you’ll succeed in our organisation.
• Prepare a list of questions for your interviewer(s): so you can assess whether Laing O’Rourke is the right place to launch your career. Ask us about our organisation, our projects, the opportunities we can offer you and what you can expect from us. Remember the recruitment process is two-way so this is your time to decide if we are the right employer for you.
• Try to relax and remember that we're interested in the real you: Our interviewers are trained to get the best from you. We know interviews can be stressful, but we want you to enjoy it. Listen carefully to each question and take time to think about your best answer. Think about your strengths and weaknesses, achievements and aspirations - and be ready to discuss them.
• Talk to us: we're friendly and always happy to answer your questions. Come along to one of our events on campus or in our offices, and ask our current school leavers or graduates what it's really like to work at Laing O’Rourke.
• Get expert advice: your careers service can provide advice and guidance to help you complete your application form and even run you through practice interviews. Parents, family and friends can be a really useful source of information too.

• Dress appropriately for the environment.
• Maintain eye contact, confidence and energy levels throughout.
• If you can reflect on your development so far, talk about what you have learnt and explain if there is anything you would have done differently, this will be viewed in a positive light.
• Listen carefully to questions and think about your answers. If you don’t understand a question, ask your interviewer to explain it.
• Keep your answers concise and relevant.
• Refer to specific examples where you can demonstrate your knowledge and experience.