Writing Your CV for Success: Tips from United Infrastructure

Looking for your first job or apprenticeship can feel like a numbers game. There are loads of people applying, but not as many opportunities. If you’re finishing school, college, or just starting out, you might feel like you have to send out tons of applications to land your dream job. But here’s the thing: sending out loads of generic, rushed applications probably won’t get you very far. You’re much better off applying for fewer roles and putting real effort into each one.

What to expect from our application process

At United Infrastructure, our early careers roles start with a short application form and a CV upload. We’ll ask you a couple of questions about why you want to work with us and why you’re interested in the role. Don’t worry about using fancy words or copying from our website. We want to hear what you actually think and why you’re excited to join us. Your application will be read by a real person, so make sure it’s clear and easy to follow. Save your CV as a PDF before uploading it, so the format stays neat, and nothing gets lost.

How long should your CV and cover letter really be?

If you’re just starting out, your CV doesn’t need to be longer than two pages. There’s no strict rule about one or two pages, and you don’t always need a cover letter unless you have something extra to say that doesn’t fit on your CV or in the application questions. Always check the job advert, as some employers might have different rules.

A cover letter or personal statement is useful if you want to explain something that isn’t obvious from your CV, like why you’re interested in the job. Perhaps you don’t quite meet all the requirements in the job description, you can use a cover letter to explain why this wouldn’t hold you back in being successful in the role. If you don’t have anything extra to add, don’t worry about writing a cover letter if it means repeating yourself or copying content from our website.

Essential information to include in your CV

Here’s what we’re looking for:

• Your email and phone number (make sure they’re up to date!)
• All your qualifications and grades (let us know if they’re predicted)
• Any work experience – this could be a part-time job, work placement, or volunteering. It all shows useful skills.
• If you have any gaps in your CV longer than a couple of months, let us know why. You don’t need to go into loads of detail, just a quick note that you were travelling, job hunting, or taking some time out for yourself.

And please double check that you’re uploading the right document to your application. We’ve seen some interesting accidental attachments over the years, from family photos to takeaway menus!

A note on using AI tools for your CV and cover letter

We understand the temptation to use AI for crafting your application, however we kindly request that you don’t do this. AI-generated content often lacks the personal touch that we value highly in your application. We want to hear your genuine voice and passion for the role, reflecting your personal experiences and ambitions. Remember, it’s your individuality and authentic perspective that will make you a memorable candidate.

Good luck with your CV writing and applications, we’re excited to see what you have to offer!