10 Tips to Make Your Contractor CV Stand Out

Here’s what you’ll find in ’10 Tips to Make your Contractor CV Stand Out’:

• What is the difference between a permanent and contractor CV?
• What are some of the common CV mistakes to avoid?
• Contractor CV: What can you do to stand out from the competition and attract potential clients or employees
• Downloadable Contractor CV Template

First, let’s understand the key differences between a permanent vs. contractor CV, to better know what’s expected from yours.

The focus of a permanent CV should be on long-term roles within specific companies, and you want to show steady career progression, loyalty, and growth over time.

You should include detailed descriptions of responsibilities and achievements in each role.

On the other hand, a contractor CV should show versatility, adaptability, and a broad range of skills and experiences across multiple projects and industries. It’s more about showing your ability to deliver results quickly and efficiently in diverse settings, with a focus on specific outcomes and achievements rather than a steady career trajectory.

The last thing an employer wants to see on your CV is bad spelling and grammar. A survey by CareerBuilder found that 77% of CVs are rejected due to typos or grammatical errors. To avoid these, use the spellchecker available on Microsoft, or tools such as Grammarly, and proofread your document at least a few times. Since spellcheckers aren’t perfect it might be worth asking someone to read your CV through.

Stick to easily readable common fonts such as Arial or Calibri, when creating your CV.

Use a common presentation style throughout. Don’t leave unnecessary blank spaces between sections and be consistent in your choice of font and colours, if using some.

The first thing to think about when writing your contractor CV is the structure it’s going to be built around, and how it’s going to look. If you’re not tech-savy don’t worry – instead of panicking about how to best design your CV from scratch, there are tools and templates available with Microsoft Word and Canva, or you can download our own, easy-to-edit template here.

While it may seem time-consuming, tailoring your CV for each contract you apply for can make a significant difference. Highlight the skills and experiences that are most relevant to the specific job description. A list of 18 would be a maximum, but anything between 10 and 18 bullet points with key skills works great. This shows potential clients that you have exactly what they need, and that you haven’t ignored the job description. Adding irrelevant skills and experiences will only make your CV lengthy and all over the place. Remember: quality over quantity.

As a contractor, versatility is important. Make sure to include a variety of projects and roles you’ve worked on. This demonstrates your ability to adapt to different environments and challenges, making you a more attractive candidate.

Potential clients want to see the tangible outcomes you’ve achieved. Use metrics and specific examples to highlight your successes. An example could be, “Increased client’s website traffic by 60% within six months.” This is more impactful than simply stating “Increased website traffic.”

Certain skills are valuable across multiple industries. Emphasise your transferable skills such as project management, problem-solving, and communication. These skills show that you can add value in various contexts.

If you’re wondering how to write a CV, your contractor CV should be clear and to the point, no more than two pages long. Contractors often have a wealth of experience, but it’s crucial to distil this into a concise document. Aim for two pages at most, focusing on the most relevant and recent experiences.

Start your CV with a concise professional summary that outlines your main skills, experiences, and what you bring to the table. This section should capture the reader’s attention and make them eager to discover more about you.

Ask yourself the following 3 questions when writing your resume summary:

• Who you are (your role/market description)?
• What is your unique selling point or value proposition?
• What are your main strengths, such as your key abilities?

A report from Jobscan states that 98% of Fortune 500 companies use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to screen CVs, emphasising the need for keyword optimisation.

This could include specific software, methodologies, or industry-specific terms.

To determine which keywords to incorporate, look at the job description of the desired contractor jobs and add them to your applications. You can also input a few keywords into Google that are related to your industry to discover associated terms.

If specific words or phrases consistently appear, integrate them into the content of your CV.

Highlight times when you’ve had to quickly adapt to new situations or learn new skills. This is particularly important for contractors who need to hit the ground running in new roles and are writing, for example, a general contractor resume, a general construction resume, a construction contractor resume or a government contracting resume.

If possible, include short testimonials or references from previous clients or employers. This adds credibility and provides proof of your abilities and professionalism.

Writing a cover letter as a contractor gives you the chance to showcase your unique skills, experiences, and professional personality in a way that a CV alone can’t, increasing your chances of securing an interview. It provides an opportunity to tailor your words specifically to the needs of the client or project and align it with the job description. Show your attention to detail, communication skills, and enthusiasm for the role. This will be the best chance for you to make your first strong impression.

As a contractor, a LinkedIn profile can be a great way of keeping track of your professional accomplishments and networking with potential clients. It serves as an online portfolio, showing your skills, experience, and successful projects. If you regularly update your profile and engage with industry-related content, you can maintain visibility and demonstrate your expertise. Networking with fellow professionals can also lead to collaborative opportunities and referrals, further expanding your business prospects. LinkedIn also offers contractor groups and contractor forums where you can share insights, seek advice, and stay informed about the latest trends and best practices in your field.

Don’t forget to regularly update your contractor CV to include your latest projects and skills. This ensures that you’re always ready to apply for new opportunities with the most current and relevant information.

If you follow these tips, your CV will certainly stand out, and communicate the value of your contractor work in the best way possible.