Facilities Management (FM) plays a critical role in ensuring buildings operate smoothly and efficiently. FM professionals work behind the scenes in hospitals, data centres, commercial offices, and more, performing both planned and reactive maintenance. Their contributions are vital to the seamless functioning of these facilities.
Whether you're entering the fast-paced world of FM or aiming to advance your career, having a CV that highlights your strengths is crucial. At Randstad, we recognise that how you present your skills and experience, whether it’s for a maintenance, handyman, or engineer role, can significantly impact your job prospects.
We've been helping skilled professionals like you tailor their CVs to resonate with top industry employers for over 60 years. With our extensive experience in facilities management recruitment, we understand what makes a CV stand out in this industry.
Below you can find some tips on how to create a standout CV for FM positions such as:
- Multi-skilled Maintenance
- Electrical Maintenance
- Mechanical Maintenance
- Handyman
- M&E Shift Engineers
- Air Conditioning Engineers
- Commercial Gas Engineers
- HVAC Engineers
Essential components of an FM CV
An FM CV should highlight the following elements:
- Personal Statement or Profile
- Employment history
- Professional qualifications, relevant safety tickets, and their expiry dates
- Relevant skills
Generally, two pages is a good length. According to Zety’s 2019 analysis of 133,000 CVs, a two-page CV meant managers were 2.9 times more likely to get a response than single-page CV submitters. Entry-level workers were 1.4 times more likely.
Write your CV in a simple black font such as Arial. And use clear formatting, such as emboldened headers and orderly spacing to make your CV easy to digest.
Personal Statement
The personal statement is the first impression your potential employer will have of you. Make it count by ensuring it’s unique and tailored to the company and job you’re applying for. Research the company’s values, mission, and objectives to align your statement with their expectations.
Write the personal statement in the third person. Avoid phrases like "I am an enthusiastic and highly motivated individual." Instead, use statements such as "An enthusiastic and highly motivated individual with a clear understanding of the role and responsibilities associated with being a maintenance engineer." Follow this by detailing specific roles and duties relevant to the job you’re applying for.
Employment history
Adapt your employment history to the specific job and company. Include as much related career or work history as possible. For example, if applying for a maintenance electrician role, detail your experience with Planned Preventative Maintenance (PPM) and reactive maintenance. Describe previous jobs with similar duties, emphasising responsibilities and experiences that will benefit the new company.
Professional qualifications and relevant skills
Different FM roles require specific qualifications and safety tickets. Research the company and understand the job requirements to include relevant certifications. For instance, an employer might prefer a City & Guilds or equivalent in electrical installations or an 18th Edition IEE Wiring Regulations qualification.
If necessary, break this section into two parts: Professional Qualifications and Relevant Skills. Highlight leadership skills, technical and personal effectiveness, and your ability to devise practical solutions to complex problems. Also, emphasise your adaptability and comfort with change.
Additional tips for tailoring your FM CV
- Research thoroughly: Understand the company’s mission, values, and objectives.
- Be specific: Tailor each section of your CV to the job you’re applying for.
- Showcase Your Strengths: Highlight qualifications, skills, and experiences that match the job description.
- Use third person: Maintain a professional tone by writing in the third person.
- Demonstrate knowledge: Reflect your understanding of the job and the company in your personal statement.
By following these guidelines, you can create a compelling CV that showcases your qualifications and makes you stand out in the competitive field of Facilities Management. Tailor your CV carefully, and you’ll be well on your way to securing that dream FM role.
For more information and advice on how to write a CV, see our full guide here.