Most builders merchant jobs have a slightly different application process than other trade or retail jobs and if you don’t avoid a few of the common errors then your application could well end up in the recycle bin.
A Generic CV That Ignores Trade Skills
Many candidates send a standard CV with no reference to stock handling, product knowledge and other relevant skills required to work in a builders merchant. If you have relevant experience, highlight it at the top of your CV.
Not Researching the Product Range
Before attending a Builders Merchants Vacancies interview it is imperative that you visit their website and have a good knowledge of the products that they stock. If you cannot demonstrate to a prospective employer that you have a good knowledge of the products that they sell then you will be at a disadvantage against other candidates. You must show that you have taken the time to look at their website and can discuss their products with confidence.
Underselling Physical or Customer-Facing Experience
This applies if you have worked a trade counter, yard or busy cash-and-carry then make sure you say so and be specific. For example “served up to 60 trade customers a day” is better than “good with people”. For further help on writing a strong application the National Careers Service has plenty of free advice.
Dodging the Question About Early Starts
Most builders merchants open early to serve their customers, and they expect their staff to do the same. If you are applying for a job at a merchant and are asked in your application or at an interview about your ability to start early, be honest about your availability from the start. A vague answer to this question will create more doubt than good about your ability to do the job.
Not Following Up
A week after you have applied for a builders merchant job it’s worth sending a brief follow up email to the recruitment manager, expressing your continued interest in the role and thanking them for their time. It is surprising how few applicants actually take the time to send such emails and by doing so you will keep your name at the front of the recruiters mind and increase your chances of being contacted for an interview. There is more on Builders Merchants Vacancies at //bmcareers.com/distributors-and-builders-merchants-vacancies.
Fix these common mistakes to give yourself a head start on the competition for builders merchant jobs vacancies.