One of the CV challenges you might encounter as a facilities manager is effectively highlighting your diverse skill set in a succinct and relevant way. Our guide offers tailored advice on structuring your CV to showcase your strengths, ensuring you stand out to potential employers.
- Create an attention-grabbing header that integrates keywords and includes all vital information;
- Add strong action verbs and skills in your experience section, and get inspired by real-world professionals;
- List your education and relevant certification to fill in the gaps in your career history;
- Integrate both hard and soft skills all through your CV.
Discover more industry-specific guides to help you apply for any role in the links below:
Structuring your facilities manager CV layout: four factors to keep in mind
There are plenty of best practices out there for your CV layout and design. At the end of the day, a clear format and concise CV message should be your top priority. Use your CV design to enhance separate sections, bringing them to the forefront of recruiters' attention. At the same time, you can write content that:- Follows the reverse chronological order in the experience section by first listing your most recent jobs;
- Incorporates your contact information in the header, but do skip out on the CV photo for roles in the UK;
- Is spotlighted in the most important sections of your CV, e.g. the summary or objective, experience, education, etc. to show just how you meet the job requirements;
- Is no longer than two-pages. Often, the one-page format can be optimal for your facilities manager CV.
Before submitting your CV, you may wonder whether to export it in Doc or PDF. With the PDF format, your information and layout stay intact. This is quite useful when your CV is assessed by the Applicant Tracker System (or the ATS) . The ATS is a software that scans your profile for all relevant information and can easily understand latest study on the ATS , which looks at your CV columns, design, and so much more.
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Use font size and style strategically to create a visual hierarchy, drawing the reader's eye to the most important information first (like your name and most recent job title).
The top sections on a facilities manager CV
- Professional Summary showcases leadership in facility management.
- Key Skills highlight expertise in maintenance and operations.
- Work Experience details project management accomplishments.
- Education and Qualifications affirm professional knowledge base.
- Certifications demonstrate specialised facility management expertise.
What recruiters value on your CV:
- Highlight your experience with building management systems and preventive maintenance plans, as these are key aspects of ensuring the smooth operation and longevity of facilities.
- Detail any projects you have managed that involved renovations, refurbishments, or expansions, as these showcase your ability to oversee complex facilities upgrades and improve efficiency.
- Emphasise your health and safety credentials, including any certifications such as NEBOSH or IOSH, since ensuring compliance with legislation is a critical responsibility of a facilities manager.
- Include examples of how you've reduced costs or improved service delivery through vendor management and contract negotiation, reflecting your financial acumen and strategic planning skills.
- Present your experience in leading and training facilities teams to highlight your management skills, as well as your ability to foster a productive and safe working environment.
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How to present your contact details and job keywords in your facilities manager CV header
Located at the top of your facilities manager CV, the header presents recruiters with your key personal information, headline, and professional photo. When creating your CV header, include your:
- Contact details - avoid listing your work email or telephone number and, also, email addresses that sound unprofessional (e.g. koolKittyCat$3@gmail.com is definitely a big no);
- Headline - it should be relevant, concise, and specific to the role you're applying for, integrating keywords and action verbs;
- Photo - instead of including a photograph from your family reunion, select one that shows you in a more professional light. It's also good to note that in some countries (e.g. the UK and US), it's best to avoid photos on your CV as they may serve as bias.
What do other industry professionals include in their CV header? Make sure to check out the next bit of your guide to see real-life examples:
Examples of good CV headlines for facilities manager:
- Facilities Manager | Health & Safety Certified | 5+ Years in Commercial Building Management | Energy Efficiency Expert
- Senior Facilities Coordinator | BIFM Level 4 Qualified | 10+ Years Leading FM Teams | Procurement Specialist
- Head of Facilities | Chartered FM Professional | 15+ Years in Strategic Planning | Compliance & Sustainability Advocate
- Facilities Officer | NEBOSH National Certificate | 3 Years in Educational Sector | Space Optimisation Enthusiast
- Facilities Maintenance Manager | City & Guilds Accredited | 7+ Years in Retail Operations | Project Management Pro
- Director of Facilities | IWFM Member | 20+ Years Expertise | Asset Management & Capital Projects Leader
Catching recruiters' attention with your facilities manager CV summary or objective
Located closer to the top of your CV, both the summary and objective are no more than five sentences long and serve as an introduction to your experience. What is more, you could use either to entice recruiters to read on. Select the:
- Summary, if you happen to have plenty of relevant experience. Feature your most impressive accomplishments and up to three skills that are relevant to the job you're applying for;
- Objective, if you're just starting your career off. Provide your career goals and answer how you see the role you are applying for will match your professional growth.
Judging which one you need to add to your facilities manager CV may at times seem difficult. That’s why you need to check out how professionals, with similar to your experience, have written their summary or objective, in the examples below:
CV summaries for a facilities manager job:
- With a robust 12-year background in facilities management for high-profile tech companies, adept at ensuring optimal operational functionality and leading large teams to surpass efficiency targets. Proficient in the integration of smart-building technologies and sustainability practices. Spearheaded the renovation and energy-efficiency retrofit of a 50,000 sq ft office, achieving a 30% reduction in energy costs.
- Expert facilities manager with over 15 years of experience in overseeing complex healthcare systems, known for delivering top-tier patient environments and exemplary regulatory compliance across multiple sites. Instrumental in a £10M refurbishment project, enhancing both the staff working conditions and patient care standards. Advanced proficiency in risk management and emergency preparedness protocols.
- Seasoned finance professional transitioning to facilities management, bringing a data-driven approach to reducing operational costs and enhancing efficiency. With a Master's in Business Administration and proven track record in project management, seeks to employ financial acuity and strategic planning skills in optimizing physical resources and workplace design.
- Former hospitality executive eager to leverage a 10-year career in managing large-scale resorts to excel in facilities management. Excels in vendor negotiations, cross-departmental coordination, and crafting exceptional guest experiences. Aiming to apply a meticulous dedication to detail and operational leadership in ensuring seamless facilities operations and employee satisfaction.
- Eager to embark on a career in facilities management with a focus on sustainable practices and innovation in workplace design. Possessing a BSc in Environmental Science and volunteer experience in non-profit organizations' event coordination. Aim to cultivate a secure, engaging, and environmentally conscious workspace through proactive maintenance and team collaboration.
- Aspiring facilities manager with a passion for creating inclusive and efficient work environments, holding a degree in Interior Design and internships at leading architectural firms. Dedicated to mastering the intricacies of asset management and space optimization to forge a successful career in overseeing contemporary, dynamic office spaces.
How to meet job requirements with your facilities manager CV experience
We've now reached the essence of your actual CV - your experience section. This is the space where you can list your career roles and on-the-job successes. Many candidates tend to underestimate just how much time and effort they should put into writing this CV section. Your experience shouldn't be a random list of your responsibilities, but instead:
- Match the job description with your skills, values, and accomplishments;
- Start each bullet with a strong action verb, followed up with one key skill and your outcome of applying this skill;
- Spotlight parts of your career history that are relevant to the job you're applying for.
Before we move on, make sure to check out some professional CV experience sections.
Best practices for your CV's work experience section
- Led the planning and execution of facility maintenance programmes, ensuring all preventive and reactive maintenance tasks were completed to the highest standards, reducing system downtimes by 30%.
- Managed the annual facilities budget with a keen focus on cost-saving measures, achieving a 20% reduction in operational costs through strategic vendor negotiations and energy-saving initiatives.
- Developed and implemented comprehensive health and safety protocols in compliance with OHSAS 18001, achieving a 40% reduction in workplace accidents and near-misses over two years.
- Coordinated with multiple departments to ensure seamless facility operations during major events and peak business periods, resulting in a 15% increase in staff and customer satisfaction.
- Conducted regular facility audits, identifying areas for improvement and updating the facilities management plan to incorporate new technologies and environmentally sustainable practices.
- Supervised a team of maintenance, security, and janitorial staff, providing training and development opportunities that resulted in a 10% increase in team performance and morale.
- Managed the space planning and office relocation projects, completing all moves with minimal disruption to business operations and a 95% employee approval rate for the new space configurations.
- Implemented a state-of-the-art building management system (BMS), integrating HVAC, lighting, and security systems to improve efficiency and reduce manual monitoring by 50%.
- Negotiated and managed service contracts with third-party providers for landscaping, pest control, and waste management services, maintaining high service levels while reducing contract costs by 15%.
- Managed a complex facilities refurbishment project, overseeing a budget of $1.2M, which improved office space utilization by 20% and energy efficiency by 15%.
- Implemented a new CMMS (Computerized Maintenance Management System), leading to a 30% reduction in average repair time and a 25% decrease in maintenance costs.
- Spearheaded a sustainability initiative that cut water usage by 25%, aligning with corporate environmental goals and earning the company an industry eco-certification.
- Coordinated with multiple vendors to ensure efficient operations, which reduced expenses by 10% through strategic contract negotiations.
- Oversaw the daily operations of 300,000 square feet of office space, maintaining a 98% operational efficiency rate.
- Implemented an employee feedback system to improve workspace design, resulting in a 15% increase in employee satisfaction related to office environment.
- Introduced an energy management system that reduced annual energy costs by over $50,000 and decreased carbon footprint by 10%.
- Led a team in the renovation of company headquarters which served approximately 250 employees, completed on-time and under budget by 5%.
- Managed emergency response plans and training for staff, significantly improving response times and safety levels during drills and actual emergencies.
- Supervised a facilities team of 20 members, fostering teamwork and collaboration that resulted in a 30% increase in productivity.
- Developed and administered an annual budget of $800,000, coming in under budget by 10% for two consecutive years.
- Orchestrated an office relocation project for 150 employees, ensuring a seamless transition with zero downtime for operations.
- Improved facility cleanliness and maintenance standards, enhancing public perception and contributing to a 40% increase in visitor satisfaction.
- Conducted a comprehensive safety audit, identifying necessary improvements and contributing to a 20% reduction in workplace accidents.
- Collaborated with security personnel to update and implement new security protocols, contributing to a safer working environment.
- Managed the installation of a new HVAC system in a 50,000 sq ft facility, reducing energy consumption by 18% and saving the company $30,000 annually.
- Implemented a recycling program that successfully diverted 60% of the company's waste from landfills within the first year.
- Negotiated with service providers to upgrade to eco-friendly cleaning solutions, contributing to the company's commitment to sustainability.
- Directed asset management for a portfolio of properties, leading to a 10% increase in asset lifespan through proactive maintenance scheduling.
- Coordinated cross-functional team efforts to address complex building issues, resulting in a 95% issue resolution within 48 hours.
- Initiated and managed the upgrade of security systems across the company's main campus, enhancing employee safety.
- Launched a facility-wide risk assessment program, identifying key areas for improvement and reducing potential hazards by 30%.
- Designed and executed a cost-saving plan by insourcing landscaping services, saving the company an estimated $25,000 annually.
- Revitalized facility appearance and functionality by overseeing a $500,000 upgrade project, resulting in improved work conditions and employee morale.
- Reduced building operating costs by 20% through strategic renegotiation of service contracts and implementation of cost-effective building maintenance practices.
- Developed a comprehensive disaster recovery plan, mitigating potential risks and ensuring business continuity.
- Achieved a 100% compliance rate with all local, state, and federal regulations by establishing thorough compliance monitoring procedures.
- Spearheaded the design and layout of new company facilities, optimizing space for 400+ employees and supporting company growth.
- Reduced downtime of essential equipment by 40% through the development of a predictive maintenance program, increasing operational productivity.
- Liaised with contractors for the timely and on-budget completion of a multi-level parking structure, essential for accommodating the growing workforce.
Writing your CV without professional experience for your first job or when switching industries
There comes a day, when applying for a job, you happen to have no relevant experience, whatsoever. Yet, you're keen on putting your name in the hat. What should you do? Candidates who part-time experience , internships, and volunteer work.
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If you have experience in diverse fields, highlight how this has broadened your perspective and skill set, making you a more versatile candidate.
Hard skills and soft skills to showcase your unique skill set on your facilities manager CV
Did you know that your CV will mostly likely be assessed by recruiters based on skill alignment? And that means that the way you feature your key skills across different CV sections will play a crucial role in landing you that first interview. We recommend you add your:
- technical capabilities or hard skills in your CV experience, certificates, projects, etc. Use your past accomplishments to prove your technical capabilities. List up to a dozen different software or hardware in your dedicated skills section to match the job keywords;
- personal and communication skills or soft skills in your CV strengths, achievements, summary/ objective, etc. Soft skills are a bit more difficult to prove. How do you define your aptitude in active listening? So, instead of just listing the skill name, include a tangible metric to show your success.
On a final note, when you're in a hurry to create your profile, you may misspell a particular technology or soft skill. That's why we suggest you copy and paste the particular skill name (or keyword), directly from the job advert. This would also help you to pass any initial Applicant Tracker System (ATS) tests.
Top skills for your facilities manager CV:
Facilities Management
Project Management
Building Maintenance
Health and Safety Compliance
Budgeting and Cost Control
Procurement and Contract Management
Energy Management
Space Planning
Asset Management
Computer-Aided Facility Management (CAFM) Systems
Leadership
Communication
Problem-Solving
Time Management
Strategic Planning
Adaptability
Decision Making
Teamwork
Negotiation
Customer Service Orientation
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Use mini case studies or success stories in your CV to demonstrate how your skills have positively impacted previous roles or projects.
Education and more professional qualifications to include in your facilities manager CV
If you want to showcase to recruiters that you're further qualified for the role, ensure you've included your relevant university diplomas. Within your education section:
- Describe your degree with your university name(-s) and start-graduation dates;
- List any awards you've received, if you deem they would be impressive or are relevant to the industry;
- Include your projects and publications, if you need to further showcase how you've used your technical know-how;
- Avoid listing your A-level marks, as your potential employers care to learn more about your university background.
Apart from your higher education, ensure that you've curated your relevant certificates or courses by listing the:
- name of the certificate or course;
- name of the institution within which you received your training;
- the date(-s) when you obtained your accreditation.
In the next section, discover some of the most relevant certificates for your facilities manager CV:
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Use mini case studies or success stories in your CV to demonstrate how your skills have positively impacted previous roles or projects.
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Key takeaways
Your successful job application depends on how you well you have aligned your facilities manager CV to the job description and portrayed your best skills and traits. Make sure to:
- Select your CV format, so that it ensures your experience is easy to read and understand;
- Include your professional contact details and a link to your portfolio, so that recruiters can easily get in touch with you and preview your work;
- Write a CV summary if you happen to have more relevant professional experience. Meanwhile, use the objective to showcase your career dreams and ambitions;
- In your CV experience section bullets, back up your individual skills and responsibilities with tangible achievements;
- Have a healthy balance between hard and soft skills to answer the job requirements and hint at your unique professional value.
