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Why CVs Are Failing Construction Workers—and What One Irish Startup Is Doing About It

Why CVs Are Failing Construction Workers—and What One Irish Startup Is Doing About It

Anthony Fildes

15 Jun 2024
6 min read

In construction, a good hire can keep a project on track. A bad one can set it back weeks.

When hiring tradespeople or labourers—especially from abroad—most companies are working blind. They're handed a CV, maybe a few references, and are expected to make a judgment call on someone they've never seen work. But a CV tells you very little about whether someone is actually qualified, competent, or reliable on a live site.

This lack of transparency is a growing problem in an industry facing labour shortages, rising demand, and increased pressure to verify skills and safety compliance.

That's why one Irish startup—Nixerly—is building a better way forward.

The Problem: CVs Don't Tell You What You Need to Know

A CV might say a worker has "5 years experience" in steel fixing or concrete finishing, but where? On what kind of projects? Under what standards? Were they qualified—or just present on-site?

For companies hiring from outside Ireland or the EU, the risks multiply:

  • No standardisation across CVs
  • Fake or unverifiable certifications
  • No visibility of work quality or site conduct
  • Lack of traceability or reputation history

In other words, there's no reliable way to judge whether someone is actually capable of doing the job.

This creates risk not just for project timelines, but also for safety, compliance, and workforce morale.

The Impact: High Stakes, Low Visibility

With the growing need to import labour from abroad, Ireland's construction industry is walking a tightrope.

On one side:

  • Urgent demand for qualified tradespeople
  • Visa processes requiring proof of work history
  • Tight deadlines and skill shortages

On the other:

  • Unreliable CVs
  • Inconsistent verification processes
  • Little to no digital trace of work history

In this environment, the current system doesn't just slow hiring—it creates serious operational and financial risk.

The Solution: Verified Digital Profiles Built for Construction

Nixerly.com is tackling the trust gap head-on. Instead of relying on outdated Word documents, Nixerly enables tradespeople and construction professionals to build verified digital profiles that provide:

  • Visual evidence of work completed (photos, videos)
  • Verified certifications and training (uploaded and confirmed)
  • Detailed work history with references and site info
  • Professional endorsements and team feedback
  • A shareable link to showcase a trusted, transparent profile

For companies, this means faster, safer hiring—especially when looking beyond borders.

No more guesswork. No more "trust me" hires. Nixerly helps you see who's right for the job before they ever step on-site.

Built in Ireland. Designed for Global Construction.

Nixerly was created by people who know the industry, not just software. It's tailored to the realities of the trade—messy boots, complex sites, and the real pressure of getting the job done right.

Starting in Ireland, Nixerly is positioned to become a pan-European standard for professional identity in construction, especially as labour mobility increases and transparency becomes non-negotiable.

Final Word: Trust Requires More Than a CV

When hiring tradespeople and labourers—especially internationally—you can't afford to base decisions on vague job titles and unverifiable claims.

Nixerly is bringing transparency to the hiring process, giving both professionals and businesses a trusted way to connect.

If you're hiring—or looking to work—visit nixerly.com and see what the future of construction recruitment looks like.

About the Author

Anthony Fildes

Anthony Fildes is the founder of Nixerly. With almost a decade of experience in the construction industry, he's passionate about solving the unique challenges faced by construction professionals and businesses.