Overview
Commercial archaeology units hire on a project-by-project basis, and they need site assistants who can excavate cleanly, record accurately, and work efficiently in all weather. Your resume needs to demonstrate practical excavation experience, single-context recording skills, and the physical resilience to work outdoors for extended periods. A driving licence and CSCS card are often mandatory.
This resume belongs to Kieran Doyle, an archaeology graduate from the University of York who completed 16 weeks of excavation across commercial and research sites. He recorded 45 archaeological contexts on a Roman settlement, drew 35 plans and sections, and processed over 300 finds. His combination of commercial and university excavation experience gives him a solid foundation for entry-level fieldwork roles.
What Makes This Resume Work
Commercial excavation experience is the most important detail. Twelve weeks on a real development-led excavation shows Kieran can work at commercial pace, which is significantly faster than university training digs. Units hiring site assistants will prioritise candidates with commercial experience every time.
Recording volume is quantified. Forty-five contexts recorded, 35 drawings completed, and 300 finds processed give a clear picture of Kieran's productivity. Commercial archaeology is measured by output, and these numbers demonstrate that he can contribute meaningfully from day one.
Digital survey skills add technical value. Operating a total station and recording 200 spatial data points shows Kieran can handle the digital survey work that increasingly forms part of every site assistant's role. This technical competence is a genuine advantage.
Key Takeaways
Graduate archaeologists should quantify their excavation experience with context counts, drawings completed, and finds processed. Include both commercial and research excavation to show breadth of experience. CIfA membership (even at student level), a CSCS card, and a full driving licence are all essential to list. Mentioning physical fitness and comfort with outdoor work is worth stating explicitly, as many graduates underestimate how physical the job is.
