How to Write a Standout Engineering CV
In the competitive world of engineering, a well-crafted CV can be your ticket to landing the role of your dreams.
Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just starting out, your CV needs to highlight your skills, experience, and achievements in a way that captures the attention of recruiters and hiring managers.
Here’s your essential guide to help you create a standout engineering CV that showcases your strengths and lands you interviews.
1. Tailor Your CV to the Role
A generic CV won’t cut it in today’s job market. Research the job description and the company thoroughly, then customise your CV to match their requirements. Highlight the skills, qualifications, and experiences that align with the specific role.
For example, if the job requires expertise in CAD software or familiarity with ISO standards, make sure those appear prominently in your CV. Use the language from the job posting to help applicant tracking systems (ATS) pick up on key terms.
2. Start with a Strong Personal Statement
Your personal statement is the opening act of your CV—it should be concise, engaging, and tailored. In just a few lines, summarise your key skills, career goals, and what you bring to the role.
Example: “A detail-oriented mechanical engineer with 5+ years of experience in product design and development, specialising in precision engineering and sustainable solutions. Passionate about solving complex problems and delivering innovative projects that exceed client expectations.”
3. Highlight Your Key Skills
Engineering roles require a mix of technical expertise and soft skills. Create a dedicated “Skills” section that highlights both. Use bullet points to make this section easy to scan.
Example Skills Section:
-Proficient in AutoCAD, SolidWorks, and MATLAB
-Knowledge of Six Sigma and Lean Manufacturing principles
-Strong project management and team leadership abilities
-Expertise in thermal and fluid dynamics
-Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills
Tailor this list to the job you’re applying for, focusing on skills relevant to the role.
4. Emphasise Relevant Experience
Your employment history should demonstrate how your skills and expertise have been applied in real-world situations. For each role, include:
–Job Title
–Company Name
–Dates of Employment
–Achievements and Responsibilities
Focus on quantifiable achievements. Rather than saying “Worked on design projects,” opt for: “Led a team of 5 engineers to design a new energy-efficient HVAC system, reducing operational costs by 15%.”
Use action verbs like “designed,” “implemented,” “led,” “improved,” or “optimised” to convey impact.
5. Showcase Your Education and Certifications
Engineering roles often require specific qualifications. List your education and certifications in reverse chronological order, starting with the most recent. Include:
-Degree type and subject (e.g., BEng in Civil Engineering)
-Institution name
-Graduation year
-Relevant modules, projects, or awards (if applicable)
If you hold certifications like Chartered Engineer (CEng) status, Six Sigma, or any software-specific credentials, list these prominently in their own section or alongside your education.
6. Highlight Projects
Engineering projects often showcase practical skills better than job descriptions alone. If you’ve worked on significant projects—either professionally or during your education—consider including a “Projects” section. Provide a brief overview of:
-Project objectives
-Your role in the project
-Key outcomes or achievements
Example: Design and Installation of Solar Panels for Rural Communities (2022)
Led a cross-functional team to design and install solar energy systems in off-grid areas, increasing electricity access for over 1,000 households.
7. Include Industry-Specific Keywords
Many companies use ATS to filter applications before a human sees them. Boost your chances by including industry-specific keywords from the job posting. Examples include:
-Finite Element Analysis (FEA)
-Building Information Modelling (BIM)
-Geotechnical Engineering
-Lean Manufacturing
-Agile/Scrum
Relevant keywords also help highlight your technical expertise to human readers.
8. Focus on Format and Presentation
A well-structured CV is crucial. Recruiters often spend just a few seconds scanning each CV, so make yours easy to read:
-Use a clear, professional font like Arial or Calibri, size 10–12.
-Keep formatting consistent with bold headings and bullet points.
-Limit your CV to 2 pages.
-Save and send it as a PDF unless otherwise requested.
9. Don’t Forget Soft Skills
Engineering is about more than just technical expertise. Employers value communication, teamwork, and adaptability. Incorporate these into your employment history or personal statement.
Example:
“Collaborated with cross-functional teams to streamline manufacturing processes, reducing production delays by 20%.”
10. Proofread Thoroughly
Errors in your CV can undermine your professionalism. Double-check for spelling, grammar, and formatting mistakes. Consider asking a friend, mentor, or LLM to review it.
11. Add a Professional Touch
-Include links to your portfolio or LinkedIn profile to give recruiters a deeper insight into your work.
-If relevant, showcase professional memberships (e.g., Institution of Mechanical Engineers) and honours.
A standout engineering CV requires careful tailoring, a focus on achievements, and clear presentation. By following these steps, you can create a CV that highlights your unique strengths and positions you as the ideal candidate for your desired role.
Looking for your next engineering opportunity? At Ernest Gordon Recruitment, we specialise in connecting talented engineers with top companies across the UK. With our open and transparent approach, we’re here to help you find a role that matches your skills and ambitions. Contact us today to take the next step in your career.