Updating your engineering CV: Expert advice

Knowing how to write a CV for an engineering job puts you in good shape for any application. Along with your cover letter and a subsequent recruitment day or job interview, it is one main tools that will help you land your next role.

So, how can you write the kind of CV engineering employers are looking for? In this guide, we'll offer some expert advice from Michael Page recruitment consultants, along with some engineering CV examples you can apply when you write or update yours.

Always remember the basics: be concise and factual, present the most relevant information first, and tailor your CV for the role. For instance, knowing how to write a CV for civil engineering jobs is slightly different than mechanical engineering or electrical engineering roles, so always keep the job description in mind while writing or updating your CV.

How to write an engineering CV

To begin with, the answer to the question ‘how to write an engineering CV’ is not dissimilar to the advice we’d give on writing or updating a CV for any other role. 

For an engineer's CV, depending on the seniority of the role, hiring managers are likely to be looking for proof of technical expertise and, except for the most entry-level positions, evidence of your real-world experience.

Chronology is important. When writing a CV for engineering jobs, put the most recent experience first. As you move further on from your education, this will mean putting your career experience above the details about your university degree.

Joe Walton, Director of Michael Page Manufacturing, commented:

When writing an engineering CV, it is common for engineers to get the level of detail wrong, either writing far too much and leaving nothing for the interview, or limiting the CV to two pages and missing out crucial achievements. 

My advice is to think about what you would want to see yourself if you were a hiring manager. Facts and figures are essential in the key achievements section and should feature near the top to capture your audience’s eye. After all, this is what you are bringing to the business. And remember: don’t add things that you won’t be able to articulate in an interview environment.

Only just starting in your job search? View hundreds of live engineering jobs on the Michael Page website and apply for ones of interest today.

Engineering CV examples

Let's take a look at some engineering CV examples and elements to include. These are only to offer some guidance when it comes to writing the best CV for engineers - skills and experience will of course vary from candidate to candidate, so focus on what shows you in the best light.

Personal statement

A good CV for engineers can include a short personal statement at the top. This sets out any individual attributes you want the hiring manager to notice, and can include your plans and ambitions for the future - just make sure they match the role you are applying for.

Example:

I have in-depth knowledge and understanding of project planning and cost control. I have completed risk assessments on works of significant importance [include details - the size/scope of the project or its budget]. I focus on achieving greater efficiency through the successful use of tools and processes, while complying with health and safety regulations.

Skills & Achievements

It's normal to include career history next, but when writing a CV for engineering jobs, you might opt to list a short number of skills or significant achievements - make sure they're worthy of this prominent placing if so.

Example:

• Project management
• Structural analysis
• Problem solving
• High computer competency
• Budget & costs control

Career History

A good engineer's CV will provide concise details about previous roles, starting with the most recent. Try to keep your CV to no more than two sides of A4 paper (using 12pt text with plenty of white space) but go over this limit for more senior roles or if you feel it is essential to provide more information.

Here is an example:

 [Dates of employment]
[Company name and job title]

Outline: [Summarise the role in a single sentence.]

Responsibilities: [Summarise what was expected of you on a routine basis. A bullet point list is a good way to avoid superfluous words here.]

Achievements: [List what you actually achieved, including any major wins and examples of when you delivered more than was expected of you.]

How to write a CV for an engineering job

As mentioned above, knowing how to write a CV for civil engineering jobs, electrical engineering jobs, mechanical engineering jobs and other disciplines within the sector requires an understanding of how engineer CVs differ from each other.

When updating an engineering CV, sit down with your existing version and a highlighter, and pick out the most relevant information, and anything you think no longer applies to your current and future roles.
It's easier to edit your CV directly on the computer, but you could also consider printing out or cutting out each section on paper, and then rearranging them physically on the table until you decide on the best order and overall CV structure.

For more advice on how to update an engineering CV ready for your next job application, speak to a Michael Page recruitment consultant, who will be able to help you identify any skills gaps and work towards completing your professional accreditations and certifications. Or, submit your updated engineer CV below to start discussing exciting opportunities.

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