Crafting the Perfect Engineering CV

The EMBS guide to crafting the perfect engineering CV.

Your CV is your first and often only chance to make a lasting impression. Did you know that a recently updated CV is three times more likely to be noticed by employers?

At EMBS, we understand the importance of a strong CV, and we’re here to guide you towards crafting one that truly shines.

Your CV is a powerful marketing tool that showcases your skills, achievements and potential. Employers are busy, and they need to quickly grasp your value. That’s why clarity and conciseness are paramount.

Formatting

While creativity might seem appealing, it’s crucial to remember that a complex design can hinder readability and even compatibility with applicant tracking systems (ATS).

At EMBS, we advocate for a clean, professional format that prioritises clarity and ease of access.

• Font consistency – stick to a classic font like Times New Roman, Arial or Calibri
• Font size – maintain a consistent font size of 11-12pt
• Subheadings – use bold formatting for all subheadings to enhance readability

Personal details

Include your full name, address (town/city/postcode), mobile number and email address.

Avoid unnecessary details like your NI number, photo, or marital status.

Personal Profile

Begin with a brief, four to five-line summary of your career, highlighting your core strengths and focusing on the overall trajectory of your professional journey.

Following this, clearly outline your key skills, qualifications and industry-specific knowledge, ensuring to incorporate relevant keywords that recruiters are likely to search for, such as specific software or methodologies.

Next, detail your professional achievements, quantifying your contributions whenever possible, for example, by stating cost savings or process improvements.

Then, present your employment history in reverse chronological order, including dates, job titles, and employers, providing a concise description of each role, emphasising your responsibilities and contributions. When describing your experiences, prioritise information most relevant to the role you’re applying for, using industry-specific terminology and providing detailed information about machines, materials, tolerances, or quality tools and techniques you’ve utilised.

Tailoring Your CV for Engineering Roles

Engineering roles often require specific technical skills and knowledge. When describing your experience, be sure to:

• Specify the software and tools you’re proficient in
• Mention the types of projects you’ve worked on
• Highlight your experience with relevant industry standards and regulations

Specialist Advice from the Institution of Engineering and Technology

The Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) emphasises key competencies that make engineers stand out. To craft a compelling CV, showcase your technical proficiency by detailing specific software like CAD (AutoCAD, SolidWorks), MATLAB, or BIM and programming languages like Python or C++. Highlight specialised knowledge, from materials and manufacturing to specific engineering standards, tailoring it to the job requirements.

Demonstrate your problem-solving abilities with concrete examples of how you tackled complex issues, emphasising innovative solutions and efficient approaches. Project management skills are vital; quantify your successes by highlighting on-time, under-budget projects and mention familiarity with tools like MS Project or Trello.

Excellent communication skills are paramount. Illustrate your ability to convey complex information to diverse audiences, emphasising teamwork and clear presentations. Attention to detail is crucial; provide instances where your meticulous planning or analysis prevented errors or improved quality.

Showcase your innovation and adaptability by mentioning recent training, certifications in emerging fields like AI or renewable energy, and contributions to patents or efficiency improvements. Finally, emphasise your understanding of industry-specific regulations and standards, such as ISO 9001 or CE marking, demonstrating your commitment to compliance and professional excellence.

The EMBS Difference

At EMBS, we’re committed to empowering engineers to achieve their career goals. By following these tips, you can create a CV that effectively showcases your skills and experience, increasing your chances of landing your dream engineering job.