When writing an engineering CV, there are a number of key features which should be present to showcase your knowledge, skills and abilities.
These can be presented in various ways and are dependent on the role, company and industry you are applying for.
You can make a start on your engineering CV by downloading one of our free CV templates. The more senior the role the more necessary the features discussed in this article will be in your CV.
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How to write an engineering CV
Interpersonal skills
Many of the CVs for engineers which I have seen for engineering skills do not show interpersonal skills. They primarily focus on their technical skills. Adding strong interpersonal skills to your engineering CV will give you competitive advantage and make you stand out form the crowd. Try not to just describe the duties you had – show how you did them.
Technical skills
I would recommend having a separate section for your various technical skills, software and hardware knowledge, systems, processes and frameworks and knowledge of H&S and compliance etc. Any formal course can be added here also. Many prospective employers search the IrishJobs.ie CV database using these technical skills as keywords in their searches so they are useful to include.
Reporting
Reporting is paramount for engineering roles so show your skills in this area and the frequencies of your reporting and the audience for these reports.
Project Work
If your experience involves doing project work, make sure to state the size of the project, usually in value, the duration of the project and how many were involved. This provides the reviewer with a better idea of what it involved and thus creates greater impact. If the work was spread in other locations and/or countries, make sure to specify this.
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Hobbies & interests
It is beneficial to show that you are fit and healthy and have other interests. If you are involved in the community in any way, add this to the CV also. Travel can show that you are used to being in diverse environments which would also look good on your CV.
Organisational skills
Engineering roles require individuals to be highly organised. They need to be able to manage their workload in an efficient and show a methodical approach to work. An organised person will plan in advance and be calm under pressure. It would be ideal to demonstrate that in advance.
Multitasking skills
Most engineering roles require multitasking skills to manage conflicting priorities and duties. The more of this you have experienced in the past, the more you should sell it in your engineering CV as it would be a highly sought after skill.
Show when you have improved efficiencies
If you have experience in the past of improving processes through streamlining, designing new innovative ways of working or even just some small continuous improvements you have made, make sure to get these down on your engineering CV. Equally, if you have ideas for improving any other areas of the company in your current or prospective roles, be ready to talk about these in your interview.
Teamwork skills
For an engineering role, you need to be able to show are accustomed to working with other departments and as part of a team also. You need to show that you are a good communicator over the phone, e-mail and in person. If you can describe how busy your previous roles were by adding some numbers against them, this will provide the prospective employer with context of your experience to date.
Communication skills
Communication is key. You need to show that you are a good communicator over the phone, e-mail and in person. You could also add core competencies in this area to your personal profile such as – personable, approachable, friendly, calm under pressure.
Industry Knowledge
You will see in the job specification that knowledge of the industry is a distinct advantage when applying for the role. Display how you know the industry if you have worked in it in the past.
If you have not, show transferable skills such as an ability to get up to speed quickly and technical skills in one area that show a competence for learning in a new area. You can also show a general interest in the area in your cover letter by doing your research. Research the industry/company and try and use their terminology where possible throughout your application process.
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Gillian Knight is the MD of Kala Management Solutions and has extensive experience within the field of HR. She has assisted thousands of people write job winning CVs as well providing one to one interview coaching to job seekers.