Engineering CVs - what recruiters want to know

Projects

I really enjoy reading about these - particularly when what I am reading relates to a role that I am working to fill. Details on the projects that you have worked on are so important, so don't scrimp on the details (without turning your CV into War and Peace). Be sure to include the types of projects - CAPEX, continuous improvement, equipment install; the value of the projects; your role in the projects; whether you had other engineers or contractors reporting to you; a brief description of the project itself; if process or continuous improvement - whether it added value to the business; whether it was delivered on time and in budget; your stakeholder engagement in terms of client and contractor management; your area of responsibility - was it cradle to grave? If yes, great! If not, what stage gates were you involved in?

Experience

It is so important to reflect the experience that you have gained in your roles, as this will show how you have applied your academic learnings, and how you are growing in terms of your engineering and project expertise. Describe your operational experience, processes that you have worked on, systems that you have used, how you have added value to your role. Describe your role in terms of value add to the business; reporting to senior management; supervision of reports and contractors and highlight any areas of particular achievement.

Engineering discipline

As Recruiters, we really do need to know whether you are Civil, Process, Elec, Mechanical, Manufacturing, Industrial, Automation. The discipline is always relevant to the role that we are looking to fill and it informs us as to the background that you bring to a role. If applying to a process role, but from another discipline, highlight the processes that you have experience in, and the level of your experience with them.

PMP

If you have qualifications in Project Management, do make sure that this information is also clear on the CV, as many clients look for it and won't consider you for a projects role without it.

Visa status

If you are coming from outside the EU, then please make it very clear whether you require sponsorship or not. If you have a Stamp 4 or a Stamp 1G, then clearly let the recruiter know that, without them having to delve too far into the CV. If Stamp 1G, when does it expire or does it?

Location preferences

Do make it clear what you are open to in terms of location, and don't be afraid to include a general area on your CV in terms of an address. This will help a recruiter to consider whether a role would be a comfortable commute for you, or not.

Languages 

If coming from outside the country in which you are applying for a role, please indicate your level of fluency in the language spoken there. This does not need to be in an alpha-numeric format. A simple grading of fluency will suffice. Also, please indicate whether you have fluency in other languages, as some roles will require that, or they will at least be a benefit.

Length

Please don't feel that the CV must be restricted to two pages. If the information is relevant and builds a picture of roles that you will be suited to, then it is worth including. Do use bullet points, and include all relevant information, and ideally please tailor the CV to the role, so that you can highlight your relevant experience and make life easier for the recruiter and hiring manager!

 

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