Your CV is the first impression you give to a potential employer, especially in fast-paced sectors like manufacturing, heavy industry, or energy, where hiring decisions are often made quickly.
If you’re a mechanical or multi-skilled engineer looking to stand out, here are five practical ways to make your CV work harder for you.
Put your certifications up front
Many of the clients we work with want engineers who are compliant and ready to hit the ground running. That means your certifications should be easy to find, right at the top of your CV.
Include things like:
- NVQ Level 3 or higher in Mechanical Engineering
- Apprenticeships or time-served status
- IOSH or health and safety qualifications
- Welding codes, pressure systems training, confined space, or lifting certifications (if relevant)
Be specific and include issue/expiry dates where possible.
List tools, equipment, and environments you’ve worked in
Don’t just say “general maintenance experience”. Break it down.
Whether you’ve worked with hydraulics, gearboxes, pumps, rotating machinery, steam systems, or pipework and fabrication, make sure it’s listed. The same goes for environments, steel, chemical, water, waste, FMCG, MOD, all help paint a clearer picture of your background.
Focus on what you’ve achieved, not just what you did
Employers want problem-solvers, not just box-tickers. When you describe your past roles, include examples of the impact you made:
- Did you reduce unplanned downtime?
- Help improve machine performance or reliability?
- Lead a shutdown or installation safely and on time?
Even one strong bullet point per role helps show your value.
Tailor your CV for the job
If you’re applying for a mechanical fitter role on a COMAH site, highlight any shutdown work, permit-to-work systems, or site safety training.
If you’re applying for a permanent maintenance engineer position, focus on fault-finding, PPM schedules, and teamwork.
You don’t need to rewrite your whole CV, just adjust the emphasis.
Keep it clear, current, and easy to read
Your CV should be:
- 2–3 pages max
- In reverse chronological order
- Clear on dates, employers, and responsibilities
- Free from big blocks of text or vague statements
Use headings, spacing, and bullet points to make it scannable, your next employer may only spend 30 seconds on it initially.
Final thoughts
A great mechanical engineering CV shows more than just experience, it shows readiness, professionalism, and a clear understanding of your trade.
At Mechanical Partners, we help candidates fine-tune their CVs every day, making sure they reflect not just your background, but your future potential.
Want help shaping your CV?
