Whether you're fresh out of university or a seasoned professional looking for your next challenge, engineering roles are as competitive as ever. And despite your technical know-how or experience, your CV is still the first impression you make. In my years as a specialist engineering recruiter, I've seen countless CVs cross my desk, some brilliant, others that miss the mark despite clearly capable candidates behind them.
Hiring managers are often short on time and heavy on expectations. They want to find the right candidate quickly and confidently. So what actually stands out to them?
Let me share the five things that engineering hiring managers genuinely want to see on your CV.
1. Clear, Concise Technical Proficiency
Hiring managers want to know exactly what tools, software, and systems you can work with. Instead of just listing "AutoCAD" or "SolidWorks," show the depth of your experience.
What to do:
- Create a "Technical Skills" section near the top of your CV.
- Group your skills into categories (e.g., CAD Software, Programming Languages, Manufacturing Processes).
- If you're highly proficient or certified in a specific tool, state it.
Example:
CAD Software: Advanced AutoCAD (10+ years), SolidWorks (Certified), Revit (Basic)
Hiring managers aren’t just ticking boxes they’re looking to see how well your skills align with the tools used on-site or in the design office.
2. Quantified Achievements, Not Just Duties
This is probably the most overlooked CV improvement I recommend. Listing your responsibilities is fine, but what hiring managers really want is impact. What did you achieve, and how did it benefit the project or business?
What to do:
- Use metrics or KPIs wherever possible.
- Talk about cost savings, time reductions, improved efficiencies, or innovations.
- Highlight successful projects and your contribution.
Example:
Reduced assembly line downtime by 22% through redesign of mechanical fixture, improving output by 18% within six months.
This gives context and demonstrates how you’ll add value in their team.
3. Career Progression and Stability
Hiring managers want to see a logical progression through your career. Gaps, frequent job-hopping, or lateral moves without context can raise eyebrows. That said, we know engineering careers can be complex.
What to do:
- Show increasing responsibility, even if your job title didn’t change.
- Use short summaries to explain reasons for career moves, if needed.
- Include contract roles as such and explain project-based work.
Example:
Promoted from Junior Mechanical Engineer to Project Lead within two years due to consistent on-time delivery of high-priority projects.
The idea is to paint a picture of someone who's not just capable, but trustworthy and likely to stick around.
4. Soft Skills With Real-World Context
Yes, engineering is a technical field, but collaboration, leadership, and communication are just as important especially for senior roles. Hiring managers want to see how you function within teams and organisations.
What to do:
- Include soft skills in your professional summary and under each role.
- Give real examples: "Led a cross-functional team..." or "Presented findings to board-level stakeholders..."
- Avoid vague phrases like "team player" unless you can back them up.
Example:
Managed a multidisciplinary team of 8 across engineering, procurement, and manufacturing to deliver a new product line within a 14-week deadline.
Showing soft skills with context helps hiring managers picture you fitting into their team.
5. Tailored Content for the Role You're Applying For
Hiring managers can spot a generic CV a mile off. Even if your experience is solid, a one-size-fits-all approach can undersell your strengths.
What to do:
- Tweak your CV for each application.
- Mirror keywords and language from the job description.
- Highlight the most relevant experience at the top of each section.
Example: If the job description prioritises "design for manufacturability," ensure you showcase experience where you reduced production costs through design iterations.
Tailoring your CV isn't about rewriting it each time, it's about focusing it.
What This Means for the Recruitment Services Industry
As recruiters, we act as a bridge between client expectations and candidate capabilities. Helping engineers improve their CVs isn’t just an add-on—it's become a crucial part of the service we offer. And here's why:
- Clients are demanding more refined shortlists. They want candidates who don’t just tick technical boxes but align with team dynamics and business goals.
- Candidates often undersell themselves. Even the most qualified engineers might not present their value effectively on paper.
- The recruiter’s role is evolving. It’s no longer just about matching keywords it’s about coaching, advising, and helping candidates stand out in a crowded market.
This shift represents a huge opportunity for recruitment firms that genuinely invest in candidate experience. CV feedback, interview prep, and career consultation are now key differentiators.
At Premier Group, we take pride in not just placing candidates but empowering them. Whether it's a quick CV tweak or an in-depth consultation, we believe better-prepared candidates lead to better hires for everyone.
Final Thoughts
Your CV is your personal pitch. Make it clear, focused, and full of evidence that you’re the right engineer for the job. As recruiters, we’re here to help you get there.
If you're looking for your next engineering role or just want some advice on how to sharpen up your CV, feel free to connect me today.
Let's get you in front of the right hiring managers - with a CV that does you justice.
kfarrington@pg-rec.com
