How to write a mechanical engineering CV this year

Mechanical engineers are always in demand, but to outdo the competition, write a compelling CV by adding these hard and soft skills and using these tips.

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Table of Contents

  1. Mechanical engineering CV example
  2. Recommendations for writing a mechanical engineering CV
  3. What is a mechanical engineer?
  4. What are the key skills to feature on a mechanical engineering CV?
  5. Four steps to write a captivating mechanical engineering CV
  6. FAQ: Mechanical engineering CV

Mechanical engineering CV example

Mechanical Engineering Resume Example

Recommendations for writing a mechanical engineering CV

Although it seems like mechanical engineering jobs are offered everywhere you look, actually landing one is not that easy. You need to create an eye-catching CV that will make your recruitment process as easy as possible. In this article, you will find out:

  • What exactly the role of a mechanical engineer is
  • Which skills you must list on your mechanical engineer CV
  • How to write the best possible CV with tips and examples

What is a mechanical engineer?

Mechanical engineers design, manufacture and test various power-using and power-producing machines, from generators and gas turbines to air-conditioners and escalators. During your job search, you may see mechanical engineer postings for these job titles: 

  • Mechanical design specialists
  • Design engineer
  • Product design engineer
  • Automotive engineer
  • AutoCAD technician
  • Product development engineer

What are the key skills to feature on a mechanical engineering CV?

The skills section of a mechanical engineer should feature both soft skills and hard skills. Soft skills may include:

  • Problem-solving skills
  • Attention to detail
  • Teamwork
  • Project management skills

Hard skills for a mechanical engineer CV may include:

  • AutoCAD and other programmes for technical drawings
  • Microsoft Office
  • Mechanical Skills
  • Mathematics
  • SolidWorks
  • Programmes for designing prototypes

Four steps to write a captivating mechanical engineering CV

  • Create a professional CV that will target a specific job

The perfect CV will be one that is tailored for the job posting to which you are applying. Different jobs may require different proficiencies and technical skills. Mechanical engineering can have a variety of speciality fields, such as automotive engineering or mechanical design. During your job search, creating a new CV for each job can enhance your chances of being called for an interview. The CVHelp CV Builder can help you create a new CV in just minutes.

  • Optimise your CV with appropriate keywords

Use key words from the job description to describe your technical skills and work experience. Your workflow may have been different at a previous job, but matching keywords to describe your tasks can help the hiring manager see how you would be a good fit for the position.

The hiring manager may use an applicant tracking system (ATS), a software that automatically sorts CVs. Your CV will have a much higher chance of making it through the ATS process if you optimise it for keywords. The following terms may be referring to the same elements that may overlap in some areas. Optimise your CV by using the words as they are in the job posting. Here are some optimisation examples:

  • Mechanical design of new products vs. product design
  • Microsoft Office vs. Microsoft Excel
  • AutoCAD prototypes designer vs. CAD engineer
  • Ditch any unrelated work experiences

Try to keep your work experience related to the field of mechanical engineering. The exception is if you don’t have many years of experience in the field. In this case, use the experience you have but tailor it to the job posting. This may be internships, volunteer experience, or academic work. Draw a comparison between your day-to-day tasks in your previous work and the job for which you are applying.

  • Keep your CV short (one-page max)

You can use your cover letter to personalise your job application further for the hiring manager. Keep your CV to one page so it is easy to read. Use bullet points to describe tasks, responsibilities, and key technical skills. If you find it difficult to fit all of the professional experience or projects you want to display on your CV, you can always include a link to your LinkedIn profile. You can place your LinkedIn information with your other contact information at the top of your CV in the header.

FAQ: Mechanical engineering CV

Q: How do I write a mechanical engineering CV if I have no experience in the field?

If you don’t have many years of experience, you can still write a great mechanical engineering CV. When applying to an entry-level job, you can highlight mechanical engineer skills you may have acquired in school or internships. When listing your skills and experiences, use key words from the job posting. Items you can add to your CV that will impress recruiters are:

    • A Bachelor’s degree, such as a bachelor of science, in a related field
    • Technical skills and proficiencies
    • Certifications for relevant programmes such as MATLAB or AutoCAD
    • Volunteer work experience
    • Mechanical design projects you contributed to

Q: What must a mechanical engineering CV include?

A mechanical engineering CV should include the following seven sections:

  • Contact information in the header at the top of your CV
  • Professional summary or career objective
  • Soft skills and hard skills
  • Experience section
  • Education section
  • Achievements and awards
  • Certifications

You can customise each section according to the job posting of the position for which you are applying.

Q: What are some of the top examples of a mechanical engineering CV?

It can be helpful to look at examples of complete CVs for mechanical engineering jobs when writing your own. You can get inspiration for format and content from mechanical engineering CV examples. Recruiters will be comparing your CV to others in the same field, so it’s helpful to have a basis for comparison. Here are some examples of engineering CVs from CVHelp.

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