Mechanical Engineering CV Examples & Guide for 2025

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

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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

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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

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• 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 – you can check our engineering cover letter examples for inspiration. 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.

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