Mechanical Engineer CV Example & Writing Guide

Both literally and figuratively, the dynamics of a mechanical engineering career are driven by many moving parts. Whenever new opportunities arise in this innovatively diverse field, the power of an outstanding mechanical engineer CV should never be underestimated. 

But if CV engineering is not second nature, you’re in the right place for help. Resume.io continues building its vast collection of job search resources, including 350+ occupation-specific CV examples and accompanying writing guides.

The guide you’re reading now is paired with a mechanical engineer CV example you can adapt for your own use. One writing step at a time, our advice covers these topics:

• What does a mechanical engineer do?
• How to write a mechanical engineer CV — structural basics, best format, and general guidelines
• Building a solid hiring case in each CV section — header, profile, employment history, skills, and education
• Tips for a visually successful CV.

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How to write a CV

Knowing how to write a CV takes effort, but we help break down the mystery. Take a look at this detailed guide to learn more about how to structure, write, and design a job-winning CV.

What does a mechanical engineer do?

Before we look at how you can create an interview-winning CV, let’s delve into what the job entails. Mechanical engineers are responsible for designing large-scale machines. These may include air-con systems, mass refrigerators, elevators, escalators, and even combustion engines. While they tend to work in offices, mechanical engineers may also carry out site visits to fix and maintain the machines.

How to write a mechanical engineer CV

The mechanics of an efficient and effective CV are simple to master. Structurally, it should include these components, all fitting on a single page:  

• Header
• Profile
• Employment history section
• Education section
• Skills section

Before getting to our specific writing tips for each CV section, here is some vital general advice.

 

Your CV should be custom-engineered to match each new job application. In every instance, your ability to target the employer’s exact specs and expectations is a pivotal success factor. Scrutinise the posted job ad several times to get your CV content and wording exactly right. 

This also enables you to identify keywords and phrases to incorporate verbatim. It’s the best safeguard against rejection by an applicant tracking system (ATS), which employers commonly use to screen CVs submitted online.

Choosing the best CV format for a mechanical engineer

The best CV format for any job seeker depends on the career story needing to be told. For the majority in most occupations, recruiters prefer the traditional reverse chronological CV format. This gives them the clearest picture of your progressive work experience over time, putting your most recent and advanced qualifications ahead of the rest. 

Other CV formats may be suitable for mechanical engineers who are self-employed as consultants, new to the workforce, or making a career change. A functional CV puts more emphasis on the transferable skills in your toolbox, rather than where you worked. The versatile hybrid (combination) CV format includes both chronological and functional elements.

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Best CV format 2024 (+ UK examples)

Your CV format will dictate which parts of your CV will stand out to an employer.

CV header

The first impression that recruiters will have of your mechanical engineering CV is visual, so make sure it’s memorable with a distinctive header design. This sets you apart from other applicants by prominently displaying your identifying details for hiring managers to notice and retrieve quickly. Include your name, occupation or job title, email, phone number and city. Be sure to add your LinkedIn profile URL and any other relevant professional weblinks.

CV summary example

Every word counts in this succinct synopsis of your worthiness as the best mechanical engineer hire. An attention-grabbing CV profile  — sometimes called the summary or personal statement — should intrigue hiring managers enough to keep reading for more details or even feel confident enough shortlisting you straight away for an interview.

Carefully choose the most dynamic action verbs and modifiers to craft three or four sentences highlighting your career experience and qualifications. Let your personality and passion come across with your professionalism. 

Below is a mechanical engineer CV profile example you can customise.

Employment history sample

Reward recruiters here with details backing up your CV profile. This section consists of results-driven statements — each led by a dynamic action verb — showcasing your most impressive contributions in relevant mechanical engineer roles. 

Take the employer’s perspective in bridging your past accomplishments and potential value to the hiring organisation. Revisit the posted job ad for direction in specifying the technologies, processes, and tools that reflect your most highly sought expertise and experience. 

Frame each description of key responsibilities and duties in quantifiable terms, citing successful project deliveries, efficiency improvements, cost savings, and other advantageous outcomes.

Below is a mechanical engineer employment history CV sample you can modify

CV skills example

Again, it’s essential to custom-tailor the list of key skills on your mechanical engineer CV to the target job application. Include all of the hard skills stipulated in the posted requirements, indicating proficiency levels if requested. 

Be sure not to overlook any relevant soft skills that could give you an edge over other technically qualified job contenders. This sets the stage for answering interview questions about your key strengths in relation to interpersonal, analytical, conceptual, and time management skills. 

Check out a mechanical engineer CV sample for the skills section below.

Mechanical engineer CV education example

The education section of your mechanical engineer CV provides an overview of your academic background, including:

• Degrees: List these in reverse chronological order, from highest to lowest level
• Graduation from relevant programmes at other postsecondary institutions
• Courses and training completed on the job or on your own, in person or online
• Relevant honours, awards, and certifications
• Professional association memberships
• Workshop or conference participation.

Below is the education section from our mechanical engineer CV example.

CV layout and design

A mechanically sound CV document will be professionally polished on all visual counts, starting with a layout that’s impeccably clean, streamlined and orderly. 

Reader-friendliness is further assured with ample white space — use the default one-inch margin settings and adjust line and paragraph spacing accordingly. Legibility should dictate your choice of just two compatible font styles, one for body text and the other for header text and section titles. Graphic elements and colour splashes are fine if used sparingly.

Key takeaways

1. Robust employment growth for mechanical engineers in the UK makes it essential to  ensure your CV is in top form.
2. With no two mechanical engineering roles being exactly alike, your CV should be carefully custom-tailored to each specific job application.
3. The more extensive your qualifications in measuring up to the mechanical engineering job requirements, the more laser-focused your CV should be in pinpointing what’s most relevant in the profile, employment history and skills sections.
4. Be sure not to overlook the value of soft skills in a mechanical engineering role, perhaps giving you an edge over other qualified candidates who over-emphasise their technical expertise.
5. Using one of Resume.io’s ready-made CV templates is a failsafe way to achieve high-quality visual results.