Busy putting together your engineering CV for an apprenticeship, graduate job or the next stage in your engineering career? Then you’ll know you need something extra special to show you deserve a place in the spotlight.
Thankfully, none other than Elvis had this all mapped out for us when he sang Blue Suede Shoes.
Yes, the rock ’n’ roll classic can guide you all the way to that interview.
So let’s sing with the King and learn how to land the best jobs in engineering with a CV that shines.
‘Well, it’s one for the money’
Your CV is your ticket to a rewarding career. It’s also an opportunity to show, as well as being a star performer in engineering, you’re a member of the band. Being a good team player has grown in importance as engineering firms increasingly choose to introduce specialists from areas such as R&D, product development and marketing into the mix. Team playing and good communication are gold stars on your CV.
‘Two for the show’
Yes, it’s showtime! While your fellow candidates may believe engineering is all about qualifications and just getting the job done, you know creativity is a skill that will help not only land this job but allow you to shine. So make sure your CV lists examples of creative thinking – whether designing buildings or bridges or enjoying a hobby.
‘Three to get ready’
Being ready means always having the important facts and figures to hand. This means showcasing you have a head for data is a must in any engineering CV. The ability to process info and come up with a solution is one of the most important tools in the engineer’s bag of tricks – make sure your CV includes instances that show you have it.
‘Now go, cat, go!’
HR professionals call them soft skills. Your potential new boss thinks of them simply as the qualities that make a good fit for the company.
Yes, we’re talking about your personality traits.
When a shortlist of ten candidates all share the same qualifications and experience, it could be your outgoing nature, saintly patience or ability to engage positively with others that wins the day.
So make sure your CV describes your passions outside engineering and you really are good to go.
One final piece of advice when you land that interview. Don’t step on anyone’s blue suede shoes!
Elvis has left the building . . . but s1jobs is still here with the best Engineering vacancies.