Engineering

In this article, we’ll walk you through the essentials of creating a CV that not only highlights your technical expertise and project experiences but also positions you as the ideal candidate for your desired role.

We’ll provide practical tips and real examples to help you build a document that stands out in the competitive field of civil engineering. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just starting out, this guide is designed to give you the tools you need to make a strong impression on potential employers.

Read The Job Description / Advert

The first step is, of course, to read the job description. We need to know what the firm is looking for so that we can properly highlight these characteristics in our CV. So read back over the job description and try to pinpoint the important points. A lot of times a firm will call things “required”; if you see this, you need to make sure you include that in your CV. Similarly, if certain things are repeated throughout the advert, this indicates they are of high importance, so we will want to make sure our CV shows that as well.

When performing this analysis, take care to copy the ‘exact’ words and phrases that are being used by the hiring manager. We will want to pepper these into our CV later.

Research The Company

Time to put on your detective hat and do some research on your target company. Look at their website, LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, and other platforms. You are looking for any piece of intel that will give you the leg up.

• Find out about recent work/projects they have undertaken or will be embarking on (highlight your experience in these areas on your CV)
• Find out what software/processes they use and make sure you include your proficiency in them in your CV
• Learn what interview questions you might expect should you make it that far

See if you know anyone who works there and/or connect (LinkedIn) with people ahead of the interview. A little nepotism could never hurt, and you might be able to glean more information about the role/hiring process in the meantime.

Find A Good CV Template

When selecting a CV template, it’s essential to opt for a simple design and structure. Not only are straightforward layouts more compatible with Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS), but they also make it easier for recruiters and hiring managers to quickly identify and understand key details. A clutter-free and organized CV ensures that your most important information stands out, facilitating a smoother review process for potential employers.

This is the CV template that we recommend (click here)

Write 2 Or 3 Bullet Points As A ‘Professional Summary’

A handy approach is to craft three sentences: the first highlighting your qualifications and experience, the second showcasing your biggest professional achievement, and the third detailing your most recent experience.

Detail Your Employment History

Begin by listing your employment history in reverse chronological order, starting with your most recent role. This allows potential employers to see your recent experience upfront, which holds greater value. Keep in mind that brevity is key.

As you go further back in time, reduce the level of detail to ensure your CV doesn’t exceed two pages. Employers are less likely to read lengthy CVs.

When detailing your responsibilities on your CV, focus on how you’ve excelled in those roles, especially as a Civil Engineer. Instead of simply stating “Oversaw infrastructure projects,” you could say, “Led the development and completion of multiple infrastructure projects, including bridges and highways, with a total budget of over $10 million, consistently meeting safety and quality standards.” This approach not only indicates your role in managing significant projects but also emphasizes your success in handling large budgets and adhering to key industry standards. It’s a more effective way to demonstrate your capabilities and achievements to potential employers.

Detail Your Education History

Keep your CV concise, aiming for a two-page limit. The education section can often be streamlined.

Highlight the most relevant qualifications. For instance, if you have a degree, your A-levels become less significant. Similarly, if you’re in the U.S., having an MBA overshadows your high school GPA.

Unless an older educational milestone is crucial for the job or highly pertinent, focus on showcasing your Bachelor’s degree, post-graduate studies, or professional certifications. If you lack these, mention your latest qualifications. Remember, having a Master’s suggests you’ve finished school, so no need to state the obvious. Only include your educational background if it’s pertinent to the job.

CV Structure

Tactically structure your CV to the ‘most wanted’ attributes of the job description. For example, if the job description values “qualified”, then place your qualifications first; if they want someone with RECENT experience, put your last job up top. If they want multiple years of experience, highlight your tenure.

We always recommend that you have a Professional Summary up top (after your name/contact info), as it will be the first thing that anyone reads. As discussed earlier, this should be tailored towards the job advert and showcase your experience and skills in what the employer is looking for.

A fairly typical structure would go:

1. Name and contact info
2. Professional Summary
3. Current (or most recent employment)
4. Education & Professional Qualifications
5. Employment History

WHAT NOT TO DO

Now that we’ve discussed what you should be including in your CV, let’s look at some things that you should avoid doing.

• Do not include personal history or likes. Employers are not going to care about your hobbies, so unless you have some inside information that the hiring manager only hires people who play a particular sport, for example, then leave your extracurricular activities off your CV. This does not extend to things like volunteer or charity work. Definitely include that if you have the space.
• Do not list your skillset and the tools/applications you have experience with. It takes up valuable space and is often obvious (Skilled in Excel…?). Instead, include these in your achievements section (Example: “Used Asana to manage and coordinate tasks for a remote team of 25 members”).
• Do not include references or “references available on request”. If employers want a reference, they will ask you for them; otherwise, this is just wasted space on your CV.
• Do not include a photo of yourself unless specifically asked. In many countries, including the UK and US, you should not include a photo of yourself on your CV/resume. Companies don’t want you to do it, as it opens them up to liability, and there is absolutely nothing for you to gain by doing so – plus, you are making it easier for firms to discriminate against you, either implicitly or explicitly.
• Do not use any fancy graphic or artistic CV format. Most CVs come in a standard format, allowing Application Tracking Software, recruiters and hiring managers to easily pick out the key pieces of information they need quickly based on their experience. If you throw them a CV in an artistic format, they are more likely to get annoyed and throw your application away. This is not a situation where standing out is good. You want your skills/experience to be noted, not your CV format.
• Do not include your previous salaries. This will severely impact your negotiation abilities down the line.

Civil Engineer CV Tips – Recap

Let’s recap what we’ve discussed so far:

Understand the Job Requirements Before you start writing your CV, make sure you thoroughly understand the job you’re applying for. Tailor your CV to highlight the skills and experiences that are most relevant to the job description. This shows employers that you’re not just a skilled Civil Engineer, but also a candidate who pays attention to what they need. 🎯

Highlight Technical Skills As a Civil Engineer, your technical skills are your bread and butter. Clearly list your proficiency in industry-specific software like AutoCAD, Civil 3D, or BIM. Don’t forget to include any additional technical skills that could set you apart, such as GIS expertise or advanced mathematics. 💻

Showcase Your Projects Detail the projects you’ve worked on, especially those that align with the role you’re applying for. Include the scope of the project, your specific responsibilities, and any notable achievements. Quantify your successes with figures like budget sizes, time saved, or efficiency improvements. 🌉

Emphasize Soft Skills While technical prowess is crucial, don’t underestimate the power of soft skills. Demonstrate your ability to communicate effectively, lead teams, and solve problems. These skills are essential in collaborative and dynamic work environments. 🤝

Education and Certifications List your educational background, starting with the most recent. Include any relevant certifications or licenses, such as a Professional Engineer (PE) license. This section validates your technical knowledge and shows your commitment to the profession. 🎓

Keep It Concise A CV should be clear and to the point. Avoid unnecessary jargon and keep your sentences short and impactful. Remember, the goal is to make your CV easy to read and understand. 📄

Proofread and Review Errors on a CV can be a major red flag to employers. Take the time to proofread your CV, or even better, have someone else review it. This ensures that your final document is polished and professional. ✅

Update Regularly Keep your CV updated with any new skills, projects, or achievements. An up-to-date CV is ready to go whenever new opportunities arise. 🔄

Civil Engineer CV Sample

Below is an example CV from someone with a number of years experience in the field. For an editable .DOCX version, click here.

Click here to see page 2…

Whether you’re fresh out of university or a seasoned professional in the field, creating a CV that accurately showcases your skills, experiences, and achievements is your ticket to landing that dream role. But let’s keep it real – writing a CV can be a bit of a puzzle. How do you make sure that your CV doesn’t just blend into the pile but instead, jumps out, grabbing the attention of your future employer? Fret not! This article is your friendly guide through the process, offering practical advice, straightforward tips, and real-world examples to help you navigate through the nuances of CV writing specifically tailored for the world of Biomedical Engineering. Let’s dive in, break it down, and start building a CV that speaks volumes about your capabilities!

Read The Job Description / Advert

The first step is, of course, to read the job description. We need to know what the firm is looking for so that we can properly highlight these characteristics in our CV. So read back over the job description and try to pinpoint the important points. A lot of times a firm will call things “required”; if you see this, you need to make sure you include that in your CV. Similarly, if certain things are repeated throughout the advert, this indicates they are of high importance, so we will want to make sure our CV shows that as well.

When performing this analysis, take care to copy the ‘exact’ words and phrases that are being used by the hiring manager. We will want to pepper these into our CV later.

Biomedical Engineer Job Description Example

Research The Company

Time to put on your detective hat and do some research on your target company. Look at their website, LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, and other platforms. You are looking for any piece of intel that will give you the leg up.

• Find out about recent work/projects they have undertaken or will be embarking on (highlight your experience in these areas on your CV)
• Find out what software/processes they use and make sure you include your proficiency in them in your CV
• Learn what interview questions you might expect should you make it that far

See if you know anyone who works there and/or connect (LinkedIn) with people ahead of the interview. A little nepotism could never hurt, and you might be able to glean more information about the role/hiring process in the meantime.

Find A Good CV Template

When selecting a CV template, it’s essential to opt for a simple design and structure. Not only are straightforward layouts more compatible with Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS), but they also make it easier for recruiters and hiring managers to quickly identify and understand key details. A clutter-free and organized CV ensures that your most important information stands out, facilitating a smoother review process for potential employers.

This is the CV template that we recommend (click here)

Write 2 Or 3 Bullet Points As A ‘Professional Summary’

A handy approach is to craft three sentences: the first highlighting your qualifications and experience, the second showcasing your biggest professional achievement, and the third detailing your most recent experience.

Biomedical Engineer Professional Summary Example

• Boasting a robust 10-year career in biomedical engineering, with a Master’s degree in Biomedical Engineering and a specialization in Medical Imaging, expertise has been meticulously honed in both the practical and theoretical realms, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of the field, from device development to regulatory compliance, and a proven track record of bridging the gap between medical and engineering disciplines to facilitate innovative solutions.
• Spearheaded the development and launch of a pioneering cardiac monitoring device at MedTech Innovations, which utilized cutting-edge IoT technology to enable real-time remote monitoring of patients, resulting in a 35% reduction in hospital readmissions related to cardiac events within the first year of implementation, and securing a prestigious industry award for innovation in medical technology.
• Recently, as the Lead Biomedical Engineer at HealthTech Global, managed a dynamic team of engineers in the development of a novel artificial limb technology, overseeing the project from initial concept through to FDA approval and market launch, while managing a budget exceeding $3 million and ensuring stringent adherence to all regulatory and compliance standards, contributing to a 20% increase in company market share within the prosthetics segment.

Detail Your Employment History

Begin by listing your employment history in reverse chronological order, starting with your most recent role. This allows potential employers to see your recent experience upfront, which holds greater value. Keep in mind that brevity is key.

As you go further back in time, reduce the level of detail to ensure your CV doesn’t exceed two pages. Employers are less likely to read lengthy CVs.

When jotting down your responsibilities on your CV, especially as a Biomedical Engineer, make it a point to weave your achievements into the narrative. Instead of merely stating your duties, like “Handled device design”, try to add some flair and specifics to it. For example, you might say “Designed and developed a patient monitoring device that reduced data retrieval time by 30%, enhancing patient care and efficiency”. This not only tells your potential employer what you did but also showcases the positive impact of your work, giving a glimpse into your expertise in handling projects that improve healthcare outcomes. So, remember, don’t just tell them what you did; show them how well you did it!

Detail Your Education History

Keep your CV concise, aiming for a two-page limit. The education section can often be streamlined.

Highlight the most relevant qualifications. For instance, if you have a degree, your A-levels become less significant. Similarly, if you’re in the U.S., having an MBA overshadows your high school GPA.

Unless an older educational milestone is crucial for the job or highly pertinent, focus on showcasing your Bachelor’s degree, post-graduate studies, or professional certifications. If you lack these, mention your latest qualifications. Remember, having a Master’s suggests you’ve finished school, so no need to state the obvious. Only include your educational background if it’s pertinent to the job.

CV Structure

Tactically structure your CV to the ‘most wanted’ attributes of the job description. For example, if the job description values “qualified”, then place your qualifications first; if they want someone with RECENT experience, put your last job up top. If they want multiple years of experience, highlight your tenure.

We always recommend that you have a Professional Summary up top (after your name/contact info), as it will be the first thing that anyone reads. As discussed earlier, this should be tailored towards the job advert and showcase your experience and skills in what the employer is looking for.

A fairly typical structure would go:

1. Name and contact info
2. Professional Summary
3. Current (or most recent employment)
4. Education & Professional Qualifications
5. Employment History

WHAT NOT TO DO

Now that we’ve discussed what you should be including in your CV, let’s look at some things that you should avoid doing.

• Do not include personal history or likes. Employers are not going to care about your hobbies, so unless you have some inside information that the hiring manager only hires people who play a particular sport, for example, then leave your extracurricular activities off your CV. This does not extend to things like volunteer or charity work. Definitely include that if you have the space.
• Do not list your skillset and the tools/applications you have experience with. It takes up valuable space and is often obvious (Skilled in Excel…?). Instead, include these in your achievements section (Example: “Used Asana to manage and coordinate tasks for a remote team of 25 members”).
• Do not include references or “references available on request”. If employers want a reference, they will ask you for them; otherwise, this is just wasted space on your CV.
• Do not include a photo of yourself unless specifically asked. In many countries, including the UK and US, you should not include a photo of yourself on your CV/resume. Companies don’t want you to do it, as it opens them up to liability, and there is absolutely nothing for you to gain by doing so – plus, you are making it easier for firms to discriminate against you, either implicitly or explicitly.
• Do not use any fancy graphic or artistic CV format. Most CVs come in a standard format, allowing Application Tracking Software, recruiters and hiring managers to easily pick out the key pieces of information they need quickly based on their experience. If you throw them a CV in an artistic format, they are more likely to get annoyed and throw your application away. This is not a situation where standing out is good. You want your skills/experience to be noted, not your CV format.
• Do not include your previous salaries. This will severely impact your negotiation abilities down the line.

Biomedical Engineer CV Tips – Recap

1. Highlight Your Technical Skills 🛠️

Don’t just list your skills; provide context on how you’ve applied them in your projects or roles. Mention specific software, methodologies, or apparatus you’re proficient with, and give examples of how you used them to drive results in your projects.

2. Showcase Your Achievements 🏆

When detailing your work experience, ensure that your achievements take the spotlight. Instead of merely listing responsibilities, weave in your accomplishments and the tangible impact they had. For instance, if you improved a device’s efficiency, mention the percentage of improvement and its positive outcomes.

3. Tailor Your CV to the Job 🎯

Ensure your CV speaks directly to the role you’re applying for by emphasizing the experiences and skills that align with the job description. Use keywords from the job listing and match them with your experiences, ensuring your CV resonates with the specific position.

4. Include Relevant Projects 🔄

Detail projects you’ve worked on, especially those that align with the position you’re applying for. Mention your role, the outcomes, and technologies used, showcasing your hands-on experience in the field.

5. Mention Regulatory and Compliance Knowledge 📜

Biomedical Engineers often deal with regulatory and compliance aspects. Highlight your experience in navigating through regulatory standards (like FDA, ISO, etc.) and ensuring product compliance, showcasing your understanding of the legal and ethical landscape.

6. Add a Dash of Soft Skills 🤝

While technical knowledge is crucial, don’t forget to highlight your soft skills. Mention experiences that showcase your teamwork, communication, and problem-solving skills, providing a holistic view of your capabilities.

7. Keep It Concise and Clean ✨

Ensure your CV is easy to read and digest. Use clear headings, bullet points, and avoid jargon. Keep it concise, ensuring every word adds value and paints a clear picture of your expertise and experiences.

8. Proofread, Proofread, Proofread 🧐

A CV with typos or grammatical errors can be a dealbreaker. Ensure yours is polished and professional by thoroughly proofreading it, and consider asking a colleague or mentor to review it as well.

Biomedical Engineer CV Sample

Below is an example CV from someone with a number of years experience in the field. For an editable .DOCX version, click here.

Click here to see page 2…