Engineering CV Tips. What Recruiters Want to See.

These proven tips come straight from aerospace recruiters who hire engineers for some of the world’s most exciting space and engineering projects. Whether you’re an entry-level engineer or a senior professional, applying these techniques will help your resume stand out.

Start by Defining Your Ideal Employer

Before you start sending applications, reverse the process: think first about the companies that best match your values, skills, and career goals. Ask yourself:

• What size and type of company would you thrive in?
• Which values and culture are important to you?
• Are there deal-breakers you cannot compromise on?

Defining this will help you identify target companies where you’ll feel motivated and satisfied long-term.

Recruiters Only Spend 10–20 Seconds on a CV

Your resume needs to immediately communicate why you’re a strong match. Aerospace and engineering recruiters often review hundreds of CVs a week. You have seconds to make an impression.

Create a Strong, Targeted Resume

Every engineering specialty is different, but these universal principles apply:

1. Write a Clear Career Summary

At the top of your CV, write 3–5 concise sentences outlining your most relevant accomplishments, your career focus, and key technical skills (including software, tools, or coding languages you specialize in).

2. Prioritize Relevant Experience

List the most relevant experience for the position first. Less relevant experience can be listed later under “Other Experience.” Structure each role with:

• A brief intro to the company and your role.
• Bullet points showcasing your responsibilities and achievements.
• Quantifiable accomplishments where possible (e.g., “Improved thermal efficiency by 18%”).

3. Be Precise and Impact-Focused

Keep descriptions tight and focused. Recruiters value candidates who can communicate complex experience concisely. Every line should answer: “Does this convince a hiring manager to interview me?”

4. Address Career Gaps

Do not leave gaps unexplained. Highlight any professional development, personal projects, volunteer work, certifications, or travel that built transferable skills during that time.

5. Add Unique Personal Touches

Recruiters appreciate seeing soft skills and individuality. If space permits, add non-work activities that show discipline, determination, or teamwork — for example, “Marathon runner”, “Open-source contributor”, or “Amateur pilot”.

Additional 2025 Best Practices

Use PDF Format

Always send your resume as a PDF to preserve formatting. Word files can shift fonts or layouts unpredictably on different devices.

Keep It ATS-Friendly

Avoid overly designed layouts, tables, or graphics that confuse Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS). Stick to simple section headers, bullet points, and clean fonts.

Consider AI Resume Optimization

Before applying, test your resume with online AI-powered resume scanners (like Jobscan) to check for keyword alignment and formatting issues.

Include Online Profiles

In 2025, recruiters almost always check LinkedIn and personal portfolios. Include your LinkedIn URL and links to any online portfolio, GitHub, or project showcases.

Final Thought

A great resume is precise, tailored, and easy to scan. Your goal is to show recruiters that you can solve problems and deliver results. Combine technical expertise with clear communication, and your application will stand out from the crowd.