IMechE careers workshop
CV Workshop
Presenter’s name
Date/Venue
Improving the world through engineering
www.imeche.org
1
About me!
University course
University and graduation year
Relevant work experience
Current job role
Currently company
Improving the world through engineering
www.imeche.org
2
Content
Writing an effective CV
The Do’s and Don’ts of covering letters
The benefits of Associate membership
Routes to gaining Professional Registration
Improving the world through engineering
www.imeche.org
3
Applications
Two main types of application
Written
Application forms
Covering letter
Verbal
Telephone interviews
Introductions or networking
Both may require a CV to be presented
during the process of application.
Improving the world through engineering
www.imeche.org
4
What is a CV?
A CV is a sales document - you are the
product!
A CV must convince an employer that they
are making an investment, which is likely to
lead to enhanced business.
The investment can be either the
appointment itself or simply the time given
to interview you.
Improving the world through engineering
www.imeche.org
5
Your CV- 1
Think of your CV as your first interview; you rely on
it to do your talking for you.
- 2 sided document (maximum length)
- 12 font, white paper, no gimmicks.
Basic Details – Name, Contact Details, Qualifications,
Employment History.
Personal Qualities - Initiative, Communication,
Leadership, Teamwork, Commercial Acumen, etc.
Professional - Memberships e.g. IMechE or Training.
Improving the world through engineering
www.imeche.org
6
Your CV- 2
Principal job functions a brief description of what each
past job role entailed
Specific Achievements broken down as
Situation -> Action ->Result
Problem ->Timescale ->Benefit
Key attributes linked to achievements may include
Self Motivation
Communication Skills
Initiative
Team building/ Work
Leadership
Improving the world through engineering
www.imeche.org
7
CV Structure
Page One
Name and contact details.
Education - most recent first e.g. Degree, A-levels.
Professional memberships or training e.g. IMechE
Associate, Project Management course, etc.
Page Two
For each previous job: dates of employment, position in
the company, main responsibilities.
Key achievements: Situation - Action - Benefits
Outside interests: hobbies, sport, clubs, etc.
References: where necessary/appropriate, give two most
recent employers if possible.
Improving the world through engineering
www.imeche.org
8
CV Summary
Think of it as your first interview
It’s a sales brochure for you
Comprehensive, detailed and clear
Bullet points instead of long text
Stress your achievements – be truthful
Check grammar & spelling!
Improving the world through engineering
www.imeche.org
9
Covering Letters - 1
A very powerful tool
The only opportunity of introducing yourself formally short
of the interview itself
Provides the link between the company’s need and your
direct experience, qualities and ambitions.
One side of A4 maximum
Indicate where you saw the advert you are responding to.
Refer to the position for which you are applying and state
your suitability for the role.
Improving the world through engineering
www.imeche.org
10
Covering Letters - 2
Explain why you are applying
Demonstrate what you have to offer e.g. relevant work
experience, skills, knowledge and personal qualities
Make it clear how you fit this particular job
Indicate that you can supply any further information
required and your availability for interview
Positive, upbeat closing - “I look forward to hearing from
you in the near future”
Yours sincerely (if addressed to a named person)
Yours faithfully (if the letter is addressed to Sir or Madam)
– avoid if possible.
Improving the world through engineering
www.imeche.org
11
Covering Letter Summary
You are being judged every time you either speak or write
to prospective employers or agents working on their
behalf.
Be concise, clear and friendly in your communication
style. Pay close attention to details, grammar, spelling.
Preparation is key
Useful resources:
University Careers Service
Engineering Opportunities: www.engopps.com
www.prospects.ac.uk
Recruitment Directories
Improving the world through engineering
www.imeche.org
12
Institution Membership
Companies are looking for professional engineering
management for the future
IMechE membership demonstrates you are actively
doing something about your own development
Attend local events, network, ask intelligent
questions, understand what Professional Registration
mean for your career and to your prospective
employers.
Improving the world through engineering
www.imeche.org
13
Professional Registration
Chartered Engineer
Incorporated Engineer
(MEng)
(BEng)
Shows employers that you’ve reached a benchmark
standard of professional competency.
Internationally recognised and sought after.
Acquired though a combination of Academic Qualifications
and Professional Development (work experience).
Professional Development can be monitored through
Professional Development Record (www.pd-how2.org) or
IMechE MPDS.
Improving the world through engineering
www.imeche.org
14
Professional Registration 2
Monitored Professional Development
Scheme
An accredited professional development
programme which many UK companies
actively promote
The eMPDS scheme has a consistently high
success rate; 93% of people on eMPDS go on
to become professionally registered.
Improving the world through engineering
www.imeche.org
15
Questions
Use your membership!
Go along to local events, network with professionals, ask
an intelligent question, get yourself noticed.
Get relevant work experience.
Make sure you understand Professional Registration.
Visit: www.imeche.org/students to stay up to date.
Upgrade to Associate after graduation.
Improving the world through engineering
www.imeche.org
16
IMechE Membership
If you are in your final year and are not currently
receiving the monthly Affiliate newsletter via email, then
you are not an IMechE Affiliate or need to update your
contact details.
Make sure you are an Affiliate by joining now or update
your details as soon as you can; membership is free.
Contact membership@imeche.org
After Graduation you can upgrade to Associate Member
and use the post nominal ‘AMIMechE’ after your name.
IMechE will contact you when you graduate with all the
information you need to upgrade.
Improving the world through engineering
www.imeche.org
17