Three ways to nail your CV and cover letter

Paul Gibbens, Director of engineering at recruitment agency Hays, shares his top three tips for writing an engineering CV and cover letter.

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Writing a winning CV and cover letter can feel like an overwhelming task, especially if your dream engineering role is at stake. There is so much advice out there when it comes to CV and cover letter dos and don’ts, but I believe there are three factors you should prioritise in order to master your application:

Start with the structure

Ensure your CV and cover letter have a clear and logical layout so the hiring manager can find the information they’re looking for quickly and easily. A well thought out structure reflects the time and effort you put into your application and helps paint the picture that you are an organised person. 

For your CV, put your contact information at the top, then write a personal statement to summarise what you can bring to the organisation that makes you stand out from the crowd. Next, list your transferable skills, followed by your education, qualifications and professional experience, in chronological order from most recent. Finally, offer to provide references upon request. 

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