cover letter for railway engineer

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Railway Engineer Cover Letter Sample

Kick-start your career & learn creative tricks to use in your new cover letter with this professionally written Railway Engineer cover letter sample. Copy-paste this cover letter example for free or customize it inside our easy-to-use cover letter creator.

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Railway Engineer Cover Letter Sample (Full Text Version)

Jonathan Copplestone

Dear Hiring Managers,

I was pleased to discover that you are seeking to fulfill the Railway Engineer position within FERRY International, LLC as I believe that my qualifications make me a perfect candidate for the role. Moreover, I am confident that it would be the opportunity of a lifetime for me to apply my expertise and further grow both professionally and as a person.

As stated in my enclosed resume, I worked as a Railway Engineer at NJ Transit, Inc. for more than 4 years. There, I spent most of my time completing key electrical rail signal designs, producing detailed technical plans and drawings, and coordinating multiple railway projects from start to finish. Additionally, I supervised 20+ employees, generated reports, and executed multiple administrative duties as required. Throughout the years, I have proved numerous times that I am an effective leader and team player with exceptional problem-solving skills and the ability to perform well under pressure. What is more, I have won the Employee of the Month Award twice for finishing all tasks and projects within budget and in a timely manner.

On top of my experience, I am the University of Leicester graduate with a bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering. At the university, I was among the top 1% of students with the best academic results and I also represented the school at multiple international engineering competitions. Finally, I am experienced with all software programs necessary for the role, for instance, MS Office, Catia, and ATP/ATO Systems. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions on my career history and qualities. I can be reached in confidentiality at 555-555-5555 or via email at [email protected]. Thank you for your time and consideration and I look forward to speaking with you in the near future.

Kind regards,

Milan Šaržík, CPRW

Milan’s work-life has been centered around job search for the past three years. He is a Certified Professional Résumé Writer (CPRW™) as well as an active member of the Professional Association of Résumé Writers & Careers Coaches (PARWCC™). Milan holds a record for creating the most career document samples for our help center – until today, he has written more than 500 resumes and cover letters for positions across various industries. On top of that, Milan has completed studies at multiple well-known institutions, including Harvard University, University of Glasgow, and Frankfurt School of Finance and Management.

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Rail Engineer Cover Letter

15 rail engineer cover letter templates.

How to Write the Rail Engineer Cover Letter

Please consider me for the rail engineer opportunity. I am including my resume that lists my qualifications and experience.

In the previous role, I was responsible for detailed design work across a broad range of projects within Civil engineering, transport, planning and related areas.

Please consider my qualifications and experience:

• Safety analysis and assurance
• Behavioural/operational concept/RAMS modelling
• Through life cost modelling
• Risk assessment (both technical and project)
• Other system/engineering activities – EMC, HF, configuration control
• Deliver Systems Engineering for major infrastructure projects
• Work with industry leading organisations to drive technical programme development – including complex thinking, problem definition and thought facilitation
• Engage with stakeholders, including direct clients and otherwise, to ensure that their needs are understood and shaping our services in response

I really appreciate you taking the time to review my application for the position of rail engineer.

• Microsoft Word (.docx) .DOCX
• PDF Document (.pdf) .PDF
• Image File (.png) .PNG

Responsibilities for Rail Engineer Cover Letter

Rail engineer responsible for conceptual planning, detailed design, technical report writing, production for civil assignment on a wide variety of projects that will include site civil design, drainage, grading, roadway, municipal infrastructure, utilities, horizontal and vertical control, and associated general civil engineering needs;.

Rail Engineer Examples

Example of rail engineer cover letter.

Previously, I was responsible for technical advice and assistance to other Engineering elements on problems pertaining to design, construction, and maintenance of Civil Works Projects for using Design Memoranda or other reports.

Please consider my experience and qualifications for this position:

• Technically govern the delivery of other projects
• Drive the development and sharing of knowledge across the team
• Actively lead business development and bidding opportunities
• Experienced in the use of rail standards, such as Network Rail, Railway Group Standards the relevant British Standards and Eurocodes
• Chartered Engineer (or working towards) and member of a professional institution IET/CIBSE
• Experience of working on a variety of projects as a senior Engineer with some experience of dealing directly with clients
• Good understanding of civil/structural engineering principles
• Competent in the use Microsoft Office

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Zion Paucek

In my previous role, I was responsible for civil engineering and design support for dams, landfills, mining projects, and power projects.

I reviewed the requirements of the job opening and I believe my candidacy is an excellent fit for this position. Some of the key requirements that I have extensive experience with include:

• BSc/Msc in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering or related discipline
• Sound understanding of the CBTC (Communications Based Train Control) concept
• Familiarity with the CENELEC standards (EN 50124, EN 50126, EN 50128, EN 50159)
• Chartered Engineer through the Institution of Civil Engineers or the Institution of Structural Engineers
• Significant post graduate experience of the railway infrastructure design and construction
• Detailed design experience of railway structures and their interfaces with permanent way, track drainage, OLE and third rail electrification and other lineside equipment
• Experience of the inspection, assessment and maintenance of rail bridges and other railway structures
• Excellent knowledge of Network Rail standards

Thank you for taking your time to review my application.

Emerson Turcotte

I submit this application to express my sincere interest in the rail engineer position.

Previously, I was responsible for conceptual design and engineering for assigned projects, and oversee the development of mechanical design and construction documents for issuance of Contractor bid packages.

• Working towards Professional Qualification with Institution of Civil Engineers
• Experience within the Rail Industry and understanding of Network Rail Codes and Standards
• Signalling accreditation/licence
• A broad range of signalling technical skills in the field of rail engineering consultancy
• A proven track record in working on and leading multidisciplinary rail projects, across the project lifecycle
• Extensive expertise in stakeholder consultation and management
• Prefer experience in both electrical in mechanical engineering
• Able to read/understand wiring schematics

Thank you in advance for reviewing my candidacy for this position.

Gray Maggio

In the previous role, I was responsible for senior level technical expertise on all project aspects associated with conceptual engineering, detailed engineering design, and preparation of contracts for construction.

My experience is an excellent fit for the list of requirements in this job:

• Able to translate material requirements from wiring schematics
• Good communication skills (Will work directly with our customers and all levels of the business)
• Coordinate the planning and environmental process
• Serve as Project Manager on larger projects as needed
• Proven experience in a similar role in the Rail Technology discipline area
• Experienced in leading major technical advisory projects in the Systems Engineering discipline area
• Experience with embedded real-time applications, and familiarity with multi-threading
• Knowledge of the testing methods

Reese Koelpin

I am excited to be applying for the position of rail engineer. Please accept this letter and the attached resume as my interest in this position.

In my previous role, I was responsible for civil engineering design responsibilities for assigned work packages.

• Experience of Network Rail design and technical approval processes eg GRIP process
• At least one previous summer design internship on transportation, and or rail is preferred
• Knowledgeable about analyzing and implementing protocols
• Creating Linux software packages (RPM and Debian)
• Worked with Railroad customers to develop requirements
• Is fluent with IBMs RTC environment
• Good knowledge of standard system engineering processes (V-life cycle approach)
• Railway industry experience desirable, including exposure to safety critical ATP/ATC solutions based on ETCS/CBTC standards

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Railroad Engineer Cover Letter Examples & Writing Tips

Use these Railroad Engineer cover letter examples and writing tips to help you write a powerful cover letter that will separate you from the competition.

Table Of Contents

• Railroad Engineer Example 1
• Railroad Engineer Example 2
• Railroad Engineer Example 3
• Cover Letter Writing Tips

Railroad engineers are responsible for the safe and efficient operation of trains. They must be able to work under pressure and be able to make quick decisions.

In order to be considered for a railroad engineer position, you’ll need to submit a well-written cover letter. Use these examples and tips to learn how to write a cover letter that will help you get the job.

Railroad Engineer Cover Letter Example 1

I am excited to be applying for the Railroad Engineer position at Rail Corp. I have more than 10 years of experience in the railroad industry and I possess the skills and qualifications you are looking for. I am confident that I would be an excellent addition to your team.

I have experience in all aspects of railroad engineering, from track maintenance to locomotive operations. I am also familiar with the latest safety regulations and procedures. I am a motivated and safety-conscious individual who takes pride in my work. I am always looking for ways to improve efficiency and safety on the railroad.

I am a team player who is able to work well under pressure. I am also comfortable working independently. I have a strong work ethic and I am always willing to go the extra mile to get the job done.

I am confident that I have the skills and qualifications you are looking for. I hope to have the opportunity to discuss my qualifications further with you in the near future. Thank you for your time and consideration.

Railroad Engineer Cover Letter Example 2

I am writing to apply for the Railroad Engineer position that was recently advertised on the company website. I am confident that I have the skills and qualifications that you are looking for, and I am eager to put my experience to work for your organization.

I have been working as a Railroad Engineer for the past three years and have gained a wealth of experience in the field. I am knowledgeable in all aspects of railroad engineering, from track maintenance to train operations. I am also familiar with federal and state regulations governing the railroad industry.

I am a hardworking and motivated individual who always strives to achieve the best results. I have a track record of success in the railroad industry, and I am confident that I can bring value to your organization. I am confident that I can be a valuable asset to your team, and I look forward to the opportunity to discuss this further with you.

Thank you for your time and consideration, and I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Railroad Engineer Cover Letter Example 3

I am writing to express my interest in the Railroad Engineer position that you have posted. I believe that my experience as a railroad engineer, coupled with my education and training, make me an excellent candidate for this position.

I have been a railroad engineer for the past 10 years. I started out as a trainee engineer on the Norfolk Southern Railroad, where I worked for three years. In 2004, I was promoted to engineer on the CSX Railroad. I have been working there ever since. I currently work out of the Atlanta, GA office.

I have extensive experience operating diesel-electric locomotives on both freight and passenger trains. I have operated locomotives ranging from 70 to 120 tons. I am also experienced in operating multiple types of locomotives, including GE Dash 8’s, EMD F40PH’s, and EMD SD70ACe’s.

I am also experienced in operating multiple types of locomotive control systems, including GE’s “Centrex” system and Wabtec’s “MicroLok” system. I am also familiar with the “MicroLok II” system, which is what your company uses.

In addition to my experience as a railroad engineer, I have also completed several courses related to railroad engineering. These include:

– Train Handling & Safety (CSX)

– Train Handling & Safety (Norfolk Southern)

– Train Handling & Safety (Wabtec)

– Train Handling & Safety (GE)

– Train Handling & Safety (CSX) – Train Handling & Safety (Norfolk Southern) – Train Handling & Safety (Wabtec) – Train Handling & Safety (GE) – Train Handling & Safety (CSX) I am also a certified first aid provider by the American Red Cross. This certification allows me to administer first aid to injured passengers or coworkers if necessary.

I would like to thank you for your time and consideration of my application. I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Railroad Engineer Cover Letter Writing Tips

1. show your experience.

Employers want to see that you have the experience and qualifications necessary for the job. When writing your cover letter, be sure to highlight your experience in the railroad industry. This can be done by providing specific examples of projects you’ve worked on in the past or detailing the skills you have that are relevant to the position.

2. Use keywords

Railroad engineer positions require a specific set of skills and knowledge, so it’s important to use keywords that are relevant to the job in your cover letter. Some keywords you could use include:

• Engineering
• Project management
• Problem solving
• Technical skills

3. Demonstrate your passion for the job

Employers want to hire individuals who are passionate about their work and have a desire to learn. When writing your cover letter, be sure to demonstrate your passion for the railroad industry. This can be done by highlighting your experience in the industry, explaining why you’re interested in the job, or sharing any awards or recognition you’ve received for your work.

4. Proofread your cover letter

One of the best ways to make sure your cover letter is error-free is by proofreading it. Check for spelling mistakes, grammar errors, and incorrect information. Doing this will help ensure that you make a good impression on hiring managers and increase your chances of getting the job.

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Locomotive Engineer Cover Letter Examples

A great locomotive engineer cover letter can help you stand out from the competition when applying for a job. Be sure to tailor your letter to the specific requirements listed in the job description, and highlight your most relevant or exceptional qualifications. The following locomotive engineer cover letter example can give you some ideas on how to write your own letter.

Cover Letter Example (Text)

Lakeena Mckine

(424) 690-9081

[email protected]

August 1, 2022

Dear Hiring Manager,

I am writing to apply for the position of Locomotive Engineer with Canadian National Railway. I am a highly skilled and experienced locomotive engineer, and I have a strong track record of safely and efficiently operating trains. I am confident that I can be a valuable asset to your team, and I look forward to contributing to the success of Canadian National Railway.

I have been working as a locomotive engineer for Canadian Pacific Railway for the past 5 years. In that time, I have safely and efficiently operated trains carrying freight and passengers across the country. I take great pride in my work and am always looking for ways to improve my skills.

I am a locomotive engineer. I have experience operating diesel-electric and electric locomotives. I hold a valid Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) license. I am familiar with the operation of various train control systems, including Positive Train Control (PTC).

Thank you for considering me for the Locomotive Engineer position at Canadian National Railway. I am excited about the opportunity to work with such a well-respected company and contribute to its continued success. I believe my skills and experience make me an ideal candidate for this position, and I look forward to putting them to use in a challenging and rewarding environment. Thank you again for your time and consideration, and I eagerly await your response.

Related Cover Letter Examples

Engineering Cover Letter Example and Tips

One of the biggest challenges engineers face when applying for jobs in engineering is finding ways of differentiating themselves. Whatever discipline you've decided to pursue, you can be sure that you 'll be competing with some impressive candidates for the role. And this is where your cover letter comes in.

While an engineering CV is of course essential, your cover letter is your chance to show potential employers why you 're unique and what makes you the right choice for the job. Think about your cover letter like an engineering project – it's all about solving a problem. Your next employer needs someone with a wide range of skills, from team leadership to technical knowledge - your cover letter should show them exactly how you 'd fix that problem for them.

Read our tips for writing a cover letter and use our free engineering cover letter template when making your next job application.

Tips for writing your cover letter

You don't need to be a wordsmith to write a cover letter for an engineering position, but do make sure you double check for spelling and grammar as mistakes may count against you. Getting a friend to give it a proof read for you is always a great idea where possible. As a general rule, you should be able to say everything you need in three to five paragraphs and no more than a page – it 's important to order your points so they fit in that space.

Know why you want the job

Recruiters and hiring managers love to see passion. If your cover letter shows your enthusiasm for the job or field you're applying for, this will immediately tip the balance in your favour. Therefore, when applying for a job or grad scheme, spend some time thinking about why you're applying for this job in particular.

For example, if you're applying to site engineering jobs , what is it about the role that appeals to you? Perhaps the specific projects you'd be working on are high profile or exceptionally interesting. Maybe it 's the company – perhaps they 're well known for having a great working culture. By reflecting on your own motivations, you 'll have the makings of a great cover letter.

Research the company and industry

Research is a key part of writing a successful engineering cover letter. Hiring managers want to see evidence that you care about their company and want to get involved in what they're doing, and so background research is critical.

Spend a couple of hours reading around the company's website, skimming through its social media feeds and getting to grips with their forthcoming projects. This research will not only help you confirm to yourself that you want to work there, but will also give you some key information to include in the letter.

Perhaps your prospective employer is a civil engineering firm that has just posted a press release about winning a major new road building project. Nod to this news in your cover letter – something like: "I am enthusiastic to work for a business that has the capacity to take on major projects like the new Maydup Town Bypass".

Mention relevant experiences

Most engineering job ads will be explicit about the kinds of skills and experience they 're looking for. The trick here is to pick and choose from your professional and academic background for the most relevant examples of similar work you've been involved in – don't bombard them with everything you've done, but instead focus on the specifics.

Are you applying to be an electrical engineer whose focus will be on risk assessment and quality control? Talk about relevant work experience if you have it, for example "I worked with the senior electrical engineer on a large-scale building project, ensuring that all required risk assessment reports were filed on time and with pinpoint accuracy." If you don't have the experience, don't worry, you can cite the modules you studied at university that relate to those tasks.

If you are only just starting out in engineering , you 'll have a decent amount of technical knowledge to draw on from your academic courses, other training you've completed as an apprentice or through work experience. Even if you don't have solid examples of every skill listed, think creatively to find evidence of similar kinds of projects you've worked on.

As you progress further into your career, you'll have far more experiences to draw on in your cover letter. But once again, it 's about finding the most impressive examples that show why you 're the right person for that position.

Engineering training and qualifications

Most engineers today have an academic qualification in their field and this should be mentioned in the cover letter. For example, "As a fully qualified maintenance engineer , I have worked on… ". If you've entered the profession through an apprenticeship, note all the exams you've passed. In addition, you should also mention any further engineering certificates and diplomas received as you've specialised through your career.

Show how the job fits into your career path

A cover letter gives hiring managers a deeper insight into your career, motivations and ambitions – it provides a narrative to the more impersonal CV. If your career has followed a fairly straight line from a grad scheme up to senior management in a mechanical engineering firm, explain that you have a passion for this kind of engineering and have wanted to watch a business grow.

On the other hand, if you suddenly switched from working in the railway sector to working on water-related projects, you might want to explain why you chose to do so – perhaps because you'd gradually developed a passion for efficient water management after seeing the effects of drought on vulnerable communities.

Engineering Cover Letter Template

Chris Johnstone 17 Blue Street Birmingham BR4 2JL [email protected] 07785 467 731

Amy Wallace BRDG Constructions 28 Bridge Road Wolverhampton DY3 PRT

Re: Application for Associate Bridge Engineer role

Dear Ms. Wallace,

I am writing to apply for the Associate Bridge Engineer role at BRDG Constructions and explain why I believe I would be the right person for this position. BRDG Constructions has long been a pioneer in the industry, and I would be very excited to work at a firm with major new bridge projects in the pipeline, including the recently announced Thames Bridge at Kingston. I believe the advertised role presents a fantastic opportunity for me to further develop my skills and experience at one of the UK 's leading civil engineering firms.

Over the past 10 years, I have developed my career as an expert in highly complex bridge construction projects. For my last employer, ABC Builds, I worked under the lead bridge engineer to deliver major projects such as the new River Trent Bridge which was delivered on time and under budget. While at JKC Associates, I worked on the bridge construction team which built the Olympus overpass in Cardiff, a construction project which won the 2012 innovation in engineering award.

As you will note from my CV, I hold an MSc in structural engineering from the University of Manchester and I am a Chartered Engineer with the ICE. From a young age, I have been fascinated by the process of building bridges and have dedicated my career to enhancing my knowledge of this topic, I have also undertaken numerous courses in a wide range of technical aspects of bridge construction.

Thank you for taking the time to review and consider my application. I am keen for the chance to attend an interview for this position and look forward to hearing from you.

Chris Johnstone

Download this engineering cover letter template for free in Word.

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Sample cover letter for Internship position at Network Rail

Dear Ms. Smith:

I'm interested in - Attacher - position advertised on June 13, 2014; My resume is enclosed for your review. Given my closely experience and excellent capabilities I would appreciate your consideration for this job. My work experience and duties are an ideal match for this position and cover all Job Requirements.

Your Requirements: " Expert Attacher with at least 2 years of experience, excellent covers all position duties"

My Matching Experience : For 3 years I Worked As Attacher, My Responsibilities were to:

Tend one of various pressing machines that join precemented shoe parts, performing any of following tasks

Turn setscrew that adjusts distance between pressure rollers, feeds aligned parts between rollers and observes joining of parts

Position parts on machine bed depresses pedal that forces heated presser head against parts to join them

Move lever that adjusts contour of pad on lower jaw of machine or changes pad, following contour of parts to be joined

Position parts on pad depresses pedal that closes jaws to join parts

Position cemented parts on shoe places shoe in oven to soften cement

Position shoe parts on bed of machine and moves lever to start machine that presses cements parts

May bound toe and shank area of shoe to improve adhesion or waterproofing strip to inner outer sole parts, using hammer

May brush solvent on precemented parts to soften cement prior to joining parts

May apply cement to parts

May be designated according to parts joined as Insole Coverer boot and shoe ; Insole-Lip Turner boot and shoe ; Platform Presser boot and shoe ; Sole Layer boot shoe

May tend machine that uses conveyor-carried air inflated pads to join precemented parts and be designated Compo-Conveyor Operator boot shoe

Heel Layer boot and shoe ; Insole Taper boot and shoe ; Open-Shank Coverer boot and shoe ; Welt-Sole Layer boot shoe .

I appreciate your time taken to review my credentials and experience. I look forward to being interviewed at your earliest convenience. Lot of thanks for your consideration and care.

Sincerely, Flori Rothenberg

Industry News and Information

Rail Yard Engineer Sample Cover Letter

RAIL YARD ENGINEER RESUME COVER LETTERS All rail yard engineer resume cover letters can be just what applicants need to capture the jobs they want in this industry. The sample below displays this job hunter’s ability to focus on the tasks involved and his ability to carry them out. Such professional men must be in good physical condition, be willing to work unusual hours, and be attentive to detail. It’s important to mention these tasks and traits in any rail yard engineer resume cover letter .

Joe Jobhunter 45 City Side Road Anyville, USA 56734 February 23, 2006 Mr. Daniel O’Mara Hiring Manager R & B Railroad Company 64 Rail Street Anyplace, USA 99999 Dear Mr. O’Mara: Rail yard engineers with R & B Railroad have an excellent reputation and that is why I’m eager to join the team. When I saw your listing for a rail yard engineer on CareerJimmy.com I knew I wanted to apply for the position immediately. I’m interested in moving to Anyplace so I will be close to your rail yard. I have experience driving small and large vehicles in mines and quarries, and on some construction sites. If you are free for an interview, I’d be happy to expand on these duties and show you how I can apply them to your railroad, should you decide to hire me. Please phone me at 695-888-8756 if you are interested in talking further. I can come to your office at your convenience any weekday afternoon. Thank you for considering my resume cover letter. Sincerely, Joe Jobhunter Enclosure: cover letter and resume Content provided by CareerJimmy “Introducing the new, “ Amazing Cover Letter Creator ” WARNING: Your Cover Letter May Be Killing Your Job Search … “In only 3½ minutes, you can quickly and easily crank out an amazing cover letter that is guaranteed to have your phone ringing off the hook with hot job interviews and top job offers… without writing one word. Here’s the secret …”

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CVs and cover letters for engineering jobs

Tony hadlow.

First impressions are lasting, and this is especially true when it comes to CVs and cover letters for engineering jobs . Recruiters are often time-poor professionals who want to expediently separate the wheat from the chaff before reaching out to candidates who stand out because of their academic credentials, work experience or diverse interests. So, to help you put your best foot forward, we’ve assembled some tips on how to create a killer cover letter and resume.

Creating a Standout Cover Letter

A cover letter is like a sales pitch, and what you’re trying to sell is your own suitability for a target job. Successful cover letters:

• Highlight the important parts of your resume
• Provide a sample of your written communication skills
• Show how your skills, education and experience are relevant to the position for which you’re applying
• Address any specific selection criteria in the job advertisement
• Draw attention to your achievements
• Use appropriate formatting and a professional and confident tone of voice
• Encourage prospective employers to read further into your resume or CV

Why invest time in writing a good cover letter?

Cover letters can be time-consuming, and that’s largely due to the importance of writing a new one for each application. Nothing turns off a prospective employer quite like the sense that they’re reading a template message.

Your covering letter, therefore, is a chance to convince the engineering employer in question that you want to work in their industry, for their specific organisation, and in the job role advertised. For example, why do you want to use your mechanical engineering degree in the rail industry specifically? What’s the appeal of following a commercial route rather than a more technical one?

The contents

A cover letter should include, at least, the following:

• Your personal/ contact details  
• A salutation/greeting  
• How you heard about the job/company  
• What attracts you to the job or company (you can mention some of their recent projects or significant staff members)
• Why you believe you would be an asset to the team  
• How you will follow up  
• A closing/signature

The trick is to have a clear idea as to what the company does and what the job entails, then draw out evidence of your own relevant skills, interests and experience. Here, the more specific you can be, the better. For example, instead of simply writing that you’ve “interned at a leading structural engineering firm”, you could say “as an intern, I contributed to a project that led to savings of $X”.

Structure and tone

Your cover letter should have a clear structure with an introduction that leads into a summary of your relevant skills and experiences. This should be followed by a closing statement that reiterates your interest in the job, thanks the employer for their time, and includes a ‘soft pitch’. For example, you might write something like: “I look forward to speaking with you further about how I can make a positive contribution to your team”.

Throughout the letter, your tone should be polite and professional. This doesn’t mean, however, that you should tie yourself in knots trying to sound overly formal. Simply avoid colloquial language wherever possible and focus on providing evidence of why you should be hired (as opposed to simply claiming to be ‘excellent’ or ‘talented’).  

Finally, keep your cover letter succinct – it should be no longer than one A4 page and have your details clearly written as part of a letterhead.

Get to the top of the pile: writing a successful CV

A curriculum vitae (CV or vita) is a written overview of your experience and other qualifications for a job opportunity. The bad news is that writing a CV is generally takes more time than writing a cover letter. However, the good news is that, once complete, a CV can be submitted with minor tweaks for each new employer.

A CV should concisely outline your relevant educational history, work experience, professional accomplishments and qualifications. It may also include details of referees (if requested). A successful CV:

• Can be read easily, and uses a clear font in a reasonable size with logical headings and well structured bullet points
• Uses a skills-focused or chronological format
• Emphasises skills or job experiences that are particularly relevant to the job description

Why invest time in writing a good CV?

The role of a CV is to provide recruiters and prospective employers with an easily scannable summary of your achievements so that they can decide whether or not to progress your application by offering you an interview.

As an engineering graduate, you’ll often find that your educational pedigree is similar to other applicants, many of whom will have completed near-identical degrees at equivalent institutions. Consequently, it’s worth taking the time to figure out what differentiates you from the crowd before subtly emphasising it in your CV.

For example, you might bill yourself as an engineer with strong communication skills and include, in your CV, the fact that you volunteered for a student radio station. Or perhaps you speak another language, love coding or have a specific five-year goal that the role you’re apply for will help you to achieve. Giving your CV a novel ‘twist’ is a surefire way to make sure it doesn’t get lost in all the noise.

The Contents

An engineering CV should include the following:

• Your contact details, including your phone number, address and email
• Your residency status
• A short personal statement
• A career overview (with an emphasis on industry positions, or on the transferrable skills of other jobs you’ve had)
• A summary of your education and training
• A list of any professional accreditations/other qualifications you have (this is where you should mention if you’ve received, say, a certificate for the completion of a coding course)
• Details of your referees (or an explicit offer to provide them)

Your educational history from your university years should include your predicted or actual degree grades, information on group projects and your dissertation, any units relevant to the job, and relevant academic awards. Engineering employers don’t need to know the specifics of units that don’t relate to them.

Work experience

You should prioritise any engineering work experience you might have, and highlight specific accomplishments that are relevant to the position for which you’re applying. Of course, as a graduate, your experience in engineering may be limited, if you have any at all.

Fortunately, many engineering employers look very favourably on achievements and experiences outside engineering. Examples worth mentioning include fundraising, voluntary work, independent overseas travel, sporting achievements or leading roles in university clubs or societies. You needn’t go into too much detail - a summary of your achievements and any relevant transferable skills (e.g. leadership, teamwork or problem-solving skills) will suffice.

The most common CV format is the reverse-chronological approach, which presents your most recent work experience and educational accomplishments first, before moving backwards. If you follow this approach, make sure that the chronology is clear and that there are no large gaps which could confuse or worry employers. For example, if you took a year off to go travelling between jobs, you might even include that as a CV entry.

As with your cover letter, your tone should be polite and professional, and your entries as specific and detailed as possible. Here are some tips to get you started:

• Describe achievements, not just job titles. Don’t just say that you were ‘an intern at Arup’ - mention specifically what you accomplished, learned or contributed.
• Emphasise more recent jobs and achievements.
• Be honest - you should expect that your CV will be read critically and that important points will be cross-checked with referees or industry databases.
• Keep paragraphs to three or four lines and space them well. This helps the reader pick out the main facts and assimilate a number of points quickly. Use bullet points wherever they add clarity and visual style.
• When writing bullet points, use direct action words such as  ‘designed … ’, ‘built ... ’ and ‘organised … ’. This has the effect of assigning credit to you for your achievements and enhances the CV’s overall credibility.
• Prioritise relevance but also leave some room for things that make you seem interesting or well-rounded. For example, there’s no reason not to include a cooking qualification as a point of interest, and you needn’t claim that it will be integral to your engineering success.

For our comprehensive and updated guide on how the craft the perfect graduate CV,  check out our latest article here .

Related Articles

A graduate engineer’s guide to cover letters and cvs, how to use chatgpt to write your graduate job cover letter, discover graduate career paths in engineering services, how to choose the right engineering firm as a graduate, a guide to interviews and assessment centres for engineering graduates, creating a winning cover letter.

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