Writing a job winning CV isn’t easy. With so many skilled vehicle technicians in the UK, it can be hard to make your CV stand out above the rest. Tailoring your CV to the job you want is essential if you want to get across your unique character and skills. As it’s the first insight an employer will get of you, mastering this stage of your job hunt is the key to opening the door to interviews, and ultimately, your dream job as a vehicle technician.
Tip: did you know that most recruiters will only look at your CV for around 8 seconds before they decide whether or not to proceed with your application?
To help get you started, we’ve put together a few tips recruiters say you must have if you want your CV to get noticed.
Tailor your personal statement
As the first paragraph introducing you on your CV, your personal statement should reflect your unique character, skills, and state the type of role you are searching for. Think carefully about this summary, because it’s likely the first thing the recruiter will read – and it could be the deciding point at which they continue reading, or put your CV in the rejection pile.
you should keep your summary specific to the job you are applying for, using short power statements to boast your experience and skill level. Keep it brief, around 3 or 4 sentences, covering who you are, what you can offer, and your career goals.
For example: “Skilled vehicle technician with over 8 years experience in maintaining and repairing cars. Excellent problem solving skills with a keen eye for detail, and organisational skills to meet the customer needs. Great communication skills, and always keeping the customer in mind. now searching for a new garage that will test my skills and ability.”
Make sure you refer back to the job description by listing skills the employer mentions.
Tip: aim for around 150 words (four or five lines).
Results count for everything
Reeling off job responsibilities gives a recruiter a good idea as to what you have experienced during your time at your current or previous companies, but it doesn’t tell them what you are skilled at. So rather than listing what you were responsible for, try including some examples of how you performed with different tasks etc.
For example: “Customer service is a priority for me. Customers come back to our garage and ask for me personally because they know I will work around their needs for a smoother experience. This requires me to have excellent time and project management skills, but ultimately it creates more business for us, as my customers will speak highly of me to others.”
Customise
A customised CV is a standout CV – why? Because it’s exactly what employers have asked for in their job description. you’re someone who ticks off all the boxes. Of course, you shouldn’t just copy and paste what they have mentioned in their job description (particularly if you don’t actually possess these skills) – but if you are confident that you can deliver what they have asked for, then provide enough examples to show them how suitable you are for the role.
Example: ‘managed others’ is a vague attempt at what you actually did. Make sure you give a full insight with a more detailed example: ‘Managed, trained and supervised a team of 5 technicians, providing advice for their problems and suggesting different ways to fix the issue’.
Use power words
Give your CV an extra oomph by using power words. Words such as adaptable, innovative, skilled, implemented and achieved emphasise your achievements.
For example: “I am a skilled vehicle technician looking for work in an environment that will challenge my skills, and a team I can thrive in. Ability to adapt to any situation, with an innovative mind to implement solutions to problems.”
Tip: did you know that a lot of companies will filter out CVs that don’t use certain keywords? That’s why it’s essential that you make sure you have referred back to the job description. Tailor for success.
Show your knowledge of the industry
Showing that you have an interest in the industry is a way of communicating your passion for it – and it makes you more memorable in a recruiter’s eye if you can hold a conversation with them, whatever the subject might be. Sometimes it’s not enough to know how to do the role, you have to be aware of the threats or opportunities, for example, in your industry – particularly if you want to progress to a management position in the future. You will be much more attractive to employers if you can demonstrate knowledge of your sector, so make sure you are up to date with any major news or industry changes.
Tip: Don’t try to ‘blag’ this – if you reach interview stage you will most likely need to answer more questions about your industry.
