If you’re looking for a mechanic job but don’t have any experience in the industry, don’t fret.
Whilst many recruiters will be looking for people with experience, others will be open to taking on someone who can show that they are keen to learn the trade and who can demonstrate that they have the potential to succeed as a mechanic.
Writing your mechanic CV can be challenging without experience, but here are some pointers that will help:
Start with research
Your starting point should be to do some research about the employers who are advertising jobs.
If there’s a list of job requirements, you should be able to work out whether they’re looking for someone with a certain number of years’ experience, or if they’re willing to train someone up. If you can find a company website, have a read through the available information to see whether they take on apprentices.
The website might also give you some information about the specific types of work the company undertake most, which will allow you to target your CV towards them. For example, if they advertise tyre repairs, oil changes and/or changing brake pads, you should include your experience of this in your CV – even if it wasn’t in an employed setting.
Show your passion in a personal statement
You should always include a personal statement in an entry-level CV. This covers why you want to apply for the job as well as what you could bring to the job.
As you cannot draw on past work experience, this is where you need to get across how enthusiastic you are and how you have a long-held interest in this type of work.
Ultimately, it’s your chance to explain, in a passionate yet professional manner, why you want to become a mechanic.
Pinpoint your transferable skills
Employers are looking for a variety of skills, not just mechanical skills. They’re looking for people who will fit in well with their current team and who will be a reliable and hardworking employee.
Pinpoint your transferable skills and include tangible examples. This could be a time that you’ve been required to demonstrate teamwork, such as a school project or even in a sports team.
If you have had any part-time jobs, draw upon your experience to further pinpoint your transferable skills. For example, if you’ve worked in a shop, note down your customer service skills and provide an example of a time you helped a dissatisfied customer.
Utilise non work-related experience
The CV examples you see online may focus on work experience – so if you have non, you might find it tricky to fill up your CV. But work isn’t the only place that people demonstrate skills, proficiency and talent. Throughout your education, hobbies and interests, you’re evidencing a desire to learn and develop.
Don’t be afraid to add more detail into your education and interests section. If you have any hobbies related to mechanical work or you do work on your own car/family cars, it’s well worth including and is sure to prove your passion for the industry.
Applying for mechanic jobs without experience is difficult – but if you pinpoint your transferable skills and prove your sheer enthusiasm, you should significantly improve your chances of getting an interview.
Andrew Fennell is the founder of CV writing advice website StandOut CV – he is a former recruitment consultant and contributes careers advice to websites like Business Insider, The Guardian and FastCompany.
