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6 Tips for Writing a CV That Wins Interviews in Electrical & Mechanical Building Services In our experience, electrical and mechanical engineers in the Built Environment often find CV writing challenging. You’re balancing two sets of skills — technical expertise and transferable competencies — and getting that balance right can be tricky. If you're stuck or just need a little direction, these tips will help you write a CV that stands out and secures interviews. 1. How much detail is too much? You don’t need to list every project you’ve ever touched. Instead, highlight 2–3 key projects per role, especially those that align with the job you’re applying for. Include: The building type (e.g. commercial, healthcare, education) The value or scale of the project Your specific responsibilities (e.g. HVAC design, coordination with architects, use of Revit or IES) 2. Think like the hiring manager Hiring managers are busy — they’re looking for someone who can hit the ground running and solve real project challenges. Your CV should clearly show: That you’ve read the job description That you understand their needs That you’ve delivered similar work before Use parts of the job spec to mirror your experience — it shows alignment and attention to detail. 3. Include a personal profile Not all employers read cover letters, so start your CV with a short personal profile. This is your opportunity to summarise: Your sector experience Technical strengths (e.g. low-carbon design, electrical load assessments, etc.) What you’re looking for next Avoid overused phrases like “motivated team player” — instead, mention relevant strengths like “experienced in leading multi-disciplinary design teams across commercial and healthcare schemes.” 4. Be smart with time If you’ve had a long career, focus on the most recent and relevant 10 years. That’s what employers care about most. For earlier experience, keep it brief. Example: “Between 2000 and 2011, I worked for WSP, Atkins, and Hoare Lea as a Senior Mechanical Engineer on a variety of new-build and refurbishment projects across healthcare and higher education.” 5. Be honest Over-selling or inflating responsibilities is easy to spot — especially in the design consultancy world, where job titles and project roles are well understood. Also, don’t gloss over gaps. Use months and years for each job. If you took time out, just explain it briefly and focus on what’s relevant now. 6. Show your qualifications clearly For consultancy roles, clients often look for specific software experience and qualifications. Include: Degree(s) with dates and institutions Relevant software (e.g. Revit, IES, AutoCAD, Dialux, Amtech) Professional status or progress (e.g. “Working towards CEng via CIBSE”) If you’ve done a dissertation or major university project relevant to sustainability, digital design, or smart buildings, include a short line on that too — it can be a strong interview talking point. Final Thought A well-written CV for the design and consultancy world isn’t about listing everything — it’s about tailoring your experience to show why you’re the right fit for the next project. Follow these tips, keep things relevant, and let your expertise do the talking. If you would like to speak to an experienced Building Services Consultant, please call 0333 323 0733 and we'll be happy to advise you.