How To Write A CV: Advice From Professional CV Readers
27 September 2022
How To Write A CV: Advice From Professional CV Readers

Have you written a Curriculum Vitae recently? Did you ask yourself the infamous existential questions such as whether you should prioritise certain job experiences so that it would fit on one A4 page? Well, at Professional Technical, we read thousands of CVs a week, so, like any repetitive action, our homo sapiens brains have adapted to filter relevant information within the blink of an eye. So, we thought we would share what we look for in CVs on a daily basis and what we’d like to see, but most importantly, what our clients wish to see in a CV. On top of that, we thought that we would also share some suggestions on what to leave or take out of your CV. There is a lot of CV writing advice out there and a lot of it is contradicting, so we thought we would give you a complete guide based on our experience and insights.

Length


A big CV killer is simply its length. Like any document or piece of writing, if it drags on or is just too long compared to its ‘normal average’, people tend to either start skimming or might outright not read it as the extensive length might be daunting. Look at it this way; chances are that most of us would take on a condensed version of Leo Tolstoy’s War and Peace as opposed to its original interminable 1,200+ pages counterpart. A good rule of thumb to avoid having your reader question their own existence is to aim to keep your CV on 2 pages if possible, 3 pages is acceptable if you have some extensive professional experience but more than that is definitely questionable.


Personal Information


A good way to avoid creating a lengthy CV is to keep your personal information to a reasonable amount. After all, a CV is a professional document aimed at compiling your professional experiences, skills and qualifications. Personal and reflective information towards previous experiences and how you would be right for the role has its place within a cover letter. Realistically, all you need in a CV relating to personal information is your contact details such as your name, professional email (no HaloMonster360@unprofessional.com), and phone number. We have seen some advice out there stating you should not include your postal address and we respectfully disagree. The reason for this is because we believe having your postal address listed allows for the recruiter to consider your commute time should the role be based on-site. In terms of your digital footprint, you can add a link to your LinkedIn profile as long as its being kept up to date and matches the information on your CV. Think of LinkedIn as your extended CV when your normal CV is more selective as to the information in it.


However, it is always a good idea to add some hobbies or interests in your CV if they are genuine. Don’t include things such as walking or eating nice food. These hobbies should be a window into your interests outside of your professional life which could translate into transferable skills. For instance, if you have been playing an instrument for years, this could show dedication to a craft, creativity, discipline, and potentially self-starter qualities. Team sports can be another example of transferable skills as it shows that you are capable of working as part of a team to achieve a common objective and can show your competitive nature. Do try to keep this section concise though as it should only be a snippet into your personal interests. Overall, the aim is to keep your CV as professional as possible and not to add any irrelevant sections which could be a distraction to the main information you are trying communicate.


Format and Layout


A CV should be a clear, concise, and easy to read. Formatting it correctly can set you apart from your competition. Now there is always good practice but some industries or roles can require different types of formatting which we will cover. In good practice, the sections to include are fairly simple.


First, make sure to list your contact details at the top so that the reader instantly knows who you are even before they find out what you do. Now, in this section we do not recommend including a picture of yourself as there unfortunately are such a thing as biases. When including a photo, you open yourself to these biases as old as time such as beauty bias, ageism, racism, and sexism. Keeping your face, gender, age, and ethnicity out of the equation ensures that you are much more likely to be viewed for your professional qualifications and achievements as opposed to what you look like.


Secondly, we recommend formatting your CV in a bullet point format for two reasons; it looks cleaner and structured, and it prevents you from waffling and including potentially irrelevant information. Furthermore, this layout allows you to seamlessly add a list of quantifiable achievements as opposed to just your experience, education, and responsibilities within previous roles. Consider the font you’re using as well, make sure that it is easily readable and that you are using the same font throughout.


Now in terms of structuring your content, make sure that you add dates for each listed item and that they are listed from most recent to oldest. If there are gaps between certain dates you have listed, do try to clearly explain the reason behind these gaps. In addition, try to tailor the content of your CV to the role you’re applying for by filtering out irrelevant information and thinking about what you have done in the past which could meet the job posting’s requirements. When doing this, avoid including clichés; everyone says they are a team worker that also works well on their own, they are motivated, punctual, hardworking, there are lots of enthusiastic people around so us this opportunity to stand out from the masses and really give the reader an insight into what makes you who you are!


Lastly we’ll tackle the finer details. First of all, name your CV file professionally such as ‘John Smith – CV’ or ‘Jane Doe – Mechanical Engineer’ for instance. In the same vein, do not title your document ‘Curriculum Vitae’ or ‘CV’ as the recruiter knows what it is already. Instead, title it with your name and potentially your profession. This instantly gives the reader a chance to remember you and what you do as opposed to being another generic CV, after all, there is only one of you! Finally, and this is probably the most important tip we can give you; take your time! When searching for a new role, your CV is one of the most important documents, it gets your foot into the door, so don’t rush it. Make sure each section is relevant to the role you’re applying for, and proof read your entire document once completed, especially for spelling mistakes. Don’t forget to get someone else to proof read your CV too as staring at the same piece of writing for prolonged periods of time can become tedious for yourself and you could miss important mistakes or grammatical inaccuracies.


How recruiters read your CV


Now that you’ve got all of the information to write up a fantastic CV, we want to share how recruiters typically read CVs. Since they receive CVs in abundance daily, they read through them extremely quickly. In fact, studies found that on average a recruiter spends less than 11 seconds reading a CV (Workopolis, 2014; The Ladders, 2018). This means that you don’t have an extensive amount of time to make an impression so make those first moments count!


Let’s talk about how recruiters read your CV within these 11 seconds. First, they go straight to your most recent or current job as this will give them an insight into your current qualifications, experience. Furthermore, this gives them a idea of your longevity and consistency within jobs. So make sure that your most recent professional experience is detailed and puts you in the spotlight! Secondly, they’ll move on to you qualifications or education in which they will assess which certifications are relevant to role and job specification. Lastly, they will check your CV for any gaps between employment and search for a provided explanation behind those gaps, so make sure you do explain why you’ve been out of employment during that time if you have.


Key takeaways


In essence, a CV is one of the few documents most of us will ever have which is entirely about ourselves, it’s completely about you. So, take your time; make it about you, focus on what experiences and skills are the most relevant to the job you wish to apply to. A CV is your way to get your foot in the door. Most of the time, if you get offered an interview off the back of your CV, it means your skills and experience match the job description on paper, all the hiring committee wats to figure out at this point is whether your personality would be a good fit. Remember, keep it short, sweet, and clear. Make sure all of the important information is available to the reader at a glance as most recruiters read CVs quickly… extremely quickly. All in all, just make this document yours as best as you can. If it accurately conveys your experience and skills alongside your personality then you’ve already won half the battle!

30 June 2025
Hiring the right person is one of the most important decisions a company can make. Whether you’re filling a technical role for the first time or expanding an established team, the process can take time, effort and resources. It’s not always easy to know the best route to take either. Should you manage recruitment in-house or bring in a specialist recruiter? The answer depends on a few key factors, from how niche the role is to how quickly you need someone in place. Here, we’ll break down the pros and cons of each approach to help you make the right call. Hiring Directly: When It Makes Sense If you’ve got the time, tools and talent internally to manage recruitment, hiring directly can work well, particularly for more general roles or when you’re not in a rush. When to consider hiring directly: You have a strong internal HR or talent acquisition team They’re already experienced in managing recruitment campaigns and have a process in place. The role is easy to fill or not time-sensitive If it’s a commonly advertised position and there’s a large candidate pool, managing the process yourself could save on recruitment fees. You have access to a strong talent pipeline Perhaps you’ve had success with referrals or you’re drawing from a well-established internal database. That said, even with the best in-house team, recruitment can be time-consuming. Screening CVs, arranging interviews and negotiating offers all take focus, which can be difficult to manage alongside day-to-day responsibilities. When It’s Time to Bring in a Specialist Recruiter For more technical or hard-to-fill roles, working with a specialist recruiter can make a real difference. With in-depth industry knowledge and access to a network of qualified candidates, recruiters can help streamline the process and improve your chances of securing the right hire. Here’s when working with a specialist makes sense: The role is highly technical or niche Whether you’re hiring a CAD Designer, a Safety Consultant or a Field Service Engineer, a specialist recruiter understands the market and knows what ‘good’ looks like. You need to fill the role quickly Recruiters have access to active and passive candidates you might not reach through job boards. That can save weeks, even months, of sourcing time. You’ve already tried to hire and struggled If a previous campaign didn’t attract the right candidates, a recruiter can help reassess the brief, adjust the messaging and find new avenues to source talent. You need help with market insight or salary benchmarking A good recruiter doesn’t just send CVs. They offer advice on what candidates are looking for, what competitors are offering and how to make your vacancy stand out. The Best of Both Worlds It doesn’t have to be one or the other. Some companies choose to manage more general roles internally and bring in a recruitment partner for more specialist or senior hires. Others work with recruiters on an ongoing basis to keep their pipeline full and reduce pressure on internal teams. Final Thoughts There’s no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to recruitment. But knowing when to bring in a specialist can save time, reduce stress and ultimately lead to better hires. At Professional Technical, we’ve supported hundreds of companies across engineering, design and manufacturing. If you’re unsure whether now’s the time to bring in extra support, we’re happy to offer advice. No pressure, just honest guidance. Looking for help with a technical hire? Get in touch with our team today to see how we can support your recruitment goals.
30 May 2025
Interviews used to be all about ironing your shirt, rehearsing your CV like a Shakespeare monologue and trying not to sweat through your suit. But things have changed. In 2025, interview prep isn’t just about looking sharp and having the right answers—it’s about showing you’ve got the skills, the mindset and the adaptability to hit the ground running. Employers want real-world capability. So, if you’ve got an interview coming up (or want to be ready when one does), here’s what you need to do to stand out in today’s ultra-competitive, skills-driven job market. 1. Know the company like you’ve already worked there We’re not saying you need to stalk their CEO’s dog on Instagram. But you do need to get clued up on: What the company does Where they’re heading Their values, culture and recent projects Why? Because interviews aren’t just about answering questions—they’re about connecting. You can’t do that if you don’t speak their language. Pro tip : Check out their LinkedIn, press releases, Glassdoor reviews and anything they’ve posted recently. 2. Don’t just understand the role—deconstruct it Look at the job description and break it down like an engineer with a schematic: What core skills are they looking for? What tools or platforms do they use? What results are they hoping this hire will deliver? Then, figure out where your experience directly maps to their needs—and where it adds value they didn’t even know they needed. 3. Be ready to talk about your skills (not just your experience) Forget just walking through your CV like it’s storytime. Instead, be ready to show how your skills have delivered impact: “I used AutoCAD to shave 12 hours off a key design process.” “I integrated a new AI tool into the workflow that sped up early-stage prototyping.” This is what employers want to hear: clear, skills-based stories with tangible outcomes. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to keep it tight and relevant. 4. Prep for the format (because not every interview is the same) Some interviews are fully virtual, others are face-to-face, and some are a hybrid mix of “Zoom fatigue meets awkward handshake.” Prepare accordingly: For virtual interviews: Test your tech—twice. Choose a clean, quiet, well-lit space. Dress like you’re meeting in person (yes, from the waist down too… just in case). For in-person interviews: Plan your route. Give yourself extra time. Bring printed copies of your CV, a notepad, and any portfolio pieces if relevant. 5. Questions are your secret weapon You know the bit at the end when they ask, “Do you have any questions for us?” This is not a polite formality. This is your chance to flip the script. Ask thoughtful, forward-thinking questions like: “What does success look like in this role after 6 months?” “How does the team integrate new technologies like AI or automation into your process?” “What are the biggest challenges you're hoping the person in this role can solve?”  The Bottom Line Today’s interviews are less about pedigree and more about practicality. Employers want to see: That you’ve done your research That you understand the job That you can apply your skills to deliver results—today, not someday So don’t just prepare to “get through” the interview. Prepare to own it. Got questions or want help getting interview-ready? Reach out. We’ll help you sharpen your story, showcase your strengths, and land the role you’ve been aiming for.
30 April 2025
For Engineers Working on Lifts, Forklifts & Automatic Doors - Ever turned up to a nightmare job? You’ve barely finished your brew and the phone’s already buzzing. You’re needed on-site—a shutter’s stuck halfway, or a lift’s playing dead again, or someone’s forklift won’t charge, and production is grinding to a halt. You roll in, toolbox in hand, only to find: No one’s expecting you. Access is “somewhere round the back.” The last guy left it “sorted” (it isn’t). Welcome to the glamorous world of field service engineering. Still, first impressions count. Whether you're fixing a faulty door sensor or resetting a lift control panel at 6AM, how you show up matters. Not just for the job—but for your next one. So here’s how to make a cracking first impression, even when the job itself is a bit of a horror show. 1. Turn Up Looking Like You Know What You’re Doing You don’t need a polished van with LED lighting and a custom wrap (though if you have one, fair play). But your gear should be tidy, your uniform clean-ish and you should look like you came to fix something. Why it matters: People judge on sight. A pro-looking engineer earns trust faster, and that trust makes problem-solving 10x easier. 2. Take Control (Politely) You’re not there for a chat—you’re there to sort the problem. But before you get stuck in, make sure you: Introduce yourself Confirm the job details Ask the right questions (especially about access, recent faults or dodgy workarounds) It puts the customer at ease and gives you a clear picture of what you’re walking into. “Morning, I’m here for the lift fault on level 2. Has it been down long? Any noises or error codes showing?” You sound sharp. You look sharp. You’re already halfway there. 3. Act Like It’s Not Your First Rodeo (Even If It’s a Mess) We know the jobs that go sideways before you even pop the panel: Power’s dodgy Doors are covered in grime Forklift diagnostics read like the Rosetta Stone But panicking or complaining helps no one. The best engineers are the ones who crack on, stay calm and solve problems step by step—even if the job was “looked at” last week by someone with a YouTube certificate. Remember: Calm = competence. Even if you're seething inside. 4. Document Everything – Cover Your Back, Protect Your Pay Take photos. Note down serials. Log faults. If it’s broken beyond what’s on the call-out, flag it. Not just for the customer—but for the office, so they can back you up if the client gets awkward or tries to rebook something that’s definitely not warranty work. Pro move: Save the before-and-after shots. It proves you did the work and shows the state of play. Gold dust for agencies, supervisors or anyone who thinks engineers just “poke stuff and hope.” 5. Leave the Place Better Than You Found It No mess. No tools left behind. No wires hanging out like a spaghetti monster. Once the job’s done: Explain what was wrong (in plain English) Tell them what you fixed Flag what might need attention next time Why bother? Because they remember the engineer who sorted it and explained it clearly. That’s how you get repeat work, better contracts and sites that actually welcome you back. Final Word: Respect Gets You Further Than Just Being “Good with Tools” Being a skilled engineer is half the battle. Being one who turns up right, handles themselves well and leaves a job neat? That’s how you stand out. These days, word travels. Clients tell each other who’s reliable. And when the good gigs come in—clean jobs, decent day rates, less chaos—guess who gets the call? You. Want More Work That Respects Your Skills? If you’re a solid engineer working on lifts, doors or materials handling kit—and you’re tired of chasing poor leads or sites that treat you like an afterthought—we’ve got your back. Get in touch with our team. We work with companies who appreciate what you do, pay fair and don’t send you to sites that look like crime scenes.