Engineering CV: The Technical Specialist’s Guide to Getting Hired in 2026

Engineering CV clients hate writing a CV the most! They’re practical. They hate selling themselves. Sitting at their PC writing is a pain. Nevermind ATS alignment. And making themselves look good.

So, most often I see an engineering CV and it’s describing a job. It’s not conveying value. It’s not answering the question: “why hire me?” It’s most often a maze of certifications, technical skills, and duties (many out of date and no longer that relevant).

It’s hard to know where to start, where to stop, what to include, where, and how. For a long time – 20+ years – I’ve been writing engineering CVs for people who build and maintain things. Mechanical engineers. Electrical engineers. Civil engineers. HSE officers. Welders. Marine engineers. Procurement (EPCM Projects). In Africa. The Middle East. Australia. The Americas.

They’re technical people who make it happen. In tough conditions.

This guide is what those 20+ years have taught me.

If you’d rather skip the engineering CV DIY and have this done for you, I offer a specialist engineering CV writing service.

[For services, while this page is under development (Oct 2026), contact me here: gerard@wowcv.net, or on Whatsapp: +27 83 744 5454.]

CV Writing Testimonials

"Dear Gerard, You trully are special! This has far exceded my expectations, to prove it I have a interview scheduled this afternoon from a agency who called me back 5 minutes after sending it off with a covering letter."
-Ravil R, Supply Chain Specialist

"Hi Gerard, when the relevant HR departments got my CV I eventually ended up having two interviews on the same day for two separate jobs at the same company. I always said that all I need was an interview to get the job and your CV made that possible. I will refer to you as the CV whisperer from now on. Thank you for the effort you put in."
-Chris P, Marketing Manager

“Good day Gerard, A bit of feedback … this email serves to thank you for your help, as I have been successful in the first job application that I made. I don’t think I would have stood a chance of being short listed if it wasn’t for your creative genius in laying out my CV. I have recommended many friends to make use of your services. All the best and many thanks.”
-NC, Durban

“Gerard. A month ago you wrote my CV. Up to then I’d sent out more than 1500 CVs and got 6 responses. I sent out my new CV 16 times, got 6 responses, and was offered a great Senior Management job which I’ve accepted. Thanks. You did a great job.”
- Mike V, BSc MBA, Engineering Project Manager

“Dear Gerard - You drafted my CV - rather you created my “value-add profile”. Since replacing the old CV with your masterpiece I did indeed get many more reactions. I have finally landed a job and I know your CV got my foot in the door. The job is the Senior Legal Advisor for a large Medical Insurance company and the package is higher than I ever expected where I had R500K in mind - I was offered R750K per annum. I cannot thank you enough!”
- Angie B, Attorney

“I just wanted to let you know that I have managed to get myself a new job! As a Key Account Manager at the end of this month! I’d just like to say a special thanks to you.”
- Helen, Key Account Manager

“I wanted to drop you a note the say thanks, for not just getting an interview recently, but immediately getting a new job which I start on 1 Sept. So I’ve been bragging around the office about my fantastic CV which landed me this new job and of course I have 3 colleagues who will be in touch with you shortly. I’ve done nothing but sing yr praises as I believe that you most certainly had something to do with my good fortune.”
- Julie B, Project Manager

“The first comment I had in my interview was that I had a very impressive CV, I think the interview was just to check me out, they had made up their minds already who they wanted for the job!”
- Karin, Admin Manager

“Thank you, thank you for the best new year’s present ever. Now I have two more interviews lined up for this month, but the difference is that I’m in the driver’s seat. I have referred some of my colleagues to you, the results that I got from the CV that you drafted were excellent and within 3 days I got results- my first interview, within 6 weeks - a new job. Keep up the good work - the results are definitely guaranteed when using your service.”
- Ingrid C, General Manager

“When I sent my CV I went straight onto the shortlist. And after only 1 interview I was offered the job! I really believe that the CV made me more positive and impressed the employer by being so clear and selling me”
- Kirishnee N, Financial Manager

“Within a day of sending it out I was contacted for a higher position than what I was actually looking for. I will be lined up for an interview next week. Thanks to you I am now more marketable and have a very high hit rate. I was amazed at the quick response I received.”
- James, IT Engineer

“Hi there - Just briefly to let you know that I am having a fantastic response after making use of your advise and writing my CV! Many thanks for assisting me with getting my confidence up to speed and my focus in place as to tackling the job/contract hunt. Thank you!”
- Sarah, Business Analyst

“I referred a friend to you some time ago. He’s now got this “dream job” at Toyota in and has already been made 2 other offers. He has attributed most, if not all of his success with regard to the offers and interest shown in him by prospective employers to YOU! And now I want you to help me in the same way.”
- Errol, OHS Specialist

“Gerard - I just wanted to thank you sincerely for an awesome CV. It was one of the tools that helped me get a dream job with an obscene salary in the elusive software development field. I have resigned and are in transit between my previous employer and the new one and thought I need to give credit were credit is due. I received numerous complements from recruiters and organisations in the search period. I pitched very high i.t.o. position, salary and international relevance and we competed against people from here and first world countries. Thanks for your help, you made me look good.”
- David, IT Manager

“Thanks for all the help. The CV is brilliant! I am very happy.”
- Andrew, Clinical Psychologist

“Dear Gerard - Thanks for the CV you drafted for me last month. I just wanted to let you know I submitted it to one company last week (the first and only application, a networking intro, not an advertised job) and went to an interview this morning where I was offered a position at the interview.”
-Shelli, Sales Representative

“Hi Gerard, I received the draft CV and it looks fantastic. I couldn’t beleive it was about me. I don’t beleive it needs anything else done to it. Thanks a lot. I will recommend you to many others.”
-Sumaya, Attorney

“Hi Gerard, Thanks for your help, I send my C.V out the day after receiving it from you. Within two days I had four interviews lined up and I’m glad to report I got three offers. I picked my favourite and I’m starting at Console glass on Monday. Its a great offer and more than I was expecting. Thanks for your help once again”
-Lloyd, Engineer

“Hi Gerard, Well I put it to the test. A prospective client, I have never met, requested a CV from me 2 days ago and after sending your composition to them they called me back within an hour and arranged a meeting. At the meeting they mentioned that it was the power of the CV that did it. One Page! I am amazed. Wow, it really worked. It was the first company I sent it to. Thanks. I really appreciate your input. Money well spent.”
-Francois, TV Editor