It is absolutely vital that your CV is as perfect as possible and makes the optimum impact so that it stands out from the rest.

The main object of a CV is to get you selected for an interview. Busy employers limit the time to scan each individual application to half a minute.

In your covering letter do not simply write that you are applying for the job and are enclosing a CV. Look for the key words in the ad. Ensure each point is covered highlighting particular strengths and achievements, which show that you are the best candidate.

Explain why you are writing, where you saw the ad, what you can offer, how it could be of use, refer to your enclosed CV and highlight your most relevant feature. Demonstrate that you are really interested in the job on offer. Send to a named person (don’t use Sir or Madam). If you do not have a name then contact the organisation. Print or type unless you are specifically asked to use handwriting.

Use a Chronological CV to list your experience and achievements, to emphasize continuity and career growth, in reverse order, starting with the current one.

Step One Contact information.

Step Two Brief summary of your main skills.

Step Three Experience and Achievements. The further you go back in time, the less likely your responsibilities and achievements are going to be relevant. Mention them briefly. Use words like achieved, saved, accomplished, succeeded in. Include evidence that you have kept up to date with modern technology and practice. Mention something intriguing - some unusual experience or achievement - which makes them want to ask you more about it.

Step Four Training relevant to industry

Step Five Qualifications including education, IT skills and memberships

Step Six Interests/hobbies. Include them if you have a genuine involvement with them and you could talk intelligently about them at an interview.

Step Seven Personal details

Double-check consistency in the layout and in particular the spelling. Use short sentences and bullet points. If the company sends an application form rather than simply asking for a CV, then that is what they want. Fill in the application form fully and clearly to show you are keen to get the job. You are the final judge of what is relevant to include in your CV. carefully consider your reasons for including any of the following:

References. It is usually only after an interview that references will be taken up so there is little point in adding them to your CV unless it is specifically requested.

Leaving reasons. These may be explored during an interview but, whatever the circumstances, will not contribute towards your being selected for an interview - therefore leave them out.

Salary. Unless it is specifically requested. Usually it should be left to negotiation once you have received a job offer.

Somehow you have to ‘leap out from the page’ as someone just that bit different from the rest, who is worth interviewing. The CV has to be worked at, and worked at again and again to get it absolutely right. A little extra time and effort should maximise your chances of being selected for interview.

Resilient design engineer, keen to accept fresh challenges, adaptable to changing environments. Extensive experience in.

• System design and development
• System operations and support
• Rationalizing problems to produce timely and cost-effective solutions

Project team member developing overlay jig welding system to internally clad mild pipes with nickel and chromium alloys.

• Key involvement with the successful development ,manufacture and installation of the system
• Led several successful projects to supply specialized machine tool boring equipment to international customers
• Completed reviews of system designs at key stages, liaison with all contributing parties to ensure trace-ability.

Conducted series of operational support projects. Prepared specifications for non-process critical repair work to be carried out by contractors.

Key member of small team undertaking breakdown repairs and preventative maintenance lines.

Precision machined medium sized pipefittings for the petrochemical industry.

Completed a craft apprenticeship in mechanical manufacturing engineering, specifically milling and boring. Key experience in a development workshop. Two years post apprenticeship experience.

BSc (Distinction) Bristol University1992-1995 Included computer aided Engineering (CAD and Control), Design Engineering, Management, Manufacturing Systems, Plant Engineering plus individual projects.

BTEC National Certificate Barrow FE College1984-1988 Mechanical and production Engineering

GCE. "O" Level, Math’s. English, History, Metalwork, Technical Drawing CSE German

IT Skills "Applicon Bravo Draft" CAD package, Microsoft Word, Visual Manufacturing.

Member of the Institution of Incorporated Engineers Incorporated Engineer.

PERSONAL