Write CVs and applications that impress engineering contracting employers

Before you put finger to keyboard, do your research. Find out as much as you can about the engineering design and construction (EDC) company you are applying to and the role you are applying for so that you can match your skills to what the employer wants. You also need to find out how they would like you to apply. ‘Some EDC employers have online application processes built into their websites, while others prefer to receive a CV with covering letter either by post or by e-mail,’ says John Wallis from Snamprogetti Limited. ‘Take time before applying to a specific organisation to find out the approach it prefers. If the employer hasn’t published their preferred option, then a brief phone call to the company should be enough to find out.’

Tailor your applications

‘Tailor your CVs and applications for every EDC employer you apply to,’ advises Angela Spooner from Foster Wheeler Energy Limited. ‘Don’t send out a generic CV or paste standard responses into application forms. Always match your skills, aptitudes and abilities to the job description and what the employer wants. We want to feel that you are making a positive decision to apply to us.’

‘A common mistake made by applicants is making a CV too long by including lots of superfluous information and rambling on about being great, but giving no examples to support such brilliance,’ highlights Julie Dewar from M.W. Kellogg Limited. Keep your CV brief and relevant. It should be no more than two sheets of A4. Include your contact details and information about your degree (subject, university, class expected, core modules and significant projects). You can start with a brief description of your abilities and achievements, but keep this succinct and avoid sounding conceited.

Recruiters love evidence of skills gained from projects and work experience so include these. Focus on the skills you learned and applied rather than include a list of the tasks you undertook – work experience doesn’t necessarily have to be industry related to demonstrate relevant skills.

Structure your application responses

Brevity and relevance are also important when responding to questions on application forms. Read questions carefully and structure your responses. Use the STAR method to help: state the Situation or Task; the Action that you undertook to achieve a result or use a particular skill; and sum up with the Result of your actions. This will help you keep to the point.

EDC employers want well-rounded individuals with outside interests, but John advises that you keep mention of your extracurricular activities brief and avoid putting down anything too weird and wacky. ‘You don’t know anything about the recruiter reading your CV, so don’t take risks in this area. For the same reason avoid attempts at humour.’

Write a covering letter if you send a CV

CVs should always be accompanied by a formal covering letter. Attach this to your e-mail along with your CV. Make sure the recipient is clear about what is attached and why you are applying to their organisation.

‘Recruiters deal with piles of CVs, so the covering letter needs to capture their attention quickly and show them at a quick glance why your application should be treated better than the next one on the pile,’ says Julie. And most important: send off your CV so that it reaches the employer well before the closing deadline.

Application success checklist

• Check spelling and grammar carefully. Make sure you spell correctly company names and the names of recruiters to which you address your application.
• Keep written communication formal. Use proper English as text message language and a smiley wink won’t curry favour with recruiters.
• Tailor your CV or application for each employer. Cut and paste CVs are a dead giveaway that you haven’t prepared.
  Set up an appropriate e-mail address for job-hunting correspondence.
• Check deadlines and apply early. Some organisations start filling vacancies as soon as they find suitable candidates, so it pays to get your CV on the top of the pile.

With thanks to Julie Dewar, human resources manager, M.W. Kellogg Limited; John Wallis, human resources, Snamprogetti Limited; and Angela Spooner, human resources adviser, Foster Wheeler Energy Limited.