Engineering and design recruitment is a specialist market. Hiring managers scan CVs for evidence of real project delivery, software fluency and chartership progress — usually in under two minutes. Here is what our consultants see working in 2026, across every discipline we place.
Lead with projects, not duties
The strongest engineering CVs are built around named projects: sector, value, your role and what you personally delivered. “Designed RC transfer structures on a £40m residential scheme” tells a hiring manager more than a paragraph of responsibilities. Three to six projects with concrete outcomes beat a long duty list every time.
Put chartership status near the top
CEng, IEng, ARB, MRICS or working towards any of them — state it in the first third of page one. Employers filter on it, and our salary guides consistently show chartership adding 5,000 to 10,000 pounds to base salary.
Be specific about software
List the tools you actually use in production work — Revit, Tekla, ETABS, TEDDS, IES, Navisworks, AutoCAD — and your level in each. Vague lists hurt credibility in interviews, and recruiters increasingly search CV databases by software keyword.
Show sector and regulation awareness
UK employers in 2026 value candidates who understand the Building Safety Act, gateway approvals and net zero requirements. A line showing you have worked within these frameworks signals you can hit the ground running.
Keep format simple
Two pages, clean headings, no photos, no graphics that break parsing software. Save as PDF with a sensible filename including your name and discipline.
Tailor for each application
Move the most relevant projects to the top for each role. A facade role application should lead with envelope work even if your last project was a bridge.
Want a specialist to review your CV against live roles? Submit your CV and one of our discipline consultants will come back to you with honest feedback and matching opportunities.