How to write a CV that opens doors

Written by Richard Bourne from Bespoke Career Solutions ltd

For engineering, industrial, and commercial Roles - A great CV isn’t about showing off – it’s about making your experience easy to understand so the right people can quickly see your value.

Employers don’t have time to guess what you do or what you’re good at. A clear, relevant, and well-structured CV does a lot of the hard work for you. It helps you stand out without having to chase every opportunity.

Keep it clean, simple, and confident

Recruiters spend only a short time on each CV. That’s why clarity is essential. Plain fonts, black text on a white background, and a tidy layout allow your experience to take centre stage.

Employers are looking for someone they can quickly understand – not someone who dazzles with design. When your CV is easy to read, recruiters naturally spend more time on it, increasing your chances of being shortlisted.

Your opening profile is your first impression

The first paragraph of your CV is your chance to make an impact. Employers want to know quickly what you do, what environment you thrive in, and the strengths you bring to the role.

A well-written profile shows that you understand yourself and your work.

For example, if you are a mechanical assembly technician, a warehouse operative, or a commercial administrator, your profile should make it clear. Employers are looking for confidence and clarity, not empty statements.

Your skills tell employers what you can do

The skills section is one of the most powerful parts of your CV because it acts like a shortcut for employers to see whether you’re a good fit.

They are scanning for the abilities they need, so every skill you list should demonstrate how you can add value.

In engineering and industrial roles, skills such as mechanical assembly, quality inspection, and safe use of hand and power tools show that you can contribute immediately.

In commercial roles, customer service, data handling, and knowledge of software systems like Microsoft Excel or CRM platforms demonstrate that you can handle core responsibilities efficiently.

Employers are looking for candidates who can step into the role and make an impact without a long learning curve.

Your duties show your impact

Job titles alone don’t tell employers what you actually do day to day. This is why your duties section is so important. It gives recruiters a clear picture of your experience and shows the impact you’ve had in previous roles.

By describing the equipment you use, the standards you meet, and the targets you achieve, you show employers what kind of contribution they can expect from you.

This is where your CV becomes more than a list of jobs – it demonstrates the value you bring.

Tailoring your cv works in your favour

You don’t need to rewrite your entire CV for every application, but adjusting your profile, skills, and duties to mirror the job advert can make a huge difference.

Employers want to see that you understand the role and that you are a good fit. Tailoring shows that you care about the position and helps your CV stand out in a pile of generic applications.

Keep it relevant and forward-looking

Employers are most interested in what you can do next, not just what you’ve done.

Highlight the experience and achievements that are relevant to the role you want. Keep your CV concise, positive, and focused on your strengths.

A strong CV doesn’t just list your past – it shows that you are prepared and capable of taking the next step in your career.