How To Write A Mechanic CV

Whether you’re an apprentice or a master mechanic, there are lots of ways to grab employers’ attention with your CV… So in this guide, we’ll run through our best practices for your mechanic CV.

The automotive industry has a rich and illustrious history in the UK – according to the SMMT, it’s responsible for £67bn turnover and £14bn added to the economy.

We’ll cover how to write a car mechanic CV in this guide but of course, it’s not just cars that need repairs and maintenance.

Browse the National Careers Service mechanic results or LinkedIn and you’ll see vacancies for mechanics or technicians specialising in a wide range of vehicles and equipment. You’ll see everything needing a mechanic there, from bicycles, motorcycles, HGVs and aircraft to construction plants.

If you specialise in installations, maintenance and repairs then it’s all about showcasing your achievements so far on your CV. Let’s start with the basics.

CV for mechanic roles – dos and don’ts!

Has it been some time since you last wrote a CV? For a full overview and some general guidance, here’s how to write a CV – our comprehensive guide.

Also, just starting out as a mechanic and need an apprenticeship CV? Here’s just the thing for you – our explainer on how to write a CV for an apprenticeship, including an apprenticeship CV template.

And if your skill set lies in the broader field of engineering, we’ve got you covered too. Check out our guide on how to write a strong engineering CV.

When it comes to writing a mechanic CV, think about what employers or hiring managers want to see.

Do:

• Write a strong personal statement: Outline what in-demand skills you can bring to the role – spend lots of time getting this part right. Remember, if you don’t grab their attention quickly, they may not read the rest of your CV.
• Showcase your achievements: Describe your career or training experiences so far in detail.
• Include your education and qualifications, plus your key hard and soft skills, tailoring them to the job description.
• Keep the layout and formatting simple and effective, so it’s easy to read and find the key information.

Don’t:

• Add personal details or a photo on your CV.
• Mention salary expectations.
• Lie on a CV – it’s illegal.

Make sure you check the CV thoroughly before sending it for any typos or formatting errors – this is particularly important if you write it as a Word or Google Doc, then save it as a PDF.

Read through the document you’re about to send in the format your reader will view it in too, in case something changes in the transition between document formats.

Mechanic skills

The various job posts you’re responding to with your CV and application will usually mention several hard or soft skills they’re looking for.

One way to show companies which of these you have involves adding a skills section to your CV. Alternatively, you could work your skillset into your personal statement or career history sections more naturally, to make more space for your previous achievements.

The skills your potential future employer wants to see will vary significantly by industry and the specifics of the role, but here are just a few examples of what you might see.

• Diagnostic skills
• Preventative maintenance
• Electrical systems specialist
• Hydraulic systems specialist
• HVAC systems servicing
• Vehicle repairs
• Service recommendations
• Safety compliance
• Customer service
• Troubleshooting
• Communication

If you’re early in your career and taking a VRQ course (a Level 3 Diploma in Light Vehicle Maintenance and Repair, or Auto & Mobile Electrical Operations etc.), highlight this. What skills and knowledge have you acquired so far?

Now let’s take a look at how to back up your strengths, skills and achievements with some proof points.

Include any relevant facts, stats or figures you have to demonstrate your impact as a mechanic. This evidence will have more impact in context, so try using the STAR method to explain your best ones.

Here’s a mechanic CV template to help you make a start.

Mechanic CV example

[Name and contact details]

Personal Statement

Use several lines to say who you are and what you can do. Explain how you stand out and what your unique selling points (USPs) are. Here’s a sample first sentence:

MOT expert with 5 years of experience, plus a proven track record of outstanding vehicle inspections, safety standards and customer service skills.

Key Skills

Match your skillset to the job description and use bullet points, for example:

• Hybrid / electric vehicle diagnostics
• Troubleshooting
• Written communication
• Health and safety regulations
• Customer service

Work History

List previous roles or the companies you’ve worked at in reverse chronological order, starting with your most recent or current position — also include the dates. 

Then add bullet points, to describe your most relevant responsibilities or achievements, e.g.:

[Role, company] [Dates]

• Received a customer satisfaction score of 4.75/5 (95%) on average
• Recommended a new vehicle inspection process, reducing the average time required to complete MOT tests by 18%
• Oversaw the introduction of a new emissions testing process, achieving a 100% compliance rate with environmental regulations

Qualifications and Education

Make sure you include any relevant qualifications – e.g. from the IMI, City and Guilds, etc. – then mention your education details: 

• IMI Level 3 Diploma in Light Vehicle Maintenance and Repair [course provider, dates]
• IMI Level 2 MOT Testing Award [course provider, dates]
• [A-Levels, grades] [school name, dates]
• [GCSEs, grades] [school name, dates]

Interests

If you’re short of space on your CV, this section isn’t essential – any interests you include should strengthen your application in a relevant way, ideally.

Final thoughts: How to write a mechanic CV

Don’t undo all that hard work on your well thought-out mechanic CV by making a basic mistake.

Re-read it several times before sending. Check it thoroughly to find any errors, big or small, and fix them!

Remember, highlight any unique skills you have and what makes you a great mechanic, then build your CV around these points.

If you need some help with your job applications, we’re CV writing experts. We know how to write an outstanding mechanic CV, so please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us.