1. Presenter’s name Date/Venue
IMechE careers workshop
CV Workshop
Presenter’s name
Date/Venue
Please insert presenter’s name, date and venue of presentation here.

2. About me!
University course University and graduation year Relevant work experience Current job role Currently company
This is the presenter’s opportunity to introduce themselves, give a little context on their professional background, and mention their involvement with the IMechE. Emphasize the local link with regional committees/groups.
Could also mention:
Length with current employer; Responsibilities in current role; E.g. project management, strategic planning, client liaison, etc. What you enjoy about your job.

3. Content
Writing an effective CV The Do’s and Don’ts of covering letters The benefits of Associate membership Routes to gaining Professional Registration
This is what I will be going through with you today.
There will be opportunity at the end for questions.

4. Applications
Two main types of application Written Application forms Covering letter Verbal Telephone interviews Introductions or networking Both may require a CV to be presented during the process of application.
In either scenario, it is highly likely that you will have to present a CV so you should always have an up to date version available.

5. What is a CV?
A CV is a sales document - you are the product! A CV must convince an employer that they are making an investment, which is likely to lead to enhanced business. The investment can be either the appointment itself or simply the time given to interview you.
Your CV is a document to present your strengths.

6. Your CV- 1
Think of your CV as your first interview; you rely on it to do your talking for you sided document (maximum length) font, white paper, no gimmicks. Basic Details – Name, Contact Details, Qualifications, Employment History. Personal Qualities - Initiative, Communication, Leadership, Teamwork, Commercial Acumen, etc. Professional - Memberships e.g. IMechE or Training.
This is the standard, basic content of most CV’s.

7. Your CV- 2
Principal job functions a brief description of what each past job role entailed
Specific Achievements broken down as
Situation -> Action ->Result
Problem ->Timescale ->Benefit
Key attributes linked to achievements may include
Self Motivation
Communication Skills
Initiative
Team building/ Work
Leadership
Further detail in your CV may include the following.

8. CV Structure Page One Name and contact details.
Education - most recent first e.g. Degree, A-levels.
Professional memberships or training e.g. IMechE Associate, Project Management course, etc.
Page Two
For each previous job: dates of employment, position in the company, main responsibilities.
Key achievements: Situation - Action - Benefits
Outside interests: hobbies, sport, clubs, etc.
References: where necessary/appropriate, give two most recent employers if possible.
This is about layout and structure/ headings.

9. CV Summary Think of it as your first interview
It’s a sales brochure for you
Comprehensive, detailed and clear
Bullet points instead of long text
Stress your achievements – be truthful
Check grammar & spelling!

10. Covering Letters - 1
A very powerful tool The only opportunity of introducing yourself formally short of the interview itself Provides the link between the company’s need and your direct experience, qualities and ambitions. One side of A4 maximum Indicate where you saw the advert you are responding to. Refer to the position for which you are applying and state your suitability for the role.
If possible/known, send to named individual.

11. Covering Letters - 2
Explain why you are applying Demonstrate what you have to offer e.g. relevant work experience, skills, knowledge and personal qualities Make it clear how you fit this particular job Indicate that you can supply any further information required and your availability for interview Positive, upbeat closing - “I look forward to hearing from you in the near future” Yours sincerely (if addressed to a named person) Yours faithfully (if the letter is addressed to Sir or Madam) – avoid if possible.

12. Covering Letter Summary
You are being judged every time you either speak or write to prospective employers or agents working on their behalf. Be concise, clear and friendly in your communication style. Pay close attention to details, grammar, spelling. Preparation is key Useful resources: University Careers Service Engineering Opportunities: Recruitment Directories
The following slides are optional and about the importance of IMechE membership.

13. Institution Membership
Companies are looking for professional engineering management for the future IMechE membership demonstrates you are actively doing something about your own development Attend local events, network, ask intelligent questions, understand what Professional Registration mean for your career and to your prospective employers.
Companies are likely to think: “If you can’t be bothered to think about developing yourself, will you be any value in developing the company?”

14. Professional Registration
Chartered Engineer (MEng) Incorporated Engineer (BEng) Shows employers that you’ve reached a benchmark standard of professional competency. Internationally recognised and sought after. Acquired though a combination of Academic Qualifications and Professional Development (work experience). Professional Development can be monitored through Professional Development Record ( or IMechE MPDS.
Brief overview of becoming professionally registered.

15. Professional Registration 2
Monitored Professional Development Scheme An accredited professional development programme which many UK companies actively promote The eMPDS scheme has a consistently high success rate; 93% of people on eMPDS go on to become professionally registered.
Brief overview of MPDS scheme.
The IMechE has a list on its web site of all e-MPDS companies.
Get Registered!

16. Questions
Use your membership! Go along to local events, network with professionals, ask an intelligent question, get yourself noticed. Get relevant work experience. Make sure you understand Professional Registration. Visit: to stay up to date. Upgrade to Associate after graduation.
Emphasize the importance of professional institution membership.

17. IMechE Membership
If you are in your final year and are not currently receiving the monthly Affiliate newsletter via , then you are not an IMechE Affiliate or need to update your contact details. Make sure you are an Affiliate by joining now or update your details as soon as you can; membership is free. Contact After Graduation you can upgrade to Associate Member and use the post nominal ‘AMIMechE’ after your name. IMechE will contact you when you graduate with all the information you need to upgrade.
If you are in your final year and are not currently receiving the monthly Affiliate newsletter via , then you are not signed up as an IMechE Affiliate or you need to update your contact details.
Membership is free