Impartial advice on managing your career

Do you want to improve your CV? Follow these tips from our expert recruiters, and you will be more likely to get noticed for the job you want and the career you deserve.

CV structure
A CV asks for a lot of information in a professional, concise document. There is a tried and tested format to CVs in the UK, and we recommend you follow it at all times. Many employers use automated software to filter applications , so following the accepted layout will help ensure your CV does not get lost.
Here’s how to structure your CV to present yourself in the best way, starting at the top.

Structure your CV effectively
A well-structured CV presents your information clearly and logically, making it easier for employers to assess your suitability. Adhering to a standard format also ensures compatibility with automated applicant tracking systems (ATS) commonly used by employers.

•  Contact details: place your full name, address, contact telephone number, and email address at the top of the page. If you’re located in one area but seeking opportunities in another, list both addresses and clearly indicate your openness to relocation in your opening statement.

• Opening statement: craft a concise summary in the third person, detailing your background, career objectives, and key qualities. This should be succinct and to the point, providing a snapshot of who you are and what you aim to achieve.

• Key skills: use bullet points to list skills relevant to the positions you’re applying for. Include personal attributes, software proficiencies, technical abilities, and any other pertinent competencies.

• Employment history: detail your employment history in reverse chronological order, starting with the most recent position. Highlight key responsibilities and achievements that align with the job you’re targeting. If you have an extensive employment history there is no golden rule on how far back you should cover, but we would recommend going back no more than 5 years. However, if there is something that is specific to the role you are applying for and it is after the 5 year period, then make sure you still include it as it is evidence of the experience that you have in relation to the role.

• Qualifications: list your qualifications, beginning with the most recent. Generally this only needs to include qualifications obtained from secondary school level and above. It is preferred if you list how many certificates you were awarded, specifying the grades, for example, ‘9 GCSE’s grades A-C’ and even include the grades you received for the core subjects, English, Maths and Science if they are applicable to the role you are applying for. This process is the same for any further education you have completed including A level and degree standard. Now is also the time to add any relevant industry charterships/memberships you may have, for example, MIStructE.

• Hobbies and interests: this section should be short and professional. Mention interests that showcase positive attributes or skills relevant to the workplace, but avoid unnecessary detail

Tailor your CV to each application
Customising your CV for each job application can significantly enhance your chances of success. Carefully read the job description and incorporate relevant keywords and phrases into your CV. Prioritise your achievements and experiences to align with the specific requirements of the role.
Example:

• Job description excerpt: “seeking a proactive individual with strong communication skills and experience in project management.”

• Tailored opening statement: “a proactive individual with demonstrated experience in project management and excellent communication skills, seeking to leverage these abilities in a dynamic professional environment.

Additional tips

• Express your passion: In your opening profile, convey your enthusiasm and interest in the job, field, or discipline.

• Keep it simple: avoid over-designing your CV. A simple, clean layout is preferable, as automated systems can only read text, not graphic images.

• Maintain a standard format: employers often scan hundreds of CVs. Ensuring your information is where they expect it to be increases the likelihood that key details won’t be overlooked.

• Be concise: aim to keep your CV to two pages. Be succinct while ensuring all relevant information is included.

•  Use keywords: incorporate pertinent keywords throughout your CV to enhance its visibility in automated systems and to resonate with hiring managers

Looking for your first “real” job after you graduate can be pretty daunting. You’ve invested a lot of time and money into your education and you are excited about a new beginning. But where do you start? Whether you have had job interviews for casual work or whether you’re a complete novice, this is different, this is your career. There is a lot of pressure to start off as you mean to go on, and you have probably put a lot of pressure on yourself to get it right first time.  

The good news is that a potentially painful process can be managed easily by taking a proactive, organised approach. This will make you feel more confident that you are exploring every avenue, creating the best opportunities and helping you avoid common pitfalls.  

Use your network to get advice 
Talking to friends and family is a great way to start to. Their experience will help manage your expectations and even open doors for you before you even start. Everyone started somewhere and you will be surprised how one conversation can lead you to some great advice at the very least, or leads in the best-case scenario. Even if you don’t think you know anyone in the career area you are interested in, general advice and support goes a long way to fuelling your enthusiasm and helping you navigate the process.  

Take your time… but not too long…  
Taking time off after studying is fine, you may need a holiday, or need to destress after finals or move back home. Before you decide how long you need, do some research into your target industry and the kind of companies you want to work for and see if you can find details of their recruitment programmes. 
But be aware that some companies will time their graduate hiring to coincide with the end of the academic year. You may be able to have the summer off, especially if it is a formal graduate scheme that has a September intake, but the hiring process starts pretty quickly. In fact, some clients we work with on graduate roles do look for new recruits around April or May, so they can have the pick of the best before they have even graduated.   
Similarly, some industries are very competitive and taking a summer internship maybe the best way to get your foot in the door or get that first level of relevant experience. If you hang around too long, you will miss the boat or be at the back of a very long queue.  

If you do take time off, make sure you include details on your CV/profile that spins it in a positive light. Travelling or volunteering, for example, builds on your “soft” skill development and can be very positive. 

Make a plan & keep a record 
Creating a job-hunting routine that works for you helps keep focus. Identify the amount of time and best time of day you can usefully allocate to your job search, allowing enough time away from it to not get disheartened or dejected. Creating a sub list of tasks can help alleviate some of the monotony. Divide your time between looking for roles, researching companies, writing or adapting your CV, completing applications and/or adapting your CV.  
Using an excel spreadsheet is a great way to keep track.  

Be flexible 
Too many preconceived constraints will make your job search harder. Have a reasonable expectation that the perfect job could be in a not so perfect location, or paying a not so perfect salary. You  need to be able to weigh up the pros and cons and know when a compromise is worth making.  

Looking for your first “real” job after you graduate can be pretty daunting. You’ve invested a lot of time and money into your education and you are excited about a new beginning. But where do you start? Whether you have had job interviews for casual work or whether you’re a complete novice, this is different, this is your career. There is a lot of pressure to start off as you mean to go on, and you have probably put a lot of pressure on yourself to get it right first time.  

The good news is that a potentially painful process can be managed easily by taking a proactive, organised approach. This will make you feel more confident that you are exploring every avenue, creating the best opportunities and helping you avoid common pitfalls.  

Use your network to get advice 
Talking to friends and family is a great way to start to. Their experience will help manage your expectations and even open doors for you before you even start. Everyone started somewhere and you will be surprised how one conversation can lead you to some great advice at the very least, or leads in the best-case scenario. Even if you don’t think you know anyone in the career area you are interested in, general advice and support goes a long way to fuelling your enthusiasm and helping you navigate the process.  

Take your time… but not too long…  
Taking time off after studying is fine, you may need a holiday, or need to destress after finals or move back home. Before you decide how long you need, do some research into your target industry and the kind of companies you want to work for and see if you can find details of their recruitment programmes. 
But be aware that some companies will time their graduate hiring to coincide with the end of the academic year. You may be able to have the summer off, especially if it is a formal graduate scheme that has a September intake, but the hiring process starts pretty quickly. In fact, some clients we work with on graduate roles do look for new recruits around April or May, so they can have the pick of the best before they have even graduated.   
Similarly, some industries are very competitive and taking a summer internship maybe the best way to get your foot in the door or get that first level of relevant experience. If you hang around too long, you will miss the boat or be at the back of a very long queue.  

If you do take time off, make sure you include details on your CV/profile that spins it in a positive light. Travelling or volunteering, for example, builds on your “soft” skill development and can be very positive. 

Make a plan & keep a record 
Creating a job-hunting routine that works for you helps keep focus. Identify the amount of time and best time of day you can usefully allocate to your job search, allowing enough time away from it to not get disheartened or dejected. Creating a sub list of tasks can help alleviate some of the monotony. Divide your time between looking for roles, researching companies, writing or adapting your CV, completing applications and/or adapting your CV.  
Using an excel spreadsheet is a great way to keep track.  

Be flexible 
Too many preconceived constraints will make your job search harder. Have a reasonable expectation that the perfect job could be in a not so perfect location, or paying a not so perfect salary. You  need to be able to weigh up the pros and cons and know when a compromise is worth making.  

Securing the right role as a structural engineer requires more than technical competence. In today’s competitive market, interview success revolves around preparation, confidence, and the ability to demonstrate both technical expertise and professional attributes. Here are the key steps to ensure you stand out in an interview setting.
 

1. Understanding the interview process

An interview is not simply an assessment of your skills; it is also your chance to evaluate whether the company aligns with your aspirations. Employers want to see how you deliver design solutions, collaborate with teams, manage deadlines, and innovate.
Be prepared to discuss your technical expertise, previous work examples, motivation for seeking a new opportunity, what you can offer to the employer, your career direction, and finally questions you have about the job role.
 

2. Researching the company 

Thorough preparation is non-negotiable. Employers can quickly identify candidates who have not invested time in understanding the organisation. Before attending the interview focus on company reputation, financial health, culture, competitors and trends in the industry.
 

3. Interview etiquette

First impressions carry significant weight and how you present yourself during the interview plays a crucial role in forming a positive impression. Here are some tips to ensure you make a good first impression:

• Punctuality: Arrive 10–15 minutes before the interview.
• Distractions: Silence or switch off your phone.
• Appearance: Dress smartly and tailor your attire to the company’s culture, ensuring it’s professional and polished.
• Positive body language: Smile, give a firm handshake, maintain eye contact, avoid slouching and fidgeting during the interview.
• Preparation: Be ready to discuss your CV and portfolio (if applicable) in detail. Including software use, previous experience, strengths and weaknesses.

4. Types of interview questions

Expect to be asked a blend of situational, behavioural and competency-based questions as well as a technical task during the interview. These questions are designed to assess aspects of your personality, experience and capabilities.

• Situational questions: Designed to understand how you would handle a hypothetical situation. E.g., “how would you manage a project with limited resources?”
• Behavioural: Looks to assess how you have handled situations in the past and predict situations in the future. E.g., “describe a time you resolved a conflict within a project team.”
• Competency: Focus on the specific skills required for the job. E.g., “how do you ensure the accuracy of your structural calculations?”
• Technical task: A short task usually focusing on basic structural engineering principles, which the interviewer will use to see your approach. Make sure to brush up on the basics.

Take some examples of work along with you, such as projects, models, hand calculations, sketches and reports. Refresh yourself on what you did during these projects to prepare for any technical questions they may ask.
 

5. Using the STAR technique

The STAR technique is a powerful method for structuring your answers to interview questions, particularly be­havioural and competency questions. STAR stands for:

• Situation: Briefly describe the context of the scenario.
• Task: Define the challenge or task you faced.
• Action: Explain the steps you took to address the task or resolve the problem.
• Result: Share the outcome of your actions and the impact it had.

 
Job interviews for structural engineers are about much more than technical ability. Employers want professionals who can solve complex problems while collaborating effectively and representing the company’s values. By preparing for the interview, researching thoroughly and structuring your answers, you can approach interviews with confidence and secure the role that boosts your career.