How to Write a Standout Technical CV
Your CV is your first impression - and in a competitive market, it needs to work hard for you. A well-written technical CV won't just list what you've done; it will show a prospective employer exactly why you're the right person for their role.
Here's how to get it right.
Keep it clean and easy to read
Recruiters and hiring managers often spend less than a minute on a first read. Use a clean, professional layout with clear headings, consistent formatting, and plenty of white space. Avoid photos, graphics, or unusual fonts - they rarely add anything and can cause formatting issues when uploaded to recruitment systems.
Two pages is the ideal length for most experienced candidates. Don't pad it out, but don't cram everything onto one page either.
Start with a strong personal profile
The personal profile at the top of your CV is your opportunity to make an immediate impact. In three to five sentences, summarise who you are professionally, what you specialise in, and what you're looking for. Tailor this slightly for each application - a generic paragraph is easy to spot and easy to dismiss.
Example: "Experienced Lift Service Engineer with over ten years in the industry, specialising in maintenance and fault-finding across a wide range of manufacturers and equipment types. Proven track record of delivering high first-time fix rates and building strong customer relationships. Currently seeking a senior or supervisory role with a progressive independent company."
List your technical skills clearly
For technical roles, this section is crucial. Include the equipment manufacturers you have experience with, any relevant qualifications (NVQ, LEIA, BAFE, ECS, etc.), and any specialist skills such as hydraulic systems, modernisation work, or access control systems. Be specific - "experience with Schindler, Otis, and Kone equipment" is far more useful than "experience with various manufacturers."
Focus on achievements, not just duties
When describing your work history, don't just list what your job involved - show what you delivered. Where possible, quantify your achievements.
Instead of: "Responsible for servicing a portfolio of lifts." Try: "Managed a route of 65+ units, consistently achieving first-time fix rates above 90% and maintaining strong customer satisfaction scores."
Don't neglect the basics
Make sure your contact details are up to date, check for spelling and grammar errors, and ensure your employment history has no unexplained gaps. If you have gaps, address them briefly rather than hoping nobody notices.
Get a second opinion
Before sending your CV anywhere, ask someone you trust to read it through. Better still, register with TSM Technical and we'll review your CV as part of our candidate onboarding - it's one of the most valuable things we can do to help you stand out.