How to Write a Mechanic CV Guide with Tips and Examples

Looking to jump-start your career as a car mechanic in the UK? Before you start fine-tuning any engines, you need an effective CV with plenty under the bonnet to drive your professional journey.

The rise of electric cars and technological advancements is reshaping the way we approach vehicle maintenance.

In this article, we help you prepare an application tracking system (ATS)-friendly CV that caters to various mechanic levels, helping you accelerate towards your dream job and giving you the best possible starting position.

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Mechanic CV example

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Andrew is an experienced motor mechanic, who is passionate about automotive engineering and committed to delivering top-notch service. Using the Michigan CV template Andrew sets a clear and confident tone making it easy for potential employers to get to grips with his work experience, skills and certificates. 

Interested in a cover letter to accompany your CV? Refer to our mechanic cover letter example.

The CV writing process: Where to start?

The classic idea of a mechanic is the workshop technician repairing private cars. However, skilled individuals are sought after in various industries. Ensuring vehicles run smoothly and managing repairs, mechanics play a crucial role in government agencies, private enterprises, NGOs and beyond. 

With this in mind, building a CV for a mechanic is more than collecting your skills and experience in one place. Like other professions such as engineer, warehouse worker or driver, tailoring your CV for the role and business you’re applying for is crucial for success.

We recommend first crafting a master CV. This is a comprehensive document containing everything you can offer a potential employer. Although you won’t send it out, writing a good master CV is worth doing. It will become the foundation for all job-specific CVs you create. Not only does this save you time in the long run, but also makes sure your applications are individual enough to stand out while still being consistent.

Whether you aspire to be any of the following:

• Mechanical Workshop Supervisor

• Workshop Manager overseeing a team of skilled technicians

• HGV Mechanic

• Roadside Assistance Mechanic, or

• Apprentice Mechanic in training.

There's a diverse range of opportunities waiting for you.

What to include in a mechanic CV?

When writing a good CV as an automobile technician, think of it as a toolbox – each section is a specialised tool you can use to show potential employers you've got what it takes to excel in their organisation. Using a section-by-section approach – tinkering with elements of your master CV and making them job-specific – you will clearly and effectively communicate your strengths and skills.

For an automotive CV consider including:

• Personal profile

• Education

• Skills

• Certificates

• Work experience.

It’s also important to highlight any additional achievements, hobbies or interests you might have.

How to write a captivating personal profile

Employers want the full picture – not just your work strengths. The personal profile is your chance to reveal your unique qualities, highlight your working style and show them you're revved up to succeed in the world of vehicle maintenance. Try to weave in relevant hard and soft skills such as customer service or retail alongside a few statistics.

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What skills should I put on my mechanic CV?

In automotive repair and maintenance, similar to other professions, listing skills on your CV should be a blend of soft and technical abilities. Your personal profile should be packed with soft skills, followed by a dedicated section for harder, more technical proficiencies.

Thriving in this field requires a combination of hands-on abilities and interpersonal tact. For example, a workshop mechanic and MOT tester must show excellent communication, be both a team player and an independent worker and be highly competent and pay meticulous attention to detail.

A successful workshop supervisor will demonstrate leadership, fostering strong interpersonal relationships, as well as effective top-down communication. They also need to show adept organisational skills and a results-driven mindset to meet deadlines efficiently.

A top apprentice applicant will present traits of being teachable, accompanied by an ability to troubleshoot and communicate effectively. Patience and strong organisational abilities should complement a knack for quickly grasping new concepts.

Examples of soft skills:

• Attention to detail

• Effective communication

• Strong problem-solving skills

• Time management

• Teamwork

• Leadership.

Examples of hard (technical) skills:

• Engine diagnostics and repair

• Engine analyser tools

• Computer and documentation skills

• MOT tester qualified

• Vehicle inspections

• Health and safety compliance.

When detailing skills, ensure a well-rounded mix of hard, soft, and transferable skills - the latter two especially if you are a student or working part-time.

How to write work experience on a mechanic CV

When listing your work experience, we recommend using reverse chronological order. Begin with your most recent positions or projects, providing the company name, employment dates and location to create a clear timeline of your history.

Start by creating a short paragraph giving a general overview of what you did in that role and how you developed before outlining two quantifiable achievements in bullet point form below.

Examples of work experience:

Senior Vehicle Technician | Speedy Autos, London | 2020 - Present

Conduct vehicle preparation, servicing, maintenance and repairs on a wide range of makes and models, leveraging technical expertise to accurately diagnose issues with engines and mechanical/electrical components using advanced diagnostic tools. Perform authorised DVSA vehicle testing, followed by thorough road testing post-repairs. Provide crucial support to fellow technicians within the workshop environment.

• Diligently perform 8-12 vehicle safety checks weekly, reinforcing safety standards and maintaining compliance.

• Achieved an impressive 95% success rate in repairing vehicles, contributing significantly to customer satisfaction and repeat business.

Roadside Rescue Mechanic | Rapid Rescues, Birmingham | 2017 - 2020

Swiftly responded to various breakdowns and technical glitches, adeptly merging technical ability with empathetic customer care. Showcased core mechanical, electrical and diagnostic skills to deliver rapid solutions. Interacted directly with members, managed breakdowns on-site, extended technical support and provided exemplary service.

• Successfully facilitated an impressive average of 7/10 members back on the road following timely interventions, showcasing efficiency and expertise.

• Earned consistent top-tier customer review rankings for exceptional service, underscoring dedication to member satisfaction and technical excellence.

Vehicle Technician | AutoPro Services, Wolverhampton | 2015 - 2017

Performed prompt repair and servicing of customer vehicles, conducted comprehensive inspections to identify non-routine defects. Executed electronic vehicle health checks, complemented by rigorous road testing for diagnostic and repair validation. Delivered a courteous, knowledgeable and responsive service to workshop customers while offering technical guidance to apprentices upon request. Embraced innovative work methods to improve constantly.

• Consistently completed 10-15 vehicle repairs weekly, ensuring timely service delivery and customer satisfaction.

• Achieved an impressive 98% accuracy rate in identifying non-routine defects during examinations, contributing to enhanced vehicle reliability and customer trust.

HGV Mechanic | FleetCare Services, Manchester | 2012 - 2015

Maintained a diverse fleet of rigid and articulated vehicles at elevated standards, aligning with DVSA and FTA requirements. Executed meticulous inspections, efficient servicing and reliable repairs of vehicles, trailers and auxiliary equipment, adhering to set schedules and operational protocols. Employed precision vehicle fault diagnosis to ensure DVSA compliance and upheld reliability. Championed strict adherence to health and safety regulations and implemented safe work systems while utilising specialised tools.

• Achieved a remarkable 15% reduction in vehicle downtime through efficient inspections, repairs, and preventative maintenance strategies.

• Elevated vehicle reliability by consistently surpassing DVSA standards, resulting in a 10% increase in fleet uptime, a testament to sustained operational excellence.

If you are looking for a career change into the automotive sector from another industry, take a look at our CV template for career changes. You may also consider using a simple CV template as a starting point.

How to list education on a mechanic CV

Completing the education section of your CV will highlight relevant qualifications you have received en route to becoming a competent and well-rounded automotive technician. It is the point where you formal training complements your hard and soft skills and work experience.

Keep these tips in mind to make your education section shine:

• Begin with your highest level of education and work backwards, listing the institution's name, qualification earned and date of completion.

• Mention any relevant certifications.

• Highlight any academic honours or awards received during your studies.

• If you have limited work experience, draw inspiration from a graduate CV example or consider using a skills-based CV format.

• Keep the education section concise; a brief line for each certification is sufficient to capture the essential details.

Examples of education:

Level 3 Diploma in Light Vehicle Maintenance and Repair, City & Guilds, 2015

Level 2 Diploma in Light Vehicle Maintenance and Repair City & Guilds, 2013

Examples of apprenticeships:

Apprenticeships are a strong way to gain valuable experience, connect with those already in the industry and earn while you learn. They are especially beneficial if you have little to no work experience. There are plenty of apprenticeships available in the UK automotive industry including:

• Vehicle technician apprentice

• Heavy Goods Vehicle (HGV) mechanic apprentice

• Motorcycle technician apprentice

• Aircraft maintenance apprentice

• Agricultural machinery mechanic apprentice.

Including apprenticeships on your CV follows similar rules to your work experience section. However, be brief and only mention the most important information:

Vehicle technician apprentice | Ken’s Garage Ltd, Wolverhampton | 2011

• Assisted senior technicians with diagnostics, automotive maintenance and processing of customer information.

• Instrumental in introducing a digitised ticketing system for appointments, repairs and collections.

Boost your mechanic CV with additional courses and certificates

Courses and certificates show that you are constantly willing to learn and improve your professional skills. While not necessary, they do round off a strong application and build out the profile of a competent and serious technician.

If you have any additional certificates in specialist areas such as hybrid or electric vehicles, it would be advantageous to include them in a separate CV section. Certificates include:

• Level 3 Diploma in Auto-Electrical and Mobile Electrical Operations

• Level 3 Award in Electric/Hybrid Vehicle System Repair and Replacement

Key Takeaways

Creating a compelling CV for the UK automotive industry can be a complicated task with a lot to take in. Here are the key takeaways from this article in five easy bullets:

1. Tailor your CV: Craft a CV that aligns with the specific role and business you're applying to. Start with a comprehensive master CV as your foundation, and then create job-specific CVs by tweaking sections to make them stand out while maintaining consistency.

2. Showcase a compelling personal profile: Your personal profile is your chance to display your unique qualities, highlight your working style, and demonstrate your enthusiasm for the automotive world. Blend relevant hard and soft skills, along with statistical achievements, to capture employers' attention.

3. Strategically list skills: Strike a balance between hard and soft skills on your CV. While hard skills like engine diagnostics and repair, MOT testing, and vehicle inspections are crucial, soft skills such as attention to detail, effective communication, teamwork, and leadership are equally important.

4. Highlight work experience and achievements: When detailing your work experience, start with the most recent roles and outline responsibilities in a concise paragraph. Follow this with quantifiable achievements as bullet points. These achievements can range from increasing efficiency, enhancing safety standards and contributing to customer satisfaction, adding a clear value to your experience.

5. Structured approach: Building a mechanic's CV involves a structured approach. Begin with a comprehensive master CV containing all your skills and experiences. Craft job-specific CVs by tailoring sections for each role you apply to, ensuring that you present a consistent yet tailored profile to potential employers.

Next steps?

Iron out any creases using our intuitive CV builder with and choose a CV template from our collection of professional designs. If you don’t want to leave anything to chance, connect with our professional CV Writing Service. Draw inspiration from our CV examples to save time, emphasise important sections and make it easier for hiring managers to grasp your unique professional offer even quicker.

FAQ

What are the different types of mechanic jobs in the UK?

In the UK, mechanic jobs encompass various roles such as vehicle technician, HGV mechanic, motorcycle technician, aircraft maintenance, and agricultural machinery mechanic, catering to cars, heavy vehicles, motorcycles, aircraft and agricultural equipment.

What is a typical mechanic CV format in the UK?

A typical mechanic CV format in the UK includes sections like personal details, personal profile, education, skills, certificates, work experience and additional courses. Tailoring the CV to the desired role is crucial for effective presentation.

How long should a mechanic CV be?

A CV ideally spans 1-2 pages. Concisely outline personal details, skills, relevant work experience and certifications. Prioritise quality over quantity to engage potential employers.

What is the average salary of a mechanic in the UK?

The average salary for a mechanic in the UK varies based on the role. For example, vehicle technicians can earn around £20,000 to £35,000 annually, while senior roles like workshop supervisors or managers can earn upwards of £40,000.

How to write a mechanic CV with no experience?

To write a CV with no experience, focus on transferable skills gained from education or hobbies. Emphasise problem-solving, communication, teamwork and attention to detail. Include any relevant coursework, certificates or volunteer work.

What is a mechanic's personal statement on a CV?

A personal statement is a brief introductory paragraph that highlights the applicant's unique qualities, skills and passion for automotive engineering. It provides a snapshot of what makes the candidate a suitable fit for the role.