If you’re a vehicle technician or mechanic looking for your next role, your CV can open doors -or close them.
Even skilled technicians miss out on great jobs because their CVs don’t clearly show what they can do.
In this guide, we’ll highlight the most common CV mistakes we see from technicians – and more importantly, how to fix them so you stand out to employers and recruiters.
Being Too Vague About Skills and Experience
The Mistake:
Writing generic lines like “completed repairs” or “responsible for servicing vehicles” without details.
Why It’s a Problem:
Recruiters and hiring managers skim CVs quickly. If they can’t see exactly what you specialise in, your application might get overlooked.
How to Fix It:
Be specific.
Mention the types of vehicles you worked on, brands you have experience with, types of repairs (diagnostics, electrical, mechanical), and tools/software you’ve used.
Example:
“Carried out full diagnostics and major mechanical repairs on Audi and Volkswagen vehicles using VAG-COM diagnostic tools.”
Leaving Out Key Certifications or Licences
The Mistake:
Not listing your formal qualifications clearly – like NVQs, MOT tester licence, hybrid/EV training, or brand-specific accreditations.
Why It’s a Problem:
Employers often filter candidates based on essential qualifications. If yours aren’t obvious, you might get skipped.
How to Fix It:
Create a separate Certifications & Training section and list everything relevant, including licence numbers where required.
Example:
- NVQ Level 3 Light Vehicle Maintenance & Repair
- MOT Tester Licence (Class 4 & 7) – Tester No. XXXX
- IMI Accreditation – Diagnostic Technician
Poor CV Formatting and Layout
The Mistake:
Using cluttered layouts, inconsistent fonts, long blocks of text, or unprofessional designs.
Why It’s a Problem:
Messy CVs are hard to scan – and in a busy dealership or fleet operation, managers don’t have time to hunt for information.
How to Fix It:
- Use clear headings (e.g., Profile, Experience, Certifications, Skills)
- Keep fonts clean and simple (Arial, Calibri)
- Use bullet points for responsibilities and achievements
- Aim for two pages maximum – or one if you’re early career
Think of your CV like a diagnostic report: it needs to be clear, accurate, and easy to read fast.
Not Tailoring the CV to the Job
The Mistake:
Sending the same generic CV to every job, regardless of what the role actually asks for.
Why It’s a Problem:
Employers want to see that you understand what they need – and that you’re suited to it.
How to Fix It:
Before sending your CV:
- Read the job description carefully
- Highlight the most relevant skills and experience first
- Use similar language and terminology (without copying word-for-word)
Even small tweaks can massively increase your chances of getting shortlisted.
Missing Soft Skills and Work Ethic
The Mistake:
Only focusing on technical abilities without mentioning attitude, reliability, or teamwork.
Why It’s a Problem:
In busy workshops, a technician who’s technically brilliant but unreliable or difficult to work with can be more of a liability than an asset.
How to Fix It:
Mention soft skills such as:
- Ability to work under pressure
- Team collaboration
- Time management and punctuality
- Customer communication skills (especially for mobile/field techs)
Example:
“Proven ability to diagnose and repair faults efficiently while maintaining strong team collaboration and delivering excellent customer service.”
Final Thoughts
A strong CV isn’t about listing every job you’ve ever had – it’s about clearly showing what you’re great at, why you’re reliable, and why you’ll be an asset to the next workshop or fleet team you join.
Take a little extra time to clean up your CV, focus on real achievements, and highlight the certifications and skills that employers actually want to see.
Need help polishing your CV? Holt Automotive’s recruitment experts can help tailor your CV for technician roles across the UK — get in touch today.
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