As an automotive recruitment agency, we've had the opportunity to review countless CVs of vehicle technicians and MOT testers. While some CVs are impressive, others could use some improvement. It's no secret that a well-crafted CV that effectively showcases your skills and work experience is crucial if you're serious about securing a job in the automotive industry. Drawing from the expertise of our recruitment consultants, we've compiled a few dos and don'ts to assist vehicle technicians and MOT testers in creating the perfect CV for their job search.
DO stick to a 2-page limit.
When it comes to writing a CV for a vehicle technician or MOT tester, it's important to keep it concise. Ideally, your CV should be no more than two pages. If you have ample experience, try to fit everything on two pages. However, if you're just starting out in your career, a one-page CV will be perfect. Remember, the key is to showcase your skills and qualifications effectively, while keeping it brief and to the point.
DON’T include too much personal information.
It's best to avoid including personal details such as your photo, date of birth, gender, political affiliation, or religion in your CV. This can help prevent potential accusations of discrimination and increase your chances of being considered by prospective employers.
DO make a good first impression by avoiding spelling errors, poor grammar or meaningless jargon.
It's always a good idea to use a spell-checker and have someone else proofread your CV before submitting it. While these mistakes won't ruin your chances, taking the time to avoid them will demonstrate your dedication to the job.
DON’T include irrelevant work experience.
When you've had jobs in the past that aren't directly related to the position you're applying for, it's a good strategy to keep the details of those unrelated job experiences to a minimum.
Last but not least, DO structure your CV into categories and use bullet points to create a clearer document.
We suggest you split your vehicle technician/MOT tester CV into the following categories:
1) Name and contact details
When crafting your CV, remember to start off with your name, current address, and contact details including a telephone number and email address where you can easily be reached.
2) Your goal
When writing a short statement about your goals and aspirations, make sure to include relevant information about the position you're seeking. For example, if you're an experienced vehicle technician looking for temporary work in the Sheffield area, you could mention your strong problem-solving skills and in-depth knowledge of motor vehicle technology gained from working in fast-fit outlets and independent garages. It's important to highlight your unique skills, such as EV or Hydrogen qualifications and how they align with your desired job.
3) Work experience
When outlining your experience, it's crucial to provide all relevant details in a chronological order - starting with the most recent and working your way back to the oldest. Be sure to clearly mention the position held, along with the employer's name and location, as well as the start and finish dates (e.g., MOT tester at Super Autocentre in Cambridge, from May 2015 to August 2023). Additionally, incorporate a list of your duties and responsibilities in each job position. This comprehensive approach will enhance your blog post and provide valuable insights to readers.
4) Education and qualifications
Remember to include information about all completed:
- automotive apprenticeship schemes
- automotive internships
- automotive courses at college
- industry qualifications
- further industry qualifications, such as Level 1-4 Electric/Hybrid Vehicle training
- IMI Automotive Technician Accreditation
- Motorsport Industry Association (MIA) courses
- Relevant internal training courses
- For MOT tester jobs: a Level 2 Award in MOT Testing Certificate, current MOT Annual Training and pass an Annual Assessment.
5) Skills/areas of expertise
You should show your potential new employer that your skills match the requirement for the role. Some useful skills of an automotive technician and MOT tester job applicants include:
- an up-to-date knowledge of vehicle developments, especially ADAS, hydrogen and electric/hybrid vehicle technology
- an excellent knowledge of motor vehicle technology
- strong practical skills
- good problem-solving skills to find faults
- the ability to follow written and spoken instructions
- an awareness of health and safety regulations
- the ability to work quickly and pay attention to detail
- good communication and customer service skills
- a reasonable level of fitness
- an awareness of health and safety regulations
We hope these tips will assist vehicle technicians and MOT tester job candidates in crafting a successful CV. Remember, making a good first impression is crucial! And when you're ready to start your job search, don't hesitate to contact Autotech Recruit. We will be more than happy to assist you in finding a great opportunity in the automotive aftermarket.