Feeling overwhelmed at the thought of job hunting?
If you’re ready for a new challenge and want to progress your career path but don’t know where to start, we’ve got it covered.
From writing an HGV mechanic CV that wows, to impressing at interviews or even just starting off your job search, when it comes to looking for a new HGV mechanic job, there’s a lot to do.
So, read on for our 10-point checklist so you can get organised and take control of your job search…
10-point checklist for applying to HGV mechanic roles
1. Do your research
Even if you’re not ready to change jobs just yet, it’s always sensible to do your research and keep an eye on the news.
The sooner you start researching companies you would like to work for or the different types of HGV mechanic jobs out there, the more of a rounded idea you will have about the right type of opportunities for you.
Read industry news, conduct research, visit online forums – now is the time to make sure you’re on top of trends in your industry, regulatory developments, technological changes and so on.
You could even identify a few key publications that you can trust to keep you really informed and make a point of looking at them regularly. After all, the more you know about the industry and what’s out there, the better!
2. Utilise your network
As well as conducting research online, it’s also worth discreetly chatting to anyone in your network.
By chatting with those who are currently working in a role you are interested in or at a company you admire, you can get the inside scoop and get some ideas on companies to research and recruiters that are worth contacting.
It’s also worth expanding your network by attending events and conferences too – it may even turn up some interesting opportunities!
3. Identify skills gaps
If you’re going to be attractive to potential employers, you need to make sure you have the skills they are looking for. Take an objective look at your career so far and identify the skills that set you apart from other mechanics – and identify any skills gaps that could be holding you back too.
HGV mechanics should be able to demonstrate a strong knowledge and understanding of the fundamentals of HGV technologies, HGV configurations and applications as well as how to service, inspect, maintain and repair vehicles to industry standards.
But that’s not all: employers will also be on the lookout for other more general skills too, such as problem-solving skills, organisational skills, communication skills, reliability and team working skills.
So, if you have any gaps in your skill set, now is the time to take additional courses to build on your experience!
4. Undertake additional training
Having identified the skills gaps in your knowledge, now is the time to do something about it.
Is there any additional training you can complete or qualifications you can get that can help you get to where you want to be?
For example, obtaining further qualifications such as the Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship in Engineering Maintenance or the Level 5 Higher National Diploma in Engineering could help you to set yourself apart from the competition.
5. Draft your CV
Next up, it’s time to get your HGV mechanic CV ready.
If possible, you should tweak your CV for every role you apply for so you can sell yourself to each company, but it’s always a good idea to create a master copy of your CV to work from that lists all of your industry skills and experience.
Detail any new qualifications, relevant skills and experience in date order, and also add a short personal summary at the top to grab people’s attention. For more information on how to put your CV together, make sure you read this blog.
6. Double check the details
When it comes to making the right impression, spelling and grammar are essential. After all, you can’t claim to have attention to detail if your CV is littered with spelling mistakes!
So, make sure you check your application, CV and cover letter thoroughly for any mistakes – you could even ask a friend to double check for any errors before you send it off. Alternatively, you could use software such as Grammarly to make sure no pesky mistakes slip through the net!
7. Get active on social
If you want to market yourself to potential employers, you need to utilise the power of social media.
LinkedIn is a firm favourite for recruiters and organisations to search for potential candidates, so make sure your account is up to date with your relevant skills and experience and use the ‘summary’ section as you would your personal statement on a CV.
Facebook can also be useful for research, whilst Twitter is an ideal news source. Find out more about social media here.
8. Reach out to the experts
Working with a specialist HGV recruiter is a great way to take the pressure out of job hunting.
Not only will dedicated recruiters really get to know you and make sure they understand your career goals and aspirations, but because they will have a deep knowledge of the industry, they will be full of useful information such as salary expectations and market trends.
Plus, even if you’re not ready to move just yet, it’s still worth making contact with a specialist recruiter so they can bear you in mind for any future opportunities.
9. Prepare for interviews
When it comes to job interviews, the more prepared you are, the better. The good news is that you can start preparing right at the start of your job search!
Begin by drafting some responses to standard interview questions, and also have a think about how you can prepare responses that enable you to demonstrate your skill set.
You could also put together questions to ask your interviewer so you can show them you are engaged and interested in both the role and the company.
10. Ask for feedback
Finally, if your interview isn’t successful, look at it as a positive learning experience. If at first you don’t succeed, try try again – and make sure you ask for feedback too!
By asking for feedback either from the organisation you are interviewing with or from your recruiter, you can use constructive criticism to make sure you improve for next time.
How we can help
Whether you are just beginning your journey as an HGV mechanic or are looking to maximise your career, at M&E Global we can help you to find the perfect role.
Our specialist HGV recruiter Kayleigh is a true expert, and will be more than happy to help you at every stage of your job search, from crafting your HGV mechanic CV to providing bespoke career advice.
So, if you are interested in making a change in your professional life, take a look at the jobs we are currently working on or alternatively contact our team today to find out more.
