Civil engineer CV example
In a civil engineer's CV, describe your key projects: what they were, their scale, your role and the results. Say whether the work was finished on time and within budget. Next in importance is your qualification certificate, especially one for special structures, followed by software. Everything else is secondary.
The example suits project managers, site managers and design engineers. Shift the emphasis to match. If you apply to an international contractor or developer, translate your “atestatas” by what it entitles you to do: a recruiter from abroad will not know the Lithuanian certification system, but will understand “certified to act as construction works manager on special structures”.
CV example
Construction site manager with a qualification certificate for special structures. Managed the construction of 9 projects (budgets up to €12m, up to 60 workers on site), all handed over on time, with no accidents. Cut the share of additional works from 8% to 3% through more thorough planning.
- Managed the construction of 5 projects (apartment buildings, a logistics centre; budgets up to €12m), all handed over on time.
- Coordinated up to 60 workers and 15 subcontractors on site; zero accidents in 6 years.
- Cut the share of additional works from 8% to 3% through early clash detection in the BIM model.
- Prepared work schedules, cost estimates (Sistela) and as-built documentation for 4 projects.
- Checked the quality of work and the compliance of materials; zero client claims.
Vilnius Gediminas Technical University (VILNIUS TECH), Faculty of Civil Engineering: MSc,Civil Engineering, 2017
Qualification certificate: construction works manager, special structures, 2021
What to put in a civil engineer CV
Name or type, floor area or budget, your role and the timeline. A construction manager will see at once whether your experience fits.
Your qualification certificate (for special structures, if you hold one) and health and safety training are the main filter for contractors. Give the number and date exactly as issued, and add a few words in English on what each certificate entitles you to do.
The number of accidents, projects handed over on time, no client claims: this is your value on the market.
Revit, Navisworks, Sistela, MS Project: more and more clients require BIM experience, so list it. Sistela is a Lithuanian estimating program: write “cost estimating (Sistela)” for a reader who has never heard of it.
Most common mistakes
- Projects not listed, or listed without their size: “worked on an apartment building” tells the reader nothing.
- Leaving out the certificate or its date.
- A CV that is too long: for construction professionals, two pages with a table of projects is the right length.
Frequently asked questions
Can I apply for a site manager role without a certificate?
For non-special structures, sometimes, but most contractors require a qualification certificate (issued since 2022 by the Construction Sector Development Agency, SSVA). If you meet the requirements for one, say that you are working towards it.
How do I describe experience gained abroad (Norway, Sweden)?
The same way as for projects in Lithuania (projects, role, scale), plus the language you worked in and any local certificates (e.g. the Norwegian HMS card). It is a strong advantage, including with international contractors in Lithuania.
Do I need a cover letter?
Contractors rarely ask for one. Clients, design firms and the public sector often do, and if the ad is in English, write the letter in English as well.