Civil Engineer CV Example & Writing tips, Questions, and Salaries

Directed activities to ensure compliance with environmental regulations.


Analyzed manufacturing byproducts to discover engineering solutions to reduce the output of pollutants.


Designed systems to dispose of biological and chemical toxic waste material.


Tested soils and different materials to determine the strength of steel, asphalt, and foundations.

Assessed job tasks to identify potential risks and applied mitigation techniques to improve workplace safety.
Estimated the needs and costs of equipment and materials to determine project budgets.
Prepared reports on deeds, bid proposals, and environmental impact statements.
Analyzed maps, survey reports, and aerial photography to determine project direction.

There are a variety of hobbies and interests that fill my spare time. I love working with computers in different capacities, and I also enjoy spending time in my wood shop. My love of the outdoors includes day-long hikes and cycling trips on the weekends, and my interest in the environment leads to multiple volunteer opportunities in the community.

There is not a single format for CVs. Different professions may have different template and style preferences. It is a good idea to match your CV design to the job. For example, a modern, innovative and forward-thinking engineering firm that specializes in sports stadiums might like to see a contemporary resume format that uses color and graphics. A more conservative format is appropriate for a 100-year-old company that designs classic bridges.

Whichever design you choose, your CV should include your contact information, a professional summary, skills, work experience, and education. You can add hobbies and awards if you feel they are relevant and paint a more complete picture of you. Study our civil engineer CV sample for ideas.

The education section is near the bottom of a CV. It can be the last section or followed by hobbies and interests. List your degrees in reverse chronological order with the most recent one first. Write the name of the degree, the name and location of the institution from which you earned it, and any honors you received. If you graduated fairly recently, within the last five years or so, you may include the year. If it is an older degree, it is best to leave the year off.

For each job on your CV, you should include three to six bullet points that explain your responsibilities and accomplishments. Take a look at our civil engineer CV sample for a good example. Write short, succinct statements that use strong verbs indicative of success. Use numbers to describe specifics, such as, “Inspected seven buildings for conformity to updated earthquake codes.”

If you have important professional certifications, such as ASCE certifications, they can go in their own section with a bold title or header. Put the name of the certification, the agency that awards it, and the date you earned it. If applicable, you should also write the location where you received it.

Less important certifications, certifications that don’t apply directly to the job, such as CPR, and certifications earned many years ago belong in the education section. Include them after the college degrees in reverse chronological order.

Civil engineers need to have strong math and physics skills. In addition, employers look for a working knowledge of important engineering software, such as computer-aided design and mapmaking. Blueprint reading and design is also desirable. You can tailor your CV to the position for which you are applying. For example, if you know the firm uses a particular 3D CAD program with which you have experience, mention it in your qualifications section. For further assistance, see our civil engineer CV sample, or check out our resume builder for industry-specific text examples.