CV and ATS guide for mechanical engineers
Hiring engineers look at CAD tool, drawings (GD&T), and whether you owned a part, a line, or a calculation. “Used CAD” without a deliverable is weak.
Common ATS gaps
- SolidWorks / CATIA / AutoCAD on the JD while the CV says only “CAD.”
- GD&T mentioned in Skills with no drawing or tolerance bullet.
- Plant or OEM name missing, so domain search fails.
Keywords that only count with proof
Spell the CAD tool the way the JD does if you used it. Put GD&T next to a housing, drawing, or inspection bullet — not as an orphan skill.
Common questions
- Do internships count for ATS?
- Yes if they have dates, an employer, and a tool or part. “Internship in mechanical” without CAD or a deliverable will not match.
- Should I include every IS standard?
- Only standards you applied. A list of unused codes is treated as stuffing on both the checklist and a human screen.