Junior Electrical Engineer CV: How to Tailor It to Any Job Description (UK)

Electrical engineering graduate roles in the UK span power generation, building services, rail, renewables, defence, and industrial automation. The CV fundamentals are consistent: evidence your technical qualifications, your design and analysis tools, and your progression toward chartered status with the IET.

Core qualifications to lead with

18th Edition Wiring Regulations (BS 7671):

The current edition of the UK's wiring regulations standard is the baseline for most electrical installation and building services roles. If you hold it, lead with it. If you are studying for it, state "18th Edition — in progress."

IET Membership:

The Institution of Engineering and Technology is the primary professional body for electrical and electronic engineers in the UK. Student membership is free during study. State it on your CV and reference your intention to progress toward IEng or CEng registration.

Electrical design tools:

AutoCAD Electrical
EPLAN Electric P8
Amtech / Trimble ProDesign (building services)
Dialux / Relux (lighting design)
ETAP / SKM (power systems analysis)
MATLAB / Simulink (power electronics and control)

For power systems roles:

Protection relay coordination awareness (IDMT, overcurrent, earth fault)
Fault level calculations, load flow analysis
Transformer sizing, switchgear specification, cable calculations

Personal statement example

"Electrical and Electronic Engineering graduate (University of Nottingham, MEng, 2:1, 2024) with a final-year project focused on grid-scale battery energy storage control systems. Proficient in MATLAB/Simulink for power electronics modelling and AutoCAD Electrical for schematic design. IET Student Member, working toward IEng registration. Seeking a junior electrical design or power systems engineer role in the renewable energy or building services sector, where I can build on my academic foundation and contribute to live design projects from day one."

How to present final-year and group projects

Final-Year Project: Control System Design for a Grid-Scale BESS
Designed and simulated a droop control algorithm for a 500kWh lithium-ion battery energy storage system in MATLAB/Simulink. Validated against a simplified grid model, achieving frequency regulation within ±0.2Hz of nominal. Project awarded 78/100 and nominated for the departmental prize.

Group Design Project: PV Solar Farm Feasibility Study
5-person team tasked with feasibility analysis for a 2MWp ground-mount solar installation. Responsible for electrical design including string inverter selection, cable sizing, protection coordination, and DNO G99 connection requirements. Produced a formal design report and presented findings to an industry panel including representatives from [utility/consultancy].

Skills section for an electrical engineering CV

Design tools: AutoCAD Electrical, EPLAN P8, Dialux, Amtech Pro

Analysis/simulation: MATLAB, Simulink, ETAP, LTspice

Standards: BS 7671 (18th Edition), IEC 61850, G99/G98 (generation connection)

Programming: Python, LabVIEW, C (embedded — if applicable)

Office tools: Microsoft Office, AutoDesk Vault (if applicable)

Professional: IET Student Member, EES (if applicable)

Tailoring for different electrical engineering sectors

Building services (M&E consultancy or contractor):

Emphasise 18th Edition, Amtech/Trimble for cable sizing and load calculations, Dialux for lighting, and familiarity with Part L and BREEAM lighting targets.

Power systems / utilities / grid:

Emphasise protection relay awareness, load flow and fault level calculation, ETAP or PowerFactory, and grid connection standards (G99/G98, ER P2).

Renewables (solar, wind, battery storage):

Emphasise BESS or PV design experience, inverter technology, G99 compliance, and DNO connection processes.

Rail and transport:

Emphasise safety-critical design awareness (IEC 61508, SIL levels), traction power, signalling interfaces, and experience with CDM Regulations if applicable.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need the 18th Edition before applying for my first electrical engineering role?

For building services and electrical installation roles, yes — it is often a mandatory requirement. For power systems, rail, or R&D roles, it is less critical but still valued. Complete it during or immediately after your degree if possible.

What is the pathway from IEng to CEng for electrical engineers?

IEng (Incorporated Engineer) requires a BEng or equivalent and 4-5 years of progressive experience logged in your IET professional development record. CEng (Chartered Engineer) requires an MEng or BEng + MSc and demonstrates a higher level of engineering competence and leadership. Both require peer review and professional interview. Begin logging your professional development from your first role.

Is it worth doing a conversion masters if my first degree is not in electrical engineering?

For power systems and specialist electrical roles, yes — an MSc in Power Systems Engineering, Electrical Power Engineering, or Smart Grids opens doors that a non-electrical BEng alone may not. For general M&E consultancy, a BEng in a related subject (mechanical, civil) combined with the 18th Edition is often sufficient for entry-level roles.