Engineering your next move: A complete guide to job searching, sector switching, and career growth

• Start where you are: navigating redundancy with confidence
• Build a standout CV: structure, substance and specificity
• Protect yourself: staying vigilant during your job search
• Considering a new sector? How to plan and pitch your transition
• Proactively learn the industry language
• Target the net zero opportunity: where your skills fit
• Contracting vs employment: choosing your trading model wisely
• Put LinkedIn to work for you (and tell it you’re open to work)
• Know your rights and ask for what you need: reasonable adjustments
• Prepare to interview: start earlier than you think
• Returning to STEM and the energy transition
• Why recruitment could be your next career - and what you’ll learn
• Final polish: details that compound your odds
• Bringing it all together: your action plan for the next four weeks
• A note on culture and community

 

Start where you are: navigating redundancy with confidence

Redundancy in engineering can arrive without warning - project schedules slip, plants decommission, and organisations restructure. Try not to take it personally, remember it's the role that is being made redundant not the person. The first step is to reframe the situation: your skills are valuable, many are transferable, and engineering adjacent sectors are actively hiring. Start by making an honest inventory of your core competencies (both technical and soft), research complementary sectors where those skills are in demand, and map any gaps you can close with short courses or certifications. This mindset turns a setback into a springboard for broader opportunities.  

Practical next steps include updating your CV so it’s concise, targeted, and outcomes driven. Use action verbs and quantify impact (“reduced downtime by 18%”, “led a 12 person commissioning team”) and craft a fresh personal statement that clearly links what you love doing to the roles you’re pursuing -especially useful when transitioning sectors. Keep the CV to a clear, scannable format (typicaly no more than two pages) because many organisations use technology to screen applications.  

 

Build a standout CV: structure, substance and specificity

Your CV needs to pass two tests: initial screening and human resonance. Essentials - full name, professional contact details, and location - belong at the top. Structure the content in the order a hiring manager expects to consume it: a tight personal statement, a tailored experience section rich with deliverables, a skills block that uses role-relevant keywords (codes, standards, systems), followed by education, certifications, and references or endorsements if helpful. Tailor for every application; the job description is your blueprint for what to bring to the fore.  

CV tips:

We recommend maintaining multiple, slightly different versions of your CVs tailored to specific roles; should you need to widen your job search if you’re not hearing back. Your skills may cross into nuclear, renewables, or infrastructure, for example, so tailoring your CV to each sector will demonstrate your suitability. Proactively ask for references at the end of projects, because strong testimonials can unlock interviews.  

If you’re experimenting, a short (1–2 minute) video CV can complement - not replace - your written CV. Use it to bring key achievements to life, keep the tone professional yet conversational, and record in a distraction-free setting. The goal is to humanise your application without overwhelming it - think crisp, example led storytelling.  

Writing a CV for service leavers: translate, don’t truncate

If you’re transitioning from the military, you may be writing a CV from scratch. Leverage support from the Career Transition Partnership (CTP) for CV structure and recognised qualifications. In your profile and experience sections, translate roles and achievements into civilian outcomes (e.g., “led multi disciplinary teams on time critical infrastructure tasks”; “managed high integrity assets under strict safety protocols”). Keep contact details professional and ensure the personal statement is refreshed to reflect each specific application.  

NRL actively supports service leavers through CTP jobs boards and fairs; their teams understand the precision, discipline, and leadership you bring—and how these map to technical and engineering roles. Knowing that employers value your transferable skills helps you aim confidently at the right roles. 

 

Protect yourself: staying vigilant during your job search

High volume job hunting can expose you to scams. Be wary of texts or WhatsApp messages offering roles out of the blue, rushed requests for personal data, or any demand for upfront payment. Reputable recruiters don’t ask for bank details in a text; they’ll move to a proper call and then secure onboarding processes. Verify identities by checking the agency website, confirming the recruiter appears on the team page, and locating the role on the company’s own job board before sharing information. Reach out on LinkedIn or call the office if in doubt - legitimate consultants welcome verification.  

You can find out more about staying safe online when job searching by visiting Jobs Aware.

 

Considering a new sector? How to plan and pitch your transition

Changing sector can reinvigorate your career and signal adaptability. Start by clarifying what you enjoy and where you excel; then research sectors with crossover (built environment, energy from waste, nuclear, renewables, T&D, defence). Network purposefully - speak with people already in those sectors, ask focused questions, and surface the transferable skills employers value (project delivery, quality assurance, safety, stakeholder coordination, high integrity environments). Use real examples to show you can land and deliver quickly.  

Engineering and related fields are broad, so there’s room to apply existing strengths in new contexts. Analysis of growth subsectors - renewables, energy from waste, nuclear, and the wider built environment - shows robust demand where problem-solving, attention to detail, and project discipline are prized. Position yourself as “adjacent and ready”: not learning from zero but translating proven methods to a new domain.  

 

Proactively learn the industry language

Every sector has its own terminology and industry language, which you'll need ot get familiar with. If nuclear is on your radar, for exampe, fluency in key acronyms and concepts will accelerate your credibility.

• Understand high level security checks - Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS), Counter Terrorism Check (CTC) and Developed Vetting (DV)
• Check site safety norms - such as Drug and Alcohol testing and dosimetry (measuring and calculating exposure to radiation)
• Research the different types of reactor  -  Advanced Gas‑cooled Reactor (AGR) and European Pressurised Reactor (EPR)
• Look into who the major operators are (EDF)
• Study the decommissioning lifecycle.

Being conversant with this terminology helps you tailor your CV, interview answers, and compliance readiness to a sector where precision and safety culture are non negotiable.  

 

Target the net zero opportunity: where your skills fit

The UK’s long-term energy strategy is pivoting fast: large-scale offshore wind, hydrogen, CCUS, small modular reactors, and the retirement of coal are reshaping the skills map. These shifts create demand across the supply chain—from fabrication and subsea cabling to control systems and commissioning. For engineers and project professionals, the question isn’t “Is there a place for me?” but “Which segment best matches my background and learning appetite?” Position your profile for net zero project environments, emphasising safety, regulated site experience, and large project controls.  

If you’re moving from conventional power or construction, renewables can be an ideal bridge. The sector has grown rapidly, investment remains strong, and the skills shortage is well-documented. Your project leadership, QA/QC rigor, and vendor management experience all carry over; highlight these parallels to shorten an employer’s perceived ramp up time.  

 

Contracting vs employment: choosing your trading model wisely

If interim or project-based work appeals, understand the trading models available (e.g., operating via an umbrella company, limited company, or PAYE). Legislation restricts recruiters from advising you which model to choose, so use approved supplier lists as a starting point, then get independent guidance to pick what best suits your circumstances, risk tolerance, and IR35 position. Make sure any provider is audited and compliant; when in doubt, seek professional advice before you commit. 

You'll also need to understand the IR35 off-payroll working rules and the importance of “reasonable care” by end clients. If you’re unsure how a role is classified or how a client manages determinations, ask informed questions early. Understanding process and documentation will prevent surprises later.

If you're new to IR35 you can find more resources here. 

 

Put LinkedIn to work for you (and tell it you’re open to work)

LinkedIn remains a cornerstone of modern job search. Switch on “Open to Work” so recruiters can surface your profile (and optionally display the green banner to your wider network). Regular updates - highlighting projects, certifications, or sector interests - keep you visible. Expand your network with ex colleagues and industry recruiters and follow agencies so new roles appear in your feed. The more thoughtful your activity, the more discoverable (and credible) you become.  

For Armed Forces leavers specifically, LinkedIn is especially powerful: get your profile set up with a clear, searchable headline, accurate location (to appear in radial searches), professional contact details, and a translated skills narrative that maps military experience to civilian job families. Then use the “Open to” menu to signal availability and filter searches to recruiters in your target industries. 

Make LinkedIn your daily habit: a cadence for results

Consistency beats intensity. Here’s a weekly cadence to keep your job search engines warm:

Mondays: Refresh your “Open to Work” preferences and review new roles from followed companies; shortlist and tailor two applications (update CV keywords and the top 3 achievements to match the job spec).  

Mid week: Publish a short post about a project lesson learned or a course you completed; tag relevant standards or technologies to increase discoverability. Connect with two recruiters in your target sector(s).  

Fridays: Send two “coffee chat” messages to peers or ex colleagues working in target companies. Keep notes on each conversation to refine your pitch and uncover hidden vacancies.  

For Armed Forces leavers, layer in CTP job board checks and employment fairs; use your headline and About section to translate military responsibilities into civilian outcomes that are searchable by hiring teams. 

 

Know your rights and ask for what you need: reasonable adjustments

Under the UK Equality Act 2010, candidates and employees with disabilities have a right to reasonable adjustments. That might include modified equipment, flexible hours, remote/hybrid options, adapted assessments, or adjusted duties. Prepare a clear, specific request that outlines what you need to perform effectively; good employers welcome these conversations and should put measures in place. Framing the discussion around outcomes - how the adjustment enables you to deliver - helps everyone align.  

Organisations are also encouraged to proactively build inclusive processes, offering adjustments as standard - signalling that disabled candidates are genuinely welcome. Some changes may be supported by the Government’s Access to Work grant, so employers can address barriers pragmatically and promptly.  

 

Prepare to interview: start earlier than you think

Interview success starts long before the calendar invite. Build a structured plan: research the company’s projects and safety culture; map your top five stories to the role’s core competencies (STAR format); and prepare questions that show you’ve thought about delivery (team structure, interfaces, typical constraints, first 90 days priorities). Rehearse concise, outcome focused answers. On logistics: be responsive and timely with any documents recruiters request - speed signals interest and reliability.  

If confidence has taken a knock after redundancy or a career break, ease back in with lower stakes conversations - informational chats with recruiters, previous colleagues, or sector peers - to practice telling your story. Returning to STEM after a break is feasible and often valuable to employers; what matters is showing currency (courses, reading, small projects) and readiness to contribute.  

 

Returning to STEM and the energy transition

As the energy system decarbonises, opportunities expand for those re‑entering STEM roles. With government and industry commitments in place, initiatives like offshore wind scale‑ups, hydrogen pilots, and CCUS clusters require planners, QA/ QC, commissioning, and operations talent. Position your comeback around these needs: emphasise large‑project rigor, compliance, and your appetite to learn the specific technologies on the job. The momentum across net zero programmes offers multiple on‑ramps. 

The nuclear ecosystem is also modernising - from new build to small modular reactors (SMRs). Great British Nuclear is intended to accelerate delivery pathways, with a particular focus on SMR selection and investment decisions within defined windows - another signal of future demand for high‑integrity skills. 

 

Why recruitment could be your next career - and what you’ll learn

If you thrive on problem-solving, teamwork, and helping people progress, recruitment is a credible career pivot - especially for engineers and project professionals who enjoy stakeholder engagement. It’s fast-paced, varied, and has meaningful levers to improve hiring experiences for candidates and outcomes for clients. Established teams offer structured training, strong peer support, and the satisfaction of playing a visible part in local and global projects.  

Recruitment builds a rich skills stack: client consulting, market mapping, candidate discovery, assessment and selection, compliance, negotiation, data fluency, and project management across multiple live requisitions. It’s a space where transferable skills shine - and where you can keep learning quickly.  

If you’re curious, explore job vacancies and look for resourcer or consultant positions that welcome career changers. The progression paths and variety of sectors (nuclear, built environment, infrastructure, conventional power, T&D, defence, renewables) mean you can grow breadth and depth over time. 

See the latest vacancies in NRL's business here.

 

Final polish: details that compound your odds

Multiple CV variants: Maintain a base CV and create targeted versions aligned to specific role families (e.g., QA/QC, commissioning, project controls). This increases relevance and invite rates.

References ready: Capture references (or short testimonial snippets) after each project; choose referees whose brands will resonate with target employers.

Portfolio thinking: Where applicable, assemble an engineering or project portfolio (sanitised for confidentiality) to discuss at interview - diagrams, before/after metrics, and role clarity. It makes your impact tangible.

Reasonable adjustments: If you require adjustments in assessment or onboarding, ask early and specifically - the best employers will respond positively and quickly.

Sector fluency: If you’re targeting nuclear, learn the acronyms; if renewables, learn the technology stack and supply chain (from fabrication to grid integration). Mirror this language in CVs and interviews.

Compliance mindset for contracting: If you go interim, understand umbrellas, limited companies, and IR35 basics; verify providers against an approved list and seek independent advice before you choose.

Vigilance: Validate unexpected messages; never share sensitive information over informal channels; and escalate to a phone call if anything feels off.

 

Bringing it all together: your action plan for the next four weeks

Week 1 - Positioning and protection

• Draft your skills inventory (technical, leadership, safety/compliance, delivery).
• Shortlist 2–3 target sectors (e.g., nuclear, offshore wind, EFW). Document how your skills map to each.
• Refresh your base CV + create one targeted variant.
• Switch on LinkedIn “Open to Work” (recruiters and network, per your preference).
• Read a sector primer (e.g., nuclear jargon list) to build language fluency.
• Review scam‑prevention steps; verify current conversations.

 

Week 2 - Market entry

• Apply for 4–6 roles using tailored CVs and quantified outcomes.
• Connect with 10 relevant recruiters/hiring managers; follow NRL and key project pages.
• If you’re a service leaver, draft a civilian‑translation paragraph for each major posting in your military career and integrate into LinkedIn and CV

 

Week 3 - Conversations and capability

• Book two informational calls (recruiter and sector peer).
• Complete a short course that closes a near‑term gap (e.g., safety passport, software, or standards update).
• If pursuing contracting, research trading models and - if applicable - speak with an approved umbrella and a qualified advisor.

 

Week 4 - Interviews and inclusion

• Build your interview story bank (5 STAR stories mapped to the job brief).
• Prepare reasonable‑adjustment requests if required, framed around your best performance.
• Rehearse a 60‑second “why me, why this role, why now” pitch tailored to each sector.

 

A note on culture and community

The best job moves happen when you feel seen and supported. Whether you’re engaging with one of NRL Recruitment’s branches on local opportunities, exploring international projects, or attending employment fairs as you transition from the Armed Forces, there’s a community to plug into - one that values compliance, safety, inclusion, and the practicalities of getting great work done together. Use these networks; they’re designed to help you move faster and with confidence.

 

For transparency, AI has been used during the generation of this article, with every care taken to verify its accuracy.