Whether you’re a civil engineer, mechanical engineer, or software engineer looking to make a great first impression through your resume, we’re here to help.
Here are some of the tips that will help you write your resume and land your dream job:
1. Consider The Need For Accuracy.
In engineering, like in the rest of the sciences fields, accuracy is important, and the same is true for resumes. In fact, accuracy should be the main goal when writing a resume. Small details can make a big difference in the eyes of potential employers, so it’s important to double-check all the information that appears in the resume.
Accuracy is especially important in resumes, yet a study found that 46% of resumes submitted by job applicants contain some form of false information. This is a cause for concern, as employers can be put off by inaccuracies. Furthermore, misrepresentations can lead to legal and ethical issues for the employer. It is essential for job seekers to ensure that their resumes are accurate and up to date.
As an engineer, it is imperative to make sure that all the technical information and credentials in your resume are accurate and up to date.
Employers increasingly rely on background checks and references to verify resumes and candidate information before extending an official offer. Therefore, it is important for job seekers to make sure that their resumes are accurate and truthful.
2. Keep It Short And Concise.
Avoid using overly complex language and focus on keeping the resume clear and concise. Hiring managers often have to go through hundreds of resumes in a short amount of time, so it’s important to make sure yours is easy to read and understand.
Using shorter sentences, clear formatting, and keywords will ensure that your resume stands out from the rest.
On average, employers look at resumes for six to seven seconds, though this time may vary from company to company. Therefore, it is important to make sure that the most important information about you and your experience is easy to find.
Use bullet points and bold font to highlight key points and accomplishments. This will make it easier for employers to quickly find the information they are looking for. It is also important to make sure that the resume is well-organized and easy to read. Make sure that the font size is large enough to be easily read and that all the information is
presented in an organized manner.
3. Write A Summary Instead Of An Objective.
Don’t include an objective section in your resume. An objective not only takes up precious space, but it may also harm your candidacy. Instead, write a short summary that communicates who you are, what you bring to the table, and why an employer should hire you.
Focus on your accomplishments, skills, and experience that make you a great fit for the position. Be sure to keep it concise and to the point. Use the summary as an opportunity to highlight your professional credentials.
Avoid using clichés and generic statements in your summary. Crafting an effective summary for a job application is like putting together a jigsaw puzzle. Each piece represents an important credential, and it’s up to you to make sure all the pieces fit together in the right way to create a meaningful picture for the employer.
4. Make The Resume Specific To The Employment Position.
Every time you send out a resume, add personal touches. Your resume will probably be thrown out if it is clear you mass-posted and it doesn’t show genuine interest in the role.
No one wants to hire any candidate. They want to hire the “perfect’ candidate for the position. The person who screams “qualified beyond a doubt” on paper. Therefore, it’s important that you tailor your resume to the role you are applying for.
Highlight the skills and experiences that are relevant to the job and make sure to include any relevant keywords the employer might be looking for. Furthermore, it’s important to research the company and show that you have a genuine interest in its mission and values. Around 63% of recruiters prefer to get resumes that are personalized to the job position.
5. List Your Major Achievements
To make your resume easy to read, use bullet points. Keep the content in your bulleted successes to a few essential elements, and quantify the outcomes to help employers comprehend the importance of your work.
Use action words to describe your accomplishments, such as “developed,” “achieved,” and “increased.” Make sure to use the same tense throughout the bullet points, and use concise language to help your reader quickly understand the value of your accomplishments.
Additionally, use numbers and percentages to illustrate the impact of your work. For example, if you can point to a 10% increase in sales due to a project you managed, that will be a powerful statement of your value. By providing tangible evidence of the outcomes of your work, you will help employers see the value you can bring to their organization.
6. Provide A Project List
Depending on your area of technical specialization and years of experience, projects may be a valuable addition to your resume.
Emphasize the results of the projects, such as any awards or recognition you received. Finally, highlight any skills you learned or developed. Include the dates of each project and also the duration it took for completion. If the project you worked on was part of a team effort, be sure to mention this in your description.
7. List Your Awards/Or Recognition
Mention any awards or recognition you received for your work and achievements.
If you led a project, include a short description of your leadership role. In addition, summarize any data or facts you can use to convey the success of the project. If you have any certifications related to the project, include them.
If you are part of any professional organizations, list them as well. If you desire, these can be included in a separate section.
Key Takeaways:
You are now equipped with the knowledge and skills to craft a stellar engineering Resume alongside a cover letter.
- If you have extensive job experience, write an impressive summary.
- Provide numbers to back up your claims in the job experience part of your resume.
- To highlight your engineering expertise, provide relevant information such as engineering licenses, certificates, affiliations, publications, and more.
In addition to your impressive resume, a well-written cover letter can help sell your qualifications as an engineer and future value to the organization.
Now that you know the ins and outs of what makes a great engineering resume, it’s time for you to start crafting your own. Don’t forget to review it thoroughly and get a second opinion before sending it off.