Civil Engineer Resume Example & Writing Guide
Use this Civil Engineer resume example and guide to improve your career and write a powerful resume that will separate you from the competition.
Civil engineers are responsible for the design and planning of large-scale construction projects like bridges, highways, airports, and water treatment facilities. They’re also responsible for the maintenance and upkeep of existing structures.
As a civil engineer, you’ll be tasked with making sure structures are safe for their intended purpose and following all applicable building codes. You’ll also need to take into account things like environmental factors like weather and climate change when planning projects.
If you want to break into the civil engineering field or further your career in this area, you’ll need a resume that showcases your skills and experience in this field. Follow these tips and resume example to write a great civil engineer resume that hiring managers will love.
How to Write a Civil Engineer Resume
Here’s how to write a civil engineer resume of your own.
Write Compelling Bullet Points
Bullet points are the most important part of your resume because they’re the first thing recruiters will see. And if they’re not written well, they can make or break your chances of getting called for an interview.
So it’s important to use them to your advantage by highlighting your most impressive accomplishments. And the best way to do that is by using quantifiable details and examples. For example, rather than saying you “managed projects,” you could say you “managed $5M+ construction project to completion on time and under budget.”
The second bullet point is much more specific and provides a clear sense of the scale and scope of the project. And that level of detail will help recruiters understand whether you have the right experience for the job.
Related: What Is a Civil Engineer? How to Become One
Identify and Include Relevant Keywords
When you apply for a job as a civil engineer, your resume is likely to go through an applicant tracking system (ATS). This program will scan your resume for certain keywords related to the position you’re applying for. If your resume doesn’t include enough of the right terms, the ATS might not even forward your application to a recruiter.
One way to make sure your resume makes it past the ATS is to include relevant keywords throughout all the sections. You can find a list of common civil engineer keywords below, but remember that this is just a starting point. You should always tailor your resume to the specific job you’re applying for by including keywords that are most relevant to the role.
- Civil Engineering
- Autodesk AutoCAD
- Construction
- Engineering
- Construction Management
- Construction Engineering
- Project Planning
- Revit
- Construction Safety
- Project Estimation
- AutoCAD
- Microsoft Access
- AutoCAD Civil 3D
- Submittals
- Drainage
- MicroStation
- Surveying
- Project Management
- Piping
- Transportation
- Road
- Adobe Photoshop
- MicroStation VTC
- Microsoft Project
- Adobe Illustrator
- Building Information Modeling (BIM)
- Concrete
- GIS
- Project Control
- Feasibility Studies
Showcase Your Technical Skills
As a civil engineer, you rely on specific programs, systems, and methods to design and oversee construction projects. That’s why it’s essential to list your technical skills prominently on your resume. By doing so, you’ll show that you’re a valuable candidate who is familiar with the essential tools and systems used in your field.
Recruiters are looking for civil engineers who are skilled in specific software programs, such as AutoCAD and Civil 3D. They also want to see that you have experience with specific systems and methodologies, such as Lean and Six Sigma. So be sure to list all of your relevant technical skills prominently on your resume.
Related: How Much Does a Civil Engineer Make?
Remember The Basics
As you draft your resume, there are a few basic rules to keep in mind.
Create Easy-to Scan Sections
You want your resume to be easy to read and understand, so formatting it in a way that is consistent and easy to follow is key. This includes left-aligning your text, using a standard font type and size, and keeping your bullets concise. Additionally, try to use no more than two lines per bullet point and have a separate skills section. Finally, make sure your formatting is consistent throughout the document.
Be Concise
When creating a resume, it is important to choose a length that is appropriate for your experience level and the role you are applying for. A one-page resume is typically best for recent graduates or those with less than five to eight years of professional experience. If you have more than 10 years of experience or are a senior-level executive, a two-page resume is a better option. When trimming down your resume, focus on removing unnecessary information and make sure to tailor the content to the specific role you are applying for.
Check Your Work
Proofreading your resume is important in order to make sure it looks professional and error-free. Spell checking is a must, as are punctuation and grammar checks. It is also helpful to have someone else proofread your resume for you, as they may catch mistakes that you have missed. Beware of easily confused words, and make sure that your tense is consistent throughout the resume.
Use a Summary
A well-crafted resume summary statement can help to quickly communicate your skills and experience to potential employers. By highlighting your key strengths and experiences, you can show that you have the qualifications they are looking for. Additionally, a summary statement can help to show that you are proactive and have a clear idea of what you want to do next. When writing your own summary, be sure to focus on your relevant skills and experiences, and be specific about your career goals.
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