Electrical Engineer Resume Example & Writing Guide
Use this Electrical Engineer resume example and guide to improve your career and write a powerful resume that will separate you from the competition.
Electrical engineers are responsible for designing and implementing the systems that power everything from smartphones to airplanes. They create the circuits and components that allow electronic devices to run. And they’re the ones who make sure that your laptop won’t overheat when you’re watching a movie on a long flight.
Electrical engineers often work in research and development, where they’re tasked with solving complex problems. But they also hold a lot of potential for growth because they can work in so many different fields. Some electrical engineers focus on hardware like circuit boards and computer chips, while others specialize in software development. And still others work with people as user experience designers or human factors experts.
Regardless of where you want to end up in the field, you need a resume that will help you get there. Here are some tips plus an example resume for inspiration when writing yours.
How to Write an Electrical Engineer Resume
Here’s how to write an electrical 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 they’re the best way to showcase your experience and qualifications.
But many candidates make the mistake of using generic bullet points that don’t really tell a story or provide any context about their experience.
Instead, you should use your bullet points to tell a story about your work. And that story should be as specific and detailed as possible.
For example, rather than saying you “designed electrical systems for new construction,” you could say you “designed electrical systems for new construction of 15,000-square-foot office building, including electrical wiring for lighting, HVAC, and security systems, and fire alarm system, in accordance with local building codes.”
Related: What Is an Electrical Engineer? How to Become One
Identify and Include Relevant Keywords
When you apply for an electrical engineer role, your resume is likely to go through an applicant tracking system (ATS). This system will scan your resume for certain keywords that are relevant to the job. If your resume doesn’t include enough of the right keywords, the ATS might automatically reject your application.
One way to make sure your resume makes it past the ATS is to include keywords throughout all the sections of your resume. You can find a list of common electrical engineer keywords below:
- Electrical Engineering
- Engineering
- MATLAB
- Electronics
- Simulink
- SOLIDWORKS
- AutoCAD
- Python (Programming Language)
- Electrical Wiring
- Arduino
- Project Engineering
- PCB Design
- Microsoft Access
- Schematic
- C++
- Testing
- Power Systems
- C (Programming Language)
- Instrumentation
- Java
- Electronics Engineering
- Electrical Safety
- Project Management
- Engineering Management
- Microcontrollers
- Laboratory Skills
- Windows
- Microsoft Project
- Power Distribution
- Renewable Energy
Showcase Your Technical Skills
Electrical engineers use a variety of software programs and systems to design and test electrical systems and circuits. In order to be successful in this field, it is essential that you are proficient in these programs. Some of the most commonly used programs are ECAD software (like AutoCAD and Eagle), circuit simulation software (like PSpice and MATLAB), and 3D printing software (like SolidWorks and Fusion 360).
Additionally, electrical engineers need to be familiar with electrical systems and how they work. This includes understanding concepts like voltage, current, and resistance, and being familiar with standard wiring diagrams and symbols.
Be sure to list your level of expertise in each area, as this will show that you’re a valuable asset to any electrical engineering team.
Related: How Much Does an Electrical Engineer Make?
Remember The Basics
As you write your resume, it’s important to keep a few basic rules in mind.
Create Scannable Sections
There are a few things you can do to make your resume easier to read and understand quickly. Aligning everything to the left, using a standard font type and size, and keeping bullets under 2 lines will help make your resume more skimmable. You should also try to leave some white space on the page to help the recruiter easily scan through your information.
Be Concise
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to the question of how long your resume should be. However, a one-page resume is generally a good rule of thumb for recent graduates or for those with limited professional experience. If you have more experience than that, you may need a two-page resume to properly highlight all of your qualifications. When trimming down your resume, focus on removing irrelevant information and focusing on the most relevant details. In general, brevity is key when it comes to resumes.
Check Your Work
To create a well-organized and mistake-free resume, it is important to proofread it carefully. Proofreading entails checking for mistakes in spelling, punctuation, and grammar. It is also helpful to have someone else read your resume for you to catch any mistakes you may have missed. Beware of easily confused words, and make sure to use the proper tense for each job you list.
Use a Summary
A resume summary statement is an effective way to introduce yourself and your goals to potential employers. By highlighting your most relevant skills and experiences, you can show how you can contribute to the company. Keep your summary concise and specific to the role you are applying for. Use action verbs to showcase your strengths, and be sure to mention what you are looking for in your next job.
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