Engineer Resume Example & Writing Guide

Engineers use science, math, and creativity to find solutions for real-world problems. They’re problem-solvers at heart, and they love working on complex projects that involve a lot of moving parts. Engineers work in a wide range of fields and industries, from aerospace and automotive to software development and construction.

If you’re interested in pursuing a career as an engineer but aren’t sure where to start, here are some tips and an example resume to help you write a compelling engineering resume that will land you interviews.

How to Write an Engineer Resume

Here’s how to write an 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 have to be compelling enough to make them want to read the rest of your resume.

So rather than just listing your responsibilities, you should use bullet points to describe the results of your work. For example, rather than saying you “managed engineering team,” you could say you “increased productivity of engineering team by 15% during Q3 by implementing new project management software.”

Notice how the second bullet point is more specific and provides more detail about what exactly you did and the results of your work.

Related: What Is an Engineer? How to Become One

Identify and Include Relevant Keywords

When you submit your resume online, it’s likely that it will be scanned by an applicant tracking system (ATS) for certain keywords related to the job opening. The ATS will look for keywords like “mechanical engineering” and “electrical engineering” in order to determine whether your skills are a match for the job. If you don’t have enough of the right keywords on your resume, the ATS might discard your application before a recruiter ever sees it.

To increase your chances of getting an interview, use this list of commonly used engineering keywords as a starting point when writing your resume:

Showcase Your Technical Skills

In order to be a successful engineer, it is essential that you are proficient in the use of technology. Recruiters are looking for engineers who are skilled in programs like MATLAB, AutoCAD, and SolidWorks. Additionally, engineers need to be familiar with the principles of engineering and the various types of engineering, such as civil engineering, mechanical engineering, and electrical engineering. So if you have experience in any of these areas, be sure to list them in your technical skills section.

Related: How Much Does an 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

There are a few things you can do to your resume to make it look more professional and easy to read. First, use a standard font type and size throughout the document. Additionally, left-align your text and use bullets instead of paragraphs to list your experiences. You should also try to keep your bullets to 2 lines or less. Finally, include some white space on the page to make the document easier to scan.

Be Concise

It is important to tailor your resume to the specific position you are applying for. A one or two page resume is generally a good length, depending on how much experience you have. If you have a lot of experience to include, go with two pages. If you are a recent graduate or have less than 10 years of experience, stick to one page. When trimming down your resume, remove any irrelevant information, and focus on the most relevant experience and skills.

Proofread

Proofreading your resume is crucial in order to ensure that it looks accurate and professional. Spellcheck can catch many basic spelling errors, but it is important to have someone else also proofread your resume for errors in punctuation and grammar. Additionally, be on the lookout for easily confused words, such as their, there, and they’re.

Use a Summary

When it comes to writing a resume, a summary statement can be a great way to introduce yourself to potential employers. This is a brief overview of your skills, experience, and goals, and it can help to give recruiters a better understanding of how you see your experience fitting into their role. Your summary statement should be concise and easy to read, and it should focus on your best skills and experiences. As you write it, be sure to play up your relevant soft skills, and make it clear what you’re hoping to do next.

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