System Engineer Resume Example & Writing Guide

Systems engineers are highly skilled professionals who are responsible for designing and implementing complex systems that require a high level of technical competency. They’re often called upon to bridge the gap between the technical and business worlds by translating business requirements into technical specs.

As a systems engineer, you might work on everything from mobile apps to industrial equipment to complex automated systems. And while your day-to-day responsibilities will vary depending on your role and your employer, there are some common duties that you’ll likely be called upon to perform. These include designing and implementing complex systems, troubleshooting issues, collaborating with teams across departments, identifying opportunities for efficiency and growth, and ensuring that systems are secure.

Here are some tips plus an example to help you write a great systems engineer resume that hiring managers will love.

How to Write a System Engineer Resume

Here’s how to write a resume of your own.

Write Compelling Bullet Points

When you’re writing bullet points, it can be tempting to focus on the tasks and responsibilities of your job. But that’s not enough to make a strong impression. Instead, you should focus on the results of your work.

For example, rather than saying you “installed software on servers,” you could say that you “installed software on 10 servers in new data center, reducing installation time by 50% and saving company $10,000 in labor costs.”

Notice how the second bullet point is more specific and provides more detail about the project and its outcome.

Related: What Is a System Engineer? How to Become One

Identify and Include Relevant Keywords

In order for your resume to make it through the applicant tracking system (ATS) and into the hands of a recruiter, it’s important to include certain keywords. The ATS will scan your resume for specific terms related to the job opening, like “systems design” or “operations” to determine whether your skills are a match. If you want your resume to be seen by a human, make sure to include relevant keywords throughout all the sections of your document.

Here are some of the most commonly used keywords for system engineer resumes:

Showcase Your Technical Skills

As a system engineer, you need to be proficient in a variety of software programs and systems in order to effectively do your job. This might include experience with operating systems, networking, virtualization, storage, and security. Additionally, you should be familiar with various programming languages and tools, such as Java, Python, and Puppet.

Listing your technical skills on your resume is a great way to show potential employers that you have the knowledge and experience necessary to be successful in the role.

Related: How Much Does a System Engineer Make?

Remember The Basics

As you’re writing your resume, you’ll want to keep a few basic guidelines in mind.

Make Your Resume Easy to Scan

There are a few things you can do to make your resume easier to read and understand. This includes using left-aligned text, regular font size, and limited use of bolding, italics, and all-caps. You should also 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 writing your resume, you should keep in mind that a shorter document is typically more advantageous. A one-page resume is ideal for recent graduates or those with less than five to eight years of professional experience. If you have more experience than that, a two-page resume is more appropriate. When trimming down your resume, remove irrelevant information, filler words, and unnecessary details.

Proofread

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.

Consider Including a Summary

When it comes to writing a resume, a summary statement can be a great way to introduce yourself to potential employers and showcase why you’re the perfect candidate for the job. A summary statement is a brief paragraph at the top of your resume that explains who you are, what you do, and what your best skills and traits are. This can be a great way to show off your most relevant experiences and explain how they’ll benefit the company you’re applying to. If you’re unsure of how to write a summary statement, or you’re struggling to sell yourself to potential employers, using a resume summary statement template can be a great way to get started.

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