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10 tips for a successful engineering resume

It’s that time of the year again where spring is in full force, the sun is shining, birds are chirping and this year’s college graduates are spreading their wings and sending out resumes. Despite at least four years of schooling and tens of thousands of dollars spent on tuition, it’s unfortunate that their curriculum doesn’t include a resume 101 course or at least require students to attend a seminar on resume writing. Awkwardly crafted and abysmal resumes aren’t constrained to recent graduates but also reach into the general engineering population. This leaves the perfect opportunity to review some basic tips for handling resumes and establishing an online presence, after all, resumes are no longer limited to simple paper versions.

Tip #1 – Ignore the one page rule For some reason, since the beginning of time there has been this notion that a resume should only be one page. It should be short and simple and provide very basic information. This is great if the plan is to be a professional job seeker. A single page, in a readable font, provides enough space to put a name, a few companies and education before there is no more room left on the page. It doesn’t provide enough space to really sell or distinguish the applicant from anyone else. Single page resumes are often looked at and quickly discarded because there is nothing on them that really catches attention. Don’t allow this outdated rule to dictate the length of a resume.

Tip #2 – Explicitly show experience A potential employer is not going to take the time to read between the lines as to whether an individual has a certain type of experience or skill. Experience needs to be explicitly declared and not implied. This can be done by listing each project that was performed at a company and then providing details as to what was involved. Demonstration of problem identification and the ability to come up with a solution is critical.

Tip #3 – Use bullet points to improve readability Instead of writing paragraphs about the work performed at a company or on a project, the use of bullet points is highly recommended because they can drastically improve the readability of a resume. Bullet points are a quick way to break down skills and efforts that were put into a project. They allow the potential employer to quickly skim through and catch the highlights or experience. Figure 1 shows an example of how sentence structure can be combined with bullet points to effectively get the point across. This is something that someone adhering to the one page rule would never be able to do.

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Tip #4 – List professional experience first College degrees always hold a special place in everyone’s heart especially after paying the enormous tuition rates that have become known to students in modern times. Unfortunately, on a resume they hold less weight than professional experience. This means that while having a degree may be necessary, they should be listed after professional experience. It seems unfair but the fact of the matter is that the first few years of one’s career are spent learning what should have been taught in higher educational institutions. Please note that professional experience was noted earlier in the paragraph. This means that coffee shops and a stint at McDonalds are not going to be of interest to your next engineering employer, so it can be removed from the experience list.

Tip #5 – If project experience is lacking, use a DIY project Sometimes inexplicable things happen and a college student never has an internship, or an experienced engineer finds themselves on the unemployment list for a while. This can result in an employer having a hard time justifying even taking the time to talk with the candidate. This is why these gaps should be filled with learning experiences from do-it-yourself (DIY) projects. Create something and go through the design process of gathering requirements, block diagramming and prototyping and put that experience and maybe even some lessons learned on the resume! This will show the prospective employer that the individual is self-motivated, passionate and a number of other things. The best part is that when they call for an interview, the candidate can bring what was designed and talk about the process, the hardware design, the software etc. It might just give that edge needed to even beat out the competition.

Tip #6 – List useful skills Forcing an employer to read between the lines is a dangerous game. Listing project details is one thing but an employer also wants to know in general the types of skills the candidate has. Having a technical expertise section that lists various items such as hardware, software and programming language and provide a quick overview summary of what an individual brings to the table can be very beneficial. Figure 2 shows such as an example.

Tip #7 – Identify industry buzz words and use a few Atdifferent times there are certain buzz words that take an industry bystorm. They may indicate a certain type of design paradigm such asmodel driven design or event driven design or perhaps a new field ofdevice such as internet-of-things or machine-to-machine. The wholepoint is that while the resume is being dusted off and updated, spendinga little bit of time learning the current buzz words can do a lot toincrease the likely hood of the resume being discovered. Of course ifthe buzz word doesn’t apply it should be over-looked but there will mostlikely be buzz words that do apply and that greatly raise the resumesvisibility.

Tip #8 – Use action words Companies liketo have leaders on their teams or up and coming leaders. Leaders areaction driven and employers like to look for candidates that takeinitiative and are on their way to becoming leaders. For this reason itis always nice to include action words that grab extra attention.Mention leading the team or managed the team or were conductinginvestigations to list a few. While investigating resume action words, awebsite with “100 Great Resume Words” popped up and after a quickreview there was little argument about it. The website is linked here and it is highly recommended that they be perused by the reader the nexttime resume updating occurs.

Tip #9 – Use social media to enhance your resume Paperis out, electronic is in. The resume in general hasn’t changed a wholelot but with social media outlets such as Linkedin and Twitter, theopportunity to enhance a resume is astounding. Linkedin can be used asan enhanced resume by duplicating the information on a resume and thenfilling in the extras that Linkedin allows. In today’s society thereseems to be more chance of being found on a social media website firstand then only after connecting with someone does a request for a resumeoccur. This means that social media profiles need to be just as good atattracting attention as a resume but that is an entirely differentarticle for another day.

A few examples of some enhancementsthat can be made through social media are getting colleagues to verifyyour skills, getting recommendations and then also cross linkingcolleagues on projects. This provides employers with the ability tocross reference what they are being told and verify that the material isin fact real.

There has been some buzz about something calledKlout that is supposed to analyze social media interactions and thenrank a user based on those interactions. A value of 1 to 99 is thenassigned to them. Despite all the authors’ interactions on social mediasites, posting baby pictures on Facebook seems to raise the score themost. This leads the author to believe that Klout is an interestingsidebar that will most likely not be taken seriously by employers in thenear future.

Tip #10 – Review and update quarterly Theworst time to update a resume is when an individual is looking for ajob. Going for long periods of time without updates usually results ingaps of information or misrepresentation from just forgetting what wasdone. That is why it is useful to set a periodic time, whether it isevery quarter or twice a year to sit down and update the resume with newprojects, skills, etc. Sometimes employers will include employeeresumes in proposals in order to show a potential client that their teamhas the skills necessary to get the job done. If a resume isn’t keptup to date then the team could quickly look like they are not up-to-datewith the latest and greatest techniques and cause the employer to losebusiness.

Conclusion These are but a few brief tips onhow to handle resumes. Please feel free to add to and leave comments.In order to provide an example, the author has posted his resume forothers to take and leave as they will. As a consultant, the authorupdates and sends this information out frequently and has receivedpositive feedback on contents and structure. Hopefully it can helpserve others in their own endeavors. The example can be downloaded fromhis profile at http://bit.ly/12QMNJE .

• 10 tips to accelerate your engineering career
• How to Write a Resume; How to Network
• Grammar and the engineer
• Scoping out your résumé
• What advice do you have for freshman engineering students?
• Tech paper writing tips: A dark and stormy night

JacobBeningo is a lecturer and consultant on embedded system design. Heworks with companies to develop quality and robust products and overcometheir embedded design challenges. Feel free to contact him [email protected], his website www.beningo.com or on twitter@Jacob_Beningo.

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64 comments on “ 10 tips for a successful engineering resume ”

Very thoughtfully suggestions, thank you for your tutoring. — A new Master Degree graduate.

Funny, was just talking to someone that goes thru hundreds of resume. She immediately pass on one that she thinks wants to go quickly up the chain to managment. You can't get any quality work out of them because they are so busy trying to climb up. This is

Very timely since I've just started my job search…again. I'll merge these in with the general resume tips from my career consultant. Thanx.

Thanks for the thought provocation. I have a few comments:

1. Learn to write. Take some advanced writing courses and practice a lot. Learn to be concise. Examples: change “…sit down and update the resume..” to “…update your resume…” Change “..

When I was first out of college, I included a variety of jobs I did and found ways to make my duties sound impressive and applicable. One such job was a number of years spent as a Correctional Officer while working my way through school.

How is that re

I am a semi-retired engineer. who has worked as a volunteer to help the unemployed write resumes and find jobs for the past 4+ years. I think this article is excellent! I would however like to suggest a few additional tips: 1. It is important to use keywo

I have found that modern media should and could be used to show what our accomplishments are.

I came across a site that let's you add text, video, pictures, audio and slide presentations. ROMSHU.COM.

Happy hunting http://www.romshu.com/soljacobs

This is a great article. I have always been of the opinion that more (than one page) is better (my resume is two pages, 10pt font with bullets, zero graphics and minimum formatting). I would like to mention that I have been using a “project” document (two

Excellent article!!! After having gone through thousands of resumes in my career I find the single page and MOST multipage resumes to be frustrating.

The single page resume can only contain enough information to determine if the candidate is in the bal

One other thing, which was not mentioned, is that if you are seeking a job, do not let anyone know that you are unemployed. It seems that there exists a concept that if somebody is out of work, there must be a good reason for nobody else to interview them.

Additional Thought

Concerning social media, be very careful. Stick to professionally oriented sites, like LinkedIn. Be careful on what you say and how you say it. We tend to be more casual, but everything we say is open for review.

Do not use possi

Good overview and your resume format has many features that I have been using for a number of years. I was also taught to include a short summary or objective paragraph before the professional experience section at the top of the resume. My paragraph is on

Resume writing is a pain. I did not know where to begin. I found resume-help.org that has over 100 free resume writing samples. Take a look at the free examples and you’ll be able to craft a solid resume for free in less then an hour. There are a ton of

Be young (or a chess master?)…. From a recent Newspaper Article,

“…Mark Zuckerberg agrees.

“I want to stress the importance of being young and technical,” Facebook's CEO (now 28) told a Y Combinator Startup event at Stanford University in 2007. “Youn

And after you've incorporated ALL those tips, have someone review it for you before you send it out. I have at least two people look mine over for readability, typo's etc.

Someone who is familiar with your work or industry will help you highlight what

Excellent article…I prefer to spend time reading alot about have been acomplished, prefer to waste time and not to discover lies in the middle of the project.

If the candidate cannot demonstrate even the names of the technologies he used before, I am su

I Studied electrical/electronics engineering…but now am runing a program here http://www.msbm.org.uk

I'm on the right track for taking an mba instead of going for a masters in electrical/electronics engineering.

Hey Ralph, Wondering if you're still in the 'Resume Reviewing' business? My name is Benny and as a recent, first time unemployed 26 year old, I've just written up my first resume revision since graduating Lehigh back in 2009. I put a lot of time into it,

The site http://www.jobscan.co is also a great place improve your resume. All you do is put in your resume you already created plus the description of the position, then professionals analyze your resume for you! it literally takes seconds and it so worth the cop

Saved me so much time AND I got more interviews using Jobscan! I recommend as well!

Thanks for your post and got so much about resume writing. Resume or CV writing are two important term that can help some one to got selected in good company or acquire dream job. But for that once can well written and properly formatted resume or CV requi

“I also use Jobscan and it's by far the best web app for job seekers on on the web! It's so simple to use and fast. Oh, it was highly recommended to me by a recruiter also.”

“Hi, you have come up with some really good points here. One point that I would like to add here is studying some good engineering resume samples. These sample resumes help you in understanding the content that you can add in your resume. One engineering s

“Yeah, writing a good engineering resume is actually really tough; it's hard to know what employers are looking for just by reading the job descriptions…I've used http://www.jobscan.co as well, and it really helped me fine-tune my resume. It was SO easy and the

“Hi! This is really great advice and you've made a lot of valid points. Thanks!nI've found a site that offers a lot of engineering resumes. And it varies depending on what kind of engineer you are.nLink: http://www.resumeprofessionalwriters.com/resume

“I agree most with #3. Using bullet points is important. You have to make sure that your skills and qualifications will get the reader's attention. There are other who've provided links to resume samples, so let me just add to that. You can also check:nht

“Therefore starting serious engineering at age 12. Sounds about right for the typical HR mindset. Well, some kids actually do this…”

“Great tips. Thanks for sharing. I agree with Rule #3.”

“Resume is an essential fact for a job seeker or any student in order to get a new job or apply for a job. Therefore in most of the occasion we have found that students or job seekers are worried to prepare a best and attractive resume and they used to col

“www.jobsiit.com is an exclusive job portal connecting graduates & alumni of engineering colleges with premium recruiters/companies.”

“I agree most with #3. I'm not sure how I feel about #1…It seems like most everything I've read says to limit your resume to one page unless you're applying for a job in academia. If you need any additional help http://executivedrafts.com/ writes awes

Congrats on the graduation. I hope that you found them helpful. Thanks for the comments!

That is very interesting! Thanks for the comments!

Those are good and interesting points! Thanks for sharing those additional tips!

Thanks for sharing your experience! This is great information! Do you have a link or an example that you can share on this format? I'm always interested in seeing other ways of doing things and merging the best parts together!

These are great suggestions! One concern I've had with my own resume is that including projects and details about them cause the resume to be rather long (around 4 pages). I really like the idea of having a separate project details document that the resu

Thanks for these additional tips! Including additional content like this with links within the resume I think are a great way to set yourself a part!

Thanks for these tips! This additional information is great! Your points about keywords i absolutely correct! If the right words aren't on the resume (or social media site) then fewer people will find it and the ones who do will most likely quickly disc

Having something that is unique and can act as a hook is a great thing to have on your resume! I think that as you mention that was a very unique experience and those types of things could certainly remain! Things like college tutoring, waiting tables, w

Thanks for the comments. There are some good ones, some rude ones and also a judgmental tone I read in your comments. My mother taught me if I can't say something nice then don't say anything at all. You must have forgotten this in your extensive 35 yea

4. Totally agree. If your best thing is education then put it first. Unfortunately you will probably be looking for a job for a long time since most companies don't hire entry level engineers (chicken and egg problem).

5. Consultants often move from one

8. They always say that for someone to remember something they need to see it at least three times. Complete, Complete, Complete ……. hmmmm maybe this guy doesn't quit and gets things done?

9. Career goals and objectives are a waste of space on a

Good Luck on the search! I hope that these tips and the comments from other readers help make your resume shine!

“Tip #2 & 3 are really good. Readability especially is very important. I think the 1 page limit probably only applies to those who just graduated and do not have a lot of work experience. None the less if you are in need of a quick solution then you should

“Ralph, I love your 1st point. Having keywords is extremely important especially when you have a huge amount of other candidate applying for the same job. The fact of the matter is an online job is open to hundreds if not thousands of people and HR people

“We rely on people to list useful skills (tip #6) on their resumes to choose EE candidates to interview. But the number one fail is for candidates to list skills that they have acquired only in passing or have forgotten. Then during a 1:1 interview, they

“good You can choose any one genre from the list and see selected videos or displays.t https://cinemaboxappdl.com tFor all those films, anime, cartoons and sitcom addicts out generally there,tcinemabox windows pc nice.”

“Really informative article.Thanks Again. Really Great.nhttp://www.kitsonlinetrainings.com/oracle-11g-rac-online-training.htmln”

“A couple of points:n- Avoid words like Supported, Helped, Part of a team that … Tell what you did!n- Be honest; if you've been out of school 1 year, you were not the team leader.n- be realistic; if you are a recent graduate, your goal isn't to be a

“R. Netzel nOverall I agree with the article. What I see missing and what I look for in a Resume right from the beginning, is experience directly applicable to the position. The Resume should summarize this to start. Most managers, and Personnel are swamp

“I second the removal of age-related items, such as dates of awards, diplomas, and older projects. I edited my resume and listed “Recent Experience” instead of all project experience. Many folks didn't get the subtlety, until they saw I was over 40. I

“Totally agree with this article. nnI am going to complete engineering soon. and was looking for resumennThis helped me thanks for the info.nAlso you can have a look atnnhttps://bcodez.info/ifscnhttps://bcodez.info/micr”

“I was surprised as well about providing not only your date of birth but also if you are married or not and/or have any children. Because here in the US it is illegal for an employer to ask this information of you. Very interesting tips about the resume h

“Jacob, these are great resume tips outside of engineering as well. Every resume you submit should successfully communicate your skills in a way that indicates a perfect match for the position and company. One of the best ways to do that is by highlighting

“The key to a good CV is to not undersell your achievements. Thereu2019s no place for modesty in your CV! When you are describing your achievements in a role your bullet points should be structured as follows u2018I did this, to achieve this, which resul

“Excellent post Jacob Beningo!! Great points have been represented about Successful engineering resume.Thank you for sharing knowledgeable content!nhttps://www.marketmuni.com/cat/human-resourcen”

“I suggest adding a hyperlink to your LinkedIn.com profile as this professional networking site is being used more and more and provides endorsements (akin to references) to skills and experience as well as professional discussion groups. Keep hyperlinks p

“After completing our engineering, the first question arises, whether we can get an appropriate job or not. but before that, we need to prepare a strong and attractive resume. And start uploading in different job portal sites those are relevant to our requ

“nnI feel so blessed again in my marriage after Doctor ODUMODU brought back my husband that separated with me for one good year. Am ALENNA by name from ROMANIA. Even though i have mouths all over my body, it won't be enough to thank Doctor ODUMODU for hi

“Thank you for sharing valuable points with us it's nice one article, Create a best Online Resume Builder to reach the top positions, our online Resume gives u a lasting impression with uniqueness in it, use the template to create your CV Maker help of vca

“Leading Miller Engineering and Construction Company based in USA is nlooking for below job seekers for immediate employment.nthe company is in charge to take care of your accommodation & flight tickets.nAnd also provide backup documents needed to enab

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Click here to directly go to the complete Engineering Resume Sample

How to write an engineering resume?

Drafting your engineering resume can be simple if you know what details to add and how to add them.

With section-wise engineering resume examples, you will be able to make an impeccable resume from scratch in no time.

All we ask is a little patience and to read on!

You can also get an insight into the following FAQs:

• What is an engineering resume?
• How to choose the perfect engineering resume format?
• What should be included in an engineering resume?
• How do you describe engineering experience?
• What skills are needed to be an engineer?
• How do I write an engineering internship resume?

What Is an Engineering Resume & Why Do You Need It?

The work responsibilities of an engineer include things like evaluating different designs closely to zero in on the one that is most suitable according to their needs and requirements.

Engineer's professional tasks also require them to analyze testing and production that is taking place within the company. Apart from this, their duties also involve estimating the cost and time which will be required to complete the projects.

An engineer should be able to measure the performance of mechanical devices, components, and engines, as well as be able to maintain the same.

So, since engineers do such a vast level of work as well as possess such a wide range of skills, they need an engineering resume that can correctly demonstrate these duties and skills to the recruiters.

And to do that, all you need is to make a 1 or 2-page-long engineer resume.

Freshers and engineers with less than 10 years of experience should make an engineering resume of one page, whereas engineers with 10 years and above of experience should opt for a two-page engineer resume.

Also Read: How to curate an entry level mechanical engineering resume?

How to Write an Engineering Resume?

Making an engineering resume is not quantum physics!

And to further simplify the process for you, we've divided the process into multiple stages and those multiple stages into small and easy-to-follow steps.

The only thing that is going to get you that precious interview is the content of your engineering resume.

The design of your engineer resume will not play a major role as compared to a graphic designer resume or an interior designer resume.

However, this does not mean that you can use a blank word page as your engineering resume template.

You need to use a professional engineer resume template that has a decent amount of design in it and that isn't overpowering your content.

Engineering Resume Format

There are three types of formats in which you can write your engineer resume. They are:

Functional Resume Format : Functional Resume helps in highlighting your qualifications and accomplishments instead of jobs & skills. This engineering resume format works best in favor of those people who have gaps in their work history.

As it focuses more on accomplishments and qualifications instead of skills & jobs, it doesn't highlight the gap in your work history that other resume formats will. So, if you have any career gaps in your work history, then opt for this resume format for engineer as it will put all those shortcomings at the back.

Reverse Chronological Resume Format : This engineering resume format is a boon for those people who have a long history of work experience and don't have any gaps in their professional work trajectory.

In this format, the most recent information in terms of dates is written first dating back to the oldest one. This approach is followed throughout the professional experience, internships, education, and other additional sections.

Combination Resume Format : The combination resume format for engineers is named so because both the functional and reverse chronological resume format for engineer are used in this format.

The functional resume format for engineers is used to make the first half of the resume which helps in highlighting the accomplishments and skills of the person at the starting of the resume.

The second half of the resume is written using the reverse chronological engineering resume format which includes the professional experience and education section along with any additional sections.

This resume format for engineer can be used by any person, no matter if you have career gaps in your professional experience history or not.

Also Read: How to pick the right resume format?

Engineering Resume Sections

Follow the below-given order to arrange your engineer resume sections correctly:

• Personal Information
• Summary/Objective
• Technical Skills
• Professional Experience
• Internships (if any)
• Certifications (if any)
• Awards & Recognition (if any)

Engineering Resume: Professional Experience

For professionals who have over 10 years of work experience, the professional experience section plays a major role in their engineering resume.

To provide you with a better understanding of how to frame the points of the professional experience section, we will take an example of a mechanical engineers profile and frame points according to it.

Framing Points in Your Mechanical Engineer Resume Professional Experience Section

There is a specific method used for writing the points in the professional experience section, and this method is known as the cause-effect method of writing points. Cause-effect points help in bringing out the impact that one's work had on the business. See the below-given mechanical engineering resume examples to understand how to frame these cause-effect points.

Engineering Resume Example 1:

• Drafting detailed proposals for design engineering projects
• Performing full product development life-cycle
• Preparing technical offers
• Ensuring system quality while confirming assembly and installation processes
• Overseeing procurement and commissioning performance testing
• Generating reports

The points in the above-given example are written without using the cause-effect method and so they are unable to provide complete information about the impact that one's contribution has on the business.

Engineering Resume Example 2:

• Drafting detailed proposals for design engineering projects like Buildings, Industrial Corridors, Smart Cities, etc.
• Performing full product development life-cycle while designing systems and components according to the requirements
• Preparing technical offers and rendering assistance for cost estimation
• Ensuring system quality by designing testing methods while confirming assembly and installation processes
• Overseeing procurement and commissioning performance testing at the site
• Generating reports by collecting, analyzing, and summarizing information and trends

In the above-given example, the points are written using the cause-effect methodology, and hence, they can provide complete information that the person's work had on the business.

Grouping & Highlighting the Points in Your Mechanical Engineering Resume Professional Experience Section

Grouping and highlighting are the two elements in a mechanical engineer resume that help in increasing the readability.

By grouping the contents and highlighting important words, phrases, and numbers throughout your mechanical engineering resume, you help the recruiters to read more information in just 6-10 seconds.

Let us see with the help of mechanical engineering resume examples how grouping and highlighting increase the readability of your mechanical engineer resume.

The points that are written in example 1 have low readability and since the recruiters scan a resume for just 6-10 seconds, they won't be able to read much.

Proposal Creation & System Designing

Testing, Installation & Report Generation

In example 2, we've created groups by listing the points in which the same skills are being used to do the work.

These groups are Proposal Creation & System Designing and Testing, Installation & Report Generation

Also, the important words and phrases throughout the professional experience section, on which the recruiters will have just one glance and will understand what you did. There will be no for them to read all the points.

Look at the below-given example to get more clarity about what a professional experience section comprising all these variables should look like:

Also Read: How to draft a mechanical engineer resume?

Engineering Resume: Key Skills

The third last section to make while making your engineer resume is the key skills section. It is best to make your key skills section towards the end of the engineering resume-making process as at this point you can scan your engineering resume for the skills which you possess.

When making the key skills section, make sure you include a bullet before each key skill, for example:

• System Designing
• Mechanical Drawing

After you're done making the key skills section, mark the key skills section in bold. Doing this will ensure that it is the first section that the recruiter reads.

To get more clarity around how this section should ideally be written, notice the sample engineering resume skills section given below:

Engineering Resume: Technical Skills

Add your knowledge of technical skills like languages, frameworks, and packages in this section.

Make broad level sub-headings like languages & frameworks, and packages, and then write the names of all the languages and frameworks which you know in front of these sub-headings.

After you've finished making this section, bold all the sub-headers which you made under this section.

To have a better understanding of how to make this section, observe the below-given example of the technical skills section:

Also Read: What skills to put on a resume?

Engineering Resume: Summary

After you've finished making all the sections mentioned in the article above, the very last section to make is the summary section.

When making the summary section, make sure you explain briefly in just 3-4 line paragraphs how you used your skillset to benefit the previous organization in which you've worked. As we mentioned at the starting of the article, opt for a summary section only if you have over 3 years of work experience.

Look at the sample engineering resume given below to see how to customize your summary section according to your work experience:

Engineering Resume: Objective

In case you are a fresher or are applying for an internship, then go for an objective section.

An objective section only serves the purpose of freshers or people who are looking for an internship. While making your objective section, do not write what you expect the company to provide you with, rather, write what you can provide the company with.

Also, try to provide the quantifiable impact which you can provide the company with.

Look at the below-given sample engineering resume to get a better understanding of how to write an objective section:

Engineering Resume for Internship & Freshers

Now, you must be thinking: Which section should a fresher in this field make or a person applying for an internship should make?

Well, as a fresher, the max experience which one has is that of 2-3 internships which one has done during their graduation. So, in a freshers engineering resume, an internship section holds a lot of significance. In place of a 'Professional Experience' section, you will make an 'Internships' section if you are a fresher.

As a fresher, adding an internship section will give you the upper hand over other freshers who have done no internships during their graduation. The internship section in an engineer resume conveys to the recruiter that you have a basic level of practical knowledge in your field.

Follow the same process of writing points for your internships section which is explained above to write the points for the professional experience section.

If you are applying for your 2nd or 3rd internship, then make an internship section in place of a professional experience section consisting of your previous internships.

And in case you are applying for your first internship, then include the engineering resume sections which we will talk about ahead.

Have a glimpse at the below-given example to have a better understanding of how to make an internship section:

Also Read: How to draft an engineering internship resume?

Engineering Resume: Header

The name which you write at the top of your engineer resume is known as a header.

A header is what helps in differentiating various engineering resumes from each other on a broad level.

Making an engineer resume header in the correct resume format for engineer is very important. If you're not able to write your name correctly as the very first thing, it will leave a negative impact on the recruiter's mind making him think if you're not able to write your name correctly, how will you be able to do other important duties in the company?

While writing your name, give a single space between your first name and last name. Spacing inconsistencies like that of no space or multiple spaces will leave a negative impact on the recruiters as we've told you earlier.

And if you have a middle name, then do not write your complete middle name. Just write the first initial of your middle name followed by a full stop. For example: 'Walter B. Willis'.

Also, only write your original name on an engineering resume, and don't even think of writing any kind of pet name just because you think it sounds cooler than your original name.

Have a glance at the below-given example to get more clarity on what a perfect header should look like:

Engineering Resume: Personal Information

There are three things that you need to write in the personal information section. They are:

• Phone Number : Provide a number on which you are available 24x7.

Also, don't just go and write down those 10 digits. There is a proper resume format for engineers in which you need to write your phone number.

First, write the ISD code of your country with a plus sign (+) before it. Then give a single space and write the first five digits of your mobile number, then add another single space and after that write the last five digits of your mobile number.

Only provide one phone number which you use primarily and do not write more than one phone number as it will unnecessarily create confusion for the recruiter.

• Official Email Address : The same applies to email addresses, do not write more than one email address in your information section. In case you have multiple email IDs then just write the one which you use almost daily.

Along with the email address, you can also provide hyperlinks to your various social media handles such as LinkedIn and Facebook as well as to any personal portfolio or websites which you have if they support your proficiency as an engineer in any way.

Hiration Pro Tip : If you decide on providing links to any of the social media handles then make sure the information on those handles is up-to-date and in sync with each other.

Do not forget to write an email address in your information section as the email address will serve as the second means through which a recruiter might contact you, with the phone number being the first medium.

• Current Location : When writing the location, make sure you write the location at which you are residing currently.

Also, writing only the city name followed by the ISO code of the country is sufficient. No extra information is required.

Have a brief look at the below-given sample engineering resume personal information section to get a clear idea of how to make your personal information section:

Also Read: What to add to your resume contact information section?

Engineering Resume: Profile Title

The third thing from the top which comes in an engineering resume is the profile title.

Every field has multiple profiles within it which demonstrate the level at which a person is proficient. That is why it is important to write a profile title to let the recruiter know what is your proficiency level.

The profile title is supposed to be the second-largest text in your engineer resume with the header being the first largest text. To write your profile title, use the font size of either 12 or 14 points.

Many engineering resumes don't even have a profile title which is the most rookie mistake that one can make. If you don't include a profile title, and with recruiters only spending 6-10 seconds per resume, won't even make an effort to go through your professional experience section to gauge the position which you have applied for.

Look at the sample engineering resume given below to get a better understanding of what a profile title is supposed to be written:

Engineering Resume: Education

The second most important thing in an engineering resume after the professional experience or internships section is the education section.

Based on this section only the recruiters will decide whether you are qualified enough to get the position which you have applied for.

The sample engineering resume given below will give you a clear idea of how to make your education the right way:

Engineering Resume: Certifications

The section which will go at the very end of the engineer resume is the certifications section.

In this section, you can add any and every certification which you ever did related to engineering as it will add value to your engineering resume.

Use the below-given resume format for engineer to write your certifications section:

{Name of Certification} | {Affiliating Institution} | {Location} | {Date} (in month & year)

Look briefly at the below-given sample engineering resume to get a better idea of how to make a certifications section:

Engineering Resume Sample

To get a better idea of what an engineer resume should look like when it's completed, have a glance at the below-given sample engineering resume:

• Languages : C, Python, MATLAB, VBA
• Tools : Mathcad, CAD, FEA, MS Excel, MechaniCalc
• Drafting detailed proposals for design engineering projects like buildings, industrial corridors, smart cities, etc.
• Preparing technical offers and rendering critical assistance in cost estimation
• Overseeing procurement and commissioning performance testing at site
• Creating specifications for AC Ventilation systems , reviewing vendor proposals and conducting bid evaluation
• Collaborating with other departments for false ceiling layouts and examine mechanical drawings for Chilled Water Plants
• Preparing Heat load calculation for ACV systems
• Directing end-to-end product development life-cycle while designing systems & components according to the requirements
• Ensuring system quality by designing testing methods while validating and streamlining assembly and installation processes
• Performed testing of HVAC system s and components
• Oversaw project schedules while presenting the project outcomes to the Senior Leadership
• Created system specifications in accordance with technical requirements of the project and needs of the end-user
• Preparing prototype vehicles for testing, removal & installation of components and instrumentation
• Liaising with other departments, vendors, and manufacturing team for end-to-end project management

Key Takeaways

• Add relevant sections to add details of awards & recognition, training, extracurricular activities, and languages.
• Add achievement figures in your engineering resume points where you have liaised with vendors, contractors, or have led teams, mention how many vendors, contractors, or people you have led.
• Revise your engineer resume multiple times for grammatical errors before sending it to any recruiter or posting it on some job portal.
• Do not write anything except for the summary/objective in paragraph form.
• Add details of what you did and why you did it while framing the professional experience or internships section.
• Use bullets points to write every point in your engineer resume.
• Do not use any kind of abbreviations as there always is a possibility that the recruiter might not know them.

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Engineering Resume Examples & Writing Guide for 2024

Building an impressive engineering resume can be a complex task. But fret not. Through this guide, equipped with practical tips and solid examples, we'll empower you to piece together a resume that will truly command attention. 

Ready to build your career blueprint? Read on and learn how to:

• Properly format your engineering resume
• Write an engaging resume summary or objective
• Present the best engineering skills
• Craft a strong work experience and key projects section
• Include relevant extra sections in your engineering resume
• Avoid common resume mistakes
• Find the best resources for job seeking engineers

1. Properly format your engineering resume

Just like having the right blueprints for an engineering project, the format of your engineering resume holds immense importance. 

The right format will not only offer a structural backbone to your resume but also guide the reader's eye towards pivotal details. Let's check out the three primary types of resume formats: 

• Chronological: This approach documents your work history in reverse chronological order , beginning with your most recent role. If your engineering career has followed a notably consistent trajectory, the chronological format can highlight your stable work history and showcase your role-specific experiences. 

For example, if you worked as a Civil Engineer and steadily progressed to Project Engineer and then Chief Engineer, this format would effectively highlight that progression.

• Functional: If you've had a mix of positions, or if you're looking to transition into a slightly different field within engineering, a functional resume might be your best bet. This format focuses mainly on skills rather than work history. 

For instance, if you've held roles in both Electrical Engineering and Risk Assessment and wish to meld these into a career in Safety Engineering, a functional resume can emphasize your diverse set of competencies.

• Hybrid: The Hybrid format, as its name implies, combines the strengths of the chronological and functional resumes. This format suits candidates with a wide array of skills stemming from different engineering roles and a rich career history to showcase. 

For instance, a candidate who’s had substantial years of experience in Mechanical Engineering and has also developed strong project management skills can use this format to highlight both their career trajectory and diverse skill set.

Try our AI Resume Writer and have your resume ready in minutes!

2. write a strong resume summary or objective.

The first thing a recruiter notices on your resume should be an engaging summary or objective . But which one should you use and how?

• Resume objective: Opt for this if you're a recent graduate or transitioning to a new field in engineering. This statement should outline your career goals and how they tie to the job you're applying for. However, broad or generic objectives won't cut it.

Incorrect resume objective example

Looking for an engineering position to start my career.

Why is this example weak? This objective is too vague. It fails to provide specific details about your relevant qualifications or the particular engineering field you're interested in.

Correct resume objective example

Newly-graduated Civil Engineer with internship experience in infrastructure planning, seeking a Junior Civil Engineer role to apply my skills and contribute to large-scale projects.

Why is this example correct? This objective nails it because it clearly identifies your engineering specialty, highlights your experience, and relates your career goal to the specific role you're applying for. 

• Resume summary: If you're a seasoned engineer, a summary should summarize your skills, experiences, and key achievements. However, remember to avoid using fluffy language or unnecessary jargon.

Incorrect resume summary example

Experienced engineer seeking a challenging role.

Why is this example incorrect? This summary doesn't hit the mark as it is unspecific and fails to convey any meaningful information about your skills, experience, or the type of role you're seeking.

Correct engineering resume summary example

Mechanical Engineer with 10+ years of experience in product design and quality control. Patent holder for innovative industrial tools. Seeking a senior role where I can apply my leadership and technical skills.

Why is this example strong? The correct summary is on point as it showcases your specialized engineering field, quantifies your experience and highlights your achievements while clearly stating the kind of role you aim for.

In deciding between a summary or an objective, make sure it is brief, specific, and job post-aligned.

3. Select the best skills for your engineering resume

Choosing the right skills to feature on your engineering resume can make a substantial difference. These skills can be divided into two categories: hard skills and soft skills . Both are important, but how you choose and feature them matters greatly.

• Hard skills refer to technical knowledge or training you have acquired through experience. These are often job-specific and quantifiable.
• Soft skills , on the other hand, are transferable attributes or traits that affect your ability to work and interact with others. 

Always ensure that the skills you highlight on your engineering resume are relevant to the role. A handy tip: List the skills that are directly mentioned in the job ad first. This can help pass resume scanners (ATS) and show the recruiter that you possess the exact skills they’re seeking.

Here are some skills that might be included in your engineering resume:

Essential soft skills for an engineering resume

• Analytical thinking
• Problem-solving
• Project management
• Communication
• Time management

Effective hard skills for an engineering resume

• CAD software
• Data analysis
• Mathematical skills
• Programming
• Engineering design 
• Quality assurance and control

All in all, selecting the right skills for your resume is more than simply listing what you can do. It's about clearly showcasing that you possess a balanced mix of hard and soft skills that perfectly align with the engineering role on offer. 

Tailor your skills section to reflect the requirements listed in the job ad; this will significantly aid your path to the interview shortlist.

4. Make your work experience and key projects section count

Your work experience and key projects play a leading role in your engineering resume. They demonstrate your applied skills and provide insights into your past roles and contributions.

Typically, work experience is presented in a bulleted list format where each role is set out separately. Each job should include:

• Company name and location
• Employment date
• Key responsibilities and achievements

Remember to start each bullet point with strong verbs to highlight your actual role, and interesting adjectives to add color to your contributions. Verbs like developed , managed , led , and adjectives such as significant , innovative , effective come in handy.

Incorrect work experience and key projects section example

Mechanical Engineer, ABC Technologies, 2016-2020

• Worked on projects
• Assisted team
• Used CAD software
• Solved problems
• Attended meetings

Key Projects:

Why is this example weak? This example fails to impress. It gives no specifics about what projects you worked on, what your role was, the outcome of your tasks, or how your participation influenced the projects.

Correct work experience and projects section example

Senior Mechanical Engineer, ABC Technologies, 2016-2020

• Directed a team of 6 in executing complex CAD designs for aerospace products.
• Innovated - cost-cutting measures, reducing project expenses by 20%.
• Oversaw quality assurance tests, enhancing product performance by 15%.
• Spearheaded weekly team coordination meetings to streamline workflow.
• Resolved complex machinery breakdowns, eliminating downtime by 25%.
• Led Project X: Reduced machinery setup time by 10% utilizing precise, comprehensive process maps.
• Directed Project Y: Achieved 95% customer satisfaction by designing enhanced ergonomic features for the product line.

Why is this a strong example? It makes a strong impression. It uses strong verbs ( Directed , Innovated , Oversaw , Spearheaded ), adds specifics about your role, and provides outcomes. Furthermore, key projects are defined, highlighting your respective roles and the impact it made.

In summary, the work experience and key projects section can narrate a compelling tale of your professional engineering journey. Using concrete details, strong verbs, and engaging adjectives will help your story captivate the reader.

Find out your resume score!

5. Craft a great education section for your engineering resume

Degree or not, your educational background certainly matters in your engineering resume. It confirms your academic understanding of engineering principles and, if properly presented, can also speak volumes about your dedication, perseverance, and the depths of your knowledge.

If your education is not directly related to the engineering field you're venturing into, don’t let that dampen your spirits. You can awaken the recruiter’s interest by drawing attention to transferable skills , relevant courses , or projects you've undertaken during your studies. 

Here’s an example of a non-directly relevant education section

Bachelor of Mathematics, University XYZ, 2010-2014

• Focused coursework: Statistical Methods, Mathematical Physics, Mathematical Modelling
• Key project: Applied mathematical modeling to optimize public transportation routes based on user demand in a city.

Why is this example strong? The focus on relevant coursework indicates a strong basis in areas important to engineering. The key project demonstrates the application of these areas to solve a real-world issue, mirroring the problem-solving aspect of engineering roles. 

On the flip side, if your education is directly related to the engineering field you're aiming for, highlight your degree , specialized course s, academic achievements , or crucial projects demonstrating your prowess in the subject.

Here’s an example of a directly relevant education section

BSc in Electrical Engineering, University ABC, 2014-2018

• Specialized coursework: Control Systems, Electronic Devices, Digital Signal Processing
• Academic achievement: Achieved Dean's list for 6 semesters
• Key project: Developed a low-cost, energy-efficient lighting system for rural areas, serving as the project lead.

Why is this an effective education section? The degree instantly affirms a specialized understanding of the field. The specialized coursework provides a snapshot of the relevant skills honed. And the academic achievement serves as a testament to the applicant's persistent performance. Lastly, the key project demonstrates leadership and application of skills to design an impactful engineering solution.

In a nutshell, the education section of your resume, regardless of how related your degree is, can be cleverly presented to boost your appeal. It's about spotlighting those elements of your academic journey that show you're up for the job. So, polish this section to make it shine!

6. Choose relevant extra sections for your engineering resume

An engineering resume doesn't end with your work experience or education. Adding relevant extra sections can help you stand out. These sections can show you’re a well-rounded individual and not just about work. 

It's important to select extras that resonate with your career trajectory and complement what’s expected in your field of engineering.

• Participating in volunteering efforts can showcase your commitment and leadership skills.
• A “Certifications and licenses” section is where you can build up your credentials as a credible professional engineer. 
• A “Languages” section could communicate your adaptability, especially relevant for multinational companies or roles requiring international collaborations.

Here’s an example of how to list these extra sections on your resume

Volunteering experience

• Led a team of engineers offering pro bono services — Designed and implemented a sustainable lighting system for "City Shelter," a local non-profit organization, Jun 2017 - Aug 2017.

Certifications and licenses

• Professional Engineer (PE) certification, Licensed by the National Society of Professional Engineers, 2020.
• Proficient in Spanish and French, Certificate of Proficiency from the Instituto Cervantes and Alliance Française respectively.

By listing relevant extra sections, you're painting a richer picture of your skills and experiences. These "extras" illustrate your depth and range as a candidate, making you more memorable to a hiring manager.

7. Bolster your engineering resume with a cover letter

While your engineering resume presents an overview of your qualifications, a cover letter is your opportunity to delve deeper into your unique story. It allows you to expand on specific experiences or projects and clearly connect your skills and qualifications to the job's needs. 

A cover letter is especially relevant when:

• The job posting specifically requests for one
• You're transitioning into a new engineering field and need to explain how your current skills translate
• You're relocating and need to clarify it

Your cover letter is different from your resume in that it's a narrative, a compelling story arguing why you're the ideal candidate. It's more personalized and displays your passion, communicative style, and why you're drawn to the particular engineering role.

On the other hand, a resume is a formal, succinct listing of your work history, education, skills, and achievements. It emphasizes hard facts and quantifiable information.

Remember: A well-crafted cover letter can serve as a powerful advocate, reinforcing the profile painted by your engineering resume. It not only adds a human touch to your application but also allows a deeper insight into the professional behind the credentials. So, consider including a tailored cover letter whenever you submit your engineering resume.

8. Average salary and job outlook for engineering occupations

Engineering occupations offer exciting career prospects, both in terms of job growth and compensation. According to the most recent data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the average yearly salary for engineering occupations was $83,700 , which stands well above the median annual wage for all occupations, set at $46,310.

Moreover, the job outlook for engineers also seems promising. The overall employment in architecture and engineering occupations is projected to grow at a pace higher than the average for all occupations from 2022 to 2032. 

During this period, approximately 188,000 job openings are projected each year, on average, in engineering fields.

These figures indicate that pursuing a career in engineering can be both rewarding and stable. It's a field where your unique skills are likely to be in demand and fairly compensated, promising a strong career growth trajectory in the years to come.

9. Engineer's resources: Valuable aids for job seekers

Navigating your job search as an engineer can be more manageable with the right resources at your disposal. From professional organizations to online platforms, here are some resources to guide you on your engineering job hunt.

• Job boards: Websites like Engineering.com , or iHireEngineering focus specifically on engineering roles across the globe. They can be valuable for finding job listings and getting a sense of what qualifications are in demand.
• Professional organizations: Associations such as the National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE), American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), and IEEE offer resources, networking opportunities, professional development, and industry news updates.
• Certification programs: Not only can these enhance your knowledge and credentials, but they also indicate your dedication to the field. Consider pursuing certifications like Professional Engineer (PE), Certified Manufacturing Engineer , or any other relevant to your subfield.
• LinkedIn: Creating a standout LinkedIn profile can expand your network, enable you to connect with industry professionals, and access job listings. What’s more, you can now turn your LinkedIn profile into a polished resume within seconds.
• Online courses: Websites like Coursera , Udemy , and MIT OpenCourseWare offer a wide array of engineering courses in various subfields. They could help you stay on top of the latest industry trends or learn new skills.
• Engineering blogs and podcasts: Following industry-specific blogs and podcasts such as ' Engineering.com ' or ' The Engineering Career Coach Podcast ' can provide valuable insights into current industry trends and give advice on career growth. These sources often also highlight emerging job opportunities and connect you to a broader professional community.

In essence, utilize these resources to polish your skills, network with professionals, stay updated with the industry, and yes, land your dream engineering role. These resources could essentially serve as the scaffolding that supports your engineering career progression.

10. Avoid common mistakes on your engineering resume

Even seasoned engineers can trip over small mistakes while drafting their resumes. By avoiding these prevalent pitfalls, you can enhance your chances of catching a recruiter's eye . Here are several tips:

• Being too vague: Don't just state that you worked on a project. Specify your role, the tools you used, and its impact. Use numbers and facts where possible. 
• Ignoring keywords: Many companies use automated tracking systems (ATS) to filter applications. Make sure you use relevant keywords from the job description in your resume to pass these scans.
• Listing irrelevant skills: Your ice carving skills may be impressive but might not be relevant for a Civil Engineering role. Prioritize hard skills that are directly pertinent to the job at hand, but do remember to sprinkle in some soft skills too. 
• Focusing on responsibilities over achievements: Don't just list what you were supposed to do; mention what you actually achieved. Did you streamline the process? Reduce costs? Increase efficiency?
• Poorly organized layout: Make your resume easy to read with a clean layout. Use bullet points, concise sentences, and responsive formatting that’s comfortable to navigate on any device. 
• Typos and grammar mistakes: Proofread your resume multiple times and consider having a friend or a mentor review it as well. Minor errors can project a lack of attention to detail.

By dodging these common resume missteps, you can make your engineering resume clearer, sharper, and more attuned to what employers are looking for. It can make a big difference in receiving that anticipated interview call email.

Engineering Resume FAQ

As a rule of thumb, try to keep your resume to a page or two, especially if you have less than 10 years of experience. If you have a more extensive career, additional pages can be used to detail your experience and skills. Focus on relevance and clarity.

In most cases, adding a photo to an engineering resume is not necessary, nor is it encouraged. Focus on your skills, experiences, and qualifications. Of course, if you are applying for a job in a location where it's customary to include a photo (some European countries), follow the local norms.

While it may seem time-efficient, it's generally not a good idea. Each job description will have unique requirements and priorities, so your resume should be tailored to match those as closely as possible. It's all about showing the recruiter that you're not only a fit for the industry but especially for the role in question.

The best way to address employment gaps is honestly and concisely. You can mention it in your cover letter if you feel it needs explanation, or be prepared to discuss it during your interview. Otherwise, just focus on the knowledge, skills, and experiences that make you a good fit for the job.

You should only include references if the job advertisement specifically asks for them. Otherwise, you can simply state, "References available upon request." Most employers will ask for references later in the interview process.

Julia Gergelova

Julia is a professional writer, translator and graphic designer. She holds degrees in translation and interpretation, and has international work experience from a number of different countries in Europe as well as China and Panama. Julia formerly taught academic writing and as a graphic designer contributed to outlets such as  The Business of Business . She has a passion for lifelong learning and good coffee.

Subcategories

• Aerospace Engineer
• CAD Designer
• Chemical Engineer
• Civil Engineer
• Electrical Engineer
• Mechanical Engineer
• Production Manager
• QA Engineer (Quality Assurance)
• Quality Engineer

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3 Engineering Student Resume Examples Proven to Work in 2024

Engineering Student Resume

Elegant engineering student resume, clean engineering student resume.

• Engineering Student Resume Writing 101

As an engineering student, you’re well on your way to starting a highly coveted career. You’re an excellent problem-solver and you know how to think outside the box, allowing you to tackle complex engineering projects.

You’re no stranger to AutoCAD and you’ve studied your fair share of blueprints, but your on-the-job experience might still be limited. That’s why writing a great cover letter and an effective resume might seem daunting, but don’t worry—we’re here to help.

Check out our engineering student resume examples and tips. Select one of our professional resume templates and help jumpstart your career!

or download as PDF

Related resume examples

• Engineering manager
• Civil engineer
• Electrical engineer
• Mechanical engineer
• Engineering

What Matters Most: Your Knowledge of Engineering & Personal Projects

Even though you’re still in college, you’ve already had the chance to hone your skills and learn the foundations of engineering. From prototyping to structural analysis and material science, you’re prepared to tackle your first engineering projects in a professional setting.

You’re not just well-versed in theory crafting, though. You’ve spent countless hours mastering various engineering software, be it SolidWorks or ANSYS. You may have even dipped your toes in programming, using Python to implement machine learning algorithms.

What do all of those job skills have in common? That’s right—they’re all highly technical, which is what you should focus on in your resume. Talk about the software and platforms you’re familiar with, such as Matlab, but also engineering-specific knowledge like thermodynamics.

9 best engineering student skills

• Electrical Systems

Sample engineering student work experience bullet points

You’re still a student, so this part of your resume might seem intimidating. Seeing this section, you might be asking yourself, “Work experience? What work experience?”

If that’s you, trust us—you have much more work experience than you might think. Employers don’t expect current students to have a robust background in engineering. Instead, it’s more important that you highlight your projects, internships, and coursework that you’ve participated in during college.

Don’t just mention your projects by name, though. Instead, get specific and add metrics that show the outcomes you were able to achieve. For example, talk about how you developed a Matlab simulation that accurately predicted structural stress with 98% accuracy.

Here are a few ideas for your resume:

• Designed an energy monitoring interface using Python, allowing real-time tracking of energy consumption, reducing wastage by 27%
• Utilized AutoCAD to create schematics for sensor placement and optimize the smart home layout, which enhanced energy efficiency by 32%
• Created 3D models of mechanical parts for a research project, improving design accuracy and efficiency by 30% with SolidWorks
• Led a team of 5 in designing a solar-powered vehicle using SolidWorks, achieving a top 3 finish in a national competition

Top 5 Tips for Your Engineering Student Resume

• You may not have much professional experience , but your technical skills are nothing to turn your nose up at. Highlight them to impress recruiters, including platforms like Matlab and GitHub, engineering principles such as electrical grids or robotics, and relevant software like Simulink.
• Internships and entry-level roles are highly competitive in the engineering field. To stand out, study the job description for each role and adjust your resume to match it as closely as possible.
• You’re an engineering student, so don’t be afraid to dream big! Employers often appreciate seeing career objectives in entry-level resumes, giving them a glimpse into the career path you’re planning for. And make sure to mention the company you’re applying to by name.
• You’ve already worked on engineering projects, be it as part of your coursework, extracurriculars, or passion projects. Mention this hands-on experience to elevate your resume, such as discussing a robotics project where you programmed the robot using Python.
• Engineering requires a lot of study, but if you’ve found the time to learn more outside of college, include this in your resume. Talk about workshops, seminars, and courses, especially those involving emerging technologies like machine learning or IoT.

It’s better to focus on your technical skills , such as LabVIEW or 3D printing, in your engineering student resume. Your soft skills will get their time in the spotlight during the interview.

Adding a personal website or a GitHub repository can give recruiters a better idea of how you’ve put your skills to good use. Include any and all projects you’ve worked on, and mention the specific technologies you leveraged to complete them.

If your resume is looking a little bit bare, it doesn’t hurt to add some hobbies & interests ! Try to make them relevant to the job, though, such as PC building, programming, or robotics.

• • Worked on innovative projects, contributing to a 10% increase in company innovation
• • Used experience to provide strategic value adds to the organization, leading to a 20% increase in efficiency
• • Demonstrated skills, responsibility, and entrepreneurial spirit, leading to a 15% increase in project completion speed

5 Entry Level Engineering Resume Examples & Guide for 2024

Your entry level engineering resume must highlight relevant education credentials. Emphasize any engineering coursework, projects, or programs you've completed. Additionally, showcase your problem-solving abilities and relevant technical skills. Employers look for practical experience, so include internships, lab work, or any hands-on projects.

All resume examples in this guide

Traditional

Resume Guide

How to write an entry-level engineering resume: getting started, entry-level engineering resume header: how to make it short and sweet, how to make your student or entry-level engineering objective memorable, entry-level engineering resume experience section: things to know, what skills to feature on an entry-level engineer resume, entry-level engineering resume education: how to position it, what certificates to add in my entry-level engineer resume, other sections to include on your resume, summary and action points for your next entry-level engineering resume.

There was a story about this graduate who was looking for his first job in the engineering world.

Over a few years he applied to 400 job listings with his entry level Engineering resume.

Do you know how many interviews he got? Three.

Do you know what the problem is? These days that’s considered a success.

Mechanical Engineers, for example, send out an average of 100 resumes before landing an interview and then wait up to 90 days before getting a job offer. That’s if they even get one.

Are you ready to send your first 100 resumes? That’s what we thought.

How about we help you to create a highly effective entry level Engineer resume and possibly cut this number in half. Or more.

How? You gotta know the game. Read on.

This Entry-Level Engineer resume will teach you:

• How to make use of our 10+ resume examples from real candidates.
• What are the biggest myths in entry-level resume applications?
• Which resume layout works best for entry-level Engineer resumes.
• How to show your soft skills without coming off too vague.
• How to emphasize your education and certification sections for greater impact.

Looking for related resume guides? We got you covered.

• Engineering resume examples
• Entry-level Mechanical Engineer resume examples
• Electrical Engineering resume examples
• Industrial Engineer resume examples
• Manufacturing Engineer resume examples
• Mechanical Engineer resume examples
• Quality Engineer resume examples

Finding engineering work is tough, we already know that much. What you don’t know, however, is that most advice you hear on how to write an entry level engineering resume simply won’t work.

Myth #1: “Play the numbers game. Send as many applications every day as possible and eventually you’ll land an interview.”

You can’t play the numbers game, because the game is rigged.

Recruiters look for very specific things (we’ll talk about those very soon) in your entry level Engineering resume.

If you get those wrong, you’ll be rejected again and again no matter how many resumes you send out.

Myth #2: “I have a GPA above a 3.0, I’ll have no problems getting this job”

GPA alone doesn’t matter much. In fact, there are at least two things that mean more to recruiters on any given day: internships and relevant experience.

Our HR won't even pass the resume to me without the keywords ‘internship’ or ‘co-op’ (cooperative education), but then again we get over 150 applicants for our entry level positions.

Engineer lead on Reddit.com

We’ll talk about what to do about that in your junior engineering resume in the “Summary” and “Experience” sections.

Myth #3: “All that matters are my technical skills”

[In your Summary:] “I know AutoCAD, MATLAB, Excel…” just stop. The recruiter is already reading the next resume.

Yes, technical skills are the bread and butter of your profession. Yes, you diligently learned them. Yes, you have them. So do all of your 20+ classmates actively looking for a job.

How do you stand out?

In the eyes of employers, tech skills are something you can learn while working. You can learn all the missing technical skills you need during the first two months of your job anyway.

On the other hand, who will teach you soft skills? Leadership, communication, collaboration - these you can’t teach in two months. And yet, successful engineers need them.

The ability to work on big projects, to build relationships with clients, to help people - those are the qualities that will make your resume stand out.

Even if you demonstrated those doing volunteer summer work.

We’ll talk more about soft skills and how to effectively present them in your entry level Engineer resume’s “Skills” section.

Let’s talk about how you structure all those sections in your resume.

What’s the proper layout for entry-level Engineer resumes

Even though you’re applying for an entry-level Engineering position, your resume should be nothing short of a professional looking document.

It should present your strengths and experiences in a clean and structured manner.

The sample entry-level Engineering resume example we’ve included above is built on the theory behind Hybrid resumes.

In hybrid resumes, both skills and work experience are key sections that bring a cohesive narrative of your work history.

Have a look at our article to learn more about how to create the best hybrid resume .

Afterwards, you’d only have to make sure you’ve picked up a legible and professional font to finish off a great design.

You’re now ready for the next step and fill the layout with the relevant resume sections.

Let’s have a closer look at each of them separately.

For more information on the best resume formats, read our guide: The Best Resume Formats You Need to Consider (5+ Examples Included) .

Even though most entry level jobs have the word “Entry” in their title, you don’t necessarily need to insert this word in your resume header.

This title gives off a rookie vibe. The thing is, most companies, even when looking to fill entry-level positions, prefer candidates with at least some experience.

That is why you often see “0-3 years of experience” in their requirements.

If you apply with “entry” in your header, your resume will automatically have a lower priority because it gives off this “inexperienced” vibe.

To raise your chances, use a title that is close or relevant to the position you’re applying for, e.g. Civil Engineer, Mechanical Engineer and so on.

Also notice that you missed an opportunity to demonstrate your social skills.

What about your LinkedIn profile? It provides evidence that you have connections and can network. Talk about soft skills.

Also, in your LinkedIn profile you can demonstrate memberships in major engineering organizations, such as ASME or EYE (European Young Engineers).

If you want more ideas for stand-out resume headers, read through our guide Perfecting Your Resume Header so You Get Noticed .

Your header signals experience and even slightly hints at your developed soft skills. Let’s grab the recruiter’s attention with a catchy summary.

The summary is, perhaps, the most critical section of your entry level Engineering resume. If you got it wrong, recruiters won’t even bother reading further.

So how do you write it? To answer this question, we should first talk about how you don’t write it.

Anything below a GPA of 3.0 automatically urges recruiters to stop reading your resume. The national average is 3.0 and most engineering jobs aim for that number.

If you have a lower GPA, it's not the end of the world. Just don’t mention it. Especially don’t start your resume with it.

If anything, the first things you need to mention in your resume summary are internships and co-ops . If you have them, by all means monetize on that.

It sets you apart from all the candidates that don’t have those.

If you don’t have internships, you have to focus on work-related experience. Don’t just list your technical skills.

You’ll have a “Skills” section for that.

Instead, bring up your biggest achievements relevant to the position you’re applying for.

These may be: volunteer work, outside the classroom activities, college special projects and your role in them. Just keep it short.

If you have a lot to talk about, consider writing a cover letter.

For more tips on crafting an attention-grabbing resume summary, check out our guide Resume Summary: How-To Guide (30+ Examples You Need To See) .

If you’re looking to craft a compelling resume objective instead, read our writing tips at 10 Resume Objective Examples You Need to Steal (How-to-Guide) .

After writing a convincing summary section, what is the next step? Your experience section.

How do you write your experience section, when you have no experience? Change your perspective.

Look at it this way: you do have some experience. Just not in the sense that it is commonly meant.

Student projects, volunteer work, internships, and personal projects - you can write about anything that is relevant to the position you’re applying for, or that is relevant to engineering as a whole.

Tip #1 : if you graduated in engineering several years ago and have had only irregular work history since then, remove the dates.

Also, if you had an engineer internship several years ago and are looking for an engineering job just now, consider removing those dates from your resume as well.

The fact that you had an internship should not be offset by how long ago you did it.

Tip #2 : put the most relevant skills and work-related experience at the top.

If a position requires experience with CAD tools, emphasize it. Same with handling reports to Senior Engineers and developing project documents.

But don’t just blindly copy requirements from the job description, they are usually very vague and generic. Be specific in what you did.

• • Performed routine tasks assigned by engineers
• • Participated in electrical engineering for buildings
• • Developed plan drawings

There are three things that are wrong here:

• The experience is generic with no specific tasks mentioned. “Performed routine tasks” could mean mopping floors.
• No collaboration experience — recruiters can’t tell if you work well with others.
• No technical skills mentioned, which is a missed opportunity.

Here is how it’s done.

• • Worked in a team environment with other engineers and designers to design power (critical, life safety, emergency), lighting, data communications, and integrated process control systems.
• • Performed power, lighting and grounding calculations at the direction of mid and senior level engineers
• • Utilized AutoCAD and Revit to develop schematics and plan drawings

There are over 40 engineering degrees and your experience section for each one of them will look differently.

However, the key takeaways are the same: show your soft skills, collaborative experience, and technical skills while being specific about what you did.

Here’s a final example of the experience section for an entry level Mechanical Engineering resume. Observe mentioning of technologies and job-specific responsibilities.

• • Worked closely with equipment suppliers and plant staff to ensure successful operation of the plant.
• • Participated in the creation of preventative maintenance routines and bills of materials for new equipment.
• • Worked with modeling CAD tools to create mechanical models and accompanying drawings

For more ideas on how to create an actionable resume experience section, check out our guide How to Describe Your Resume Work Experience .

Most employers prefer T-shaped applicants. These individuals demonstrate a technical depth in their area of study as well as soft skills and different interests.

What that means is that it’s equally important to reflect both technical expertise and soft skills in your entry level Engineer resume.

Let’s start with technical skills.

Technical skills are the bread and butter of any engineering job and it’s critical to list them on your resume.

However, it’s even more critical for entry-level Engineer resumes, because those are most likely to be scanned by ATS robots for certain keywords.

While engineering responsibilities vary greatly from job to job, there are some technical skills you’ll see in most of the job descriptions.

Entry-level Engineers do a lot of project documenting and calculating while learning the ropes with senior Engineers, so make sure you mention tools like CAD , MATLAB , Microsoft Office.

Although not required, coding skills look great on an entry level Mechanical Engineering resume and most others.

Skills in Python and C++ allow you to automate many engineering tasks.

Also, the number of embedded robotics and automation jobs that need Mechanical Engineers with coding skills is growing every day.

Same with BigData — it’s not necessary, but can give you an edge for certain positions.

Top 7 technical skills for engineering student resumes

• CAD/CAE/CAM
• Microsoft Office

Now to the soft skills.

Soft skills are extremely valuable for entry level Engineers, because usually no one is deliberately teaching or studying them.

Yet, it’s important for Engineers to work well in a team, to effectively communicate their ideas and to successfully lead projects on their own.

So far we’ve tried, given the importance of soft skills during the resume screening process, to emphasize or hint at them in every previous section.

However, there is a devoted section for Soft skills and you’re reading it right now.

Don’t be generic.

There’s a huge temptation to simply start listing skills like “communication”, “leadership”, and “time management”.

There is a problem, though. Everyone is doing it. Recruiters don’t like generic resumes. They look as if they were written by someone else.

Or worse, they were written by someone who is not enthusiastic about a new job.

In any way, here’s how you write about your soft skills.

Don’t : Organization skills. Do : Organized student and local ASME conferences.

Don’t: Communication skills. Do : Was a key speaker at 2018 Boston ME Student Fair

Don’t : Leadership. Do : Led a student engineering project that won 2nd place at U.S.A Young Robotics competition

If any of your engineering student projects were covered by news or authoritative engineering publications, mention that too.

Are you still not sure what skills will win recruiters over? Check out our guide on How to Create A Resume Skills Section To Impress Recruiters (+10 Examples You Need to See) .

Now let’s talk about your education.

Almost every junior engineering position requires relevant education.

The only possible exception would be if a candidate has a relevant field experience.

There are over 40 engineering degrees. Some of those might be highly relevant to the job (e.g. Aerospace Engineering graduate going for NASA).

Others not so much (think Chemical Engineering graduate applying to Civil Engineering job).

If your education features a prestigious university (think USA top 10) and a relevant degree, by all means put the education section as close to the top as possible.

If, however, your education is not that relevant or you have a low GPA, de-prioritize this section and put it after your skills.

If you have a GPA above 3.0, emphasize it (e.g. make bold). IF, however, your GPA is lower than 3.0, consider not mentioning it altogether.

Browse more essential tips on how to feature education on your resume, in our guide Perfecting the Education Section on Your Resume .

Certifications are a valuable asset for any engineering graduate.

There are three types of certificates that might be helpful to you:

• Engineering certificates (FE)
• Technical tools certificates (AutoCAD certification, MATLAB)
• Engineering-related certificates (project-management & statistics Sigma6, ANSYS)

It’s a common job requirement for entry-level Engineers to pass the FE exam (The Fundamental of Engineering).

If you passed the FE and the job explicitly states it as a requirement, consider mentioning it not only in the Certification section, but also in your Summary or Experience sections.

Top 8 entry-level engineering certificates

• AutoCAD certification
• Mathworks (MATLAB)
• Sigma 6 (PM & QC)

Keep in mind that for every engineering branch (mechanical, civil, GM, electrical) there are specialized certifications. If you have those, prioritize them over technical ones.

For more information on how to properly list resume certifications, we recommend reading our guide How To List Certifications On A Resume (Examples Included) .

Depending on the company, job seniority level and your location, you may want to include more sections to your Entry-Level Engineering resume:

• Language skills
• Hobbies and interests
• Volunteer work
• LinkedIn on Resume

It’s better to spend some time writing a good resume than to spend time sending out a bad one.

Follow the advice in this guide and position yourself above the competition, because it’s quite fierce.

Here are the key takeaways from this guide:

• Focus on building a T-shape perception of your resume: combine deep technical knowledge with developed soft skills
• Emphasize your GPA only if it’s above 3.0
• Most likely you have engineering experience even when you think you don’t - focus your attention on what you did relevant to the position
• If you have an internship or co-op experience, prioritize it above anything else in your entry level Engineering resume

Looking to build your own Entry Level Engineering resume?

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• Services & Software

Article updated on January 1, 2024 at 1:51 AM PST

Best Resume Writing Services for 2024

Whether you need to build a new resume from scratch or want some professional advice, we’ve curated the best websites, apps and services to make you stand out.

Our Experts

• She received the Renau Writing Scholarship in 2016 from the University of Louisville's communication department.

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Writing a resume can be a confusing, time-consuming and sometimes stressful process. You have to figure out the right formatting, pick the best terms to describe your experience and try to strike just the right tone. Having an up-to-date resume is always a good idea, whether you’re currently employed, knee-deep in job boards or haven’t applied for a job in a while. Fortunately, many resume writing services can help ease the process. 

Some of what you'll need to include in your resume will depend on the industry you want to work in. While it can vary, employers will likely look at your education, work history and skills. We’ve combed through dozens of resume services looking at the most helpful features across a variety of needs. We looked especially close at the number of custom templates, the amount of guidance the service offered, the ease of navigation and the robustness of the service's privacy policy. Each of these templates and professional writing services will help you create a complete resume that best reflects your skills and experience at an affordable price.

What’s the best resume builder website?

The best resume template and builder should give you a variety of options to customize your resume. Resume.com has many options and customization features that make it a useful tool for almost any candidate applying to any job. You can upload and edit an existing resume, customize an available template from its collection or let the service guide you through creating one from scratch. Resume.com also offers helpful guidance throughout your resume creation process, making sure you include and optimize all your content. Once you’re happy with your resume, you can download it for free in multiple formats.

Depending on where you’re at in the job application process, you might need more guidance than a template. These professional writing services will pair you with experienced writers and coaches to help you to craft and perfect resumes, LinkedIn profiles, cover letters and more. These services include more personalized coaching and features, but they tend to be more expensive. We’ve collected a range of options for your budget and needs. Because your resume likely includes your contact information and some personal information, we've also included information about each service's privacy policy.

Best resume templates and builders of 2024

A well-constructed resume can help you stand out during a job search.

• Can create new resume or customize templates
• Many free features, guidance while writing
• Integrated with Indeed job search site
• Difficulty unsubscribing from paid services

Best free resume builder

Resume.com is a completely free resume writer that offers dozens of templates for creating your resume or cover letter, as well as job boards and career advice. You have the option to upload and edit an existing resume, create a new one, or customize one of the sample resumes offered on the site. It's intuitive and easy to use, and it creates a professional-looking final product.

When starting from scratch, you'll go section by section, entering your education, employment history, hobbies and interests, professional skills, languages and references. Resume.com provides question prompts and tips for guidance, as well as career-specific examples you can add if you're struggling to find the right words. You can also choose to forgo any of these sections, rearrange sections and add custom ones depending on what you need. As you update and save each section, you can see how it will appear on the page on your resume preview to the right. You can also change the template, font style and size, or spacing at any time and see it update in real-time in the preview. 

Once you're done, you can download your new resume (in PDF, DocX, RTF or TXT format), create a custom URL or print it out. You also have the option to upload it to Indeed, a job search site that partners with Resume.com . The account you make will work with both Indeed and Resume.com . On the privacy side, the site does collect user information. If you want to delete your account, simply click your profile icon and then Account . Clicking Close My Account deletes your account and your data. If you didn't make an account, you can still choose Delete Guest Data . You can also request your data, and the company will send you an email with what it has collected. 

On the review site Trustpilot , Resume.com only has 32 reviews, but of those, 63% of them awarded the site four or five stars. Some negative reviews speak of difficulty unsubscribing from paid services, so read carefully as you use the free aspects of this service. 

• Guided help writing work experience descriptions
• Cover letter and CV help
• Easy to change layout and color styles
• Must pay to download resume

Best option for your first resume

Resume genius.

The website Resume Genius says you can "make a professional resume in 12 minutes." We tested it out and indeed had a solid first draft of an easy resume completed in about 10 minutes. Resume Genius takes you step-by-step through the process, prompting you with questions about your education and work experience to help you fill out the applicable sections. Resume Genius is particularly helpful because you can search for a job and see prewritten text for the description that you can add or edit. When finished, you can easily toggle between different templates to see what looks best for the final product. You also have the option to directly share your resume with Indeed or Resume Library. 

The site can also help you build cover letters and curriculum vitae. After you input all your information, you can choose different layout styles and colors. It's easy to move through, but you have to do it in order and fill in all the information before continuing. Resume Genius also offers examples of resumes, CVs and cover letters for specific jobs, as well as recommended jobs near you. You can download the resume you create for $3 (which starts a 14-day trial for Resume Genius Pro), or $8 (which kicks off a monthly subscription plan). However, if you fail to cancel your trial before the 14 days are up, you'll be billed $25 every four weeks ($95 annually), according to the site. 

On Trustpilot at the time of this publication, the site has 4.8 out of 5 stars based on more than 38,000 reviews. Note that if you register on the site, Resume Genius does collect personally identifiable information and may share it with third parties for advertising and other purposes, according to its privacy policy. The account deletion process is buried in the Terms of Service . According to Resume Genius, complete data erasure can take up to 30 days, but they may retain "certain information in accordance with privacy laws."

• Easy to customize
• Free downloads
• Optional paid extra assistance with Indeed professionals
• Unclear how to delete personal information

Easiest resume builder to use

Indeed resume builder.

It's free to create a resume or post your current resume on Indeed. If you're building a new one, you can choose between eight templates. The resume sections are highlighted and when you click, each section expands specific text fields. You can swap templates at any time without losing your work, as well. There are also options for toggling sections on and off, in addition to rearranging them. When you're finished, you can download a free PDF of your work history.

Indeed Resume Builder also offers optional professional advice for your new resume. After you download the resume you created, you'll get a prompt and can click Get Resume Help From a Real Person. Fill out a short questionnaire about what type of help you want and upload your resume (it's OK if you haven't built one). This service usually costs $89 unless you've applied to at least 10 jobs using your Indeed resume. According to Indeed, if you haven't received an interview request within 60 days of receiving your new resume, you can request a one-time rewrite. 

For $19, you can take a quiz and get feedback from a professional to get you started. You can also use Indeed's automated instant report system for free. The system returns quick tips to improve your resume. 

Indeed's privacy policy says that it does collect and share user data with third-party providers to connect job seekers with employers and improve services. According to Indeed's privacy policy, you can request an account or personal data deletion and request that your data not be shared while your account is active. CNET reached out to Indeed for more information and we'll update when we hear back.

• Guides resume creation
• Free resume downloads
• Paid tier offers interview advice and cover letter builder
• Have to pay for additional downloads

Most affordable paid resume builder

Cv engineer.

CV Engineer is an easy-to-use smartphone app that creates a professional-looking resume. With 16 templates to choose from, you can tap to enter information into all of the usual sections and add custom ones. When you tap on each section, you can tap through the bottom toolbar to get advice on what type of information to add, as well as view resume examples to show you how the section could look. 

CV Engineer lets you send or download your first completed resume for free, but upgrading to CV Engineer Pro for a one-time payment of $6 gives you access to unlimited downloads. A Scan My CV feature is also included, which can detect common mistakes and suggest improvements, such as places where you can add more information. The Pro version also offers interview advice and a cover letter builder. 

You can download CV Engineer from the Apple App Store and Google Play Store . However, CV Engineer does collect personal information and can share it with Google Play Services and Firebase Analytics, according to its privacy policy. The app is free to download and ad-free.

• Strong privacy policy
• Example resumes available
• Only one layout available
• Little guidance during creation

Best free iOS resume builder

Resume star 2: pro cv designer.

Resume Star 2 isn't the most visually stunning resume design app for iOS, but it gets the job done. To use, tap each section of the resume, fill in your information and it will fill in a traditional template (you only get one layout). The app offers some example resumes you can start with and edit as needed, including job-specific ones for a: cashier, dental hygienist, receptionist, waitress, mechanic and senior manager.

You can add or delete any sections you like without needing to hit save every time you add in information, and you can see your resume update as you go. The autosave feature makes it easy to toggle quickly between the different sections as well. At the end, you'll have a basic resume ready to go. The app's interface doesn't offer as much guidance about how to write your resume or what types of information to include. If you need extra help, tap the information icon in the bottom left and choose the Resume Writing Guide. This will open up a crash course on resume writing in your mobile browser. It also includes a job search feature. 

The app collects payment via donations after you use the service -- you don’t have to pay if you don’t want to. The app connects to iCloud, and you can export your resume as a PDF to any location on your device(s). If you are happy with the service, you can choose the $6 "helped a bit" tier, a standard donation of $10, or the "really helped me" tier for $25. 

Resume Star 2 has a 4.8 out of 5 rating, and more than 1,800 ratings in the App Store . The first version, Resume Star: Pro CV Maker, which is the same except for the iCloud connection, had a 4.9 star rating and more than 16,000 reviews. The site does not collect personally identifiable information without user consent, which seems to make it one of the more secure options available.

• 42 templates to choose from
• Easily customizable
• Little to no guidance during creation

Best free Android resume writing service

Resume builder app.

Intelligent CV's Resume Builder App offers 42 resume templates and allows you to change font colors. Each resume section appears on a list, and you can move through sections in whichever order you choose, save and go on to another. You also have the option to add, delete or rearrange sections such as education, experience and skills. There’s a Help icon in each section for a little bit of extra guidance. Once you're finished, you can download your document for free as a PDF, which you can then save on your device or send via email or text. 

On the downside, the app is ad-supported and ads for other resume creators do pop up, which can get confusing. The app also offers less guidance than some of the other services, which means it's not a great option if you're new to resumes.

Resume Builder App has one of the strongest privacy policies of the bunch. The app does not collect personally identifiable information , though third-party services (including Google Play services and analytics firms) may collect information. The app has 4.7 out of 5 stars and more than 361,000 Google Play Store ratings and is free to download.

• Easy-to-use interface
• Inclusive premium package

Best range of professional tools

VisualCV has an easy-to-use interface that lets you build your resume in the way that works best for you. After signing up, you can upload an existing resume, begin with a prewritten sample or start entirely from scratch. You can use the basic editor to input information in a list form, the visual editor to edit directly on the resume and preview mode to see changes made on either version in real time. Revision history is also available. 

The free basic edition allows you to select from over a dozen professional templates to create, edit and download one resume as a PDF. You can also create one free cover letter and apply to jobs through its job search feature.

To download or share additional resumes, you’ll need to buy VisualCV Pro for $15 a month. Upgrading unlocks more templates, unlimited creations, downloading, career tracking and the ability to build a personal resume website. The website URL goes through VisualCV but can be shared online. 

In terms of privacy, VisualCV's policy says that it does not sell, trade, rent or license personal information to third parties. As of publication, VisualCV has 4 out of 5 stars on Trustpilot but only 131 reviews.

Best professional resume writing services of 2024

Depending on where you’re at in the job application process, you might need more guidance than a template. These professional writing services will pair you with experienced writers and coaches to help you to craft and perfect resumes, LinkedIn profiles, cover letters and more. 

As these services include more personalized coaching and features, they tend to be more expensive. We’ve collected a range of options depending on your budget and needs. Best professional resume writing services of 2024.

• Resume writing and career coaching
• Builds your resume from the ground up
• Quick turnaround
• More expensive options

A premium option for a tailored resume

Resumespice.

If you're totally lost and are willing to invest several hundred dollars into your job search, ResumeSpice is a resume writing and career coach service created by recruiters that connects you with a "resume expert" to build your CV from scratch. 

Once you choose, you'll fill out a short questionnaire and schedule a phone consultation with a resume expert to discuss your experience, job search and career goals. The expert will take that information and turn around a personalized resume draft within two business days. You can review the draft and request any changes, and you'll get the final version in PDF and Word formats. 

An entry-level resume costs $479, a professional resume costs $589 and an executive resume costs $699. In addition to these packages, you can also add a cover letter, LinkedIn profile, interview coaching or other services to help you be more competitive in the job market.

• 60 day interview guarantee
• Industry-specific advice
• Variety of packages
• Limited non-resume add-ons

A 60-day interview guarantee

Resumewriters.com.

ResumeWriters.com offers a guarantee: If you don't get a job interview with a potential employer within two months of getting your new resume, they'll rewrite it for free. The service claims that in the 20 years and tens of thousands of resumes completed under this guarantee, it averages fewer than five requests for rewrites per year. 

To use the resume writing service, submit your current resume or career information on the site, and an experienced resume writer will contact you to assess your materials and plan out what you need. You'll get a first draft back within 72 hours and can work with the writer on revisions until you're satisfied with the result. 

ResumeWriters offers student, professional, executive and career-change resume services, as well as CV services for those conducting their job search in fields specific to the military, IT and research. The resume services cost $170 for students and $200 for the professional level, with a cover letter, one-on-one consultation and LinkedIn profile. The career change level ($250) is a comprehensive package that includes everything plus a post-interview follow-up letter, and the highest tier is the executive package that guarantees applicants its most experienced writers for $300.

• ATS screening
• Unlimited revisions
• Longer turnaround time (3-7 business days)

A fast pass through HR screening software

Zipjob’s professional resume writers optimize your resume to get through the applicant tracking system (ATS) software used by the majority of employers to automatically scan and sort resumes. An expert writes your resume and scans it through the ATS to ensure it will make it through to the hiring manager's desk. 

To use the service, upload your resume or fill out a form to start from scratch. You'll be matched with a professional resume writer who will work with you to improve it and will then scan the final product to make sure it passes through the screening algorithms. Depending on which package you choose, your resume will be ready in three to seven days. 

You can choose from three packages: Launch (resume writing and unlimited revisions for $139), Fast Track (adds a cover letter and a 60-day interview guarantee for $189) or Premium (adds a top resume writer, LinkedIn profile optimization, future resume updates and expedited delivery for $299).

• Career coaching
• Industry-specific feedback
• Ability to customize packages
• Longer turnaround time (3-5 business days)

An executive resume solution

Find my profession.

Find My Profession offers professional resume writing services as well as career coaching. Every resume gets reviewed by two different consultants. 

You'll find packages that include entry-level, professional, C-level and executive resume writer services, as well as IT, engineering and federal options. In each, you can choose a base, premium or VIP package depending on your needs. For example, the professional resume package starts at $595 for a resume compatible with automated systems. You can also add help with a cover letter for an additional $119 or a LinkedIn profile for $399. 

You'll get the first draft of your resume within three to five business days after your consultation with a writer. Or, upgrade to a priority service for another $149 to get it within 48 hours.

How we tested resume sites and services

When we evaluated the different resume templates and builders, we looked at how each site or app allowed you to create new resumes, browse templates or upload and edit existing resumes. We also looked at how easy or hard it would be to customize different templates and sections, how much guidance was available, how user-friendly it was to navigate, plus reading and understanding each company’s privacy policies.

Some of our picks are free, some enlist the help of professional writers and some require a subscription or one-time payment. When it comes to premium or paid services, we evaluated how inclusive its packages were compared to basic or free versions. In many cases for the professional writing services, these paid tiers included more guidance and additional job search support like cover letter and LinkedIn editing, suggested jobs to apply to and interview coaching.

Factors to consider when choosing a resume writing service

This was a key factor when compiling this list. Whether you’re looking for a free service to boost your current resume or interested in professional editing services, there’s something for everyone’s price range.

Ease of use

When looking at each website, we looked at how easy it was to navigate, browse templates, and add, edit or remove different sections. We also considered whether you can download and share your resume for free and in what format.

Customization options

Customization options were essential, as everyone’s resume is going to look different. Having easy user control over your resume helps you create a resume that meets your industry’s standards and showcases your professional experiences.

Privacy policies

Privacy policies were the final important factor to consider, as many of these are websites and apps that have the ability to collect and store your personal information. All of the services and websites included on this list have decent privacy settings, and we noted which ones have exceptionally clear use cases and account deletion policies.

Resume writing FAQs

What is a resume builder.

A resume builder is a company that has a website or app that helps you create and customize your resume. You can use pre-existing templates or create your own from scratch.

What is a resume writing service?

A resume writing service is a company that pairs you with a coach or writer to work with you to create, perfect and tailor your resume, cover letters and other job application materials. These tend to be more inclusive packages and therefore more expensive than simple resume template websites.

What is the best resume format to use?

The best format for your resume is going to depend on the job you are applying to, along with your work experience. Resume templates can help you format and include all the necessary information like your education, work experience, skills and contact information.

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The 7 Best Engineer Resume Writers in 2022

Are you searching for a professional resume writer for engineers but are inundated with too many options?

We were too. After extensive research, we’ve found the best resume writing services for engineers.

We had our certified resume experts review hundreds of professional resume writing services and they identified the most important things to look for when selecting a resume service for engineers.

Overall Rating: How does the resume service compare to other services?

Resume Quality: Will you receive a unique, eye-catching, ATS-compatible resume?

Phone Consult: Is a one-on-one phone consultation with your writer included with your resume?

Draft Time: How quickly will the service deliver the first draft of your resume?

Resume Cost: How much will your professional resume cost?

Satisfaction Guarantee: Are there any guarantees included with your resume?

1 ResumeZest

Best overall resume service.

Who you work with: The ResumeZest team consists of Certified Professional Resume Writers (CPRWs) with backgrounds in HR, recruiting, and career coaching. Your writer is assigned based on your unique background and experience ensuring you work with someone familiar with your line of work.

Additional services: Cover letter writing, LinkedIn profile makeover, professional bios, thank you letters, and expedited delivery.

2 Find My Profession

Elite option for executives.

Who you work with: Find My Profession hires elite US-based Master Resume Writers with experience covering 85+ industries and professions. Whether you are a physician, lawyer, executive, or working for the federal government, they will assign you a seasoned writer with vast experience in your line of work.

Additional services: LinkedIn profile makeover, cover letter writing, expedited delivery, professional bios, career coaching, and professionally managed job search.

Fastest Turnaround Time

Who you work with: DAVRON is an executive search and staffing agency that also provides engineering resume writing services. The resume writers are experts in engineering, architecture, and construction recruiting. They have been helping engineers, architects, and construction professionals find jobs since 1997.

Additional services: Recruiting, outplacement, career coaching, LinkedIn profile optimization, online career branding, career marketing, targeted list of hiring managers.

4 Scientech Resumes

Free bonus content.

Who you work with: Scientech Resumes is run by Kate Williamson. Kate is a multi-certified resume writer specializing in resumes for STEM professionals. Her certifications include Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW), Certified Resume Specialist in Engineering, Science, and IT (CRS+ES / CRS+IT).  

Additional services: LinkedIn profile makeover, job search letter writing, and job search and interview coaching. 

5 iHire engineering

Master resume writer.

Who you work with: iHire Engineering is a dedicated job site for the engineering industry that also offers resume writing services for engineering professionals. Their professional resume writers have helped over 5,586 job seekers. The team includes Certified Advanced Resume Writers (CARW) and Certified Master Resume Writers (CMRW).

Additional services: Cover letter writing, job portal, and outplacement.

6 Resume Target

Who you work with: Resume Target has been serving all industries and career levels for over 15 years with a 98% interview success rate. They have a team of professional engineering resume writers. Their senior leadership holds over 40 years of experience in executive recruiting for Fortune 500 companies. 

Additional services: Resume distribution, LinkedIn profile makeover, expedited delivery, interview coaching, and webinars.

7 Shimmering Careers

Who you work with: Shimmering Careers is run by Paul Freiberger, a career coaching expert and award-winning author. You’ll work exclusively with Paul, who has written over 4,500 resumes over the past 15 years. He also specializes in engineering and technology resumes. 

Additional services: Cover letter, LinkedIn profile makeover, career coaching, job search strategy, interview coaching, salary negotiation advice, and outplacement.

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