15 resume writing tips for engineers

Remember these engineering resume writing tips

CV is your first impression with recruiters, so make it count. Whether you're a civil, mechanical, or software engineer, your resume should showcase your unique skills, highlight past contributions, and demonstrate the value you bring to the table. Ready to turn your CV into a career-launching tool? Let’s dive into our top engineering resume tips!

1. Use a reverse chronological order to present your employment history

This should include accurate start and end dates. company name and your job title. Start with your most recent job and work backward. This helps hiring managers see your most current role first, showcasing your latest skills and achievements. Include the month and year for each job to provide clear timelines. Be sure to add the company’s name, the job title, and the dates of employment, as this will create a cohesive timeline of your career progression.

2. Explain any gaps in your employment history

If you have employment gaps, be honest and transparent about them. Briefly explain the reason for the gap—whether it was for personal development, travel, education, or caregiving. Employers appreciate clarity and understanding that you were engaged in valuable activities even during employment breaks.

3. Ditch the objective statement

Objective statements can be outdated and generic. Instead of stating your goals (which the hiring manager may already assume), focus on your career highlights and accomplishments. Shift the focus to what you can bring to the role and company, making the resume more relevant to the employer's needs.

4. Re-think how you incorporate soft skills into your resume

Avoid listing soft skills as they will already be demonstrated in your achievements.
Avoid generic terms like "team player" or "hardworking" unless you can back them up with examples. Instead of listing soft skills, incorporate them into your achievements and describe specific instances where you demonstrated those skills in your previous roles.

5. Break down big blocks of text and long sentences using bullet points

Long paragraphs can be overwhelming for hiring managers. Use bullet points to break up information and make your resume more scannable. This allows key achievements, responsibilities, and skills to stand out, helping to keep the reader's attention and making the information easier to digest.

6. Make sure your formatting is simple and consistent

For example, if you bold one job title, bold all of them. Consistency in formatting is crucial for creating a professional-looking resume. If you choose to bold job titles or company names, do it throughout the entire document. Similarly, use the same font and font size for headings, job titles, and body text. A clean, organised layout ensures your resume is easy to read and looks polished.

7. Tailor your resume to the advertised criteria or job description

However, don’t lie or exaggerate your experience or skills. Review the job description and highlight the most relevant experience, skills, and achievements to match the role. While tailoring is important, avoid overstating your qualifications. Hiring managers can quickly spot exaggerations or discrepancies, possibly costing you the job.

8. List your relevant computer software competencies

Self-rate, but don’t say you are an expert unless you can hit the ground running. Remember, you may be asked to demonstrate your practical skills during the interview.

List the software you’re familiar with, focusing on the tools relevant to the job you're applying for. Avoid claiming expert status unless you're truly proficient. If you rate yourself, ensure it’s accurate. You may be asked to demonstrate your skills during an interview, and it’s essential that you can back up your self-assessment.

9. List relevant qualifications and ensure you can provide evidence

Include degrees, certifications, or relevant courses directly related to the job. Be prepared to present proof, such as diplomas or certificates, to confirm your qualifications if necessary. This shows you’re transparent and can substantiate the skills and knowledge listed on your resume.

10. List the projects you worked on and use bullet points to explain your responsibilities

Only list projects that are relevant to the job you are applying for and highlight your personal contributions. When listing projects, focus on those directly related to your desired position. Use bullet points to explain the project scope, your role, and your work's specific outcomes or impact. This helps employers see your hands-on experience and how it can apply to the role they're hiring for.

11. Sound credible by providing evidence of your knowledge and skills

Demonstrate your expertise through concrete examples—whether through projects you’ve worked on, quantifiable achievements, or specific challenges you’ve overcome. This evidence will help build your credibility and provide hiring managers with proof of your capabilities.

12. Only list hobbies if they are professionally relevant

If your hobbies or interests align with the job or demonstrate skills applicable to the workplace (e.g., leadership through sports or creative problem-solving through hobbies), feel free to include them. Otherwise, omit them, as irrelevant hobbies may occupy valuable resume space.

13. Limit the use of company-specific jargon and acronyms

While it’s important to showcase your experience, using too much jargon or industry-specific language can confuse readers who may not be familiar with your previous employer’s terms or practices. Keep it simple and use language widely understood by anyone in your field.

14. Make sure your resume is free of spelling or grammatical errors

Even a small spelling or grammar mistake can be a red flag for employers. Thoroughly proofread your resume to eliminate errors. It’s helpful to have someone else review it as well, as they might catch mistakes you missed.

15. Sometimes, less is more

Keep your resume concise and to the point. Focus on the most relevant information that will quickly grab the hiring manager’s attention. Aim to showcase your value in a way that entices them to learn more about you in an interview rather than overwhelming them with excessive detail.

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