Engineering Resumes
Recommendations for Engineering Resumes
- It is best if a resume is simple, direct, and only one page (a long resume will likely not be read)
- Do create an expanded resume for your own use; include extra information that might be needed later perhaps for an online application or interview. This expanded resume does not need to look pretty - it is just for your own use.
- No unnecessary graphics or formatting should be added (resumes are often scanned - graphics and formatting are thus lost and may actually hinder accurate character recognition)
- Use appropriate keywords ( “buzzwords” ) for your field
- Don’t use company proprietary or internal product names or jargon (people in general won’t know what you are talking about; re-word using commonly understood terminology)
- Consider using a “reverse chronological order” approach to organizing your resume. This places the most recent work (or school) experience on top. Since this usually is the most significant experience it will be read first (and perhaps will encourage the reader to continue to examine the resume). This approach also allows for including more information for recent experience with less info included for older activities.
- Include significant “extra” items that you have been involved in. This includes activities you may have been involved with outside of your main job function , such as process improvements, cost or time reduction initiatives, or team building events. These show your abilities outside your main expertise area, and demonstrate a commitment to the overall success of the company.
- Include indication of honor and/or professional society membership
- Of course, include EIT or PE status. If you are an active PE, use the “PE” initials after your name on the resume even if you do not think it is needed for the job. It may just get you noticed and may differentiate you from the competition.
- Make sure the contact information you provide on the resume is accurate. It is good to use a professional, private email address - not a joint email with a significant other (MaryAndJohn@——), one with a silly name (SirDrinksAlot@—–), or one from your current employer. If you don’t have an appropriate email address, you should be able to create another email address from your current internet service provider, get one from any number of free email providers, or check with your college, many offer free email accounts to their alumni.
