Whether you’ve graduated from M.I.T. or one of the other prestigious mechanical engineering schools, becoming employed is going to be another hurdle to cross. Getting good grades in school is definitely a bonus, but these days, employers look for individuals with character, as well as those who can think outside the box. However, to get a chance to meet your prospective employers, you will need a resume that compels attention.
Remember who is going to review your resume: the hiring manager or human resources recruiter. That’s the person you’re focusing on when writing your resume.
This is a unique CV to write when compared to other technical careers. What counts more than anything are your skills (technical) and experience. Make sure that you represent both appropriately. Demonstrate your technical expertise and your professional work history.
Sell your technical skills. This is a competitive job market and others will be doing the same. You must make sure to use a strong template or a professional resume writer. Having the right format can get you past the HR filter and improve your chances of being hired. Make sure that however you build your resume it is rich in key word placement based on the skills needed by the employer.
Your application must be based on your technical skills, accountability and authority. Apply these to the job at hand. This is all that’s to it.
The challenge is, for most engineers technical skills are valued more than “sot skills.” Don’t fail to mention your interpersonal skills – this will harm you. Your work can and will speak for itself – but you want toensure the person reviewing your resume sees that you are a team player.You interact with more than machines.
And please, eliminate any unnecessary jargon. Of course some will be required – you are applying for a technical position in a jargon-filled field, but you only need to make sure the recruiting agent understands that you are the right person for the job. He or she has no idea what a flux capacitor is and you won’t impress them by focusing on it. Your resume should show that you have the capabilities to bring the employer the added value needed in their business. Balance your technical skills with mention of people/communication skills, as these are important for working with clients and coworkers. The resume should be specific in terms of project lengths and numbers of people on each team.
How to format the Engineering CV
It’s a simple resume, really. You need only one additional section beyond the regular resume where you list technical expertise as required by the position. Break this part down using sub categories to make it easy for the recruiter to scan for your specialties.
Use these tips to help build your resume:
- Focus on your goals in the engineering field. Use parts of your professional background to demonstrate these goals. Having goals proves you’re worth hiring.
- Your accomplishments must be highlighted. Show how the former employer benefitted by having you on board. Detail any initiatives that resulted in enhanced efficiency, faster work, etc.
- Focus on the Key Words needed for this position. Sprinkle them throughout the resume. Make sure they are in places that will be noticed during initial scansand reviews of the document.
- Start by listing your most recent position first.
- Don’t waste anyone’s time by listing your hobbies and interests. Your skills and strengths are way more important.
- Provide a salary range.
- Ensure your resume is specific to this particular position and make sure it’s short.