Learn To Write a Resume for Mechanical Engineering

1. Create your resume with applicant tracking systems (ATS) in mind.

An ATS scans and sorts a resume based on how well it addresses the original job posting. A below-par resume may be rejected by an ATS before their resume is even seen by human eyes. To optimize your resume for ATS, pay attention to:

Format: Use a standard resume format depending on your work experience and industry. Your resume should have the standard sections – summary, skills, work history and education – and fit on two pages at most.
Layout: The layout of your resume should be clean and uncluttered. You can use a resume template or resume builder to assist you with putting together a professional layout.
Font: Use a common, easy-to-read font like Arial or Times New Roman.
Keywords: Use keywords from the job posting throughout your resume. For example, if the posting lists knowledge of specific software as a requirement, you should add the program to your skills list, so ATS will pick it up when it scans your resume. (Just make sure you tell the truth about your skills and qualifications.)

2. Make your contact information clear and concise.

Place your contact information at the top of your resume, in the header, where it will be easy for the hiring manager to locate. Your contact information should include your name, address, phone number, email address, and even a link to your LinkedIn page if you have one.

3. Write a great resume summary or resume objective.

A resume summary or resume objective is a short statement you can place near the top of your resume. A summary focuses on your prior experience while an objective focuses more on your goals. Here is an example of a resume summary:

Mechanical engineer with 10 years of experience in product design. Utilized AutoCAD, SOLIDWORKS, and MATLAB to increase the efficiency of the manufacturing process at [former company] by 15%. Well-versed in all aspects of the manufacturing process.

4. Use your skills section to show off your abilities.

Mechanical engineers have many technical skills and proficiencies. The specific hard skills you will be required to have will depend on the position you’re applying to. Hard skills for a mechanical engineer can include programs like AutoCAD, MATLAB, SOLIDWORKS, or Microsoft Office, including Excel.

Recruiters also like to see soft (also known as intangible) skills on resumes. Soft skills for a mechanical engineer can include teamwork, project management, and communication skills. Use bullet points to display your skills in a way that stands out.

5. Choose a resume format that best presents your qualifications.

If you are new to the job market or applying for an entry-level position, the functional resume format can be effective, as this format emphasizes your skills section. But if you have more professional work experience, a chronological or combination resume formats are better choices since they places more emphasis on your experience. Regardless of the resume format, your work history will be listed in reverse-chronological order, with your most recent jobs listed first.