Mechanical engineers build prototypes, develop manufacturing processes, and invent new products. It is a job in which you need to have specific skills to succeed. However, in addition to skills and certifications, you also need a great resume. To get the mechanical engineering you want, follow these resume tips and examples.
During your job search, you may see a job description with a different job title for a mechanical engineer. A job title you might see in place of “mechanical engineer” is:
Follow these easy resume writing examples and tips to create the perfect resume for a mechanical engineering job.
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.)
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.
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.
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.
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.
Yes, you should alter your resume for every job you apply to. Tailoring your resume specifically to each position will increase your chances of your resume being read and of the hiring manager contacting you for an interview. One way you can customize your resume is to use keywords from the job posting to describe your skills and professional experience.
Mechanical engineering jobs require several technical, hard, and soft skills. Some common mechanical engineer skills are:
- Problem-solving
- Ability to read schematics and technical drawings
- Technical skills for design programs
- Technical skills for manufacturing equipment
A mechanical engineer will also usually have a bachelor of science in engineering.
The process of writing a cover letter is similar to creating a great resume. You can use a template or cover letter builder to quickly put together a cover letter for any job. A cover letter should provide an overview of your experience and provide more context about your accomplishments and background to an employer, explaining how you can benefit the company.
