Mechanical engineers are in high demand. However, that doesn’t mean that landing a great job is a done deal. It’s a very competitive field. The best jobs go to the top applicants. And the interviews go to those who have the best resumes.
Is your resume up for the task? If you’re not sure, keep reading. Below are several actionable resume writing tips, followed by a detailed mechanical engineer resume example.
Make a List of Hard Skills First
As a mechanical engineer, you have mastered a variety of technical skills, software packages, and tools. Hiring managers are going to be very interested in these. However, each job listing is different, and the skills that are a priority can vary.
Before you work on your resume, build a master list of your technical skills. You’ll use this list on each application you submit. However, depending on the job listing, you may resequence the list so that the high priority skills are at the top.
Keep in mind that many companies now use ATS (applicant tracking software) to manage the early hiring process. Such tools track applicant submissions and weed out those who don’t meet the job requirements. The process works by scanning resumes for relevant keywords. By listing your skills, you ensure that your resume contains the right keywords to move forward in the application process.
Write a Clear Objective Statement
While it may be better to write a personal statement for other resumes, the engineering fields remain pretty traditional. You should open your resume with a clear objective statement. This statement should include your title or specialty, years of experience, the role for which you are applying, and your most relevant qualifications.
Don’t Forget About Your Soft Skills
The stereotype of the smart, but rather antisocial engineer deserves to be left in the past for good. To succeed in any job, you need a high EQ as well as a high IQ. Yes, your technical skills and experience are the priority, but your soft skills matter as well.
As an engineer, you must communicate your ideas to people of varying skill levels. That requires great written and verbal communication skills. If you hope to continue into a management or supervisory position, you must show that you have leadership skills.
Finally, engineers have to consider clients and customers as well, even if they are internal ones. You must have at least a basic level of customer service skills.
Use your resume to demonstrate that you bring well-developed soft skills to the table. That will put you at an advantage when compared to engineers who have only focused on demonstrating their hard skills.
Quantify Your Accomplishments
Use examples and numbers to back up the statements you make about your skills and experience. For example state that you managed a team of 12 engineers and engineering technicians. Don’t simply state that you have some management experience.
Make Your Resume Visually Appealing
The hiring manager reviewing your resume may have seen dozens of resume and CV prior to yours. Help yourself get the consideration that you deserve by ensuring that your resume is well-designed:
- Ensure that your resume or CV follows a logical structure.
- Include plenty of white space for readability.
- Add lists and bullet points to your resume.
- Don’t mix more than two fonts in your resume.
- Consider using a professional resume template if you are not confident in your design skills.
Resume Sample for Mechanical Engineer (Word version)
Download resume example (.docx)
Mechanical Engineer Resume Example (text version)
865 Asylum Avenue
New York, CT 10013
(555)555-5555 (Mobile)
alfred@email.com
I am seeking a full-time position as a lead mechanical engineer in the aerospace industry. I have four years of experience in the design, troubleshooting, and repair of armament systems, and landing gear. I have also served as an assistant department lead in charge of a team of armament systems engineers, mechanics, and assemblers.
Relevant Skills
- 4 Years experience as a mechanical engineer in the aerospace industry
- 2 Years experience active duty military for an air assault squadron.
- Prototype Building And 3D Modeling
- AutoCad
- Revit
- Presentation Skills
- Customer Service Experience
- Fluent Written And Spoken English
- Fluent Written And Spoken Spanish
- Team Leadership Experience
Work Experience
United States Airforce
Active Duty August 2014 – August 2018
Reserve September 2018 – Present
Position: Armament Systems Mechanical Engineer/ Rank: Major
Duties: Designing and troubleshooting armament systems for Air Force jets and bombers. Served as team leader and supervisor.
Lexicon Aerospace, Inc.
September 2018 – Present
Position: Airframe Mechanic Supervisor And Engineer
Duties: Identifying and repairing design flaws in vintage aircraft landing systems. Supervising aircraft restoration projects.
Education
Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering, June 2018 GPA 3.5
University of The Air Force
Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering, May 2014 GPA 3.75
Minor: Military Science
University of Missouri Rolla, ROTC
Final Thoughts
The best resume for a mechanical engineer is clear, organized, and focuses on the skills and experience outlined in the job listing. Before you write your resume, take some time to research the company at which you are implying. This will give you an even clearer idea of what you should include in your resume or CV.