For the engineering field, your technical skills must stand out. List key technical competencies such as proficiency in CAD software, project management tools, or coding languages that are relevant to the specific engineering discipline you target. Also, include any major projects or designs you have worked on. For those entering the field, highlight any practical experience such as internships, workshops, or lab work that demonstrates hands-on skills.

When detailing your experience, focus on your achievements rather than just duties. In the field of engineering, measurable outcomes like efficiency improvements or cost reductions are vital. Provide examples where you solved complex problems or optimized processes. If applicable, mention patents, publications, or presentations at industry conferences. These accomplishments can set you apart and show you are an active contributor to the engineering community.

When tailoring your resume for engineering jobs, you need it to show your fit for the role. Use keywords from the job ad and focus on the skills and experience that meet what the employer is looking for. This makes it easier for hiring managers to see that you are a good match. Here is how you can do it:

• For technical skills, list the software, tools, and methods you have used. Example: Proficient in AutoCAD and MATLAB, experienced in lean manufacturing principles
• For leadership roles, talk about your management experience. Example: Led a team of 12 engineers, oversaw a project budget of $500,000
• If you are shifting careers, link your past roles to engineering tasks. Example: Managed cross-functional teams to improve operational efficiency, similar to engineering project management

When you're updating your resume, it's important to include the right technical skills that show you're a good fit for engineering roles. Focus on what you can do and the tools you can use.

• AutoCAD
• Matlab
• Revit
• SolidWorks
• Python
• C++
• Project management software
• Simulation software
• Electrical design
• Thermodynamics

These skills should be included in a special section on your resume. This helps your resume pass through Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) which look for these keywords. ATS is a software that many companies use to sort resumes. It's important because it helps your resume get noticed by hiring managers like me.

Remember, you don't need to list every skill. Pick the ones that match the job you want. For example, if you're looking for a job in mechanical engineering, thermodynamics and solidWorks might be more relevant than Python. Always think about what the job requires and show how your skills match.

As a hiring manager, I know that leadership skills are key in engineering roles. Make sure to highlight any leadership experience you have. This shows you can manage projects and lead teams effectively.

When you think about your past jobs, consider times when you:

• Led a project from start to finish. This could mean you were in charge of a team, made important decisions, or were the main person others looked to for guidance.
• Received a promotion. This is a clear sign of your growth and success. Explain the new responsibilities you took on and how you excelled in that role.

For example, you could write that you 'led a team of five in developing a new software tool that increased efficiency by 20%,' or 'promoted to senior engineer within two years due to strong project management skills.'

Remember, specifics are good. They help us understand exactly what you did and how well you did it.

As an engineer, showing the impact of your work with numbers can make your resume stand out. Numbers help hiring managers understand the scale and importance of your projects. Here's how to do it.

Think about the tasks you've completed and try to quantify them. For example:

• How much did you reduce material costs by optimizing a design? Mention the percentage of cost reduction as a metric, like cut material costs by 15%.
• Did your solution increase efficiency? State how much time was saved, such as increased production speed by 20%.

Consider these common metrics in engineering:

• Time saved on project completion: reduced project timeline by 30%.
• Money saved through improved processes: saved the company $50,000 annually.
• Error reduction in manufacturing: decreased production errors by 25%.
• Energy consumption lowered by a new system: cut energy use by 10%.
• Increased product reliability: improved product lifespan by 40%.
• Number of patents filed or contributions to patents: co-invented 3 patents.
• Projects delivered under budget: completed 5 major projects 10% under budget.
• Client satisfaction rate if you worked on client-facing solutions: achieved a client satisfaction rate of 95%.

When you're unsure about exact numbers, estimate conservatively and be ready to explain how you reached these figures during an interview.

If you apply to a small company or startup, your resume should show flexibility and a broad skill set. Use phrases like "adaptable to various technical challenges" or "experience in different engineering disciplines." Smaller companies, such as SpaceX or Palantir, value engineers who can handle multiple roles and tasks.

For larger companies, like Boeing or General Electric, highlight your specialization and deep knowledge in a specific area. Use phrases such as "expert in mechanical design" or "specialized in electrical systems engineering." Large companies often look for highly skilled individuals for specific roles within their vast teams.