Optimization is a big buzz word these days, especially when it comes to resume creation. However, optimizing a resume isn’t a fad. If you want to land the engineering job of your dreams, you have to tailor your resume to the positions you apply to. Using the same resume for every job may save time, but it won’t help yours land at the top of the pile.
Start With a Template
All professional engineers should keep a resume template that includes a complete work history and list of job responsibilities. You can use that template to build each resume you send out. This is a useful tool, and it should be updated even when you are happily employed. Add to it as your job changes over time, so you aren’t scrambling when you find yourself on the hunt for new opportunities.
Keep a Running List of Your Projects
Similar to a resume template, you should keep a running list of your engineering projects on file. Include internet links to those projects, if applicable. They may have been featured in professional engineering journals or in local newspapers and news files. When applying for specific jobs, pull out the projects that best align with the job description and include those links in your resume. This will give hiring managers an easy way to visualize your work and experience.
Customize Your Objective Statement
Every resume you send should have a tailored objective statement that includes the name of the company and the position you seek. Triple check your objective before applying. Accidentally using the wrong name or job title can get you immediately disqualified.
Customize Your Summary
The summary is a place for you to create a snapshot of the skills, experience, and achievements that are relevant to the job. This is where you should be sure to include keywords form the job posting. This helps hiring managers scan your resume quickly to determine whether or not you may be a match for the job, and can help you pass any automated resume screening tools the company has in place.
Prioritize Your Content
Most people list experience chronologically, outlining their most recent experience first. However, if you are looking to change industries or focus, it can be beneficial list your experience in terms of relevancy, especially if you are a seasoned engineer who has held many job titles over the years. Be sure that each relevant job includes keywords from the posting for easy scanning.
Work With a Recruiter
Professional engineering recruiters can help you tailor your resume for the jobs you seek. Resumes are complicated documents, and they carry a lot of weight, stated at https://www.basicsolutions.com/services/engineer-staffing/. Getting help from an outside professional with experience in the engineering job market can help ease some of the stress of resume creation, and can give you a leg up on your competition.
If you are an engineer looking for new career opportunities, Dunhill Staffing can help. We work closely with our candidates, helping them hone their resume and interviewing skills, and connecting them to new engineering job opportunities that will help them meet their long-term goals. Our main office is located in the Southeast region, but our network of engineers and organizations stretches across the nation. Contact us today to learn more about our proven recipe for your success.