The Civil Engineer’s Resume Guide for 2024
Resumes aren't rocket science, but over the past seven years, Rezi has perfected the practice of creating engineering resumes that get interviews.
Here are some of our favorite resume tips we recommend all job seekers include for a significantly better shot at getting invited for an interview.
Here’s what we’re going to cover in this guide:
- How to properly format your resume for success in 2024
- How to talk about your work experience and personal projects
- How to create a competitive skills section
- How to customize your resume for each job you apply to
Formatting an Civil Engineering Resume
Reverse chronological structure: Recent experience first
Reverse chronological resume is the most popular which almost all job seekers should be using. This format means listing out the most recent and relevant things first. It starts with the most recent timeline and you work your way backward, e.g. the latest job position comes first in your work experience section, not the oldest. Structuring your resume this way makes your career timeline more established.
Civil Engineer Resume Length
Stick to 1 page.
Most engineers have found that their best shot at landing an offer is by having a one or two-page resume. This includes a collection of sections that cover relevant past experiences. Your resume should be no longer than three pages. The risk of going beyond two pages is including irrelevant content that could distract from your qualifications.
Avoid Common Civil Engineer Resume Format Mistakes
1) Resumes must include as much content as possible.
2) Uniform and labeled section headers
When it comes to creating an ATS-optimized resume, it’s good to know how it will be read by the software. Like most human readers, the ATS will read from left to right and top to bottom.
3) Minimal white-space
6 ATS Engineering Resume Examples (Including Writing Tips)
Key Sections for a Civil Engineering Resume
A Tailored Resume Summary
In a competitive field like civil engineering, hiring managers sometimes review hundreds of applications for a single position. Writing a resume that stands out is difficult, so solve that problem by including a compelling introduction for your resume. Begin your resume with a resume objective, which is a 2–3 sentence paragraph about your job-relevant skills and career goals.
Civil engineer with 5 years of experience in the design and construction of large scale infrastructure projects. Responsible for the implementation of construction methods, materials, and quality control procedures. Applying for a Senior Civil Engineer position.
Civil engineer with 5 years of experience in the design and construction of bridges and commercial structures. Proven understanding of small and large scale projects through the development of long-term solutions. Seeking a position as a project manager to oversee design and construction.
Civil Engineer with 5 years of comprehensive experience in highway planning, design, and construction. Proven experience in developing and managing budgets to deliver on construction projects. Applying for an entry-level position as engineering manager to continue my development as a civil engineer.
You can read more about how to create a resume summary with artificial intelligence here.
Your Relevant Professional Experience
Employers will want to know what you’ve done in your previous job position to get insight into your skills and expertise. Knowing what you’re familiar with will help them make a decision and to see if you’re more of a good fit compared to the other applicants.
However, you should also be including any positive results you’ve accomplished.
Engineering Certifications
Emphasize your credentials. Include mention of all certifications you hold in Six Sigma, Kaizen, or other engineering methods or processes.
Technical Skills Profile
Either at the beginning (after the resume summary) or at the end of your resume, insert a tech table that lists the software, hardware, and technical processes with which you are conversant. Be sure to include those that are specifically mentioned in the job ad; these are important “keywords” that will help rank your resume highly when it is scanned by an automated applicant tracking system during its first round of review.
Hard skills like software, tools, and the technical knowledge you use to design and construct infrastructure are essential to fit into your civil engineer resume. But don’t forget to include soft skills like teamwork and communication skills, which are necessary to coordinate with architects, construction crews, and government organizations.
Here are more key hard and soft skills that look great on a civil engineering resume:
- Engineering programs: AutoCAD, MATLAB, GIS software, Bentley infrastructure software
- Industry credentials: Professional Engineer (PE) license, Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) membership
Engineering Resume Content
Using Metrics to Quantify Experiences
Don’t simply fill your resume with lists of your civil engineering job responsibilities. To impress the hiring manager, put your experience in context with specific examples and hard numbers that prove you’re an accomplished engineer.
For instance, list how much money you stayed under budget through strong negotiation skills, intelligent use of resources, finding cheaper materials, or eliminating unnecessary labor.
Optimizing Resume Content with Engineering Keywords
How to tailor your resume to a job. Many hiring managers use applicant tracking systems (ATS) to filter applications based on resume keywords they write in their job ads. The more civil engineering–related keywords you can use, the higher the chances your resume gets past the ATS and onto the hiring manager’s shortlist of applications.
The ATS keyword research process doesn’t have to be difficult. In fact, it’s a straightforward process if you’re doing it with Rezi. Our AI Keyword Targeting feature allows you to upload a job description and instantly see which keywords should be included in your resume's content.
Instantly Generate Civil Engineering Resume Content
Job seekers can now use AI to create the perfect application with minimal effort. How long does it take to make a resume writes tailored content instantly and prevents writer’s block completely. It’s that simple yet highly effective in helping you get more job offers and interviews faster.
All you need to do is enter a few details such as:
- Name
- Industry
- Experience level
Learn more about Rezi AI Resume Writer here
Include A Civil Engineering Cover Letter
Many job seekers today overlook the importance of a cover letter. The significant impact it can leave on your recruiters will play its part in the decisive moment for whether you’re going to get hired or not.
To put it simply, cover letters can be your gateway to improving your overall job application and a higher chance of getting the job.
Unless your resume is absolutely perfect with no flaws, why settle for less? A cover letter can greatly increase your odds of getting hired for the company you want to work for, even if it’s a competitive job posting.
Learn more about Rezi AI Cover Letter Builder here
