The Test 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.
I've put together some of our favorite resume tips we recommend all job seekers include for a better shot at getting invited for an interview.
But if you want to skip a few steps, check out our free AI Resume Builder. We offer tailored suggestions and feedback to deliver you an ATS-friendly resume in minutes.
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
Take a look at more test engineering resume examples and tips:
- QA Analyst Resume Examples
- Test Engineer Resume Examples
- Software Tester Resume Examples
- Automation Tester Resume Examples
- Flight Test Engineer Resume Examples
Formatting a Test Engineering Resume
Reverse chronological structure: Recent experience first
A 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.
Test Engineer Resume Length
Stick to a one-page resume.
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 Test 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 Test Engineering Resume
A Tailored Resume Summary
In a competitive field like test engineering, hiring managers can 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 summary, which is a 2–3 sentence paragraph about your job-relevant skills and career goals.
Senior Manufacturing Test Engineer with 8 years of experience in test scripts, quality control, and test equipment. Strong understanding of standard operating procedures including quality control, cost reduction, and test equipment maintenance. Proven ability to test products for defects and to identify opportunities for cost reduction.
Senior Manufacturing Test engineer with 8 years of experience in test scripts, product quality, and test equipment. Responsible for achieving quality, product, and cost objectives through effective test planning and execution. Applying for a position at Company B.
Manufacturing Test engineer with 8 years of experience in test scripts, product quality, and test equipment. Experience in managing product quality and testing requirements from our suppliers. Proven ability to manage testing and quality improvement initiatives in an FDA regulated environment. Seeking a position as Senior Manufacturing Test Engineer at Company A.
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 technical skills and expertise. Knowing what you’re familiar with will help them make a decision and to see if you’re 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, Certified Scrum Master (CSM), ISTQB Certified Tester Foundation Level (CTFL), Certified Quality Assurance Professional (CQAP), Kaizen, or other engineering methods or processes.
Skills for a Test Engineer Resume
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 test engineer resume. But don’t forget to include resume soft skills like communication and teamwork skills, which are necessary to coordinate with electrical engineers, mechanical engineers, and business administration.
Here are more key soft and hard skills that look great on a test engineering resume:
Hard skills to consider
- Engineering programs: Test Scripts, Test Equipment, Labview, Troubleshoot, R, C++, Test software, Test systems
- Industry credentials: ISTQB Certified Tester Foundation Level (CTFL), Certified Quality Engineer(CQE), Certified Quality Assurance Professional (CQAP), Certified Scrum Master(CSM), Engineer in Training Certification(EIT)
Soft Skills to consider
- Communications
- Time management
- Effort prioritization
- Organized
- Team player
Engineering Resume Content
Using Metrics to Quantify Experiences
Don’t simply fill your resume with lists of your test 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
Many hiring managers use applicant tracking systems (ATS) to filter applications based on resume keywords they write in their job ads. The more test 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.
Learn more about optimizing your resume: How to Tailor a Resume to a Job Posting
Instantly Generate Test Engineering Resume Content
Job seekers can now use AI to create the perfect application with minimal effort. Our AI Bullet Points tool writes tailored content instantly and helps you prevent any writer’s block. It’s that simple, yet highly effective in helping you catch the recruiters' attention and land more interviews.
To get personalized bullet points, all you need to do is enter a few details, such as:
- Name
- Industry
- Experience level
Include A Test 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 at the company you want to work for, even if it’s a competitive job posting.
Learn more about Rezi AI Cover Letter Builder here
