
How to List References on a Resume in 2023 (with Templates)
A carefully crafted reference page can give you a competitive edge over other job candidates. But do you know how to list references on a resume? You’re about to find out.
You quickly analyze data and solve engineering problems. All you need is a chance to prove your abilities. Show your potential with a job-winning entry-level engineering resume.
Whether it’s mechanical, civil, electrical, or any other type of engineering that you’re into, your career starts with the same thing:
A job-winning entry-level engineering resume.
Let’s get you set up for success!
In this guide:
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Considering another engineering job? Take a look at our dedicated guides:
Your job is not on the list? See our full list of resume examples.
Cecil Chatterton
Civil Engineering Graduate
520-396-5428
c.chatterton@reslabmail.com
linkedin.com/in/12cecil-chatterton
Objective
Driven, detail-oriented recent civil engineering graduate with excellent AutoCAD, SketchUp, and time management skills. At KPM Holdings, created 30+ AutoCAD Civil 3D designs with zero errors. Eager to join Dunford and Sons as an entry-level engineer to apply my design and project management skills towards improving processes and delivering projects on time and within the allocated budget.
Experience
Junior Civil Engineer
KPM Holdings, New York, NY
February 2021–January 2022
Key Qualifications & Responsibilities
Key Achievement:
Civil Engineering Intern
Evity Construction, Rockford, IL
June 2019–August 2019
Key Qualifications & Responsibilities
Education
B.Sc. in Civil Engineering
Saint Martin’s University, Lacey, USA
2016–2020
Skills
Awards
Languages
Let’s find out how to write an entry-level engineering resume:
Design matters.
As a person who spent long, long hours working in AutoCAD, you know that all too well.
Designing, or, strictly speaking, formatting your entry-level engineering resume matters just as much. How to write your first resume to make sure it catches the eye of the recruiter and lands your dream job?
Let’s find out!
Once you have your document ready, you need to save the file. Unless stated otherwise, save your resume as a PDF—
First, this format preserves the resume layout. Word Docs are notorious for compatibility issues—your .docx resume may look different on your device than on the recruiter’s.
Secondly, your resume will be compliant with ATS, or Applicant Tracking Systems. Before a recruiter even lays eyes on your job application, the ATS decides whether to include you in the next stage of the recruitment process. Good resume formatting increases the chances of you passing that initial test.
The primary job of your resume is to catch the recruiter’s eye and pique their interest. That’s why it helps to include a convincing resume profile in your application—
A short paragraph at the top of the page that gives the reader a highlight reel of your biggest strengths.
If you have some relevant experience in your chosen type of engineering, you can write a resume summary—this type of resume profile is best for experienced candidates.
Use:
3 Years of experience (1+, 2+)
No experience at all? Don’t worry: write a resume objective statement instead.
The structure stays the same. Instead of experience from previous engineering positions, think about any relevant experience you have, for example, from a previous internship or volunteer work. Write down any transferable skills that you can apply in your dream job
Expert Hint: Introducing yourself well is not easy. To make it more manageable, write your resume profile at the end, once you have all the resume sections filled out.
The work experience section is the most important section of your resume. How can you nail it, considering that you don’t have much experience?
First, target your resume specifically to the job ad that caught your attention.
Second, focus on your proudest professional achievements rather than basic duties you’ve performed. And since you just graduated, you can think about any relevant academic achievements or accomplishments from internships and volunteering.
Here’s how to write a job description for an entry-level engineering job:
If you have very little or no experience, put your education section here instead to put your best foot forward. But before we move on to writing your education section, one more thing while you have the job ad open:
Make a section with selected skills to put on a resume. The best way to go about this is to make a list of all of your professional skills, and then cross-reference it with the skills mentioned in the job ad. 5–10 of the best matches go on your resume. Easy!
Remember to list the engineering software you’re most proficient in, especially if the company is looking for someone who’s familiar with it.
Here’s a list to get you started:
Expert hint: Don’t underestimate the importance of your internships. While they may not be the same as a full-time job, they provide you with valuable skills and experience. In fact, studies show that according to employers, recent engineering graduates are often missing hands-on skills—and those are best gained through internships, placements, and volunteering.
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An entry-level engineering resume more often than not heavily depends on the education section.
Even when you’re writing a resume with no experience, you have to prove your skills and achievements.
To do that, add extra bullet points in the education section and include:
If, on the other hand, you had a chance to gain some experience, simply list the school name, degree, and graduation date.
To secure your spot in a top company, you need to stand out. And to do that, you can include a couple of extra sections on your resume. Consider mentioning the following:
Want to increase your chances even more?
Write a cover letter to state your case and prove you’re the best candidate for the job.
Double your impact with a matching resume and cover letter combo. Use our cover letter generator and make your application documents pop out.
Want to try a different look? There's 21 more. A single click will give your document a total makeover. Pick a cover letter template here.
To design your entry-level engineering resume to the highest standards:
Hope you enjoyed our guide! Still have some questions about writing an entry-level engineering resume? Leave a comment below; we’d love to chat!
A carefully crafted reference page can give you a competitive edge over other job candidates. But do you know how to list references on a resume? You’re about to find out.
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