Entry-Level Engineering Resume—Sample and Writing Tips

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:

• An entry-level engineering resume sample that gets jobs.
• How to ace your entry-level engineering job description on a resume.
• How to write a resume for an entry-level engineering position that gets the interview.
• Expert tips and examples to boost your chances of landing an entry-level engineering job.

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Considering another engineering job? Take a look at our dedicated guides:

• AWS Solutions Architect Resume
• Civil Engineer Resume
• Data Scientist Resume
• Engineering Internship Resume
• Engineering Resume
• Entry Level Mechanical Engineering Resume
• Entry Level Software Engineer Resume
• Electronic Technician Resume
• Lab Technician Resume
• Manual Tester Resume

Your job is not on the list? See our full list of resume examples. 

Entry-Level Engineering Resume Example

Let’s find out how to write an entry-level engineering resume:

1. Start with the Right Entry-Level Engineering Resume Format

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!

Entry-Level Engineering Resume Format

• Pick the right resume format for your needs. The reverse-chronological resume format is your best bet—recruiters are familiar with it, and it highlights your most recent experience well. 
• Choose a resume font that’s easy to read, for example, Times New Roman, Helvetica, or Arial. 
• Apply even, 1-inch resume margins. 
• Keep your resume short and to the point. A one-page resume is more thane enough.
• Divide your resume into sections: Header, Summary, Experience, Education, Skills, and Additional. 

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.

2. Write a Strong Entry-Level Engineering Resume Objective or Summary

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: 

1. One adjective (diligent, hard-working, detail-oriented)
2. Job title (entry-level engineer, engineering graduate)

3 Years of experience (1+, 2+)

4. What you will do for the company (assist the design team in creating project documentation)
5. Top 2–3 achievements (designed over 100 project designs using AutoCAD with a <1% error rate)

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. 

3. Add the Best Entry-Level Engineering Job Description and Skills Sections

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:

1. Analyze the job ad carefully.
2. Note down the skills and requirements, aka resume keywords. 
3. Think about times when you used those skills in previous gigs. 
4. List them in your entry-level engineering resume, using metrics and action words. 

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: 

Entry-Level Engineering Resume Skills

• Autodesk
• AutoCAD
• MATLAB
• BricsCAD
• Rhino
• TurboCAD Designer
• ANSYS
• Nastran
• Project Management
• Math
• Physics
• Chemistry
• Biology
• Analytical Skills
• Testing
• Collaboration Skills
• Detail Oriented
• Self-motivated
• Interpersonal Skills
• Leadership Skills
• Communication Skills
• Computer Skills
• Technical Skills
• Critical Thinking Skills
• Conceptual Skills
• Creative Thinking Skills
• Time Management Skills

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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4. Turn Boring Education into a Reason to Hire You

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:

• Extracurricular activities
• Relevant coursework
• Volunteer projects
• Academic achievements
• GPA (but only if it’s 3.7 or above)

If, on the other hand, you had a chance to gain some experience, simply list the school name, degree, and graduation date.

5. Include Extra Sections on Your Entry-Level Engineering Resume

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:

• Additional Activities
• Foreign Languages
• Awards
• Hobbies and Interests
• Volunteering
• Certifications
• Professional References

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. 

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Key Points

To design your entry-level engineering resume to the highest standards:

• Format your resume correctly—remember about sections, fonts, margins, length, and to save it as a PDF file. 
• Use the entry-level engineering resume template above. It’s easy to follow for both ATS and recruiters. 
• Introduce yourself by writing a resume profile. 
• Highlight your proudest professional and academic achievements in the work experience and education sections. 
• Add skills relevant to the job ad for which you’re applying. 
• Write a cover letter to make your application even more convincing. 

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!

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