Writing a resume is often the first step to securing a position above entry level, and for engineers and programmers, careful attention to detail is even more important than it would be for other types of work. The job itself requires such attention, and the resume is the first proof an applicant can provide of being able to handle this aspect.

What should a professional resume look like? The first requirement of any resume is to be attention-getting. Many human-resources people only spend a minute or so when glancing at incoming resumes. Therefore, your first task is to get them to actually read it rather than merely skimming. Of course, this should be done in a professional way so it doesn’t interfere with your prime objective: getting hired. Make sure to proofread your resume since even one error can put you behind the next applicant.

At times, if you have a suitable background, one way to highlight important aspects of your education or prior career advancements is to avoid the typical reverse-chronological resume order. By mixing it up, you can put the best and most important points up top where they are likely to be noticed even at a glance.

Make sure to point out how your skills pertain to the job you’re applying for so the reader instantly knows how what you’ve written is relevant. If you’ve done a lot of projects, make a list of the most important ones. This will show what kind of experience you have and impress the reader with your ability to get things done.

Using buzz words is, perhaps surprisingly, something that should be done, appropriately. This is because some companies use automatic scanners for the first screening of incoming resumes. The presence of the right key words can be necessary to make sure that your resume even gets routed to actual human reviewers. Carefully reading the company’s job description will often provide clues as to which words they are seeking.

The balance between brevity and wordiness is also important. Being brief can be a virtue, but only when it doesn’t sacrifice necessary information. On the other hand, it’s important to remember that not everything is necessary. Avoid including points that could be considered trivia and stick to truly relevant aspects of yourself and your prior experience, especially highlighting accomplishments. Also, use common sense and omit anything that could be considered negative.

Finally, make sure to convey a good attitude and an eagerness to contribute. Employers love eager workers who can’t wait to roll up their sleeves without hesitation.

By keeping these tips in mind and using common sense, you are off to a good start in your quest to get the job you desire. A professional resume writer will help you with the engineering resume and cover letter you need. However, you still need to be persistent and keep sending out resumes until you find the company that agrees that you’re the perfect person to fill their position.

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