Table of contents
- Electrical engineer resume example
- Related resume examples
- Choose the right resume format for your electrical engineer resume
- How to write an electrical engineer resume in 5 simple steps
- Add a cover letter
- Key takeaways for your electrical engineer resume
- Commonly asked question about resume writing
As an electrical engineer, you design, develop and maintain the electrical systems that power our world. Your expertise includes analyzing complex electrical problems, creating schematic diagrams and overseeing the installation of electrical components. You’re constantly learning and developing to stay current with the latest advancements in technology and safety regulations, ensuring that the systems you design are efficient, reliable and compliant. Your skills keep the lights on — now all you need is a resume that’s as electrifying as you.
With the help of some easy-to-follow instructions on how to write a resume and some excellent resume examples for reference, writing the perfect resume doesn’t have to be a challenge.
Here, you’ll learn exactly what you need to know to write an impressive electrical engineer resume in a matter of minutes.
Keep reading to learn more about:
- Examples of resumes for electrical engineer applicants with and without experience.
- What makes an electrical engineer resume example great.
- Tips and tricks for writing a resume for an electrical engineer.
- What to include in every section of your electrical engineer resume.
- How to choose the right resume template and format for the role.
Want a persuasive resume generated in just minutes? Use our professional Resume Maker for professionally written advice, suggestions and step-by-step help writing every section.
Electrical engineer resume example
What makes this a great electrical engineer resume sample?
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It focuses on skills.This candidate has studied electrical engineering, but her actual experience is limited. It makes sense to focus on her skills instead of her sparse work history.
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It includes soft skills.As an electrical engineer, this candidate has prominently highlighted some important technical skills and knowledge, but her soft skills are also allowed to shine. Creative thinking and willingness to learn are valuable assets that will serve her career well.
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It’s simple.The basic layout of this resume makes it easy to follow and quick to scan for information.
What makes this a great electrical engineer resume sample?
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It focuses on experience. With more than a decade of electrical engineering experience, this candidate is best-served by a resume that shows off his experience by emphasizing work history.
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It uses numbers. Numerical data helps readers to visualize the scale and scope of the applicant’s work, as well as the impact of their performance.
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It uses active language. Phrases like “executed” and “operated” give the work history section of this resume a sense of energy and action.
Related resume examples
Looking for a different engineering position? Check out our library of resume examples for more inspiration.
Choose the right resume format for your electrical engineer resume
To land the job you want, you need to get the right information in front of a recruiter. How do you accomplish that? By selecting the right resume format.
- Experienced applicants should consider a chronological resume format to highlight work experience and a strong career progression.
- Applicants with little to no experience should consider using a functional resume format.
- Midlevel applicants with three to five years of relevant experience should consider a combination resume format to showcase a balance of skills and work experience.
Visit our guide to learn more about how to format a resume to highlight your candidacy.
Select an appropriate electrical engineer resume template
While every resume template will have the same basic sections — a professional summary or resume objective, skills, work history and education — you can customize the look and feel of your resume by selecting the right template.
Unlike artistic careers, where we recommend a creative resume template, for an electrical engineer, it’s best to stick to something professional that doesn’t distract from your qualifications. To that end, a sleek modern resume template or a simple template might be the way to go.
How to write an electrical engineer resume in 5 simple steps
A great electrical engineer resume begins with studying the job description. Then, you’ll need a resume profile that introduces your skills and experience. Next, you’ll explore both of these in detail with a skills section and a work experience section. Your education, certifications and awards come next, followed by any optional sections you decide to include, like hobbies or volunteer work.
Every one of these sections affords you with a valuable opportunity to showcase your strengths. Learn how to tailor each section of the job so employers notice you’re who they’re looking for.
Step 1
Study the electrical engineer job description
Customizing your electrical engineer resume to the specific position you’re applying for is crucial for several reasons. Firstly, it demonstrates your genuine interest in the role and the company, showing that you’ve taken the time to tailor your application. Secondly, it allows you to highlight the skills, experiences and qualifications that are most relevant to the job, making it easier for the employer to see how you’re a perfect fit.
Keywords play a significant role in this customization process. Keywords are specific terms or phrases related to the job you’re applying for, including technical skills, industry-specific vocabulary, certifications and other qualifications. Employers often use applicant tracking systems (ATS) to initially screen resumes. These systems scan resumes for keywords and phrases that match the job description. Resumes with a higher keyword match score are more likely to make it to the next round of the hiring process.
Using keywords strategically in your resume gives you a distinct advantage because it increases the likelihood that your resume will get noticed by ATS as well as human recruiters. It helps your resume rank higher in the initial screening process and makes it easier for hiring managers to quickly identify your qualifications. However, it’s essential to use these keywords naturally and accurately, ensuring that they reflect your genuine skills and experiences.
In short, a well-customized resume, rich in relevant keywords, increases your chances of landing an interview and ultimately securing the job.
Step 2
Write a professional summary or resume objective
Your electrical engineer resume should begin with an introduction to you and your qualifications in the form of a resume profile.
Candidates with less experience should write a resume objective. This is a form of resume profile which focuses on your transferable skills, goals and professional growth. Veteran electrical engineers are better off using a professional summary, which summarizes your experience and career highlights.
Here are some strong examples for your electrical engineer resume:
Electrical engineer professional summary example:
Experienced electrical engineer with eight years in the field, specializing in designing, implementing and maintaining electrical systems for diverse industrial applications. Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional teams, ensuring successful project execution from conception to completion. Proficient in analyzing complex technical problems and developing innovative solutions, leveraging in-depth knowledge of electrical engineering principles and industry best practices. Adept at collaborating with stakeholders to meet project objectives, optimize efficiency and ensure compliance with safety and regulatory standards. Proven track record of driving continuous improvement initiatives and optimizing processes to enhance system reliability and performance.
Electrical engineer objective example:
Electrical engineer with one year of experience, eager to apply and build upon foundational knowledge and practical experience in electrical engineering, with the goal of contributing to innovative solutions and advancing within a dynamic engineering environment. Enthusiastic professional aspiring to achieve recognition as an expert in the field by continuously expanding expertise and making a meaningful impact on complex engineering projects.
Step 3
Highlight your most relevant electrical engineer skills
Your electrical engineer skills are the foundation of your career. It’s no surprise that the resume skills section of your resume is one of the most important. This is your chance to highlight all of your hard-earned skills and abilities.
It’s critical that your skills section provides employers with a solid mix of hard and soft skills. Hard skills are the technical abilities and knowledge that you’ve gained through experience, training and education. Soft skills, on the other hand, are the personality traits and working habits that make you a great engineer. They can’t be taught, so they’re very important to hiring departments. Below, we provide a side-by-side list of hard and soft skills to help you see the difference between the two.
Hard and soft skills for a electrical engineer resume
- Circuit design
- Power distribution
- Computer aided design (CAD)
- Programmable logic controllers (PLC)
- NEC safety regulations
- Energy efficiency
- Attention to detail
- Precision
- Written and verbal communication
- Leadership
- Time management
- Organization
Here is an example of a strong electrical engineer skills section:
- Skilled circuit designer with advanced knowledge of power distribution
- Proficient in computer aided design (CAD) software
- Precise and attentive
- Committed to promoting total compliance with NEC safety regulations
Even for jobs that don’t require interacting with the public, soft skills are important to list. Employers seek out candidates who already possess these skills because they are difficult to teach. Communicating effectively and managing your time well are universally important skills for workers of any trade.
Step 4
Write a strong electrical engineer work experience section
While the required background and experience will be different for each role, the key to getting noticed is writing a work experience section that demonstrates what you will bring to the table. Your work experience section should include your current and previous roles in reverse-chronological order with a succinct summary of your noteworthy achievements and responsibilities.
Here is an example of a great electrical engineer work experience entry:
Electrical Engineer, Glow Worm Electronics
New Orleans, LA
February 2018 – September 2021
- Led a team of five engineers in the design and implementation of electrical systems for commercial and industrial projects, ensuring adherence to project specifications and timelines.
- Developed innovative circuit designs, resulting in a 20% increase in system efficiency and a 15% reduction in project costs.
- Conducted thorough electrical testing and troubleshooting, resolving complex issues promptly and reducing system downtime by 25%.
- Collaborated with clients to gather project requirements, provided technical expertise and maintained clear communication throughout project life cycles.
- Prepared detailed electrical schematics and layouts using AutoCAD, ensuring accurate documentation for project records and compliance with regulatory standards.
- Implemented energy-efficient solutions, resulting in an annual energy cost savings of 18% for clients
Make your credentials pop by using action words, data and metrics to capture the attention of a hiring manager. Active language conveys energy and enthusiasm, while numerical data demonstrates the concrete impact of your contributions.
Step 5
Showcase your education and training on your electrical engineer resume
To be hired as an electrical engineer, you’ll need to show employers that you have the required education and training. Top candidates for this role often list a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering or a related field. It is also a requirement that you obtain your Professional Engineer License (PE).
How to list your electrical engineer education:
Education:
Bachelor of Science
Electrical Engineering
Louisiana State University
Baton Rouge, LA
Certifications:
Certified Electrical Safety Compliance Professional (CESCP)
Certified Energy Manager (CEM)
Licenses:
Professional Engineer (PE)
If you have professional certifications or special training, add them to your resume. You can include them in your education section or add a special section to your electrical engineer resume. A license is a typical requirement for an electrical engineering career, but certifications can be a useful supplement as well.
Optional sections for your electrical engineer resume
Awards and certifications
Awards demonstrate your accomplishments and recognition within the field of electrical engineering. They highlight that you’ve gone above and beyond in your work, which can make your resume stand out to potential employers. Certain awards, especially those related to specific projects or technical achievements, can demonstrate your expertise and capabilities in solving complex engineering problems.
In a competitive job market, having awards on your resume can help differentiate you from other candidates. They can serve as evidence of your commitment to excellence and your ability to deliver results.
How to list awards on your electrical engineer resume:
2022 Clean Power Foundation Green Energy Innovation Award
2019 Glow Worm Electronics Client Satisfaction Award
Projects
Projects are a great addition to your resume because they show you’re capable of using theoretical knowledge in real-world situations. Listing relevant projects showcases your hands-on experience and application of electrical engineering principles. Projects allow you to highlight specific technical skills and competencies you’ve developed, such as circuit design, control systems or programming. This helps employers gauge your proficiency.
Projects often have measurable outcomes, such as cost savings, efficiency improvements or reduced downtime. Including project outcomes in your resume quantifies your achievements and provides concrete results that can set you apart from other candidates.
How to list projects on your electrical engineer resume:
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Power Distribution System Optimization
- Led a team of engineers in the redesign and optimization of a power distribution system for a manufacturing facility. Achieved a 15% reduction in energy consumption and a 20% improvement in system reliability. Implemented advanced circuit protection measures and upgraded switchgear to enhance safety and minimize downtime.
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Automated Control System for Manufacturing Line
- Designed and implemented a PLC-based automated control system for a high-speed manufacturing line. This system improved production efficiency by 30% through precise control of machinery, reduced errors and real-time monitoring. Collaborated closely with the operations team to ensure seamless integration and minimal disruption during implementation.
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Renewable Energy Integration Project
- Engineered a grid-tied solar photovoltaic (PV) system integration into an existing commercial facility. Oversaw the installation of solar panels, inverters and grid interconnection equipment. Achieved a 25% reduction in energy costs while ensuring compliance with local utility regulations and safety standards.
Languages
If you’re proficient in languages other than your native language, this can be a valuable asset in a globalized engineering environment. Being able to communicate with colleagues, clients or contractors in their native language can facilitate collaboration and understanding, especially if you work on international projects.
In some cases, the projects you work on may involve international partners or clients who prefer communication in a specific language. Listing relevant languages can make you a more attractive candidate for such projects.
Additionally, proficiency in multiple languages can enhance your problem-solving abilities. You may have access to additional resources, research or documentation in different languages, which can be valuable in addressing complex engineering challenges. So, if you’ve got more than one language under your belt, list them on your resume to take advantage of this valuable skill.
How to list languages on your electrical engineer resume:
- Fluent in English and Spanish
- Proficient in Korean
Interests and hobbies
A resume should be concise and focused. Space is limited, and including hobbies can take up valuable real estate that could be better used to highlight your qualifications and accomplishments. With that said, certain relevant hobbies can be an asset to your resume, adding unique character and demonstrating various valuable skills.
If your hobby is directly relevant to the position you’re applying for, such as participating in robotics competitions or electrical engineering-related clubs, consider adding it to your resume to dedicate your commitment and passion for engineering.
If your hobby demonstrates soft skills that are relevant to the job (e.g., leadership through organizing community events, teamwork through participation in a sports team), you may also want to include it.
How to list interests and hobbies on your electrical engineer resume:
- Kids in STEM volunteer, mentor and community organizer
- Founding member of local robotics club
- Enthusiastic life-long learner with a passion for books
Add a cover letter
Adding an electrical engineer cover letter to your application can help you stand out. Why? Because it gives you extra space to convince the employer that you’re the right person for the job.
Learning how to write a cover letter for an electrical engineer job is a crucial step toward giving your resume the best possible chance of succeeding. Your cover letter gives you more opportunities to persuade employers and add context to your resume. Study our cover letter examples to learn how to express your unique candidacy in a compelling way and how to format your cover letter for success.
Or, if you want a job-specific cover letter in a matter of minutes, use our professional Cover Letter Builder, which offers professionally written text suggestions for every section. Use the wording as-is or customize it to suit your needs.
Key takeaways for your electrical engineer resume
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Follow our steps for a standout resume:
Take care to write all five sections of your resume in a way that is specific to the job you seek. Your professional summary, skills, work experience and education section should all contain information that is targeted to the job ad.
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Select the appropriate resume format:
Decide what you’d like to emphasize the most on your electrical engineer resume — strong skills, an impressive work history or both — and then select the template that will help you put your best foot forward.
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Be specific to the role:
Use specific information from the job ad rather than generic resume filler when crafting your document. Again, a well-written job description will tell you the critical credentials you must emphasize on your resume.
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Include both hard and soft skills:
Being an electrical engineer requires a mix of technical and personal skills to do the job well. Study our list of hard and soft skills to be sure that you include a balance of both types in your resume.
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Make your work experience section shine:
Accomplish this by using action verbs, data and metrics to show the impact of your work.
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Choose an appropriate resume template:
If you still aren’t sure which resume design is the right fit, it never hurts to stick to the basics. Try a simple template for a professional resume that gets the job done.
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Go the extra mile:
Including a well-written electrical engineer cover letter can increase your chances of landing a job interview, so add one to your resume to give it the best chance of success.
Commonly asked question about resume writing
Was this information about Electrical Engineer Resume Examples – Templates, Skills & Writing Tips helpful? Let us know!
Hailey Brophy is an experienced writer with a diverse career in digital publication. She is passionate about using her unique skills and experiences to help job seekers find the information that they need to succeed.
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