Your resume is an essential tool when it comes to job hunting. Whether you are looking for a job in architecture, a civil engineering job, or want a job as a CAD designer, when your resume is done correctly, you’ll be offered an opportunity. When done incorrectly, you’ll receive frequent rejection.
As a CAD recruiter who also recruits in Engineering and Architecture over the last 2 years, I would love to share the ultimate list of resume dos and don’ts to help you get it right and get the CAD job (or others). Take a look and make sure your resume is work-ready.
Please don’t let my comments hurt anyone’s feelings, but I genuinely care about helping get the job, so I simply will tell you the truth.
DO keep your resume length to a minimum for Engineering, CAD and Architecture. 1 or 2 pages max is the appropriate length in order to clearly express experiences. It also shows if you have a tendency to stay in one place for a long time or if you change careers too often. This gives your future employer an impression of whether or not you are going to stay with their company, or if you would be gone in a few months job hunting elsewhere. NOTE: If the positions were all promotions, that is a good thing.
DON’T write long paragraphs on your resume. Nobody is going to read long drawn out paragraphs, especially if they have a pile of resumes to review. Remember that you want your resume to stand out from the pack. Your inability to write concisely gives the reviewer an impression that you could talk too much and not get much done, or spend too much time on one area.
DO use bullet points and quick statements. The A/E/C industry is fast paced. A short, detailed statement shows that you are a precise decision maker and not someone who beats around the bush.
DON’T put things on your resume that you cannot speak to. If it was years and years ago and you forgot it, remove it from your resume. At minimum, be sure to point out any items that you have worked in the past, but would need a refresher if it were needed for this job. Ideally, answer the question before it arises.
DO mention any leadership experience. This is important as any one person in any position can be a leader and are empowered to own their position as if it is their own business. For example: mention any leadership training, team leader experience, internship experience, volunteer experience, and any form of leadership role. Form your resume to reflect the way you want to be identified.
DON’T make mistakes on your resume like spelling mistakes, grammar mistakes, bullet points, formatting... etc. Don’t include inaccurate phone numbers or inaccurate addresses. I will ask, “Is this your current contact info/address?” If you say no, this is a simple sign that you don’t pay attention to detail while on the job.
DO know what you bring to the table and present your best assets. Demonstrate your skills, experiences and accomplishments to do the job. Make it easy for the hiring manager to see why you’re the right fit.
DON’T write a lot and spend a lot of time on specific areas or sections of your resume. Why is that? It begs the question of what about that experience was more detailed than the others. As a recruiter, this helps me identify if the role you are applying for is similar to either one of these cases. You may end up showing a lack of or a real interest in…the role.
I always tell candidates that the resume’s job is to get an interview. Jump out and represent what you put out there.
Follow these design resume dos and don’ts and secure your next CAD job, Engineering job or Architecture job.
RESOURCE OPTIONS, INC. (ROI) is a full-service construction, design, environmental services staffing and emergency response firm. Founded in 1998, ROI provides customized staffing solutions to clients servicing the built and natural environment. Recognized on five different occasions by Inc. Magazine as one of “America’s Fastest Growing Private Companies”, ROI demonstrates a proven ability to deliver highly qualified candidates in a timely fashion.
Check out our available positions and apply today!
