1. BUILD A BETTER RESUME Cornell Engineering Career Center
FOR TECHNICAL JOBS

2. RESUME WRITING
Before sitting down to write a resume, consider these two questions.
1. Know yourself: Why am I writing this resume?
2. Know your target: What do I have to offer an employer?
Do your homework! Use the job description as a reference (focus on skills, qualities, knowledge).

3. RESUME REVIEW
Make the best use of available space
Use consistent formatting (abbreviations vs. spelling out- states/months)
Proofread to avoid typos
Ask a friend to review your resume
9 bullets for 1 experience?
1 (appropriate); 1 phone # (check VM message); address (current and/or permanent)
How many bullet points is too many? There is no rule on the “correct” number of bullet points, but consider how much space you want any one experience to take up on your resume. Employers generally skim resumes, so it’s not likely they will read more than a few bullet points per experience. List your bullet points in order of significance, putting your greatest responsibilities and accomplishments first.
Coursework: yes you can include it, but don’t take up more than 2-3 lines. See resume template for protips on what courses to include.
Include coursework?

4. ELEMENTS EDUCATION What’s the minimum GPA I should include?
Include your college
EDUCATION
Education
Cornell University, College of Engineering, Ithaca, NY May 2013
Bachelor of Science in Computer Science
GPA: 3.57; Dean’s List
Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel Fall 2011
Study Abroad: Tel Aviv Engineering Program
Milton Academy, Milton, MA June 2009
GPA: Engineering’s guideline is to include if it’s a 2.7 or higher. If you leave off your GPA, employers may assume it’s lower than it actually is. If your most recent semester GPA is higher than your overall, you may consider listing both (e.g. Overall GPA: 2.9; Spring 2017 GPA: 3.2).
Include HS?
By end of so. yr. HS experiences should come off
Exceptions: relevant HS experiences; nationally recognized; alums at organization)

5. ELEMENTS
Education
Cornell University, Ithaca, NY Aug 2014-Dec 2018 (expected)
Ph.D. Major: Fiber Science Minors: Materials Science and Chemistry
Cornell University, Ithaca, NY Aug 2012-July 2013
M.S. Major: Fiber Science Minors: Materials Science and Chemistry
Ithaca College, Ithaca, NY Sept 2008-May 2012
B.A. Major: Chemistry Minor: Musicology
Include GPA? If you list for MS/MEng, list for BS/BA (Ph.D. is optional; talk to ppl in the field)
Include Master’s Degree? Yes, if you received on the way to your Ph.D.
Include high school experiences? No.

6. Include an objective?
Clear section headings; listed in order of most relevant to least relevant
Consistent formatting throughout (name of the organization, location (city, state), job title, and dates (month & year)
Clear section headings- don’t make the reader have to work to find the information they are seeking; resume has to be easlily scanable

7. ELEMENTS
PROS
State your specific goal clearly for the reader (MechE- automotive; Civil- waste water treatment)
Majoring in one field, looking for a position in another
Present credentials separate from a cover letter
CONS
Takes up valuable space
If vague, doesn’t add value
Need to tailor for different jobs
Can be limiting if your purpose is general (e.g. networking, career fairs, etc.)
Your focus/interest is obvious w/out it
OBJECTIVE (+): To secure a position applying operations research and economics skills to analyze and solve manufacturing problems.
OBJECTIVE (+): A full-time software-development position, preferably related to systems or web applications.
If included, be sure to emphasize what you have to offer rather than what you hope to gain from the experience. See engineering career center website for additional information on objective statements.
OBJECTIVE (-): Looking for a position that allows me to fully utilize my skills and attributes and provides professional advancement opportunities.
OBJECTIVE (-): To obtain a summer internship in the field of engineering.

8. ELEMENTS Keep in mind… EXPERIENCE
RELATED EXPERIENCE (or RELEVANT EXPERIENCE)
Programmer Intern May-August 2011
Deneisha Co., Ltd., Kumamoto City, Kumamoto Prefecture, Japan
Implemented blogging feature on one of Oita Prefectural Tourist Association’s websites.
Designed, developed, and tested J2EE application for monitoring state of multiple web servers using Sesar (dependency injection) and Hibernate (persistence).
Programmer Analyst September-December 2010
Northwood Pulp Mill Canadian Forest Products, Prince George, BC, Canada
Created two ASP.NET web applications: one for analyzing historical production data stored in a database, and one for storing daily reports on environmental incidents.
Maintained two other ASP web applications and made improvements based on user requests.
Created over ten business reports in Crystal Reports (CR) format.
Recognized as one of the most knowledgeable CR developers within Pulp and Paper IT department.
Volunteer Programmer May-August 2010
Everlasting Business Solutions, Ithaca, NY
Programmed and tested Delphi-based application for scheduling appointments; developed associated user documentation.
Wrote test plan and performed testing on two other software products.
The “related” experiences may change if applying for different types of positions (e.g. engineering, consulting, finance, research, etc.
A “Related or Relevant Experience” section can include different types of experiences (e.g. internship, project team, volunteer, personal projects), as long as they are related to the type of position you are seeking. If you are applying for different types of positions, for example, a research position vs. a position in industry, you may choose to include different experiences in this section.
Keep in mind…
Use headings strategically to highlight your qualifications based on your experiences.

9. ELEMENTS Keep in mind… ADDITIONAL SECTIONS
LEADERSHIP EXPERIENCE
Mechanical Engineering Dept., Cornell University, Aug 2013-Present
PhD Admissions Committee Member
Analyzed 15 PhD student application essays and academic records according to admissions criteria and identified top 7 applicants
Persuaded six-member faculty committee in 15-minute presentation to accept 7 applicants
Society of Women Engineers (SWE), Cornell University,
Professional Networking Dinner & Lead Membership Chair
Corresponded with major corporations to organize the SWE Professional Networking Dinner, an event designed for Cornell students to network with company recruiters.
Women’s Varsity Fencing Team, Cornell University, Aug. 2011–Present
Captain
Lead captain’s practices in the preseason, organize weekly lifting routines, and run drills during practice every day
CAMPUS INVOLVEMENT
Start Up Spirit, Cornell University, Member, Fall 2012-Present
Celtic Club, Cornell University, Member, Spring 2011-Present
Badminton, Cornell University, Member, Fall 2010-Present
Some experiences may fit into more than one category (e.g. “Athletics”), only list once.
Employers are very much interested in your technical skills/abilities, but equally important are your “soft skills”- leadership, teamwork, communication, time-management, work well under pressure.
Use involvement in clubs and organizations to highlight your soft skills
Keep in mind…
Be prepared to discuss confidently in an interview any activity, experience, or skill that is on your resume.

10. ELEMENTS
ADDITIONAL ACTIVITIES: PROJECT WORK
RELEVANT ACADEMIC PROJECTS or RESEARCH PROJECTS
Embedding Silicon Nanoparticles in High-Performance Fabrics Aug 2014-Present
Graduate Research Assistant, Dept. of Fiber Science, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY
Created waterproof cotton fabrics with increased durability by synthesizing silicon nanoparticles, applying them to cotton fabrics, and conducting characterization tests.
Senior Design Project, Ithaca, NY
Laboratory for Intelligent Machine Systems Fall Spring 2011
Designed, built, and tested a 10.5 GHz microwave antenna for power harvesting.
Cornell University Autonomous Underwater Vehicle Team, Ithaca, NY Software and IT Sub-teams Sep Present
Implemented serial protocol for communication between onboard computer and embedded boards on competition/research vehicle Tachyon.
Tuned and improved mission code to complete AUVSI/ONR AUV competition mission.
Maintained IT infrastructure to support team operations.
Academic projects are great to include on your resume, especially if you are a first-year or sophomore and don’t have significant professional experience.
Project teams are a great opportunity to build both your technical and soft skills.
Keep in mind…
The projects (project team/academic) you highlight may change depending on the position to which you’re applying.

11. ELEMENTS Keep in mind… ADDITIONAL SECTIONS
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Ithaca and Tompkins County, Big Sister, Ithaca, NY, April 2011 – Present
Mentor a young community member and provide educational and emotional support by facilitating opportunities for learning, fun, discovery and personal growth.
Into the Streets, Ithaca, NY, Volunteer, Fall 2011
Supported the initiatives of a local technology ReUse center by cleaning and constructing donated furniture and computer parts for re-sale
ADDITIONAL EXPERIENCE
Applebee’s, Cortland, NY, Server, Summer 2011
YMCA, Ithaca, NY, Camp Counselor, Summer 2010
AFFILIATIONS
American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), Student Member, September 2011-Present
INTERESTS
Rock Climbing, Marathon Running, Listening to Classical Music, Following the NY Yankees
Competitive RAAS Indian Dance Team ▪ Tree Climbing ▪ Flashmobs ▪ Salmon Fishing
Demonstrate work experience not necessarily relevant to the job
-May be N/A for grad students
Employers have different opinions on whether to include an “interests” section.
Keep in mind…
The “Additional Experience” section can include work experience that is important to show, but not necessarily relevant to the type of job you’re seeking.

12. ELEMENTS
INTERESTS
Conversation starter; break the ice (salmon fishing)
If you include, make sure you have some level of expertise or experience (i.e., more than a passing interest)
Don’t include generic hobbies and interests (reading, listening to music, cooking)- doesn’t really add much to the conversation
Don’t lie about your hobbies/interests (anything you put down is far game)
Don’t take up too much space

13. ELEMENTS
ADDITIONAL SKILLS
SPECIALIZED SKILLS
Programming Languages: Java, OCaml, Python, C++, C#, MATLAB, AMPL, C, Perl, Tcl, Simulink, LabVIEW, SQL, PHP, HTML, XML, UNIX, Visual Basic, Pascal, and Alice
Programs: SolidWorks, ANSYS, Autodesk AutoCAD and Adobe Creative Suite, Photoshop, Illustrator, Dreamweaver, InDesign, Professional, Final Cut, Inventor, Inkscape, PowerPoint, Excel
Operating Systems: Windows XP, Windows 7, Mac OS 9, Linux (Ubuntu & OpenSUSE)
Circuit Development: gEDA gschem (schematic software), gEDA PCB (PCB layout software), Multisim, NI myDAQ, PCB construction (photo- and film-resist methods), reflow soldering
Fabrication Skills: Operation of lathes and mills (Green Apron machinist at Cornell). Utilization of G code for CNC machining. Experience with arc welding, 3D printing, drills, sawing, wiring, soldering, welding, multimeters, oscilloscopes, and Genie lifts
Manufacturing: Okuma CNC Mill • Bridgeport Knee Mill • Hardinge and DoAll Lathes • General shop machines
Laboratory Skills: nanocrystal synthesis, nanocrystal characterization (spectrometer), metal evaporation, spin-coating, external quantum efficiency measurements, device performance measurements (solar simulator).
Foreign Languages: Spanish (fluent); French (intermediate)
Keep in mind…
You may want to qualify your skills (“familiar with, basic knowledge of, proficient with, intermediate”)- subjective, but may put it into context for the employer

14. ELEMENTS Keep in mind…when applying for jobs in industry
PUBLICATIONS & PRESENTATIONS
Publications:
Student, A., Advisor, T. Nanorod Antibacterial Coatings for Cottons. Carbohydrate Polymers (2012): 86,
Student, A., Advisor, T. Embedding Silicon Nanoparticles in High-Performance Fabrics. Manuscript in preparation.
Presentations:
Delivered four poster and two invited oral presentations at six international conferences.
Keep in mind…when applying for jobs in industry
Option 1: list a summary of your publications and presentations if you’re running out of space.
Option 2: submit a 2-page resume, the second page listing your publications

15. Order of sections may change depending on position (e. g. industry vs
Order of sections may change depending on position (e.g. industry vs. research)
-Start with a strong action verb (switch them up)
-Don’t use first person (“I” or “we”); avoid personal pronouns (e.g. he/she, him/her)
-Use present tense/past tense when appropriate
-Experiences listed in reverse chronological order
-Dates on one line, no spill-over

16. ELEMENTS Don’t forget… DEMONSTRATING STRENGTHS LANGUAGE
Start descriptions with action verbs (more descriptive)
Use succinct, strong language
See “Action Verbs” for Engineering
CONTENT
What, how, why?
Quantify! (show results/use #s)
Emphasize level of responsibility/ interactions (you vs. team)
Put accomplishments into context
-Optimized truck routes and employee hours to save company up to $60,000 annually.
-Selected as 1 of 12 students to participate in the year-long Kessler Fellows Program which had a 15% admit rate in 2017.
Don’t forget…
Stay within one page (graduate students can have up to 2 pages), optimize readability, and be consistent with all font, spacing, and headers!

17. ELEMENTS
DEMONSTRATING TRANSFERABLE SKILLS/STRENGTHS (developed in 1 setting, but can be applied to another)
Skills
Researched sea and land transportation routes and identified optimal routes based on cost, time, and feasibility
Proposed 7 alternative international vendor sources to reduce transportation cost by 80% and lead time by 42 days
Compiled 45-page technical report and analysis and presented to senior management
Facilitated monthly meetings for executive board of 5 and weekly activities for 60+ members
Collaborated (or Partnered) with 20 student groups to organize campus event that raised $2000 for local charity
Role/Title
Tasks
Global Transportation Intern
Studied transportation routes
Researched vendors options
Wrote a final report
President of Graduate Student Association
Ran Meetings
Worked with other student groups to plan fundraiser
Focus on the “WHAT?”
Employers are more concerned with the skills you demonstrated

18. ELEMENTS DEMONSTRATING STRENGTHS Good:
I worked with the professional staff. I helped them with specifications and drawings for an engine. I was involved in performance testing of engines. Additionally, I was responsible for getting the conference room ready and attending weekly staff meetings.
Better:
Worked with engineers in developing specifications and drawings for an engine. Tested engines and recorded a range of measurements. Set-up the conference room and attended weekly staff meetings.
Best:
Collaborated with team of five engineers in developing specifications and drawings for a dynamic simulation model of an internal combustion engine.
Conducted durability and performance testing on 15 engines to measure fuel consumption, fuel temperature, oil pressure, torque, and engine speed to ensure safety and suitability.
Prepared conference room and attended weekly staff meeting with 35 engineers and technicians to stay apprised of current projects, upcoming deadlines, and department updates.
Focus most of your energy on developing strong, active descriptions of your accomplishments

19. RESUME POINTERS Keep in mind… OOPS! Proofread, proofread, proofread!
Develop and recommend an annual operating expense fudget.
Cornell University, August
Proven ability to track down and correct erors.
Maintained files and reports, did data processing, cashed employees’ paychecks.
Responsibilities include checking customers out.
Led campus tours for perspective students and their families.
Dealing with customers’ conflict that arouse.
I’m a rabid typist.
I never take anything for granite.
Suspected to graduate early next year.
Instrumental in ruining entire operation for a Midwest chain operation.
TYPOS
GRAMMAR
INCORRECT WORD
CHOICE
Keep in mind…
Proofread, proofread, proofread!

20. SUMMARY
Prepare to discuss confidently any activity, experience, or skill
Be truthful, without underselling your skills and abilities
Use effective language: action verbs and succinct, descriptive phrases
Quantify your accomplishments and show results
Be visually appealing; avoid using tables/templates that are difficult to edit
Limit to one page (two pages sometimes acceptable for graduate students)
Use appropriate tenses (past vs. present); discuss future plans (research, study abroad) in cover letters
Don’t include personal data such as age, citizenship, “native” language, religion, etc.
Use headings strategically to highlight your qualifications
Convert to a pdf before uploading in Handshake
Always preview your resume (and other documents) after uploading

21. QUESTIONS?