Jump to a template:
Get advice on each section of your resume:
Jump to a resource:
As a Structural Engineer, you'll be responsible for designing and analyzing the structural integrity of buildings, bridges, and other infrastructures. With increased focus on sustainability and green building practices, structural engineers today are required to stay updated on the latest industry trends and certifications. When writing your resume, highlight your knowledge of these current practices, as well as your experience working on projects that have adopted these principles.
In addition, companies are increasingly utilizing advanced software for structural analysis and design. Showcase your proficiency in industry-standard tools like STAAD.Pro, AutoCAD, and SAP2000 on your resume, to demonstrate your adaptability and readiness to work with cutting-edge technology in the field.
As a Structural Engineer, it's important to emphasize relevant certifications on your resume, such as the Professional Engineer (PE) license, LEED accreditation, or any other specialized certifications in structural analysis and design. These will not only validate your expertise but also give you a competitive edge in the job market.
Showcasing your experience working on complex projects demonstrates your problem-solving abilities and adaptability to challenging situations. Be sure to include information about the nature of the projects, like materials used, types of structures, and any unique challenges you faced, to provide potential employers insight into your capabilities as a Structural Engineer.
As a structural engineer, it’s your job to make sure any project is safe and capable of withstanding factors like wear and tear, general use, and external elements. You may also be tasked with improving the structural integrity of existing buildings. This means you’ll need an analytical mind and an aptitude for problem solving alongside a solid understanding of relevant legal, environmental, and safety regulations and budgetary requirements.
The more you can tailor your resume to the specific job you’re applying for, the higher your chances of success. Start with the easiest ways — like including the exact job title in your resume title — and make sure your skills list and work experience is relevant to the position. That means focusing on structural engineering experience and technical skills.
If you’re applying for a job like structural engineer that requires a lot of hard skills, make sure your skills section is clutter-free and easy for hiring managers to skim. This may mean using subcategories for things like technical skills, certifications, and techniques, or whatever else makes sense for your experience.
We spoke with hiring managers at top structural engineering firms like Arup, WSP, and AECOM to understand what they look for in resumes. Based on their insights and our analysis of successful resumes, we've compiled a list of tips to help you craft a strong structural engineer resume that will catch the attention of recruiters and land you an interview.
Hiring managers want to see that you have the technical skills required for the job. Highlight your proficiency in relevant software and tools, such as:
Additionally, mention any programming languages or scripting skills you possess, such as Python or MATLAB, which can be valuable for automating tasks and analyzing data in structural engineering projects.
While a resume summary is optional, it can be a powerful way to provide context and highlight your most relevant qualifications as a structural engineer. If you have extensive experience or are making a career change, a well-crafted summary can help bridge the gap between your background and your target role. However, avoid using an objective statement, as it focuses on your goals rather than what you can offer an employer.
When writing your summary, focus on showcasing your unique value proposition and the skills that make you an excellent fit for the position. Avoid repeating information that's already covered in other sections of your resume, and keep your summary concise—no more than a short paragraph.
The work experience section is the heart of your structural engineer resume. It's where you'll provide concrete examples of how you've applied your skills to real-world projects. Hiring managers want to see the impact you've made in previous roles, so this is your chance to shine.
In this section, we'll break down the key steps to crafting a compelling work experience section that will catch the eye of potential employers.
When describing your work experience, use powerful action verbs that showcase your skills and accomplishments. Avoid generic phrases like "responsible for" or "participated in." Instead, use industry-specific verbs that demonstrate your expertise, such as:
By using strong action verbs, you'll convey a sense of ownership and initiative in your work.
The education section of your structural engineer resume should be concise and highlight your most relevant academic achievements. It's important to tailor this section to the job you're applying for and showcase the skills and knowledge you've acquired through your education.
The skills section is one of the most important parts of your structural engineer resume. It's where you showcase your technical abilities and knowledge to potential employers. In this section, we'll guide you through the process of crafting a compelling skills section that will help you stand out from the competition.
Here are examples of popular skills from Structural Engineer job descriptions that you can include on your resume.
This word cloud highlights the important keywords that appear on Structural Engineer job descriptions and resumes. The bigger the word, the more frequently it appears on job postings, and the more likely you should include it in your resume.
Use our free resume checker to get expert feedback on your resume. You will:
• Get a resume score compared to other Structural Engineer resumes in your industry.
• Fix all your resume's mistakes.
• Find the Structural Engineer skills your resume is missing.
It's instant, free and trusted by 1+ million job seekers globally. Get a better resume, guaranteed.
Upload your resume
Thank you for the checklist! I realized I was making so many mistakes on my resume that I've now fixed. I'm much more confident in my resume now.
