The Centre spotlight: Resumes

Crafting an impressive resume is a crucial step toward landing that coveted co-op position. It’s more than just listing your technical skills—it’s about telling the story of your abilities, experiences and achievements in a way that resonates with potential employers. If you’re feeling unsure about where to start, don’t worry. We’ve put together some practical tips to help you build a resume that stands out and positions you for success. 

Formatting tips 

Think of your resume as a snapshot of who you are. It should be clear, concise and easy to read. Use consistent headings and bullet points to guide the reader through your experiences. Keep font sizes, alignment and spacing uniform throughout the document. And don’t underestimate the power of white space—it makes your resume inviting and ensures key information is easily accessible. 

DO: 

• Use clear, easy-to-read fonts. 

• Keep formatting consistent throughout. 

• Use bullet points for easy scanning. 

DON’T: 

• Clutter your resume with too much text. 

• Use multiple fonts or colors. 

• Bold text within sentences. 

Work and experiences 

This section is your opportunity to showcase the engineering projects, co-op placements and relevant work experiences that have shaped your skill set. Use short sentences and bullet points, aiming for clarity and brevity. Start with strong action verbs and focus on your accomplishments, using the CAR (Challenge, Action, Result) method to provide context. 

DO: 

• Start each bullet point with a strong action verb. 

• Focus on achievements, not just duties. 

• Use the STAR method to structure your points. 

DON’T: 

• Write long paragraphs; keep it concise. 

• List irrelevant job experiences. 

• Use vague language; be specific. 

Skills and certifications 

Your technical skills, software proficiencies and certifications are key components that make your engineering resume stand out. Tailor these skills to match the job description, ensuring that you highlight the qualifications most relevant to the position for which you’re applying. Keep the list updated with your latest skills and certifications. 

DO: 

• Tailor your skills to the job description. 

• Highlight relevant certifications and proficiencies. 

• Keep the list updated with your latest skills. 

DON’T: 

• Include outdated or irrelevant skills. 

• List obvious skills (like basic software knowledge). 

• Exaggerate your skill level. 

Tailoring your resume 

Customizing your resume for each job application can make a significant difference. Reflect on the skills and experiences that align with the job you’re aiming for, and don’t forget to include hands-on projects, personal projects and club activities. These experiences demonstrate a well-rounded skill set and show employers that you’re engaged and proactive. 

For instance, if you’re applying for a software engineering position, emphasize relevant skills and projects.  

DO: 

• Customize your resume for each job application. 

• Highlight relevant experiences and projects. 

• Include a mix of technical and soft skills. 

DON’T: 

• Send the same resume to every job. 

• Use generic statements that don’t add value. 

• Forget to include club activities and personal projects. 

Creating an impressive resume requires careful attention to detail and a balance of both technical and transferable skills. Make the most of the resources available at the Centre to craft a resume that truly reflects your potential and sets you up for success. By keeping your resume concise, tailoring it to each application and highlighting relevant experiences, you’ll be well on your way to making a strong impression and achieving your career goals. 

Meet with a member of our Career Education team by booking an appointment online through OSCARplusto discuss your resume. 

Remember, your resume is more than just a list of jobs and skills—it’s your first impression. Use these tips to make it a great one!