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The Engineering Resume Guide

Your resume gets 6 seconds. Here's how to make them count.

The 6-Second Scan

Technical recruiters and hiring managers don't read resumes—they scan them. In the first 6 seconds, they're looking for three things:

1
Relevant Skills
Do you have the tech stack they need? React, Python, Kubernetes—whatever the role requires.
2
Current/Recent Role
What's your title? How long have you been there? Is it a recognizable company or interesting product?
3
Impact Signals
Numbers, metrics, outcomes. "Reduced latency by 40%" beats "Worked on backend services."

Structure & Layout

Contact Information

Keep it clean. One line is enough.

Jane Smith | [email protected] | github.com/janesmith | linkedin.com/in/janesmith | Seattle, WA

GitHub and LinkedIn are essential. Portfolio optional but valuable if you have one.

Skills Section

Group by category, not a giant comma-separated list. Makes scanning faster.

Don't Do This
Skills: Python, JavaScript, React, Node.js, AWS, Docker, Kubernetes, PostgreSQL, MongoDB, Redis, Git, Agile, Scrum, REST APIs...
Do This Instead
Languages: Python, TypeScript, Go
Frontend: React, Next.js, Tailwind
Backend: FastAPI, Node.js, PostgreSQL
Infra: AWS, Docker, Kubernetes, Terraform

Experience: The Impact Formula

Every bullet should follow this structure:

[Action Verb] + [What You Did] + [Measurable Result]
Activity (Weak)
"Worked on backend services and helped with database optimization."
Impact (Strong)
"Redesigned the order processing pipeline, reducing API latency by 40% and saving $50K/year in infrastructure costs."
Strong Action Verbs for Engineers:
Architected Implemented Optimized Migrated Reduced Scaled Automated Designed Led Shipped

The Project Section

Crucial for junior and mid-level engineers. Side projects prove you can ship, not just complete tutorials. For each project, cover:

The Stack
What technologies did you use? Be specific: "Next.js 14, Prisma, PostgreSQL, Vercel"
The Challenge
What problem were you solving? "Built a real-time collaborative editor"
The Outcome
What's the result? Users, stars, learnings. "1,200 GitHub stars, 500 monthly users"
Example Project Entry:
CodeSync — Real-time Collaborative Code Editor
Next.js 14, Socket.io, Monaco Editor, PostgreSQL, Vercel
  • • Built real-time cursor tracking and conflict resolution using CRDTs
  • • Supports 10+ concurrent users with <50ms latency
  • • 1,200 GitHub stars, featured in JavaScript Weekly

Red Flags That Get You Auto-Rejected

Skill Bars or Star Ratings
What does "Python: 4/5 stars" even mean? It's meaningless and looks amateurish. Just list your skills.
Listing Outdated Tech
jQuery, AngularJS 1.x, PHP 5—unless the job requires it, these signal you haven't kept up. Focus on modern stacks.
Typos in Code or Technical Terms
"Kubernets", "JavaScipt", "REST API's"—if you can't spell the tech you use daily, it raises questions about attention to detail.
Generic Objective Statements
"Seeking a challenging role where I can grow and contribute"—skip it entirely. Use the space for impact.
Two+ Page Resumes (for < 10 YOE)
One page. Seriously. Hiring managers don't have time. Every line should earn its place.

Quick Checklist

One page (unless 10+ YOE)
GitHub/LinkedIn links included
Skills grouped by category
No skill bars or star ratings
Every bullet has a measurable result
Strong action verbs (not "helped" or "worked on")
No typos in tech terms
Projects include stack + challenge + outcome

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I ensure my resume passes ATS scanners?

Stick to standard formatting. Use a clean, single-column layout, standard headings (Experience, Education), and avoid graphics, tables, or complex columns. Use keywords from the job description naturally in your bullet points.

Should my resume be one page or two?

For engineers with less than 5-7 years of experience, keep it to one page. Senior engineers with extensive relevant history can go to two pages, but ensure every bullet point adds value. Quality over quantity is key.

How should I handle employment gaps?

Be honest and brief. If you took time for education, family, or travel, state it clearly. If it was a layoff, you can mention it. Focus on any upskilling or projects you worked on during that time.

Do side projects really matter for senior roles?

They matter less than for junior roles, but they can still be a differentiator. If a side project demonstrates passion for a new technology or solves a complex problem relevant to the target role, include it. Otherwise, prioritize professional experience.

Put your new resume to work

Now that your resume is optimized, let's find you the right role. Submit your resume and we'll match you with opportunities that fit your stack and career goals.

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