I have written about synchronicity before, those strange coincidences when things come in quick succession, for example.
In the last few weeks, I have composed three resumes for Engineers! And this bit of synchronicity prompted this blog post.
This particular Engineer's resume made a few major errors.
a. his bullets spoke in the 3rd person as in "monitors and optimizes the performance of ..."
b. he used language that was too specific to the particular environment in which he worked.
I recreated his resume, top to bottom, to focus on the similarities between his experience and the new goal, and to emphasize transferable skills and the alignment of skills between his current job and his next job.
- Monitors and optimizes the performance of solvent and co-monomer recovery section of the (type of) plant 2.
- Selected, from group of 6, as Technical Leader of my unit's major turnaround project in recognition of leaderhsip and voluntary participation in another unit's turnaround.
This one bullet spotlights his proactive engagement, leadership, growing skills and knowledge.
Furthermore, his resume continues that theme of building alignment, demonstrating transferability, and showcasing leadership, throughout the two page document.
This client is now well positioned to land a job in his province of choice, British Columbia, because along with a new resume, he took my interview coaching and learned how to handle the tough questions that are apt to come up in interviews. You know, those questions like "Why are you leaving your current job?" or "Why should we hire you?"
1. Creative with effective interpersonal skills and organizational abilities.
2. Capacity to work under pressure in,[sic] time-sensitive, fast-paced environments.
Accomplished Project Engineer driven to overcome challenges: manufacturing, production, and project-related problems, issues and other obstacles to success.
I bring the reader's attention to what matters in the job at hand, and in Engineering it's too junior a trait to emphasize you are well organized. That skill became evident as the resume evolved.
Although I'm not an Engineer, I sure know how to write resumes! If you're curious what I can do for your resume and your job hunt, please contact me for a free consultation.