Creating a truly persuasive aerospace engineer resume is essential for landing the job of your dreams. From students and interns to experienced professionals, everybody needs a little help sometimes. Allow us to guide you on how to boost your job application with our resume examples, templates, and tips.
Julia Belak Certified Professional Résumé Writer Last updated: June 18, 2024 Average: 4.9 ( 131 votes )Created with Average: 4.9 ( 131 votes ) Table of contents
Crafting a compelling aerospace engineer resume doesn't have to be rocket science! Certainly not with our easy-to-follow guide, which brings you all the best tips, examples, and templates to help your resume shine. So, dive right in and make yourself a resume to remember.
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The first big decision to make before you even start writing your aerospace engineering resume is what type of resume format will be best.
Generally, to earn this position you will need a format that focuses on work experience, known as the reverse-chronological resume. This format heavily emphasizes formal work experience, listing your most recent job first and working backward from there.
However, if you lack formal work experience in the field of aerospace engineering, you may need to consider one of the following alternative formats:
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A resume summary is a short introductory statement that showcases your best professional attributes and accomplishments.
By including a summary at the top of your resume, you can better stand out from the competition and make your resume memorable to employers.
As your write your summary, it is important to consider what the most impressive details of your career are and include them in this statement.
To illustrate how to write an effective summary, below is a weak example followed by a correction and explanation:
Just graduated Aerospace Engineer with some experience as an intern at Boeing. Knows about systems design and testing, and can use CAD modeling software. Won an award in college for an engineering competition.
Why does it fall flat? This example is generic and lacks any specific details. It uses vague language like "some experience" and "knows about," which doesn't convey proficiency or engagement. It also omits important details about the competition and the scope of work during the internship.
Recent Graduate with a Bachelor’s in Aerospace Engineering. Over 1 year of experience working as an intern at Boeing, which included assisting with a major study into designing more sustainable jet engines. Awarded First Place in a university Innovation in Undergraduate Engineering competition for designing an aircraft prototype made entirely from recycled materials.
Why is this correct? In this corrected example, the applicant includes the same base information but with a lot more detail, context, and specificity. By doing so, the employer reading this summary gains a better overview of the applicant’s experience, specializations, and passions within the field.
Now let’s pivot to the resume objective, which differs slightly from a resume summary. A resume objective states your career goals and what you aim to achieve in the role you’re applying for. Use it if you’re entering the job market for the first time, transitioning to a new career, or targeting a specific position.
To obtain a job that allows me to grow and advance in the company.
Why is it so bad? This objective is generic and doesn’t provide any value to the employer. It focuses more on what you want rather than what you can offer.
Motivated entry-level software engineer seeking a position at ABC Tech to leverage skills in Python and Java, with a focus on developing innovative solutions and supporting team projects.
Why does it hit the mark? This objective is specific and highlights what the applicant brings to the table. It shows a clear goal aligned with the company's potential needs.
Remember, whether you choose a resume summary or objective depends on your career stage and goals. A well-crafted introduction to your resume can make all the difference. Aim for specificity, context, and alignment with the job you’re targeting.
Including a skills section on your aerospace engineer resume is crucial, as it gives you the opportunity to include abilities that your work experience section or resume summary may have overlooked.
When selecting which aerospace engineering skills to include in your resume, it is important to choose a mix of both technical and interpersonal skills. Technical skills are the more complex, learned abilities gained through education and training, while interpersonal skills deal with your emotional intelligence and ability to understand the people and world around you.
Keeping this in mind, here are 10 examples of both technical and interpersonal skills for aerospace engineers:
But what if you're coming from a different background? If you're transitioning into aerospace engineering from a different field, focusing on transferable skills is essential. Transferable skills are abilities that can be applied across various jobs and industries. Here's what you can do:
Whether you’re an experienced professional or transitioning from a different field, a well-rounded resume that highlights both technical and interpersonal skills is key to standing out. Focus on specificity, context, and relevance to make a lasting impression.
The work experience section of your resume is where you will have the best opportunity to provide in-depth descriptions of your past work experiences. Although it is important to provide adequate detail, you should also aim to keep these descriptions short and sweet.
To do this, use bullet points and one-sentence statements to structure your work experience descriptions. This will help to keep them concise and legible for employers, who will likely skim over the section rather than reading it word-for-word.
Let's take a look at two contrasting examples:
Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, MD
Aerospace Engineer
April 2016 to May 2020
Why does it fall short? This example is weak because it's too vague, lacks specific metrics, and fails to communicate the extent of the candidate’s contributions and impact.
Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, MD
Aerospace Engineer
April 2016 to May 2020
Why does it work? This example is strong because it uses specific metrics and details, clearly showcasing the candidate’s achievements and responsibilities.
When describing your aerospace engineer work experience, use concise bullet points to keep the information clear and impactful. Focus on specific achievements, metrics, and details to make your experience stand out. Avoid vague language to ensure that employers get a concrete understanding of your capabilities.
Using action words in your aerospace engineer resume is essential for making a strong impression on recruiters and potential employers. These words, often referred to as "power verbs," enhance your resume by highlighting your achievements and conveying a sense of proactive engagement in your professional history.
So why are they so important?
By thoughtfully integrating these action words into your aerospace engineer resume, you'll not only capture the attention of hiring managers but also effectively demonstrate your qualifications and achievements.
To become an entry-level aerospace engineer, you will need a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in aerospace engineering. However, to earn a higher-level (and higher-paying) position you will likely need a master’s degree.
No matter what educational credentials you have, always list your highest and most recent degree first, followed by the others in reverse-chronological order. Additionally, make sure to include the formal name of the degree, the university you attended, and your date of graduation.
Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA
M.S. in Aerospace Engineering
Duke University, Durham, NC
B.S. in Aerospace Engineering
And what if your educational background is in a different field? Well, then it's important to highlightit projects, coursework, and experiences that are relevant to aerospace engineering. This approach can help bridge the gap between your education and the job requirements.
University of California, Berkeley, CA
B.S. in Mechanical Engineering
Accurately listing your educational credentials, whether directly related to aerospace engineering or not, along with relevant projects and coursework, can effectively demonstrate your qualifications for a position in the field. Tailor your resume to highlight how your background aligns with the requirements of the job to make a strong impression on potential employers.
When crafting your aerospace engineer resume, selecting appropriate extra sections can help you stand out to potential employers. These sections provide additional insights into your skills, experiences, and interests, showcasing a well-rounded candidate beyond just the technical qualifications.
The key to selecting relevant extra sections is to choose those that align with your career goals and the expectations of aerospace industry employers. These sections can include Volunteering, Certifications, Publications, Awards, and more. The goal is to provide evidence of your diverse skill set, commitment to the field, and your proactive attitude toward professional development.
Volunteering Activities
Certifications
Publications
Selecting relevant extra sections for your aerospace engineer resume involves highlighting areas that reflect your expertise, contributions, and commitment to the field. Tailor these sections to showcase the aspects of your background that align most closely with the job requirements and the values of the aerospace industry.
Creating a standout aerospace engineer resume requires attention to detail and a thorough understanding of what employers are looking for. However, even the most qualified candidates can make mistakes that may hinder their chances of landing a job. Here are some common resume mistakes and how to avoid them:
All in all, avoiding common mistakes can transform your aerospace engineer resume from good to outstanding. Presenting your skills and experiences clearly and precisely will help you stand out as a well-rounded and highly qualified candidate.
When applying for an aerospace engineering position, your cover letter plays a vital role, complementing your resume and providing additional context to your application. Here's why a well-crafted aerospace engineer cover letter is essential and how it differs from your resume.
A resume provides a structured overview of your work history, skills, and educational background. It is typically concise, focusing on hard facts and achievements. In contrast, a cover letter allows you to articulate your passion for the field, explain why you’re interested in the position, and provide a narrative that ties your experiences together. It offers a space to highlight particular accomplishments and explain any gaps or transitions in your career.
When to include a cover letter? A simple answer would be "Always", unless the job posting explicitly states otherwise. A well-written cover letter can:
Consistency in design between your resume and cover letter is crucial for a cohesive application:
Remember, a relevant cover letter can significantly enhance your aerospace engineer application, providing a platform to express your enthusiasm and suitability for the role. Always include one unless instructed otherwise and maintain a consistent design with your resume to present a professional and cohesive application.
Use our AI Cover Letter Writer to generate a great first draft of your cover letter. Find the right words fast with the help of the world’s most powerful language model — OpenAI’s GPT-4.
The aerospace engineering field offers lucrative opportunities for professionals with the right skills and experience. According to the most recent data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the average yearly salary for aerospace engineers was $130,720 as of May 2023. This impressive figure underscores the value and demand for expertise in this highly specialized area.
And the future looks promising too! Employment in this field is projected to grow 6 percent from 2022 to 2032, which is faster than the average for all occupations. This growth is driven by advancements in technology and increased demand for innovative aerospace solutions, whether for commercial, defense, or space exploration purposes.
Moreover, the BLS projects about 3,800 openings for aerospace engineers each year, on average, over the next decade. These openings will stem from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or retire, in addition to growth-driven opportunities.
With competitive salaries and a positive job outlook, aerospace engineering remains an attractive and rewarding career choice. The data highlights the sustained demand for skilled aerospace engineers, making it a promising field for both current and aspiring professionals.
Now that you know how to make your resume, let's put the theory to practice! Of course, before you get started on your resume, you need to know what job posting to apply for. If you don't know where to start looking, these resources may be of help:
Once you've found a job posting that speaks to you, read it carefully. Identify the key requirements and align them with your own skills and experiences. It's only then that you can put together a truly impactful and professional resume!
Quantifying achievements involves adding specific numbers, percentages, or metrics to your accomplishments to demonstrate the impact of your work. For example, you could quantify the number of aircraft designs you contributed to, the percentage increase in efficiency achieved through a project, or the cost savings realized from implementing a new engineering solution.
Use keywords such as specific technical skills, industry terminology, and qualifications mentioned in the job description. Incorporating these keywords strategically can help your resume pass through applicant tracking systems (ATS). Always spell your keywords exactly as they appear in the job posting.
The most common mistakes include using generic or vague language, failing to tailor the resume to the job description, including irrelevant information, and neglecting to proofread for errors in spelling and grammar.
It's generally not necessary to include references on your resume. Instead, prepare a separate document with a list of professional references, which you can provide upon request or during your job interview.
Yes, including a portfolio or samples of your work can enhance your aerospace engineer resume, especially if you have tangible examples of projects, designs, or research you've completed. Consider creating an online portfolio website or including links to relevant projects, presentations, or publications to showcase your skills and accomplishments in greater detail.