What to Include

• The best resume for mechanical engineers is a format that combines elements of a traditional resume with a functional or skills resume. Begin with an "Objective" section that explains why you're the ideal candidate for the particular position you're applying for, followed by "Core Competencies" and "Professional Experience" sections, with your work history listed in reverse chronological order. Include your academic background, awards and computer skills. Be sure to use a business format with a conventional font in 10- to 12-point size and black ink. The paper size should be 8.5 by 11 inches, with a margin of 1 inch or more around the entire resume.
  
  

The Objective

• Before formulating your objective, conduct research to find out about the company and the position. Tailor the objective to the requirements of the job. The key is to convince the hiring manager that you're the ideal candidate --- better than all of the other applicants. You might say that you're a dynamic team player with leadership skills, problem-solving abilities and manufacturing industry knowledge, for example.
  
  

Core Competencies

• To highlight your skills, a "Core Competencies" section in a bulleted format puts forth your strong points in a concise format. You might include such skills as root cause analysis, efficiency and product improvement, and multiproject coordination.
  
  

Professional Experience

• List your professional employment history with your current position first and the rest in reverse chronological order. Include the name and location of each company, your job title and highlights of your responsibilities and achievements. You may have been the leader of a coating cohesion testing project and acted as a liaison from the department to manufacturing and other company personnel.
  
  

Education, Awards and Computer Proficiency

• List your education, including any degrees you earned. If you've received any academic or professional awards, showcase them here. Go into detail about any computer proficiencies that are applicable to the position you're applying for.