Between you and your dream civil engineering job, there's a sea of civil engineer resumes. But don't let that phase you. Instead, let's turn the odds in your favor.

By using our tried-and-tested advice, real-life examples, and handy templates, we'll ensure your unique skills and achievements get the spotlight they deserve. After all, in a tough race, a well-polished resume can make all the difference.

Graduate Engineer Trainee at Olam Resume Template

Hired by:

Hired by: Olam International

Assistant Civil Engineer Resume Sample

Hired by: Rehmat Construction

Hired by: Rehmat Construction

Junior Civil Engineer at WSP Spain Resume Sample [ES]

Hired by:

Hired by: WSP Global

See more examples like these

Keep reading and learn about:

• Choosing a resume format that reflects your experience level
• Writing an attention-grabbing resume summary
• Selecting key civil engineering skills to include on your resume
• Describing your work experience with concise details
• Listing your civil engineering educational credentials correctly
• Adding relevant extra sections
• Avoiding common mistakes in your civil engineer resume
• Understanding when to attach your cover letter
• Average salary and job outlook for civil engineers
• Accessing the best job search resources for civil engineers

Still looking for a job? These 100+ resources will tell you everything you need to get hired fast.

1. Choose the right resume format

Picking the perfect resume is not just about style, it's all about your career level. Whether you're a newbie or a seasoned pro, the right format can make all the difference. Let's explore the realms of reverse-chronological, functional, and hybrid resumes, and find out which one fits your career stage like a glove.

• The reverse-chronological resume format prioritizes your work experience, placing it front and center. This format is strongly recommended for civil engineers who have an extensive work history. 
• The functional resume format: If you're fresh out of college, your best bet might be the functional resume. This format shines a spotlight on your education, skills, and unpaid experience instead of work history. It's specifically tailored for new graduates or those with little professional experience.
• The hybrid resume format: It's a blend of the two formats. It evenly distributes focus across all areas — skills, education, and work history. It serves well for applicants dealing with career gaps or transitioning their career trajectory. 

Including a relevant coursework section can compensate for a lack of formal work experience. It allows you to exhibit your academic readiness and related skills gained through your course and project work.

Choose your preferred template and make your resume shine.

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2. Craft an attention-grabbing civil engineer resume summary

A resume summary is a brief introductory statement at the start of your resume. It is generally between one to three sentences in length and should describe your experience level, specializations, and notable accomplishments.

As you write your resume summary, consider what information is going to stand out most to employers and catch their eye. Do not simply state the same information that can be found further down in your later sections. Instead, focus on your very best attributes that make you a valuable employee and team member.

To illustrate how to make a resume summary more compelling, here is a weak example followed by a correction and explanation:

Why does it fall flat? In this example, the applicant is incredibly vague in the details they provide, and slightly repetitive as well. Rather than simply listing out the types of projects they have worked on, the applicant should instead focus on one or two major projects where they played a lead role in the design process.

Why is this correct? In this corrected example, the applicant provides much more meaningful details that give greater context around the type of projects they have worked on and their focus on sustainable infrastructure. The project example given offers a lot of information, such as the applicant’s ability to lead projects, as well as the key accomplishment of significantly reducing pollution levels.

3. Select key civil engineering skills to include on your resume

Working as a civil engineer requires you to have equally masterful people skills as you do technical engineering know-how. You will not only have to design and manage projects but you will also need to provide clear, informative, and compassionate consultations to clients.

With this in mind, here are 10 of both technical and interpersonal skills that are fantastic to include on a civil engineering resume:

Having these technical skills is brilliant for any civil engineer. But let's not forget, soft skills matter too. So, let's see what they are. 

All in all, in civil engineering, you don't just need sharp technical skills. Your people skills count too. It's all about showing that you can manage the nitty-gritty of projects, from intricate designs to regulation standards, while also being a good listener, a clear communicator, and a problem-solver.

So when you're writing your resume, remember to highlight both types of skills. Prove that you're not just a brilliant engineer, but also an effective team player. That way, you'll stand out as a well-rounded professional, who's equally good at crunching numbers and understanding people.

4. Describe your civil engineer work experience with concise details

When writing your work experience section, you should always keep your information concise and organized. This is best achieved by using short, one-sentence bullet points that describe a key responsibility or accomplishment from a previous job.

Vague or generic work descriptions can cloud your unique skill set and achievements. It’s important to steer clear of descriptions that fail to showcase your specific contributions.

Why is it ineffective? This example lacks specifics and fails to quantify the impact of the listed responsibilities, making it hard for potential employers to gauge your true capabilities or contributions.

On contrast, consider this well-crafted example:

Why does it work? This example provides a clear picture of responsibilities handled, highlighting achievements with specific statistics. It offers a powerful snapshot of your proficiency as a civil engineer, helping you stand out from the crowd. 

When it boils down to painting your work experience, remember: the devil is in the details. A list of generic tasks doesn't cut it. You need to offer a crisp snapshot of your past roles and achievements, pointing out your unique contributions. 

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5. List your civil engineering educational credentials correctly

Becoming a civil engineer requires a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in engineering. However, having higher degrees — such as a master’s — can help you to earn higher-level positions and make yourself a more competitive job candidate overall.

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6. Include extra sections in your civil engineer resume

When it comes to crafting a civil engineer resume, incorporating extra sections can significantly enhance your profile and highlight your specific qualifications and accomplishments in the field.

One valuable extra section to consider is "Certifications and Professional Memberships". In this section, you can list any certifications you have earned, such as the Professional Engineer (PE) license or LEED Accredited Professional (LEED AP) certification.

Additionally, including memberships in professional organizations like the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) or the National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE) can further demonstrate your commitment to your profession and ongoing professional development.

7. Avoid common mistakes in your civil engineer resume

Even a well-experienced civil engineer can slip on banana peels when it comes to crafting a top-notch resume. Here's how to avoid common mistakes that could come between you and your target job.

• No one-size-fits-all: Customize your resume. Avoid the trap of creating a one-size-fits-all resume. Tailoring your resume for each job application might seem daunting, but it plays a crucial role in catching a recruiter's eye. Study the job description, understand what they're looking for, and customize your resume to reflect you as the best match.
• Missing keywords: Reflect the job description. Many recruiters use software to filter out resumes that don't include specific keywords from the job description. Make sure you identify those relevant industry terms, skills, and jargon from the job posting and weave them into your resume.
• Bland job descriptions: Use action verbs and quantify achievements. Don't resort to bland phrases like "responsible for." Start your bullets with strong action verbs that reflect your contributions (For example, "Led a team...," "Developed...," "Managed..."). Also, whenever possible, quantify your achievements — it gives employers clear evidence of your abilities.
• Neglecting appearance: Stick to clear formatting. A well-formatted, clean, and professional-looking resume can leave a good first impression. Use simple fonts, maintain a consistent style, and make sure you don't cram too much information onto the page. Remember, white space is your friend.
• Overcrowded with information: Keep it relevant. While it might be tempting to include every detail of your academic and professional history, it's essential to trim the content to what's most relevant to the specific job. Irrelevant information could dilute the impact of your key skills and experiences.
• Inattention to details: Proofread and then proofread again. Your resume represents you — spelling mistakes, grammatical errors, or incorrect contact information can portray you as careless. Always perform multiple rounds of proofreading, and consider asking someone else to review your resume for a fresh perspective.

By keeping these pitfalls in mind, you can craft a clean, crisp, and highly effective resume that demonstrates your unique capabilities as a civil engineer.

8. When to include a civil engineer cover letter

A cover letter is a valuable companion to your resume, providing a personalized narrative of your professional journey. While a resume details your skills, experience, and achievements in a structured format, a cover letter steps in as a more personal, storyline-driven engagement with your potential employer.

A cover letter is the place to express your enthusiasm for the role, demonstrate your understanding of the company, and provide context or detail that doesn't fit into the tight structure of a resume.

However, the question remains — when should you include it? Admittedly, not every job application requires a cover letter. Typically, you would include one when:

• It's explicitly asked for in the job posting.
• You are applying through someone you know, and the letter gives context to that connection.
• You have the opportunity to uniquely tailor your cover letter to the specific role, highlighting your seamless fit.
• You are making a career transition, and the cover letter provides a platform to elaborate on this move.

All in all, if given the opportunity, it's generally beneficial to attach a well-written cover letter alongside your resume. It doesn't just reiterate what's on your resume — it complements it and breathes life into the bullet points. It's

9. Average salary and job outlook for civil engineers

As a civil engineer, investing your time and energy into creating a strong resume can boost your career growth and earning potential. 

According to the most recent data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), as of May 2022, the average yearly salary for civil engineers stood at $89,940. 

The future looks promising too. BLS projections indicate a 5% growth in the employment of civil engineers from 2022 to 2032. This growth rate outpaces the average across all occupations, reflecting the ongoing need for infrastructure updates, advancements in renewable energy, and responses to natural disasters across the nation. 

What's more, over the coming decade, it is expected that about 21,200 job openings for civil engineers will arise each year. This provides a lot of opportunities for aspiring civil engineers to step into new roles or progress in their current positions. 

And so, if you're a civil engineer aiming to target higher-level positions, this is a great time to polish your resume and prepare to seize the numerous career opportunities expected to arise in the coming years.

10. Best job search resources for civil engineers

• Engineering Jobs: Designed specifically for engineers, this platform includes job listings from multiple engineering disciplines, including civil engineering.
• LinkedIn: Leverage the power of network through LinkedIn. Connect with fellow civil engineers and firms, keep an eye on the job section and stay updated with industry trends.
• Indeed: One of the largest job boards out there, Indeed hosts plenty of civil engineering job postings from companies all over.
• American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) Career Connections: ASCE's job board offers a slew of listings for civil engineering jobs and internships.
• Company websites: Many civil engineering firms list job openings on their own websites. Be sure to check out the “careers” sections of your dream companies.
• Online job fairs: Keep an eye out for online job fairs focused on engineering. They can be a great way to make connections and find open positions.

Whether you're new to the field or an experienced civil engineer, these resources can help you find the right job for you. Happy job hunting!