Computer Engineering Resume (with Sample)

To meet up with the rapid change in the new media age, computer engineers need to be equipped to develop new hardware designs and be responsible for its construction, testing, and maintenance.

However, due to the complexities and overlapping characteristics, people often get mixed-up between computer engineering, software engineering, and computer science. 

To put it simply, computer engineering mostly focuses on the computer hardware components, while software engineering pretty much deals with developing software that could meet specific needs or requirements. 

On the other hand, computer science is a field of study that puts more attention to the study of algorithms, which is very essential to the application of artificial intelligence.

Understanding the basic differences between these three expertise is the first step to creating an exclusive resume for computer engineers. 

Having a well-crafted computer engineering resume is essential as it helps the recruiter to quickly know about your information and whether you are meant for the job opening they offer, especially if they are looking for a computer engineer.

Most global companies have been adopting Applicant Tracking System (ATS) to screen for candidates that are relevant to their specific job opening. 

The first important step is to make sure your computer engineer resume could pass the ATS and reach the hirer desk.

Another important tip is to search for as many internet references as to have better ideas and outlines for your computer engineering resume. You could also try different wording such as “entry-level computer engineer resume templates”, “resume template for fresher computer engineer”, “BTech CSE resume” to have more diverse results.

It is a must to adjust one’s resume per a specific job opening. A resume is relatively short and concise compared to a CV.

A computer engineering CV tends to have more details in both description and length. You are more likely to need a CV if you are interested in an academic-related job position.

You need to highlight the information and specifications that are required for the job openings.

There is also a higher chance to be selected and pass the ATS screening if you include all the keywords that are emphasized by the job opening.

You would not want to confuse the recruiter with vague descriptions of what you have done and achieved in the past. The best way to avoid that is to include a quantifier on it. 

For example, if you have previously designed computer hardware, you would want the recruiter to know exactly how much computer hardware you have built, one hardware vs ten hardware could make big differences.

Once again, if you are applying for a position in computer engineering, you would want to create your computer engineering resume based on the qualifications needed for the job opening.

Even with your diverse experiences, it is advisable to include them only if they are relevant. You would not want to apply for a position in computer engineering with skills that are more relevant to a position for an artificial intelligence engineer.

The more specific the skills and work experiences are to the computer engineering position, the better.

The computer engineering skills section is one fundamental part of the resume, which will help the recruiter to distinguish between you and other job-seekers based on the skills set they are looking for.

To make your skills section stand out and easy to read, there are several ways to highlight the skills in your computer engineering resume. 

• Bullets lists
  Also known as the easiest and most common way to feature your skills. Skills listed in bullet points are pretty straightforward and allow the recruiter to quickly scan through your skills. However, it lacks clarity and supporting evidence to describe your listed skills.

• Expanded bullets lists
  Expanded bullet lists are the extended version of bullet lists, which have a description section following each bullet list. While it provides more information on your specific skills, its length requires more space and will limit the number of listed skills on your computer engineering resume.

• Integrated with work experience
  This type of method is less likely to appear on the resume for engineer freshers. You need to have abundant working experiences to adopt this format. On the bright side, this format can level up the professionalism of a computer engineer resume.

• Categorized skills sections
  This format is pretty useful when you are applying for a position that requires different sets of skills. You can categorize your diverse skill into different categories and elaborate on what you have done with that specific skill.

Aside from choosing the format to showcase your hardware and software skills, there are also several tips to let the skills section on a computer engineer resume look more professional and effective.

• Avoid lengthy description
  The key is to make it short, concise, and straight to the point. Keep in mind the above-mentioned skills format, and be wise on how you structure the skill section.

• Use relevant skills 
  Any irrelevant skills to the job positions will only make the resume look unprofessional.

• Include both hard and soft skills
  While Technical skills are believed to play important roles to showcase capability among engineering professionals, do not forget to highlight your soft skills as they might also make you stand out among job-seekers. 

Professional objectives in a computer hardware engineer resume would be a short paragraph with 2-3 lines that describes your career’s goal and objective. It is often found on the first sections of a computer engineering resume. 

Although it is not mandatory, a well-composed career objective can attract the recruiter’s attention and will open you to more opportunities of getting a call from the hirer.

A well-composed career objective should:

• Be specific on your career purposes and goals
• Avoid having lengthy career objectives. (No more than 3 lines)
• Be relevant to the job requirement
• Feature your strength

A profile summary follows the same pattern as career objectives in the computer engineering resume. However, a profile summary should instead focus on the candidate’s capabilities and expertise. 

A good resume summary is beneficial in helping the recruiters to have a quick overview of the applicant, and help them decide whether the applicant matches what they are looking for.

✅ Choose the right resume format

Speaking of the resume format for fresher computer engineers, first, we need to understand the three common resume formats, which are chronological, functional, hybrid/combination, and targeted. 

The hybrid (combination) one is the most seen format in resumes for freshers computer engineers since it emphasizes more on the skills and qualifications. Working experiences will follow after the skills section.

✅ Write a career objective

Career objectives will showcase your goals and purposes toward having that specific job position. Remember to keep it short and adjust them accordingly to each job specification.

✅ Highlight your education

For an entry-level computer engineer resume, education is often highlighted in the top section of the resume. Having your educational background in the resume can increase your credibility, especially if you are graduating from a well-known university.

✅ Include your portfolio/side project/personal website

If you have completed certain notable works during your internships, freelance projects, or even some personal side projects, you are welcome to include them if they can help you show credibility to the job position.

✅ Write a sincere cover letter for a computer engineer

Also known as a job application letter for computer engineers, a cover letter is one element to be considered when applying for a job position. A cover letter can show the recruiter how passionate and serious you are about the job position. 

A well-written computer engineer cover letter can make you stand out among the so-many applicants.

Several keys to keep in mind when writing your computer engineering application letter:

• Add following contact Information:
  • Full name
  • Email address
  • Mobile number
  • LinkedIn (optional)
  • Personal website (optional)
    
• Start with a polite greeting.
  
• Elaborate on your motivation for applying.
• Highlight your qualifications and skills, including previous experiences and achievements.
  
• Finish with closing remarks by thanking the recruiter, and remember to include your signature.