GRADUATE RESUMES
Engineering
JCU Careers and Employability
CRICOS Provider No. 00117J
December 2022
jcu.edu.au/careers
careers@jcu.edu.au
Ph: 1800 246 446 (option 4)
@ jcucareers
Your success in gaining an interview for a graduate
position or progressing further in the application
process, hinges upon the quality of the written
application you provide to an employer.
This is your opportunity to demonstrate that you
possess the necessary knowledge, skills and abilities
for the position.
Tailor your resume
Your resume is a marketing tool. It is essential that
you tailor your resume for every job application to
increase the fit between you, the job and the employer.
Thoroughly research the organisation and the position
to determine what the employer is looking for.
A role in the public sector may have a different focus
from a private company. Your resume layout/style
may vary according to the sector you are applying to.
Emphasise your strengths, achievements, skills and
abilities as they relate to each particular job you are
applying for.
Reflect on your past study and work experiences,
extracting points which could help to sell yourself to an
employer.
Headings
There are no set headings for a resume, although the
following headings are commonly included. Decide
what headings best match you to the prospective
employer’s expectations.
Under each heading list experiences in reverse
chronological order, most recent first.
PERSONAL DETAILS
• Name, address, phone and email.
• LinkedIn Profile – ensure your profile is up to date.
Consider personalising your URL (see our LinkedIn
information sheet)
• Photo, date of birth, marital/parental status and
health are not required.
PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY or CAREER
STATEMENT
(2-3 lines)
Some engineering employers regard this section as
essential. This is your opportunity to market your key
selling points plus state why you want the job.
EDUCATION
Tertiary, high school (only list high school if you are a
recent school leaver and have relevant achievements
to list) and other relevant training qualifications. Begin
with your Bachelor of Engineering.
MEMBERSHIPS
Include memberships of professional or industry
bodies.
PRACTICAL INDUSTRY EXPERIENCE
Undertaking an industry placement is a great way to
gain practical experience in your field. Make the most
of this when preparing your resume. Consider how you
can describe your responsibilities, achievements,
range of duties, range of situations (small business,
large corporation, government department etc.). What
skills did you learn? How did you contribute?
EMPLOYMENT HISTORY
Begin with most recent. Use bullet points to list your
responsibilities and achievements for each role - tailor
these to the position. Do not leave gaps in your
resume. If you travelled or cared for a family member
for 6 months list this.
REFEREES
Supervisor/Manager/Academic. Avoid personal
referees. (Usually 2 to 3 people)
Optional Headings
Professional Development Key Skills
Extra-Curricular Activities Publications
Special Awards Volunteer Work
Community Involvement Research Projects
Language
Use professional vocabulary, e.g. ‘negotiated’, rather
than ‘worked out’. Use verbs to describe your skills
and employment achievements. See the Action Verb
Information Sheet for more examples.
Top Tips
•
Thoroughly research the organisation’s application
procedure to determine what is required.
•
Tailor your resume to the job description / organisation
requirements of the position.
•
Emphasise achievements to demonstrate your capacity.
•
Be clear, concise and truthful.
•
Check page requirements if identified by the employer.
•
Use a simple, professional layout with consistent
font/bullets.
•
Use bullet points to list your placement and employment
history and a
ssociated responsibilities and achievements.
•
Check and check again for spelling and grammatical
errors.
•
Check if applicant tracking system software is being
used to short list resumes and modify layout if so. Online
screening software can’t read photos, clipart, tables,
fancy fonts, borders.
See our information sheet on Applicant Trac
king Software –
Can a robot read your resume?
To ensure your resume will
get through any online screening tools.
Resume – David Williams
David Williams Townsville, QLD 4810
Phone: 0411222222
LinkedIn: https://au/linkedin.com/in/davidwilliams2
________________________________________________________________________________________________________
PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY or CAREER STATEMENT
Organised, detail-oriented engineer with up to date knowledge
and experience in mine engineering processes. I am adaptable
and able to live and work in remote locations.
EDUCATION
2019 - Present Bachelor of Engineering (Hons)
James Cook University, Townsville, QLD
Major: Chemical Engineering
Expected Date of Completion: November 2022
Full academic transcript can be provided upon request
Achievements
• Grade Point Average: 5.9 (Scale 1-7, 7 being the highest)
• Recipient 2019 Innovator Scholarship
• Distinction for a 12 month research project – (Title of project)
• Presented poster of research findings at 2019 Engineers
Australia Conference
2018 Year 12 Senior Certificate
Southern Cross Catholic College, QLD
Achievements
• ATAR: 80
• Active member of the Student Representative Council
• Highly Commended in National Science Competition
KEY SKILLS
IT and Programs: AutoCAD, 1 and 2D modelling, Microsoft Office – Advanced Excel Skills, GPS operation and
positioning.
Communication: Well-developed communication skills gained through Toastmasters, hospitality and retail
work experience, and university group presentations.
Teamwork: Strong ability to work as part of team, evidenced by successful team projects at university,
employment history/placements, and team sports.
Project Sound project management capacity gained through course placements with BHP and
Management: GHD and High Distinction in university subject – Introduction to Project Management.
COURSE PLACEMENTS/EXPERIENCE
2022 BHP Mine Site, Mt Isa, June - July (6 weeks)
• Worked with the Mine Engineering team to ensure engineering processes are followed
and standards are being maintained at a high level at all times
• Conducted testing of raw material samples and entered the results into the Quality
Management System (QMS)
• Presented results and proposed action plan to the Mine Management Team
Tip – Your Professional Summary or
Career Statement should be concise
and targeted to the role. Indicate what
personal or professional attributes you
can bring to the position and ensure it
matches the role you are applying for.
Tip – ensure your email address reflects a professional
image. Personalise your LinkedIn URL.
Tip - Include
other degrees or
qualifications
completed prior
to your Bachelor
of Engineering
in this section.
Tip - Only include
relevant information.
Think about highlights
from your course,
awards, prizes,
projects which make
you stand out.
Tip – Only include if recent school leaver, list major
school awards, prizes, leadership position, extra-
curricular activities.
Resume – David Williams
COURSE PLACEMENTS/EXPERIENCE (Continued)
2021 GHD, Cairns, December – January (6 weeks)
• Self-sourced vacation work with engineering consultancy firm in Cairns
• Worked with several team members from different disciplines to complete desktop review
of fieldwork results
• Raw material sourcing and storage
• Assisted with basic chemical analysis of raw materials
EMPLOYMENT HISTORY
Feb – Nov 2022 JCU Student Ambassador (casual)
JCU Global Strategy and Engagement, Cairns
• Provided information sessions to Far North Queensland schools on the benefits of
studying at JCU
• Provided on-campus tours to visiting schools
• Provided event management assistance at annual JCU Open Day
2019 – present Hospitality Worker (casual)
The Coffee Club and Juliette’s.
• Provide excellent customer service and sensitively handle customer complaints
• Assist in training new staff
• Perform daily inventory audits and weekly product and supply orders
• Management of financial transactions including balancing register each shift
2018 – 2021 Retail Assistant (casual)
Harvey Norman – IT Department
• 3 month period as Assistant Department manager (prior to full time University)
• Customer relations and extensive sales experience
• Set up new products for display and customer demonstrations
• Work as part of a team to achieve sales targets
TRAINING AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
2022 Student Delegate
Engineers Australia Conference, Sydney
2021 Standard 11 Generic Coal Induction (GI) – Surface
Construction Induction White Card
Industry Training Qld
2020 Speechcraft Course
Toastmasters, Townsville
MEMBERSHIPS
2020 – Present Student Member - Engineers Australia
2019 – Present Treasurer - JCU Engineering Undergrad Club
Tip – Your relevant experience is a major selling point. How did you contribute to the organisation?
What skills did you use/improve/gain? Did you receive positive feedback?
Tip – Add your
name in the footer.
Tip – List relevant
conferences, courses,
workshops attended.
List course provider, title
and date attended.
Resume – David Williams
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
2021 – Present Student Mentor (voluntary)
James Cook University Mentor Program, Cairns
• Coordinated tours on campus in O Week for new Engineering students
• Trained in communications, mentoring and advocacy
• Acted regularly as a support and mentor to 5 new students
INTERESTS
• Member of Townsville Tigers Hockey Club – Captain of Tigers team - open age
• Coach for the ‘Under 12s’ Tiger hockey team
• Keen traveller – backpacked through South America and Asia
REFEREES
Dr Anne Smith Mr Neil Wordsworth
Associate Professor – Engineering Retail Manager
James Cook University Harvey Norman
Phone: (07) 4700 5555 Phone: (07) 4700 5555
Email: Anne.Smith@jcu.edu.au Email: n.wordsworth@harveynorman.com.au
NOTE: This information is intended to be used as a guide and to provide general information only. It is solely your
responsibility to evaluate and check the accuracy of the information provided.
Tip – List interests that relate to your work life and give an indication of your personal qualities or abilities e.g.
leadership, resilience, teamwork.
Tip – Keep your referees informed, they need to know what you are applying for so that they are prepared
when an employer contacts them to find out more about you. Make sure you read the application instructions
to determine the type and number of referees required.
Need more help? Go to www.jcu.edu.au/careers for more resources
• Information Sheets: Action Verb List, Can a robot read your Resume?
• Employability Edge: Master Written Applications module
• Big Interview: combine training and practice to improve your interview techniques
•
Make an appointment with the Careers and Employability Team to discuss your job search
DO NOT COPY – PLEASE USE TO
GENERATE YOUR OWN IDEAS
