Civil Engineer Resume Sample

Civil Engineer Resume with Writing Guide

A civil engineer is typically someone who solves problems that most people don’t understand. If you’re a job seeker looking for a role in this market, then your responsibilities should be clear from the outset so that employers know what to expect from you.

First, outline your work experience and educational background on the contact page of your resume. The second section of the document should be dedicated to listing your skills and abilities – they’re vital for getting through the first round of interviews with employers who are also interested in hiring engineers.

Civil Engineer Resume Writing Guide:

1. Civil Engineering Design and Construction

The civil engineer should have an understanding of how civil engineering projects are planned, designed, constructed and operated. The candidate will need to know the principles of planning, designing and constructing sturdy structures in line with specific specifications. He/she should be able to create a system for effective construction that is on budget.

The job seeker should also be able to use computer-aided design software as well as record and analyze the performance of existing or historical structures through lab testing.

2. Environmental

Environmental engineers must be able to perform a variety of environmental studies including air and water quality tests, waste management and the investigation of soil composition as well as groundwater flow rate. The environment can be impacted by industrial, commercial and residential activities through the use of technology, such as geophysics, remote sensing and computer simulations. As an environmental engineer you may work outside in all kinds of weather so it’s important that you understand how to prevent hazardous situations from occurring before they happen.

3. Geotechnical

Geotechnical engineers are responsible for analyzing terrain and evaluating the effects of varying ground topographies on the stability of structures. They also investigate material properties in the soil, rock and groundwater and predict their possible impact on structural integrity. Geotechnical engineers may have to design structures that are supported by soil, rock or asphalt. If they have to build a bridge or a dam, then they will apply principles of geology as well as engineering sciences to ensure that their construction is safe for use.

4. Transportation

Civil engineers who work in transportation specialize in highway and street design. They can work for the city or private development companies that are responsible for improving traffic flow by providing transportation systems like mass transit, bicycle routes, roads and parking lots. They will also inspect construction projects to make sure that they’re up to code. In addition, civil engineers who work in transportation must be able to create a system that accommodates the needs of the public while also keeping traffic flowing smoothly at all times.

5. Water Resources

Civil engineers who work in water resources design and manage the removal or treatment of water, including flood management. They use their knowledge of hydrogeology to ensure that drinking water is clean and potable while also managing the use of surface water. Water resources specialists may be responsible for designing storm drainage systems, flood control systems, dams, reservoirs and pipes as well as hazardous waste cleanup.

6. Transportation

Civil engineers in transportation can design highways, bridges, transit systems and vehicles. They also inspect construction projects to make sure that they are up to code. In addition, civil engineers who work in transportation must be able to create a system that accommodates the needs of the public while also keeping traffic flowing smoothly at all times.

7. Water Resources

Civil engineering professionals who work in water resources design and manage the removal or treatment of water, including flood management. They employ their knowledge of hydrogeology to ensure that drinking water is clean and potable while also managing the use of surface water. Water resources specialists may be responsible for designing storm drainage systems, flood control systems, dams, reservoirs and pipes as well as hazardous waste cleanup.

8. Environmental

Environmental engineers have to assess the impact of human activity on air quality by monitoring and evaluating the atmosphere. They are responsible for creating solutions that will restore areas affected by pollution caused by industrial activities such as storage tanks and chemical plants.

Civil Engineer Responsibilities:

• Properly diagnose problems related to building structures, dams, etc.
•  Plan and design constructions, such as roads and bridges, using various materials
•  Evaluate the performance of existing structures before construction of new ones
•  Staff construction projects for different departments within the company
•  Inspect construction sites during its completion to ensure compliance with specifications and plans
•  Manage local support activities such as planning and ensuring that crew members are trained
•  Serve as the site manager of completed construction projects
•  Ensure compliance with applicable codes, rules and regulations
•  Inspect and coordinate with other design professionals, such as architects, engineers and inspectors
• Assess the trustworthiness of construction projects
• Improve construction structures by applying specific engineering principles and techniques
• Review project plans to ensure that they are architecturally correct, comply with all applicable codes and meet specifications for materials, quality and quantity

Top 15 Must-have Civil Engineer Skills:

1. Demonstrated excellent business skills.
2.  Experience in working with others.
3.  Ability to work under pressure with the ability to maintain focus and attention to detail
4.  Ability to make decisions quickly in a stressful environment
5.  High level of job control, must be able to effectively manage time, resources, tools and other personnel resources including subcontractors, office and field staff
6. Able to use math skills efficiently under pressure of tight deadlines and multiple priorities
7. Strong interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills
8. Ability to plan, organize and efficiently manage multiple tasks with competing demands in a fast-paced environment
9. Knowledge of fundamental construction principles from the architectural to structural levels
10.  Experience in presenting information in professional presentations at all levels of an organization
11.  Ability to work in a team environment, part of a large corporation which also requires cooperation with other professionals and clients (architects, planning, geologists etc.)
12.  Ability to work independently with professionalism and integrity
13.  Proven ability to maintain composure under pressure
14.  Strong analytical skills to evaluate and interpret complex problems that require the use of judgment, extensive research, and technical judgment of means, methods, procedures, and criteria for adequacy or effectiveness
15.  Ability to effectively communicate and present information in a clear, concise, and professional manner

Civil Engineers Resume Objective:

A resume objective is a brief statement that shows why the candidate should be contacted for an interview.
The best resume objective is one containing your qualifications, your relevant work experience, and why you want to work with us. The best way to include this section is by including 1-2 sentences on each of the above-mentioned points.
Here are some examples of resume objectives that caught the attention of many recruiters:

• The candidate has years of progressive experience in the construction industry.
• The candidate has earned several certifications in the construction trade.
• During employment, the candidate has gained professional working knowledge in the civil engineering field.
• The candidate possesses excellent speaking and writing skills and demonstrated knowledge of construction management techniques by completing extensive training courses.

Civil Engineers Resume Objective Example:

“I have the following skills and experience which I would like to share with you about my interest in working for your company.”
“I am sure that I can add great value to your company by applying my skills and knowledge for which I was trained. My name is  Fred, I am a civil engineer with 7+ years of industry experience. These are the fields in which I have done my work: Structures and structural safety, highway construction, transportation design and inspections, environmental planning studies, safety compliance programs.”

Civil Engineers Cover Letter:

When it comes to the cover letter, the candidate needs to describe their skills in detail and how they fit the requirements of the job.
They should also include information about how they became interested in the position and why they think they would excel if offered the position. Here is an example of a good cover letter:
Example of a Good Cover Letter
“I am extremely pleased that I have been short-listed for this job. I am confident that I would be able to do well in the project if offered.”

Civil Engineers Resume Synopsis:

A synopsis is the summary of your resume. It should include your most relevant education and work experience. It should also include the skills you possess, your specialties, and any professional awards that you have received.
Job seekers should be sure to only include the most relevant information.
Here is an example of a good synopsis:
Example of a Good Synopsis
“I am very interested in this job opportunity as I have the required skills and experience, some of which I have learned through my engineering courses at  University X. I am willing to learn more about your business if offered and will devote myself completely to ensuring that your company’s goals are achieved.”

Key Takeaways:

• If you are looking for an entry-level position in the field of civil engineering or even a more senior position, make sure to research the companies you wish to work for as well.  Do not just apply online.
• When writing your resume, choose objective formats that show how your skills and experience are relevant to the job requirements and indicate that you have an interest in working with us.
• Make sure to include enough information in your resume for it to be effective.
• If you are applying for a position from overseas, do some research on the company’s policies regarding foreign workers. Some companies like to hire people who are already living with them in the country.
• Last but not least make sure you send a well written cover letter with your application.  A good cover letter will increase your chances of being contacted for an interview significantly. Good luck!