Choose a simple template that highlights projects and electrical systems experience. Use a reverse-chronological or hybrid layout so hiring managers read your recent design work first.
Keep length to one page if you have under 10 years' experience. Use two pages only when you list many directly relevant projects and drawings.
Pick ATS-friendly fonts like Calibri, Arial, Georgia, or Garamond. Use 10-12pt for body text and 14-16pt for section headers so content scans easily.
Keep 0.4-0.6 inch margins and one line spacing within bullets. Add slightly more space between sections for clear separation and easier skimming.
Avoid heavy graphics, text boxes, or multi-column layouts. Those elements often break parsing and hide important details about circuits, schematics, or standards you used.
Use standard headings: Contact, Summary, Experience, Projects, Skills, Education, Certifications. Put design tools and standards under Skills, and list project scope and your role in Experience.
Common mistakes include long paragraphs that hide achievements, inconsistent date or title formatting, and using uncommon fonts. Also avoid listing irrelevant tasks rather than measurable outcomes like reduced rework or improved load calculations.
Finish by proofreading labels, units, and acronyms. A clean, consistent layout helps readers verify your technical strengths fast.