When it comes to crafting a resume for a Structural Engineering Technician, it's important to choose a clean and professional template. A reverse-chronological layout is often best because it highlights your most recent experience, making it easy for hiring managers to see your qualifications quickly. This layout also plays nicely with Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS), which often struggle with overly complex designs.
Your resume should ideally be one page long, especially if you're early in your career. If you have extensive experience, you might extend it to two pages. Just remember, being concise helps you focus on the most relevant information.
For fonts, stick to professional options like Calibri, Arial, or Georgia. Use sizes between 10-12pt for body text and 14-16pt for headers. Make sure there's plenty of white space to enhance readability. Avoid fancy designs and excessive colors; simple formatting is often more effective for both human readers and ATS.
Common mistakes to avoid include using columns or graphics that confuse ATS, choosing non-standard fonts, and cramming too much information without adequate white space. Clear section headings are essential, so make sure they stand out.