Resume Tips for Experienced Engineers: How Long Should It Be?
If you’ve been in the engineering world for more than 15 years, chances are you’ve done a lot. You’ve worked on complex projects, learned countless tools and systems, and maybe even led a few teams. So, when it’s time to update your resume, you might wonder:
How long should it be?
Short answer: 2–3 pages.
Long answer: It’s not just about the length — it’s about what’s on the page.
At Whitaker, we work with experienced engineers every day, and we hear this question a lot. Here’s our take, with help from one of our recruiting pros, Nikki Lemmert.
Your Resume = A High-Performance Machine
Think of your resume like a high-performance machine — efficient, powerful, and built for a purpose. You want every section, bullet point, and sentence to serve a clear goal: showing why you’re the right person for the job.
It’s tempting to include every job, every project, and every skill you’ve ever used, but hiring managers aren’t looking for your life story. They’re looking for:
- What you’ve accomplished
- How you’ve made a difference
- The tools and skills you’ve used
- How your career has grown over time
The key is to make your resume as clear and impactful as possible — not just longer.
What Hiring Managers Really Want
So, what should be on your resume?
We like to break it down into four parts that really matter:
- Relevance
Tailor your resume to each job. The resume you wrote five years ago may not match what hiring managers are looking for today. Every time you apply for a new role, take a moment to review your resume and ask:
- Does this match the job description?
- Are my most relevant skills and experiences easy to find?
- Have I included the tools and technologies this company is using?
The “one-size-fits-all” resume is a thing of the past. Show them you’re the right fit by customizing your content.
- Content
Go beyond job duties. We know you’ve accomplished a lot, but just listing your responsibilities isn’t enough. The real value is in showing your impact.
Use numbers and results when you can. For example:
- Improved manufacturing efficiency through the integration of high-performance materials, reducing material waste by 15%.
- “Led a team of 10 engineers through a major modification finishing on time and under budget.”
- “Won company-wide award for ‘Best Process Improvement’ in 2024.”
This gives hiring managers a clear picture of what you bring to the table.
- Audience
Think about who’s reading your resume. Hiring managers and recruiters aren’t always looking for the same things.
- Hiring managers may scan your resume in seconds, looking for keywords or standout achievements.
- Recruiters may dig deeper and help explain your experience to their client but only if your resume gives them something strong to work with.
If you’re applying directly to a company, your resume should be polished, concise, and easy to scan. If you’re working with a recruiter (especially one who specializes in engineering), they can help advocate for you and provide context that doesn’t fit in a few pages.
- Retention
Keep their attention. Hiring teams can see hundreds of resumes in a week. If yours is too long, too wordy, or hard to follow, you might lose their interest before they reach the good stuff.
That said, if you’re applying through a targeted recruiter or for a very specific role, you may be able to include more detail — especially if the reader is expecting a thorough overview. The key is still clarity. No matter the length, every word should add value.
Final Tip: You Don’t Have to Do This Alone
Job hunting, especially after years in the field, can be overwhelming. But you don’t have to navigate it by yourself.
A recruiter who knows the industry and understands what hiring teams are looking for can be a powerful ally. They can help you fine-tune your resume, highlight your biggest wins, and even open doors to roles you might not find on your own.
We’re here to help you make your next move your best one yet.
Need a second set of eyes on your resume? Let’s talk. It might be the easiest step you take toward your next great opportunity.
Special thanks to Nikki Lemmert for her expert resume advice and continued support of engineering professionals.
Want to know more about interviewing or how we help our IT, Engineering, and Accounting & Finance professionals achieve their career goals? Let’s schedule a brief call so you can learn more about how we can help you achieve your goals!
Connect with us on LinkedIn: Whitaker IT – Whitaker Professional – Whitaker Technical