How to Write A STEM Resume (With a Template and an Example)

Updated 30 September 2022

If you're taking or completed a STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) degree program you may be interested in applying for a STEM role. You can successfully apply for these roles by crafting a quality resume that highlights your relevant skills and experience. Whether you have experience as a STEM professional or wish to enter these industries, learning to write an effective resume can help find your next job. In this article, we explain how to craft an effective resume for different STEM roles and provide a template and example resume.

What is a STEM resume?

A STEM resume offers information about your experience and qualifications in the science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) field. Writing a strong, personalised resume can show your potential employers that you have the necessary skills to succeed in the role. You may wish to prioritise your education and technical skills, as these details can be key qualifications for STEM roles.

Here are some key details for you to include on your resume as a STEM major graduate:

contact information, including your full legal name, professional title, location, phone number and e-mail address
a short, professional summary paragraph about your experience, qualifications and skills
a list of where you have worked and your primary tasks in each role
details about your educational background, including your qualifications and where you studied
a list of your most relevant skills
any additional information that could highlight your suitability for the role

Related: 24 Careers in STEM

How to write a resume for a STEM role

You can follow these steps to create a strong resume for different STEM roles:

1. Analyse the job description

Job descriptions can provide important insight into what the employer is looking for in potential hires. By reviewing the job description, you can look for specific words and phrases repeatedly referenced or emphasised as important attributes. Customising your resume to focus on these skills or requirements can show that you understand the position. Including important terms and phrases can also help your resume stand out if the employer uses applicant tracking systems to highlight resumes with those keywords. You can also describe how you performed these important tasks in your previous roles to contextualise your experience.

2. Provide a personal introduction

Begin your resume by providing your personal details and contact information. Providing this information introduces you to potential employers more effectively, letting them know your identifying information. This section can include your full legal name, professional title, phone number, location and e-mail address. Including multiple contact methods in this section helps hiring managers contact you across multiple avenues to set up an interview.

3. Summarise your qualifications

After listing your personal information, include a professional summary paragraph to highlight your qualifications and experience. These summaries are usually between one and three sentences long and comprise details specific to the role you're applying for or your broader career goals. Focus on how you achieved the key skills specified in the job description and examples of how you successfully used them in your prior roles. Writing a short but direct paragraph makes your information more accessible to hiring managers and may encourage them to receive your resume more positively.

4. Include your education and qualifications

List your STEM qualifications and education underneath your professional summary. STEM positions often rely upon specialised knowledge and training, so showing that you have a suitable degree and training can be crucial for securing a job in these industries. In each education entry, include the title of your qualification, where you studied and the year you completed it. In this section, also include details about your electives or majors if you studied a broader science degree and additional training or short courses you undertook if they support your application.

5. Focus on relevant employment

When listing your work experience, it's important to focus on your most recent and relevant jobs. While people often organise these lists chronologically, you may wish to highlight your most similar roles at the top of this section. If you recently graduated and have not yet gained professional experience, you can focus this section on the relevant courses and internship opportunities you completed while at university. Limit this section to only the two or three most relevant or recent positions. Write your job title, previous employer and key job duties for this role for each entry.

6. Highlight your skills

While STEM professionals may develop a broad range of skills, it's important to focus on the most relevant skills for the position in your resume. Include a range of soft and hard skills to show that you have the necessary teamwork abilities and technical knowledge to succeed in the role. Remember to include technical terminology wherever you can to show the hiring managers that you're familiar with the specific terms and skills needed in the STEM field.

Here are some of the key STEM skills to highlight in your resume:

Problem-solving: STEM professionals perform roles and tasks that are prone to challenges, so having good problem-solving skills can be vital for these industries.
Teamwork: Having strong teamwork skills can help you succeed in STEM careers, as many projects require close collaboration and trust in your teammates' abilities.
Communication: As STEM professionals may work collaboratively on important projects, having good verbal and written communication skills can limit misunderstandings and improve team dynamics.
Industry skills: STEM professions require industry-specific skills for you to work successfully in a role, so highlighting your technical abilities can be vital for an effective resume.
Project management: If you work on a team without a clear leader or take charge of a project, effectively managing tasks and delegating duties can be important for success in your STEM career.
Attention to detail: Due to the complexity of many STEM tasks, having good attention to detail can help you thrive in these industries, especially as minor mistakes can lead to larger errors in this work.
Computer modelling: Being able to use different software to create models of structures and systems on computers can be valuable for STEM professionals to plan and test their designs.

7. Add professional references

Your resume can also contain your professional contacts or references so that potential employers can contact them to verify your resume. These might be previous employers, managers, colleagues or your university professors. Once you have their consent, list their name, affiliation and contact details in this section.

8. Proofread your resume

After writing your resume, take the time to proofread it carefully and find any spelling, grammar or punctuation mistakes. You can do this with word-processing software and online editing applications or even ask a trusted colleague to receive additional feedback. This step helps you send potential employers a clean, professional and accurate resume and may create a positive impression on hiring managers.

Resume template for a STEM role

You can use this template to make your own resume:

[Full name]
[Professional title]
[E-mail address]
[Phone number]

Professional summary of qualifications
[A few sentences about your background in the industry and key qualifications]

Work experience
[Job title]
[Company name],
[Dates of employment]

[main job duties]
[main job duties]
[main job duties]

[Job title]
[Company name]
[Dates of employment]

[main job duties]
[main job duties]
[main job duties]

[Job title]
[Company name]
[Dates of employment]

[main job duties]
[main job duties]
[main job duties]

Education
[Name of degree]
[Name of school and year of graduation]

[Additional certification]
[Name of certifying organisation], [dates active]

Skills

[relevant skill]
[relevant skill]
[relevant skill]
[relevant skill]
[relevant skill]
[relevant skill]

Resume example for a STEM role

Here's an example resume you can refer to when writing your own:

Jane Smith
Mechanical Engineer
0489 367 543
Jane.Smith@email.com

Professional summary
I am a highly motivated and professional mechanical engineer, looking for a full-time position where I can work with advanced equipment and new technologies. I have excellent project management and technical skills, having worked at UTS for the past five years on the 3D printing team.

Work experience
Mechanical Engineer
University of Technology Sydney
January 2017-Present

tested new 3D printing technologies
trained newer engineers to use the equipment
designed new products and tested them for improvements

Junior Engineer
Blossom Manufacturing
February 2015-December 2016

designed new mechanical products
tested prototypes to find issues or areas for improvement
maintained and diagnosed existing product lines

Education
Master of Science (specialised in mechanical engineering)
University of Technology Sydney, 2014

Bachelor of Engineering
University of Technology Sydney, 2011