Why Your Resume is Being Rejected (And How to Fix It)

If you are sending out dozens of applications and hearing nothing back, your resume is likely failing the '6-second test.' At elite firms like Lockheed Martin or Google, recruiters scan resumes in mere seconds, looking for proof that you can handle complex technical challenges. If they can't find it immediately, you're out. The most common mistake engineering students make is listing duties instead of impact. Don't just say 'Worked on a propulsion project.' Instead, lead with the problem, your technical process, and the specific result. For example: 'Optimized combustion chamber thermal efficiency by 12% using ANSYS Fluent simulations, reducing prototype material waste.' Numbers matter. They act as a shorthand for competency, telling the recruiter exactly what kind of value you bring to the table. Another frequent error is ignoring the Applicant Tracking System (ATS). If you aren't mirroring the keywords from the job description in your skills and experience sections, the software may auto-reject your application before a human ever sees it. Finally, stop burying your technical stack. Place your skills, software proficiencies, and hardware experience at the top of your resume, not at the bottom. Recruiters in aerospace and tech want to know what you can build on Day 1. You don't need a perfect GPA to land a top-tier internship, but you do need a resume that proves you can solve engineering problems. If you are struggling to quantify your experience or structure your projects for maximum impact, this is exactly what we teach in FormAWin to help students land roles at the world's most innovative companies.