How should you include 3D printing skills on your resume? Read our quick guide

Manufacturing has never been more streamlined. Yes, 3D printing has completely transformed this sector, making it faster, more efficient, and more affordable. So, if you have 3D printing skills, you’re going to want to shout about them. In the following guide, we will cover these key topics: 

• The rise of 3D printing and why it matters
• What professionals need 3D printing skills
• How to include 3D printing on a resume

The soaring demand for 3D printing skills

Armed with 3D printing skills, you have the power to conquer the manufacturing world. As more businesses than ever adopt this technology, new jobs are continuously being created. You only have to look at the market forecasts to know that you’re onto a winner here. In 2023, the global 3D printing market will grow by 17% to take it up to $19.9 billion. 

Now is the ideal time to start carving out a career in this fast-paced, dynamic field. More than 70% of businesses surveyed by HUBS used 3D printing skills more in 2022 than in 2021. If the current trend continues, we will see more enterprises searching for skilled engineers who know their way around this contemporary approach to manufacturing. 

What jobs require 3D printing skills?

Before we talk about how to include 3D printing on your resume, let’s dive into the type of jobs that require this skill set. As we have already covered, the demand for this talent is set to grow astronomically in the years to come. However, there are specific roles in which 3D printing skills are vital. Here are some of the positions that may require them: 

• Production managers. Your job involves overseeing the entire production process — from start to finish. As such, you need to understand the basics of 3D printing, or additive manufacturing as it is also known.
• Mechanical engineers. Using computer-aided design (CAD) software allows mechanical engineers to create digital models of objects. 3D printing is the next step in the process, in which the layers of the object are built automatically.
• Engineering interns. If you’re new to the engineering sector, chances are there will be a keen focus on 3D printing skills. You will have to learn about the latest software, techniques, and approaches in additive manufacturing.

How to include 3D printing skills on resumes 

Now that you understand the value of these skills, let’s talk about how you can showcase them. Including 3D printing on your resume may help you land your next interview. With that in mind, let’s take a look at how you can highlight them in your next application. 

Step 1: List them in your skills section 

Of course, the most obvious place to include 3D printing skills is in your skills section. You should list the skills that you have which relate directly to this type of manufacturing. Start with simply stating “3D printing skills” but don’t be afraid to dig deeper. 

Step 2: Elaborate in your work experience section 

“Show, don’t tell” is the age-old mantra. Listing your 3D printing skills is not enough to sell them to the hiring manager. Show off how you use them in the workplace. If you have used the skills in a role, you can elaborate on this in your work experience section. 

Including 3D printing in your work experience section gives these skills color. The hiring manager can easily understand how you apply your knowledge within your job role.   

Key takeaways

1. The manufacturing world is quickly adopting 3D printing practices. If you already have these skills, many doors are about to open for you.
2. Production managers, mechanical engineers, and interns should all understand the basic principles of 3D printing skills.
3. Should you want to increase your chances of landing your next job, you can list 3D printing on your resume. Bullet-point it in the skills section.
4. For bonus points, contextualize your skills by including them in the work experience section, too.