Written by Mike Potter, CPRW, Author • Last updated on April 23, 2025

Drone Pilot Resume Example

Working as a drone pilot can provide a rewarding career, involving operating UAV systems and conducting safety checks. To succeed in your applications for drone pilot roles, you'll need a resume that reflects your relevant skills and experience. In this article, we'll outline how to write a winning resume to boost your chances of success in your drone pilot applications.

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The aim of this article is to equip you with all the knowledge required to create a resume that positions you to succeed in your drone pilot applications. The article will take you through the key steps of creating a resume that presents your key skills, qualities and career achievements in a format that employers favor. It will also help you tailor your resume according to your unique skills and experience level. Continue reading to find the best drone pilot resume tips from careers experts at Jobseeker.

What to include in a drone pilot resume

It's essential to include a few core sections in your drone pilot resume, while there are also a few optional sections you can make use of to strengthen your application. A resume for candidates with little or no work experience may focus less on the work experience section, and bring sections to the fore that emphasize their skills, such as hobbies and interests, volunteer work, education, projects and skills lists.

Your resume layout and structure may differ depending on your experience levels, but make sure your resume includes the following:

Resume Header

In your drone pilot resume header, list your name, email address, phone number and address or location. You can also add your LinkedIn, if you have one, to help employers better understand your work history and skills. While in some countries, you might include additional personal information or a photo, these aren't necessary. Make your resume header clear, concise and as brief and compact as possible. Consider different layouts that spread the information horizontally across the page rather than using a different line for each piece of information.

Use an email address that's professional and appropriate for professional communication. Typically this would be an email address based on your first and last name, or your initials. If necessary, you could include your profession or another unique identifier. Avoid using old email addresses that could be considered unprofessional or inappropriate. Additionally, always check your contact details before sending your resume to ensure they're up-to-date.

Austin Alvarez
austin.alvarez@example.com
(111) 222 33 444 55
221B Baker Street, Chicago, IL
linkedin․com/in/austin–alvarez123

Resume Summary

Your resume personal profile is a short, concise paragraph to highlight two or three key skills and achievements in drone pilot roles. You may also see this section named as 'resume summary' or 'resume objective'. Resume summaries tend to focus on your career experience, while resume objectives cover your ambitions and plans for the future. Furthermore, when writing your profile, focus on two or three key skills and achievements that showcase your suitability for drone pilot roles.

Alternatively, focus on introducing your career ambitions, and why this role is a good fit, both for you and the organization.

The best resume summaries reflect the job description and focus on qualities that are relevant to working as a drone pilot, while highlighting elements of your personality that make you an ideal candidate. They also quantify the information provided with evidence. You can see some positive examples of a resume summary for drone pilot jobs below.

Good example:

Results-driven drone pilot with a Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Engineering and extensive experience as an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) Operator. Proven expertise in UAV operations, flight planning, and mission execution, coupled with a strong technical background in aerospace engineering principles. Adept at leveraging advanced drone technology for data collection, surveillance, and aerial imaging, ensuring precision and safety in all flight operations. Demonstrates exceptional analytical skills, problem-solving abilities, and a commitment to innovation and excellence in aerial systems and remote sensing applications

Bad example:

Drone pilot with some experience in aerospace and operating drones. Worked in roles involving drone use and planning flights. Have a background in engineering and using technology for various tasks like data collection and imaging. Focused on ensuring safe operations and solving problems. Committed to using drones effectively and improving systems where possible

On the other hand, an unsuccessful resume summary is one that mentions irrelevant skills, qualities and achievements and fails to differentiate you from other candidates. See above for some examples of things to avoid when writing your drone pilot resume summary.

Skills

The skills section is one of the main ways to show employers you've got the skills required for drone pilot roles. Whether your skills include gps navigation skills, situational awareness or any other useful skills for the role, you'll want to list them here. Again, refer to the job description and make sure you include skills that the employer has listed as essential or desirable for employment as a drone pilot.

Showcasing hard skills on your drone pilot resume

Hard skills are specific skills related to the job you're applying for. They include particular abilities, technical skills and industry knowledge that relate directly to jobs as a drone pilot. Furthermore, an extensive list of hard skills helps to make a compelling case for your drone pilot job applications, as they show employers your understanding of the drone pilot role. It's best to aim for four or five key hard skills that match the job description. These can really showcase your suitability for the job.

You'll make more impact with your resume hard skills list if you focus on technical skills that reflect your unique expertise and specialism, and that match the key requirements in the job description. See the graphic below for some tips on hard skills for a drone pilot resume.

  • Uas operation proficiency
  • Gps navigation skills
  • Fpv flight experience

Showcasing your best soft skills

Your soft skills are the core qualities and personal characteristics that make you a good employee. They tend to apply to multiple professions and jobs, though the soft skills you'll require may change as you move from junior to senior positions. Indeed, transferable skills are growing in importance in the modern world of work, so make sure you include several of these in your resume. In this section, add four of five transferable skills that match the job description.

A strong soft skills section should play to your strengths, listing skills that reflect your personal qualities while also reflecting the skills listed in the job description. For some examples of good soft skills for a drone pilot resume, see below.

  • Attention to detail
  • Problem-solving skills
  • Situational awareness

Education and Qualifications

Under education, add details of any degrees or professional qualifications relevant to drone pilot roles.

It's not usually necessary to have a degree for jobs as a drone pilot. Nevertheless, it's still crucial to list your highest or most relevant educational achievements. These might include AUVSI Trusted Operator, and other certifications or courses that highlight your fpv flight experience or aeronautical chart reading.

Include any qualifications relevant to the role. For each, add the name and level of the award, the institution name, its location and your dates of study. Include bullet points to show any specialist modules you studied, awards or exceptional grades and achievements that can set you apart from other candidates. These will all contribute to creating a positive impression on employers.

If you took part in any volunteering or you were a leader or member of any university societies, you could also mention these in your education section.

Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Engineering, 2017 - 2020
University of Florida, Gainesville, FL

Licenses and Certifications

Under this section, list any relevant certifications or licenses that are relevant to drone pilot jobs. These could be professional accreditations and licenses, or certifications that improve your level of suitability for the position. Therefore, list any official licenses and certifications, along with their dates, so employers can assess whether you've got the necessary qualifications to work as a drone pilot.

Read on to see some relevant example certifications for a drone pilot resume:

  • FAA Part 107, 2022
  • AUVSI Trusted Operator, 2022
  • DJI Enterprise Certification, 2022

Work Experience

Under your work experience section, add any jobs you've had in the past that are relevant to the position of a drone pilot. List each relevant role in reverse-chronological order starting with your current or most recent role. Add your job title, the organization name, its location and the dates you worked there.

For each job listed in this section, add some bullet points so the employer can understand the skills you developed, and your achievements. Focus on showcasing the impact you made on the organization, and show evidence of how you made a difference.

A successful resume work experience section will always showcase skills and experience relevant to the job description, and how you put each to good use in your previous roles. Offering quantifiable evidence in a drone pilot resume proves you're a strong candidate for the job, such as client feedback, project outcomes, KPIs or financial results. Take a look at the examples below for some guidance on what works best for your work experience section.

Good example:

Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) Operator, January 2022 - Present
SkyVista Aerial Solutions, Fort Wayne

  • Successfully completed over 500 flight hours in diverse operational environments, including surveillance, reconnaissance, and target acquisition missions
  • Implemented advanced UAV navigation protocols, resulting in a 30% increase in mission accuracy and a 20% reduction in operational costs
  • Trained and certified 50+ personnel in UAV operation and maintenance, enhancing team capabilities and ensuring mission readiness

Bad example:

Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) Operator, January 2022 - Present
SkyVista Aerial Solutions, Fort Wayne

  • Completed various tasks in different settings, contributing to overall mission success and team effectiveness
  • Improved operational procedures, leading to better mission outcomes and cost efficiency
  • Provided training to team members, enhancing their skills and readiness for future missions

The example above can give you some idea of what not to include in your resume work experience section. Poor examples of resume work experience sections tend to be vague and fail to quantify your achievements and the impact you've made in your career to date. They may also focus on responsibilities above relevant skills and how you've used them.

Jobseeker Tip:

Emphasize hands-on experience and relevant skills, such as customer service, teamwork, or problem-solving, to showcase your readiness for the role. (1) Use bullet points to organize your resume and keep it easy to read, especially for hiring managers scanning for key qualifications. (2)

Optional Resume Sections

To provide further information on your suitability for the role, you could add some optional sections to a drone pilot resume. Add any of the sections below that help you showcase your key skills and experience.

Personal Interests

Hobbies and interests can be a useful way of showing your skills and experience beyond your work and education. Consider listing hobbies and interests to help your resume stand out, or to provide the employer with some insight into your personality and wider interests. They're perfect for candidates who might lack genuine work experience as a drone pilot. Think about adding hobbies and interests to your resume if they add some insight into your personality that you can't express elsewhere in your application.

Volunteer Work

If you're lacking relevant drone pilot work experience, volunteer work can help to show you still have the relevant skills. Write your volunteer section in a similar format to your work experience, including your role, the organization name, relevant dates and the details of your contribution.

References

References aren't a standard drone pilot resume section, but employers do sometimes ask for them. Check the job advert and only include them if requested. Include a maximum of three professional references, being sure to check with your referees before including them in your resume.

References can be provided upon request.

Best words to use in a drone pilot resume

Using strong action verbs in your work experience bullet points can make a stronger impression on employers and show the value you added to your previous roles. Choose verbs from the suggestions below that highlight your key skills or those mentioned in the job description.

  • Operate
  • Navigate
  • Control
  • Monitor
  • Inspect
  • Survey
  • Capture
  • Analyze
  • Execute
  • Maintain

Jobseeker's clean, attractive resume formats can help your applications make a strong impression on employers. Check them out for help designing a winning resume, and see our cover letter templates to help win over recruiters and hiring managers.

Example of a drone pilot resume

Now that you know everything that needs to go into your drone pilot resume, let's review an example resume that you can use as a guide when creating your own:

Austin Alvarez
Certified Drone Pilot and Technician

221B Baker Street, Chicago, IL

austin.alvarez@example.com

(111) 222 33 444 55

linkedin․com/in/austin–alvarez123

Experienced drone pilot with a Bachelor of Science in Aviation Technology and a proven track record as an Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) Operator. Adept at conducting flight operations, data collection, and maintenance of UAS. Demonstrates strong technical skills, attention to detail, and a commitment to safety and efficiency in aerial missions

Employment

Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) Operator

2020

-

2022

SkyPulse Robotics (Lexington)

  • Successfully conducted over 500 flight missions, ensuring 100% mission completion rate and zero equipment losses
  • Awarded "Operator of the Year" for exceptional skill in UAS operation and mission planning
  • Implemented advanced flight planning software, increasing operational efficiency by 30% and reducing mission planning time by 50%
Education

Bachelor of Science in Aviation Technology

2017

-

2020

University of Utah (Salt Lake City, Utah)

Skills
  • Uas operation proficiency

  • Gps navigation skills

  • Fpv flight experience

Qualities
  • Attention to detail

  • Problem-solving skills

  • Situational awareness

Certificates
  • FAA Part 107

  • AUVSI Trusted Operator

Languages
  • English - Fluent

  • Spanish - B2

Tips for drone pilot resumes

Advice to help you craft a winning resume

  • Order your work experience in a reverse-chronological timeline, starting with your most recent position.
  • Use action words that show how you've made an impact in different drone pilot jobs (e.g. navigate, survey, execute).
  • Quantify the impact you've made in different roles by offering evidence of your key abilities and your contribution.
  • Adapt your resume for every job application for maximum impact. Review the job description to understand the specific requirements for the role.
  • Keep your drone pilot resume as brief as possible. Aim for one page for an entry-level role, and two pages for more senior jobs.

Things to avoid on your resume

  • Don't list personal details such as your age, gender or a photo, unless these are necessary for the role. They can lead to hiring bias.
  • Don't use complex formatting that makes your drone pilot resume harder to read or less scannable by software such as applicant tracking systems (ATS).
  • Don't forget to keep your header up-to-date with every application, to make sure you don't include old contact information.
  • Don't lie or exaggerate about your drone pilot experience or achievements as it can harm your chances in the long term.
  • Don't mention hobbies or interests unless they help you prove a skill required for the role, that you haven't included elsewhere.

Guide to making your resume ATS-friendly

Applicant tracking systems (ATS) help recruiters and employers to streamline their hiring process. They can store and process data, including applications and applicant data, quickly and efficiently. One of the jobs ATS applications are increasingly responsible for is initial candidate screening. The systems can quickly scan and rank resumes based on how closely they match the job description. When drafting your drone pilot resume, there are a few guidelines to follow to give you the best chance of passing the ATS screening stage and progressing with your application.

Here a some simple tips to follow for an ATS-friendly resume:

  • Adopt a traditional structure for your resume, such as a reverse-chronological format or a functional format. These are likely to be the easiest layouts for ATS software to scan.
  • Use keywords throughout your resume that reflect the job description, so ATS resume scanners can recognize a strong connection between your skills, and those in the job description.
  • Use clear headings that break your resume up into readable, scannable sections that match the standard content employers expect from a resume.
  • Adopt a resume design that uses clear, professional design principles and leaves white space for your content to breathe. Use the most readable fonts and incorporate subtle design elements to enhance the readability of your document.
  • Keep your resume as concise as possible, to make it easier to read, and for ATS software to scan.

For tips and ideas to help you draft a professional resume to get noticed by employers, read our expert career articles and check out our detailed resume examples.

Frequently Asked Questions about a drone pilot resume

Key points for your drone pilot resume

The key to a strong resume is to showcase your relevant skills and achievements through your work experience and other activities. Choose a resume structure that makes the most of your relevant experience, whether through work or other activities, and be sure to tailor your resume to match the job description.

Remember, Jobseeker resume templates and other tools make it easy to create a resume and cover letter that leaves a positive impression on hiring managers. Sign up now to start building your perfect resume. Jobseeker's expert-designed cover letter generator can help your applications make a strong first impression on hiring managers. Find detailed cover letter examples to complement your resume and get your application noticed.

Sources:

(1) Writing a Resume, California Department of Human Resources: https://www.calhr.ca.gov/employees/Pages/resume-tips.aspx

(2) Resumes, Cover Letters and Job Applications, New York State Department of Labor: https://dol.ny.gov/resumes-cover-letters-and-job-applications

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Author
Mike Potter is a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW) and an experienced copywriter specialising in careers and professional development. He uses extensive knowledge of workplace culture to create insightful and actionable articles on CV writing and career pathways.

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