When you’re applying for work as an IT professional, it’s important to have a resume that speaks clearly and concisely to your technical competencies and the value you bring to employers. Of course, this is true for any profession, but technologists face some unique challenges and opportunities as they develop their resumes.
Before sending your resume to a hiring manager or an Information Technology staffing agency, then, it’s important to make sure you’re sweating the small stuff and paying close attention to the details of your resume.
Many Tech Resumes are Far Too Long
Brevity is desirable for any resume, no matter the field you’re in—but it’s especially valuable for those in tech.
Why? Because technology is always changing, and the skills you mastered a decade ago may have little or no relevance in today’s IT ecosystems.
As such, technologists probably don’t need to go back to 1980 with their career history; chances are, those older skillsets just don’t have much meaning today.
Keywords are Critical
A good tech resume should have a core competencies section, where you bullet-point some of the primary technical skillsets you bring to the table.
Again, this is true for all resumes, but it’s especially important for those who work in technology, and where lack of proficiency in a very specific system or software suite might be a deal breaker.
Your core competencies section is the place where you show off the specific technical skills that make you a good candidate for the job.
List Certifications—Assuming They’re Current
Again, as you write your resume, it’s important to remember that tech is always changing and evolving.
By all means, list any certifications you maintain—but double and triple-check to make sure they reflect current technologies. The last thing you want is to include dated certifications that make you look like a dinosaur.
The Resume Should Fit the Job
Finally, take some time to carefully read through each job opening you plan to apply for—and to tailor your resume to match it.
Remember that IT roles can vary from one company to the next—and the best way to present yourself as the best candidate for the job is to focus on skills, keywords, and verbiage used within the job posting itself.
No matter how you plan to apply for a technology job—through an Information Technology staffing agency or simply through your own online search—having a strong, tech-centered resume is critical. Use these tips to head in the right direction—and for help crafting the perfect resume, reach out to Grammar Chic, Inc. at www.grammarchic.net, or 803-831-7444.
The Red Ink 