Resume Structure
Hiring managers may only spend less than a minute scanning over a tech resume. Therefore, the resume needs to have the proper structure and summaries. Tech resumes should follow the standard resume format, but also include a technical and career summary.The technical summary succinctly summarizes the candidate’s hard technical skills and core competencies. One recommended way to approach this is through including a technical expertise section that is divided into subcategories, such as programming, operating systems, network protocols and Web and database applications. However, only include categories that you are more competent with and feel confident discussing in an interview.
For example, if you exaggerate your networking skills, you may not be able to answer a simple question when you are called in for an interview. It's essential that you are able to explain and expound on anything you list in your resume. Technology giants like Blue Coat and Microsoft have been known to ask questions about your resume, so you always want to be prepared.
On the other hand, a career summary must demonstrate the candidate’s equally important soft skills, such as interpersonal, organization and teamwork skills. Keep in mind that most tech hiring managers want candidates who are likable, approachable and collaborative.
Resume Format
Tech resumes naturally focus on technical results. However, job candidates either fail to share critical information or they use a wall of text with excessive details. Therefore, tech resumes must have a proper balance between conciseness and effectiveness that highlights career achievements. For every tech position held, provide a brief synopsis of the main responsibilities, but be sure to illustrate how your performance benefited the company.For example, provide specific examples of how past projects or initiatives led to positive outcomes such as improved savings, efficiency or problem solving. If possible, include objective performance figures, such as citing numbers or percentages. Bear in mind that results-driven accomplishments are one of the more powerful tools to convince hiring managers to make a decision in your favor. For major projects, briefly touch on what challenges you faced, how you overcame them and how you applied the new knowledge to improve the performance of yourself and the company.
What to Avoid Putting on a Tech Resume
According to Google’s Head of HR Laszlo Bock, there are common mistakes that all resume writers commit. For example, typos indicate a disregard for quality and a low level of attention to detail. On the other hand, Mr. Bock notes that any resume that has three to four pages will most likely not get read. Being able to succinctly synthesize complex information into digestible bits demonstrates your intelligence and writing skills.When it comes to using an attention grabbing style or format, only artists or graphic designers can get away with this. Everyone else, especially tech professionals, should focus on a clean and organized appearance. Finally, anyone in the tech industry should avoid including confidential information on their resume. Many tech professionals sign confidentiality agreements that prohibits them from disclosing client’s names or projects for security purposes.
Advice for Recent Graduates
Anyone new to the field of technology should be concerned about their lack of experience. Therefore, consider offering inexpensive technical services to local businesses or non-profit organizations. If this isn’t feasible, offer free help to friends and family. The point of this is to improve your skills and be able to include these experiences on your resume. If you have limited contract experience, provide a bulleted list of your biggest projects.Be sure to indicate the type of company, reason of hire, project scope, benefits to the company and your unique approach and accomplishments. Additionally, always obtain as much training and certifications as possible. Every tech field has their own industry standard certifications that will increase your resume appeal.
To recapitulate, tech resumes need to be well-organized and demonstrate the candidate’s soft and hard skills. Be sure to concisely include major projects, accomplishments and certifications.
