Build Your Resume
Advance Your Career
Hiring managers for IT staffing will be looking for several key resume components. Because IT specialists are a vital member of any company or office, companies usually have a strict hiring process. When paired with the skilled competition you are facing, you need to have a seriously good resume. Like any other resume, you’ll need to include your work experience, contact information, skills, and education. If you want to go a step further and set yourself apart, then include the following:
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Awards and certifications
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Volunteer experience
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Personal projects
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Languages
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Interests and hobbies
Include a Summary or Objective
The most attractive part of a summary or objective is that they are quick and easy to read. And more often than you may think, a recruiter will spend 30 seconds reading this short blurb rather than spending 10 minutes reading your entire resume. Your resume summary should be a two- to four-sentence synopsis of your professional experience, achievements, and how your skills will benefit the company you’re applying to. A resume objective, on the other hand, is two to four sentences explaining what you want to achieve professionally.
Hard Skills to Include in Your IT Resume
Like all resumes must do, yours must show that you are the best candidate for the job. Besides listing this evidence through your work experience and education, you can reiterate the fact by listing your hard and soft skills. Some of these skills, if they apply to you, should definitely be on your resume: (scrolling list/video)
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Computer hardware knowledge
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Computer software knowledge
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Internet applications
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Networks
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Operating systems
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Troubleshooting
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Internet security
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Data privacy
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Programming languages
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Agile development
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Database administration
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UI/UX
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Front-end and back-end development
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Cloud management
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Data synchronization
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Social media experience
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Project management
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Technical writing
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​Computer software knowledge
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Debugging
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Network architecture
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Quality assurance
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Technical support
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SQL
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Oracle
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Linux
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Java
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Software installation
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Adobe Creative Suite
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Maintaining servers, routers, and PCs
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Configuring, managing, and maintaining networks
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Backup management
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Microsoft Office
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LAN technology
When it comes to relevant work experience, you already have a leg up. Your work experience shows IT recruitment that you can walk to walk, not just talk the talk. It is imperative that you spend some time making this section of your resume look immaculate. When explaining your responsibilities, go more in-depth and show the value of your work. Use relevant statistics that will attract companies. The professional way to structure your work experience section is as follows:
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Position name
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Company name
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Dates
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Responsibilities and achievements
If you don’t have prior work experience, then focus on your skills that show that you can do the job. The best way to do that is with a portfolio that shows your IT skills. You can use a freelancing platform, and even develop your own piece of software if you don’t have any clients.
Include a Cover Letter
Some employers do not need or require a cover letter, but if the option is available, we recommend you take it! When applying for a job, it is best not to leave anything to chance, and a cover letter can be a great way to bolster your standing. Nothing comes close to showing your desire to work for a specific company more than a cover letter. Plus, they are a great way to elaborate more on your major achievements as well as your skills. It also gives you more opportunities to explain why you are the best candidate for the job. When you wrap up your cover letter, it is best that you include a closing paragraph that explains when you will follow up about the application process. Don’t forget to also include a formal salutation at the end.
Making the Most of Your Job Hunt
Finding a job in the IT and data engineering industry can be quite competitive and challenging. If you are serious about finding a job in the industry, then you may want to consider networking. Networking in any industry is imperative to making the connections that will help you get your foot in the door. Spend some time talking with recruiters about what they look for in a resume so you get a better idea of what you can add to your resume. You may also want to get in touch with a few professionals who are working in your desired field to get a better understanding of their job responsibilities, taking any queues they may give you for how to get your most desired job.
Get a Second Pair of Eyes on Your Resume
Since your resume is representative of you, what would employers think if they read your resume that was muddled with spelling and grammar errors? Errors within a resume can make an application seem inattentive to details, which is the opposite of what recruiters are looking for. Review proofing guidelines to make sure your resume is consistent and error-free. Then, check it again. If you can, ask someone to look at it too, because it’s easy to miss your own typos. The best thing you could do is have your resume reviewed before you send it to employers. Use a professional resume service if you can, but at least have someone read over it before you submit it.
