A resume doesn’t necessarily get you the job, but it gets you into a position where you can get the job. Your resume stands you out from the crowd and secures that all-important interview. If you work (or are seeking to work) in a technical role, here’s how you can produce a fantastic resume (also known in many countries as a CV) that will go a long way to getting your foot in the door.
Always tailor your resume
No two of your resumes should be the same, because no two jobs that you apply for are the same. Your resume must be finely tuned to fit the job description of the job you are applying for. That means every resume you send must be unique to the job and the company. That may sound like a lot of work, but that’s exactly what looking for a new job is a lot of work.
Present your resume well
An important note to start: if your resume is not well laid out, and/or there is too much text, it puts people off immediately.
Make sure that you present your resume clearly, with a structure that is logical and easy-to-follow. That means clear headings that separate the individual sections. Keep details concise, and include nothing that could be deemed irrelevant. Can it be jazzed up with images or visual data (that is relevant)? Make your technical resume something delightful to read, not a struggle.
Start with a clear summary
In the English-speaking world at least, it is increasingly common to start your resume with something that is often called an ‘executive summary’, or ‘personal profile’. What is this exactly? It’s a paragraph or two (but nothing longer) which sells you with a summary. It includes your main skills, experience, achievements, character, and why you would be great for this job in this company. Don’t make it too salesy, but at the same time, this is your one shot to get noticed. Start poorly here, and the rest of your resume may remain unread.
Spell out your strengths immediately, and detail exactly what you are looking for
What are your technical skills and experience (relate this directly to the job description), and why would you be the best person for this job? It sounds simple when you put it like that, and keeping it simple is the best way to go.
Give more details of your experience, and emphasize particular achievements
Now talk about your experience, giving relevant examples of the technical activities you performed in each of your previous jobs (starting with the most recent).
Most importantly, be clear in communicating your achievements, and as well as what you would regard to be your personal achievements, how did you add value to the company you were with at the time? Can you put a (financial or numerical) value on it? That really stands out on a resume, and the more you can quantify your results, the better.
Impress with your qualifications and skills
Your educational background is, of course, important, but the technical world is always evolving, and you must too. What technical skills do you have? What technical skills are you familiar with and could you easily adapt to quickly? Draw the relationships between different types of technical abilities and show the options that your experience and skills cover. And vitally, connect them to the job description of the position you are applying for.
Prove your innovation
Innovation is key in technical roles, so how have you been innovative in the past? Saying ‘I am innovative’ will not cut it. Again, quantify and clarify as much as possible.
Show your commitment to staying cutting edge
Most technical fields evolve quickly, so what do you do to stay relevant? This includes recent training, any self-learning you have undertaken, relevant cutting-edge projects you have participated in, and anything else that proves you move with the times.
Use the right tools to help you
Your resume has to be well written: that’s non-negotiable, as a poorly written resume reflects badly, even when you are a technical individual. Fortunately, there are loads of tools out there, such as Linguix’s AI-powered writing assistant, which can help you put together a beautifully written resume. Linguix helps by giving you structural recommendations pulled from its immense bank of examples, and it has a great collection of writing templates to boot.
Refer to references
Include a couple of winning references. They should be impactful and eclectic and truly represent your experience.
Is there anything else you can include?
What else adds weight to your ability, your achievements, or your character? Although the job is technical, let your personality shine through as this is increasingly the focus of hiring companies. Skills can be taught, but a winning personality is harder to create. You must bring it with you into the job, so present it clearly on your resume.
