Resume Writing Tips

There are lots of sources for resume writing and tips, but most are generic and not specific to the Information Technology industry. While you shouldn’t need to worry about your resume, the reality is, your resume serves as interviewing and assessment tool and is a highly visible component of the presentation process.

Employers are looking for resumes that get to the point. Ultimately, what the client is wanting is details on what you have accomplished.  Description of the accomplishment(s), the company you worked for and what it did, length of project(s), the biggest challenges you faced and how you dealt with them, any examples of leadership and initiative, technical skills used or needed to learn, your role and reporting relationships, what aspects you enjoyed or did not care for, how you dealt with conflict(s), and anything else you feel was important to the success of the project(s)/accomplishment(s).  Tell the client why they should be talking to you on your resume.

• Layout – Make it interesting and clarify information with bullets, indents, bolding lettering. Avoid too complicated layouts, small fonts, too many different or unconventional fonts, and photos.
• Length – The general rule of one page does not apply in the Information Technology industry. Provide enough detail that the employer knows what you have accomplished at each assignment, project, or employer.
• Job Data – Again provide enough detail that the employer knows what you have accomplished at each assignment, project, or employer.
• Measurables – Use actual numbers to quantify your achievements, job duties & and reporting relationships.
• Job History – Be sure to use dates that are clear and without gaps. Consultants may have gaps between assignments use a dating format that leaves as few gaps as possible.
• Education – Belongs at the end of the resume in most cases, be accurate about degrees and certifications obtained and when completed.