Resume Optimization Tips For Tech Pros

Being a job seeker is a daunting task for anyone as it’s not only selling oneself in the most positive and beneficial way but also to make a great first impression even before the in-person meeting through the resume. Why crafting an effective resume that never ends up in TL;DR pile is important for any IT specialist? First, because this is a make it or break it to the actual meeting with the HR manager of the company you’re sending it to. Second, to get discovered by other companies and become open to better offers even when you’re not seeking one. CraftResumes knows how to make it right, so you get the phone call from the recruiter when you need one.

1. Always be aware of Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) and research how they work. Being an IT specialist means you know that technology interferes every single sphere of human life, and recruiting is not an exception. The HR people use ATS tracking systems alongside the usual LinkedIn, Indeed, Jobbatical and others to make sure they can recruit a professional when they need quickly and effortlessly. What you need to remember is that you have to include the relevant keywords into your resume and cover letters so you increase your chances to be found by those systems. Think of them in terms of SEO machines but for headhunting.
2. Tweak your resume for recruiters so you don’t slip through possible ATS cracks. Even though including the keywords is paramount for the ATSs, keep in mind that you’re writing for a human. Meaningless lists of “hardworking professional” and “result-oriented team-player” won’t do any good. Instead, try to include them in very descriptive case-like sentences: “Contributed to creating the user-friendly app for __ to complete the project on time”. Also, check the way they write their job ads – chances are they’re using the same language for search.
3. List your certifications. This is not only to increase the level of your expertise but also to empower you with the right to ask for a bigger salary than those who lack them across the market. This is especially needed when there is an “Expected salary” field, and you can do it prior to filling out the form with this tool. Remember, the amount you’ve agreed on will remain the same for at least 3 months. One more advice: don’t include those you don’t have. You can cheat a bit by saying “Python – in progress” but you know that it will mean you’ll need to start an intensive course if you’re hired.
4. Mention the technologies/languages you’re experienced with. Remember that these titles are the keywords the recruiters use when they find a professional for a particular project. Omitting or misspelling them will result in your resume remaining unvisible to the head hunters which decreases your chances to be invited for an interview. The best part? It will prove you’re a “detail-oriented person” or prove you’re not.
5. Put your resume under the microscope when it comes to spelling/proofing. Revision is true for every part of your CV, not only for the technology names. After you’re done writing (or got one from the agency), make sure to scan it thoroughly. Some companies may give guidelines on what to include or have the form you need to fill in addition to your resume. Make sure the information on both documents coincides so you don’t make a fishy impression.
6. Stay within two pages limit. Even if the recruiters love their job, they don’t want to burn the midnight oil with reading a 10-page personal essay about you. A resume is a very condensed text that should display only the most relevant features you’ve got for a particular job. Take this rule: mention only the facts and figures in the resume, and leave the professional lyrics for the cover letter. Yes, you’ll need that one too.

Creating a catchy resume is indeed a step zero to be noticed by the recruiters and your lucky ticket to be considered as an applicant. So whether you write it on your own or ask somebody to do it for you, make sure it includes the key information, resonates with the position you’re applying for, has a clear and easy-to-follow structure, among other things. The most important though is to present your skills and qualities in the best way, not creating a person you can’t become overnight.

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