How to write a top-notch IT resume?
Whether you are a helpdesk analyst, computer operator or a front-end web developer, in order to get the job of your dreams, you will need to impress your prospective employer with an elaborate IT resume.
As a well-organized professional and a great communicator, you will want these skills to reflect in the way you write and format your CV.
In this ultimate guide you will learn:
- How to properly format your resume
- How to write a job-winning professional summary for your IT professional CV
- What are the best IT skills to put on your resume
- How to include relevant and measurable achievements in your IT work experience section
- How to complement your IT education section with academic accomplishments
- How to use extra sections to showcase your ambitions and competencies
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1. How to properly format your IT resume?
With so many skills and experiences to put on your CV, you may need to come to a viable solution on how to distribute individual sections without losing out on clarity, readability and navigation.
The perfect way out could be choosing a two-column layout for your IT resume. This way sections such as contact details, skills or additional segments could be on the left side, whilst your professional profile, work experience and education sections could feature in the right column.
Use a resume-friendly typeface, such as Cambria, Garamond or Calibri. Avoid stylish fonts that may distract one from the content.
White space utilization is crucial as it grants your CV breathing room and gives the hiring manager’s eyes place to rest. Distribute your resume sections wisely, employ space between individual segments, and make your headings bigger to go fully reader-friendly.
If you are a seasoned IT professional, you will certainly opt for a reverse-chronological CV that will allow you to list your most recent experiences first.
If you are, on the other hand, just breaking into the field applying for an entry-level job position, use a functional resume, and put emphasis on your skills, education and extra sections rather than work experience.
Choose your preferred template and make your resume shine.
2. How to write a job-winning professional summary for your IT professional CV?
Depending on your position and a specific job posting, your professional profile will differ.
However, there are still some common golden rules that can make your IT professional summary appealing enough to catch a recruiter’s eye:
- Use keywords from the job posting.
- Link them with relevant accomplishments. Don’t just name your duties.
- Project your exceptional IT skills through unique experiences.
- If you are applying for an entry-level position, you may need to focus more on your objective than your qualifications for the job.
Underperforming IT professional summary example
IT Technician providing technical support to clients and maintaining hardware and software. Performed great work. Worked on the constant improvement of customer service.
Corrected IT professional summary example
Enthusiastic and performance-driven IT Technician with 4+ years of experience providing professional technical support to clients and maintaining hardware and software. Outstanding communicator and active listener offering technological expertise and strong determination to deliver my work to the highest standard. Worked on the constant improvement of customer service and satisfaction — increased from 84% to 95% within one year.
3. What are the best IT skills to put on your CV?
Your skill-set will always depend on a specific job position you are applying for. You may possess an array of competencies that would blow any hiring manager away, but if they do not fit the job, they won’t hit the jackpot for you.
Tailor your soft and hard skills based on the requirements in the job ad. Make sure you mention these skills at the top of the list, and include any other relevant abilities related to the role.
The most effective soft skills for your IT resume
- Teamwork
- Problem-solving
- Organization
- Leadership
- Motivation
- Analytical skills
- Outstanding communication
- Negotiation
- Flexibility
- Prioritizing
- Stress resilience
- Time management skills
- Interpersonal skills
- Perseverance
The best IT hard skills for your CV
- Project management
- Programming languages
- Cybersecurity
- Cloud computing
- Data analytics
- Networking
- Software development
- AI and machine learning
- Microsoft Office
- Oracle
- Freshdesk, ServiceGuru
- LiveAgent, Zendesk
- Zoho Desk
- CSS
- Routers
- Linux/Unix
- Mac OS
4. How to include relevant and measurable achievements in your IT work experience section?
When it comes to describing your past roles, using large chunks of text and naming all your duties may be a good way to give the hiring manager an eye roll.
Use bulleted lists instead, and mention only the most significant and relevant accomplishments of yours.
Remember to quantify your achievements whenever you can. Have you mentored a team of professionals? Mention how many. Have you incremented client satisfaction? Let the recruiter know about the percentage increase.
Effective IT work experience resume section example
Bravestorm Studios, Austin, Texas
IT Technician
2017 – 2021
- Provided professional technical support to clients.
- Mentored a team of 14 IT professionals on the company's software programs and applications.
- Identified and investigated network issues, maintained and upgraded hardware and software, and assisted in the server installation.
- Worked on the constant improvement of customer service and satisfaction with provided services — increased from 84% to 95% within two years.
- Completed system backups, configured desktops, laptops, and printers, promoted new products and services.
- Recognized by executives for performing exceptional work.
5. How to complement your IT education section with academic accomplishments?
Having a required degree in the field and including it in your resume is great. Complementing it with your best academic accomplishments is even better.
Don’t take any chances, and spruce up your education section mentioning your academic attainments, areas of interest or relevant coursework.
Listing education in an IT resume
Massachusetts Institute of Technology,United States
BA in Computer Science
2008-2011
- Among top 5% of the programme
- The 2010 Academic Excellence Award winner
- Areas of interest: Engineering and Design, Programming
- Member of Physics Society
6. How to use extra sections to showcase your ambitions and competencies?
Your education and work experience may not be the only factors that have made you a brilliant IT professional.
Your interests, passions and various learning opportunities may have led you to challenge yourself and acquire new skills that will serve you in your future role.
Let the hiring manager know about them. This may be exactly what will help you make headway in your IT career trajectory.
Pick the sections that fit best your profile as an IT professional:
- Certifications
- Computer science projects
- Accomplishments
- Language Skills
- Interests
- Awards
- Volunteering activities
- Conferences
You can list your extra sections something like this
Certifications
- Google IT Support Professional Certificate, February 2020
- CompTIA A+ Technician, March 2021