A Curriculum Vitae (CV) summarises your work experience for prospective employers. It’s the first impression of the tech world; it’s the first thing recruiters, hiring managers, and potential employers learn about you. If you work in tech, you might have been hired through word of mouth or been in a role for several years. The summer is as good a time as any to develop your CV.
Skilled tech professionals and IT contractors are in high demand. But despite a skills shortage, a lot of talent is competing for the best jobs. One way to stand out is with a stellar CV.
A CV is more than a list of skills and experience; it is a document where you can show your technical ability, in-demand soft skills, and quantifiable results. It is no one-size-fits-all, as when it comes to applying for roles, tailoring your CV to each job is key to getting to the top of the interview shortlist. So, let’s get started.
The basics
Include your name, phone number, email address, and links to your professional profile, such as LinkedIn. If you have an online portfolio, include the link to it here.
Technical summary
Here you can capture the hiring manager’s attention. Highlight your job title, primary skill set and years of experience in a concise technical summary. Keep it to one or two short paragraphs max.
Showcase your skills
In a skills short market, demonstrating your tech skills on your CV is fundamental. This is the area that line managers are most interested in. From programming languages to cloud computing and cybersecurity, there are key technical skills that can make your CV stand out. Highlight in-demand skills to show you can navigate complex tech and contribute to the business. Be sure to include the following, if relevant.
- Programming Languages (e.g., Java, Python, C++)
- Artificial Intelligence/Gen-AI
- Cloud Computing (AWS, Azure, Google Cloud)
- Cybersecurity (Firewalls, Intrusion Detection Systems)
- Data Analytics (Excel, R, Tableau)
- Machine Learning (TensorFlow, scikit-learn)
- App Development (iOS, Android)
- Agile Methodologies (Scrum, Kanban)
- DevOps (Continuous Integration, Docker)
- Project Management (PMP, Agile Project Management)
- Big Data Technologies (Hadoop, Spark)
- Other skills specifically relevant to the role
Focus on results
Show how your technical skills contributed to achieving goals or solving problems. For example, mention how you used your skills to automate a manual process, saving time and money for the company.
A word of caution
More than bullet points listing each skill you have, give evidence of how you’ve put these skills into practice - hiring managers want the proof. Remember, while tech skills are vital, soft skills nowadays are sought after. So, include effective communication, project management, leadership, problem-solving, and creative thinking. Many of these skills are in high demand.
Talk tools
Proficiency with certain tools can be an advantage. Highlight your tech stack in your CV, and your ability with remote working tools like Jira, HubSpot, Asana, and Trello.
Work experience
The work experience section is the most important part of your CV, as recruiters can see your journey in tech. Your work history hints at how likely you are to excel in the role, how committed you are to career development, and what industry or sector experience you have.
Always include:
- Job Title
- Company name
- Location
- Employment Dates
Responsibilities and achievements
Under this, list what you achieved while you were there. Avoid listing every responsibility and focus on achievements. Use up to five bullet points for recent roles and two to three for older jobs.
Use numbers
Figures or percentages give context and prove your impact. For example, mention the size of datasets you worked with, the money saved, or the number of users impacted by your work.
Education and qualifications
Include your qualifications, degree, IT certifications, and other relevant qualifications. Include any recent courses, workshops, or self-study, especially in new areas such as cloud, AI, or cybersecurity, to prove your commitment to staying current in the IT industry.
Certifications enhance your credibility and increase your market value, so don’t neglect to list these under the education and qualifications section of your resume. Employers value certifications such as:
- AWS Certified Solutions Architect
- Microsoft Certified Azure Solutions Architect
- Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
- Certified Network Computer Technician (CNCT)
- ERP Module certifications and Certified Generative AI Specialist (CGAI)
- Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNP)
Other things to consider:
- Avoid jargon, as not all recruiters are tech experts, and often HR will screen your CV. Cut out acronyms and complex jargon to ensure clarity.
- Tweak your CV for each application and ensure keywords in the job advert are highlighted.
- Create a tech portfolio. This is a collection of the real-world projects you’ve worked on that demonstrate your skills and competency in your chosen tech field. Portfolios could contain videos, images, screenshots, or additional files.
A well-crafted, tailored CV containing your skills and quantifiable achievements will boost your chances in a competitive tech job market. Keep it clear, concise, and aligned with the role, and you’ll make a strong first impression in no time.
If you’ve got your CV ready and are looking for a new tech role this autumn, contact NU Concept Solutions today. Register with us or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Your next career move awaits - we'll help you make it happen.