How to Write a Resume That Stands Out

  • November 8, 2023

To succeed in the tech job market, it is essential that you craft a resume that not only stands out but also resonates with the demands of the industry. Your resume is your ticket to unlocking your dream job and making a lasting impression on potential employers. To ensure that you create a resume that genuinely stands out, follow these tips:

1. Structure with Strategy:
Include a transparent header with your name, contact information, and links to your LinkedIn profile or personal website. Your professional summary should highlight your expertise, career achievements, and the tech roles you are targeting.

2. Tailor Your Content:
Align your experience with the job description and use bullet points to detail your roles, emphasising achievements over responsibilities. List technical skills pertinent to the job and be specific by naming programming languages, software, and tools you are proficient with.

3. Showcase Your Projects:
Include a section for projects or portfolio work and detail what you did, the technologies used, and the impact of your work. If applicable, provide links to your GitHub or GitLab repositories to show tangible examples of your work.

4. Optimise for ATS:
Use keywords from the job description to ensure your resume passes through Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) that employers use to filter candidates. Avoid overly complex formatting and stick to standard fonts and layouts to ensure ATS compatibility.

5. Highlight Education and Certifications:
List your degrees, relevant coursework, and boot camps. Include any certifications that add value to your tech profile and demonstrate a commitment to learning by including recent training or professional development related to tech.

6. Soft Skills Are Also Crucial:
Include soft skills like teamwork, communication, and problem-solving. Highlight your leadership and management skills if you've led teams or projects.

7. Proofread and Polish:
Ensure your resume is free of typos and grammatical errors. Use a consistent style for headings, bullet points, and dates to create a professional look that stands out.

8. Seek Feedback Before Submission:
Have a colleague or mentor in tech review your resume for valuable industry-specific feedback. Consider using a resume review service or a career coach to add an additional layer of polish.Remember that your tech resume is a dynamic document that evolves with your experiences and the roles you aspire to. Following these assertive tips will open a dialogue with potential employers about how you can contribute to their success and innovation. Keep in mind that the best resume is one that is continuously refined, just like the code you write.