The Winning Tech Resume

Tech jobs across the world are rapidly increasing and can be found in most industries. The rise of such jobs is due to organizations increasingly relying on computer systems and technologies. 

Examples are the adoption of cloud computing and cybersecurity. As a result, employment in IT occupations is predicted to grow by 15% between 2021 and 2031. 

Some specialized tech jobs that are expected to increase in demand include:

• Software developers
• Web developers
• Information security analysts
• Mobile application developers
• Computer system analysts

These jobs will require you to have specific skills that you will have learned and practiced. Some of the most important IT skills you may already possess are:

• Coding
• Application development
• Cloud services
• Cybersecurity
• Database administration

Combined with the below ‘soft’ skills, you will be able to fit into a tech role of your choice. 

• Communication skills
• Time and project management skills
• Analytical skills
• Problem-solving skills

These are the basics that will enable you to work within an IT department, as well as interact with high-level management. 

Note: Though the terms are interchangeable, do not confuse tech skills and technical skills. Tech skills relate to IT skills associated with digital technology. Technical skills are a broader range of abilities, such as accounting which is not a tech skill.

Each type of tech resume needs to be tailored to the role and this is the tricky part for job seekers in the industry. 

You will need to be able to showcase your specific skills. At the same time, you need to differentiate yourself from people with similar skills and highlight relevant experience. 

How do you make your resume stand out among the thousands that employers receive? 

This guide will give you an overview of what to consider when creating a tech resume that will get you hired: For additional advice for women who are seeking tech roles check out this article.

Once you have an impressive resume, the next step is to find jobs to apply for.

By targeting employers who are looking for someone just like you, there is a better chance to be called in for an interview.

Using the Quantic platform is an ideal solution to finding new opportunities. The platform is specifically designed to connect students with top employers and every job seeker has a chance at success.

This is why we have developed sample resumes for the most popular tech jobs. Just like we did for data analysts. 

The format of your resume is also an important factor as employers only take a few minutes to skim each CV. 

Let us help you create a winning resume and take the first step towards landing your dream job.

What Makes a Good Tech Resume?

Several features that make for a good tech resume. Let’s look at 4 of the top tips.

Use the Correct Format

Structure Your Resume in Reverse Chronological Order

You need to start with your most recent job – the pinnacle of your career. After this, list all the relevant previous jobs in reverse order. 

This will draw attention to your growth path and act as a way of putting your best foot forward. 

Use Professional Fonts and Spacing

The top three fonts to use are Calibri, Cambria, and Helvetica; being the neatest and most legible. The size can be either 12 or 10 in order to be legible and headings can be either size 12 or 14.

With regards to spacing, stick with single-line spacing.

Set the Correct Margins

You don’t want to cram your resume with text as it will look unprofessional. Large margins on the other hand make it look empty. Your best option is to use one-inch margins on all sides.

Use the Correct Format – Word vs PDF?

Firstly, read the job description and follow the employer’s instructions. Send whichever format they specify and send their preferred format.

If there are no specifications, usually a PDF document is a safe choice. It will preserve your formatting and open as a professional-looking document.

One disadvantage is if the recruiter is using an applicant tracking system, (ATS). The software may have trouble scanning your CV and skip crucial information.

If unsure, you can show some initiative and reach out to the hiring manager and enquire about their preferred format. Alternatively, simply send CVs in both formats. 

Proofread Your Resume

Take the time to ensure 100% correct spelling, grammar, and formatting. Sloppy mistakes on your CV are a sure-fire way to demonstrate to your potential employers that you don’t have attention to detail.

Highlight Your Strong Points

To avoid sending a generic resume, you will need to address the needs of the company. 

To do this showcase your skills at the top of your resume. Pay close attention to the necessary skills listed on the job posting and match your strong points to the advertised position.

This is one of the tricks to creating a successful tech resume that will get you into the interview room.

Write an Engaging Experience Section

The work experience section is probably the most important part of a tech resume. Employers know what you did by looking at the job title. They are more interested in how you well did it. 

This section will be proof that you can perform the technical skills you have described. 

To make your experience section engaging, follow these tips:

• Make use of bullet points
• Use short, descriptive sentences 
• Prove your experience with links to your previous work or portfolio 
• Include the duties and responsibilities of the jobs you provide

Write According to Your Experience Level

Those with extensive experience have very different CVs compared to recent graduates.

For an expert, their education level is not going to be a deciding factor. They can simply write:

2011 – 2015

Stanford University

B.Sc., Software Engineering

This section should be placed directly under your career statement. 

For those without an extensive work history, place your degree and learning institution below your education level. This means your education section will be more detailed, like so:

2011 – 2015

Stanford University

B.Sc., Software Engineering

• Chairperson of IT-Hub, the campus machine learning club, 2014 – 2015.
• Completed eight advanced Java programming classes to cement my knowledge.
• Broadcasted an online webinar on best practices for security in cloud services.
• Wrote for the S.U. Mag, specializing in IT-related topics on a monthly basis.

Use Sentences That Get Straight to the Point

Do not use overly-long sentences when writing your resume. You want to keep the sentences short, and preferably in bullet point form. Here are some tips when writing the bullet points; 

• Start with an action verb: Oversaw 
• Describe a specific task: Software upgrading campaign 
• Complete with a quantifiable point: Cost reduction of 10% 

The final sentence will read:

Oversaw a software upgrading campaign that resulted in a cost reduction of 10%. 

Your resume should also get straight to the point. 

“I want to be able to quickly glance at a resume and make sure they meet the criteria for the level of position I’m looking for and then if they do, I’ll read their resume more closely,” Melissa Wallace, Talent Acquisition Partner 

Because most tech jobs are results-oriented, provide context on how you have used the skill to achieve results. 

Use metrics to quantify your success. Using percentages is a great way to quantify your abilities. 

Some bullet points to quantify your results could be: 

• Achieved X results in Y amount of time. 
• Reduced costs by X amount using XYZ software. 
• Ensured X customer queries were resolved using XYZ methods. 

You should also include details of your skill level. Are you a beginner or an expert? Mention this along with each skill. 

If you don’t, the recruiter may find your CV to be lacking and assume you do not have the correct qualifications. 

You also don’t want a resume that is too long, and tiresome to read. However, do not leave out important information; striking a balance is key. 

Talk About Your Projects

Highlighting your relevant projects in this section demonstrates your practical application of skills and problem-solving abilities. Include a concise description of each project, the technologies utilized, your role, and the achieved outcomes. Here are a few project examples:

• Project 1 example: Market Analysis and Strategy Development for a Tech Startup Description: Conducted comprehensive market research, analyzed industry trends, and devised a strategic plan for entering new markets. Led a team of three members and implemented digital marketing campaigns resulting in a 20% increase in customer acquisition within six months.

• Project 2 example: Financial Modeling and Investment Analysis Description: Developed a financial model to evaluate investment opportunities in the technology sector. Utilized discounted cash flow (DCF) and sensitivity analysis techniques to assess risk and return profiles. Presented findings to an industry expert panel, securing $1 million in seed funding for a startup.

Outline Any Open Source Contributions

If you have contributed to open-source projects or participated in hackathons, highlighting these experiences showcases your collaborative and innovative nature.

Here’s an example…

Open Source Contribution: Contributed to the development of a machine learning library focused on natural language processing. Implemented new features, conducted code reviews, and collaborated with a global team of developers to enhance the library’s functionality.

Expand On Your Leadership and Teamwork Abilities

Demonstrate your leadership skills and ability to work effectively in team-oriented environments.

Here’s are a couple of examples:

1. Technical Team Lead, XYZ Software Company Description:
   • Oversaw a team of eight software engineers, providing guidance and support in the development of a complex web application. Led daily stand-up meetings, delegated tasks, and ensured adherence to project timelines. Implemented agile methodologies, resulting in a 20% improvement in team productivity and successful delivery of the project ahead of schedule.
2. Project Manager, ABC Tech Solutions Description:
   • Managed a cross-functional team of designers, developers, and quality assurance specialists for a mobile app development project. Defined project scope, created timelines, and allocated resources effectively. Facilitated regular communication and coordination among team members, resulting in a seamless development process and the timely delivery of a high-quality app that received a 4.8-star rating on app stores.

Remember to adapt these sections to reflect your actual experiences, skills, and achievements.

How Is a Tech Resume Different From Other Industries

All tech jobs require very specific skill sets and in addition, many companies are looking for a well-rounded individual. 

You need to have a section assigned where you can list your skills. Make a table and include it just after the experience section of your resume. 

Some of the major skills for the most popular tech jobs include: 

IT Technician

• Front and back end development 
• Cloud computing 
• Network structure and security 

Software Engineer

• Programming languages 
• Databases 
• Encryption and cryptography 

Web Developer

• Website design 
• Digital advertising 
• Mobile and social marketing 

Data Analyst

• Data analysis and exploration 
• Creating dashboards and reports 
• Statistical knowledge 

Data Scientist

• Probability and statistics 
• Multivariate calculus and linear algebra 
• Programming packages and software 

Product Manager

• User experience (UX) design 
• Data understanding and analytics 
• Product engineering 

A Winning Tech Resume Template

There are some major things that you must include in your tech resume. 

Some of these include;

• Contact Information: Include your name, professional title, phone number, email, LinkedIn handle, and personal portfolio, blog, or website.
• Career Summary: A short introduction that highlights your career progress and specific skill set. It should only be a few lines and encourage the employer to read the rest of your resume.
• Experience Section: Up to six bullet points describing the roles and responsibilities of your previous jobs.
• Education: List your schools and degrees achieved, as well as the corresponding years. Include honors and awards, and if you are fresh from school, you can add your GPA grade. Under this section, you can include certifications and professional memberships as well as achievements and awards.
• Skills: Use our tips to create a skills section to grab the reader’s attention. Even if creating a tech resume, some skills are desirable across the board. Here are a few:

– Leadership

– Teamwork

– Research

– Analytical thinking

• Optional Sections: If you have space, create a hobbies and interests section. It should reflect your personality and fit in with the company culture.

To stand out, show that you have enough business acumen to perform high-level jobs. You need to be able to manage teams of technicians and communicate with high-level management.

Studying a solid, certified MBA program is a great addition to your job-specific skills and will help you go up a level – especially in the eyes of the employer.

A free Quantic MBA has been developed by leading professors to create a comprehensive 9-course curriculum.

Once completed, the areas covered will earn you a DEAC accredited degree. Some of these include:

• Accounting and finance
• Data and decisions
• Markets and economics
• Marketing
• Strategy development and entrepreneurship

Want to Get Hired in Tech?

Quantic’s students only have good things to say, but as a tech worker, you may have some doubts about delving into the business world.

You can rest easy and be sure you are making the right decision, just like Front-end Engineer, Robin Lu.

And that dream job, won’t just land on your lap. You will need to spend time and possible money getting your resume to the right recruiter.

As a Quantic student, you will be able to apply to exclusive positions in your chosen field. 

The Quantic Talent platform gives you access to recruiters who are looking for Software Engineers, Data Scientists, Product Managers, UX/UI Designers, and more at top tech companies.