How to write a great resume for IT professionals

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Are you looking to land a new IT role? Your resume is key to making that happen. But with so much conflicting advice out there, it can be challenging to know where to begin. Don't stress. In this article, we're breaking down the must-know tips for crafting a resume that showcases your skills and gets you noticed. From highlighting your tech know-how to creating the perfect professional summary, we're giving you the tools to make your resume stand out.

5 tips for writing your IT resume 

These best practices will make your resume strong, personal and effective:

1. Customize your resume for each job

Tailoring your resume for each position you apply for is an important step in the job search process, especially in the competitive field of IT. Here are some tips for crafting your resume for each opportunity:

• Read the job description carefully and pay close attention to the requirements, qualifications and responsibilities listed there. This information can help you identify which skills and experiences to highlight.
• Customize your professional summary
• Include relevant work experience first, regardless of date
• Go into more detail about the tasks and responsibilities that match the job listing
• Include skills that match what the listing mentioned

To make your resume unique to the job you're applying for, make sure to highlight your skills and experiences that align with the requirements listed in the job description. For example, if the role is more project-management-based, include project management skills or experience, such as project planning and scheduling, risk management, team management and collaboration.

2. Showcase your technical expertise

As an IT professional, your technical expertise is your biggest asset. Highlight this experience in a prominent place on your resume. Include your mastery of various operating systems, cloud computing tools and programming languages, along with your proficiency using databases such as MySQL, Oracle or SQL Server.

3. Use keywords

Many companies use applicant tracking systems (ATS) to screen resumes. Make sure to include relevant keywords from the job description to increase your chances of advancing beyond the initial screening. Take your time reading the job description to gain an understanding of the keywords the ATS might scan for. For example, if the role involves the use of DevOps tools, then include your proficiency in Git, Jenkins, Docker, or Kubernetes.

Here are more IT keywords to consider including in your resume:

• Programming languages (e.g., Python, Java, C++, JavaScript)
• Databases (e.g., MySQL, Oracle, SQL Server)
• Operating systems (e.g., Windows, Linux, macOS)
• Cloud computing (e.g., AWS, Google Cloud, Microsoft Azure)
• DevOps tools (e.g., Git, Jenkins, Docker, Kubernetes)
• Project management skills
• Agile methodologies (e.g., Scrum, Kanban)
• Project planning and scheduling
• Risk management and problem-solving
• Team management and collaboration
• Presentation skills
• Technical writing and documentation
• Interpersonal communication and collaboration
• Customer service and support
• AWS Solutions Architect – Associate
• Certified ScrumMaster (CSM)
• Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
• Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
• Relevant courses in programming, networking, security and data management
• Cybersecurity
• Networking
• Artificial intelligence
• Machine learning
• Internet of Things (IoT)

4. Highlight accomplishments, not just responsibilities

Instead of simply listing your job duties, focus on the results and accomplishments you achieved in each role. Use quantifiable data to demonstrate the impact you had in your previous positions, which can be a powerful way to stand out in the job market. Here are some examples of IT accomplishments you can include in your resume, along with quantifiable data to show their impact:

• Improved system performance: Spearheaded the implementation of a new network infrastructure, resulting in a 30% increase in system performance and a 50% decrease in downtime
• Increased efficiency: Developed and implemented a new project management tool that streamlined processes, reducing project completion time by 20% and increasing team productivity by 15%
• Saved the company money: Designed and implemented a cloud-based solution that reduced IT costs by 40% and increased scalability
• Increased user satisfaction: Led the development of a new mobile application for the company, which received a satisfaction rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from users
• Improved security measures: Implemented a new security protocol that reduced security breaches by 70% and improved data protection for the company

“A resume does not get you an offer, but it gets you in the door. Use your real estate on the resume wisely.” – Kforce Market Manager Scott Hale

5. Write a compelling professional summary

Your professional summary should be a concise, compelling overview of your background, skills and experience. Use it to grab the reviewer’s attention and give them a reason to keep reading. Your professional summary should be no longer than two or three sentences. Focus on the most important information and avoid using unnecessary details. Here are some tips:

• Emphasize your technical skills and the relevant experience you have in the IT field
• Mention specific technologies, tools or platforms you have worked with
• Include specific examples of your accomplishments from previous IT roles, such as implementing new systems or reducing downtime
• Include relevant IT certifications
• Use keywords from the job description to increase your chances of getting past applicant tracking systems

Example: Experienced IT professional with five years of experience in network administration and cloud computing. Proficient in Windows Server, AWS and DevOps tools, with a proven track record of reducing downtime by 40% and improving system performance by 25%. Certified AWS Solutions Architect – Associate.

Example resume for an IT professional 

Follow this example to craft your own IT resume based on these best practices:

Stuart Ross
123 Main Street
Anytown, FL 12345
(123) 456-7890
stuartross@email.com

Professional Summary:

Experienced IT professional with a passion for solving complex problems and implementing innovative solutions. Proficient in a variety of programming languages and software development methodologies. Strong communicator with a track record of successful project delivery.

Technical Skills: 

• Programming languages: Python, Java, C++, JavaScript
• Databases: MySQL, Oracle, SQL Server
• Operating Systems: Windows, Linux, macOS
• Cloud computing: AWS, Google Cloud, Microsoft Azure
• DevOps tools: Git, Jenkins, Docker, Kubernetes

Work Experience: 

Software Engineer
ABC Company, Anytown, FL, January 2019–Present

• Developed and maintained multiple software applications using Java, Python, and JavaScript
• Collaborated with cross-functional teams to deliver projects on time and within budget
• Implemented a continuous integration and deployment pipeline using Jenkins and Docker
• Contributed to the design and implementation of a scalable cloud-based solution using AWS

Systems Analyst
XYZ Corporation, Anytown, FL, June 2016–December 2018

• Analyzed and resolved technical issues related to network infrastructure and end-user devices
• Managed and maintained multiple databases using MySQL, Oracle and SQL Server
• Designed and implemented security measures to protect against cyberthreats
• Provided technical support and training to end users

Education: 

Bachelor of Science in computer science
University of Tech, Anytown, FL, May 2016

Certifications: 

• Certified AWS Solutions Architect – Associate
• Certified ScrumMaster (CSM)

Professional Memberships: 

• Association for Computing Machinery (ACM)
• Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE)

Follow these steps to create a great resume as an IT professional. Once you've perfected your resume, don't forget to create a profile on CareerBuilder so anyone listing an IT professional role can find you.

More resume-writing tips and tricks:

Follow these helpful tips to make your resume stand out.

While technical skills are important, don't forget to highlight these essential soft skills.

Avoid these common resume mistakes to make a great first impression.