3 Resume Mistakes for IT Candidates to Avoid

Posted by in Technology


Information technology professionals are some of the most frustrated job seekers I know. They often find themselves in the position of being some of the brightest people in their companies, yet struggling to communicate exactly how their specialized knowledge contributes to the operations or bottom lines of their employers. Here are three common mistakes I see on IT resumes:

Using way too much jargon

Technology candidates often assume that their resumes will be read by another IT professional, and they describe their previous work with tech-heavy terms. It’s important to realize that the initial screener of any resume is often a recruiter or human resources staff member. Therefore, translating IT skills into general business terms and skills will help the reader grasp what you’re talking about.

Including every technology you’ve ever used

While some IT professionals do have degrees in computer science, the technology field is chock full of workers who taught themselves most of what they know. For this reason, IT professionals are understandably proud of any professional certifications they’ve earned, often using their own time and money to do so. However, many technology candidates fall into the trap of being so attached to their certifications that they refuse to remove them from their resumes long after the skills are relevant. Being certified in Windows 95 is about as useful as knowing how to record a television show onto a Beta tape these days.

Assuming that your skills are obvious

To an IT professional, it’s incredibly obvious that anyone who has managed a network with 5 servers and 200 machines would know how to install anti-virus software. However, someone working in human resources who happens to be hiring for their IT department is much less likely to know exactly what a network administrator does. IT is one field where resume logic works a little differently; in this case, you do want to spell out many of the tasks associated with your role. If you need help figuring out which information to include, ask a close friend or family member to try to describe your job to you—and then include anything on your resume that they don’t mention.

IT resumes follow a whole new set of rules that don’t always apply to other resumes. Make sure your IT resume is results-focused, speaks clearly about your skills, and has a targeted strategy – it’s very important to know your audience. We’re here to help if you decide you would like an IT resume writer to give your resume an overhaul this holiday season, visit Great Resumes Fast to learn more about our IT resume services.

Comment

Become a member to take advantage of more features, like commenting and voting.

  • professional resume writing
    professional resume writing
    A couple of years ago, when applying for a job designing electronic surveillance equipment, I included in my application letter the fact that I had just obtained a pilot’s licence. They offered me the job!Sometimes, adding something unusual to a job application can help. In my case, I was trying to prove that, at 49, I wasn’t yet “over the hill”, and I could manage stressful situations.
  • Jo Ann Putnam
    Jo Ann Putnam
    I developed a new resume for my son-in-law using the very suggestions you make in your article. Along with good interview skills and mentoring, he was blessed with a a new job that enabled him to relocate closer to his mother-in-law!
  • JewellPhelps
    JewellPhelps
    That is great that we are able to receive the loan and that opens new possibilities.
  • PauletteWooten18
    PauletteWooten18
    I had a dream to start my commerce, nevertheless I did not have enough money to do this. Thank goodness my fellow advised to use the business loans. So I used the short term loan and realized my old dream.
  • Jane p.
    Jane p.
    I received 1 st credit loans when I was 32 and that supported me a lot. But, I need the commercial loan as well.
  • ALBAKennedy
    ALBAKennedy
    The home loans are important for people, which are willing to start their company. As a fact, that's easy to get a credit loan.

Jobs to Watch