TIP 1: The term IT (Information Technology) is a one stop term used as an umbrella for businesses which use computers and associated software to manage information. In any company which stores, transmits and protects data. When applying for a role within either a small or large company, tailor your CV to the job description. This information can be placed in the brief personal statement which usually heads any CV. For example:
- Do not over generalise with statements such as, ‘œI have the skills and experiences to help me cope with the ever changing pace within the IT industry’
This statement does not really say anything about your passion for employment in the IT industry or support your development within it. Instead try including statements which are purposeful, which show that you have a direction and that you understand where you skills may best be placed.
- Instead give specifics such as, ‘œThe completion of my dissertation in partial fulfilment of my 1st class degree, when coupled with previous work experience, makes me an ideal candidate to place within your IT Governance department.’
TIP 2: Discard any information from your CV that bears no relevance to the job. With the rapidly changing face of the IT industry, there is no need for you to include any out of date qualifications or training courses for obsolete programmes and databases. The focus of the CV needs to reflect any essential qualifications to the role for which you are applying. Having solid and current certifications with regards to software, operating systems and databases should always be highlighted. For example:
- Do not say, ‘œI made sure I kept up to date with the latest developments within my sector’.
This statement does not really say anything and is too general. Remember that focus is the key here. Be specific.
- Instead, try, ‘œSpecific knowledge of the Linux operating system was imperative to gaining advancement within my role as network administrator. As a result, I undertook a distance learning training programme (insert the name of the qualification gained), to underpin my working knowledge of this system’
Tip 3: Transferable skills are skills which are useful to all employers and cut across the board to make any candidate a well rounded asset. Even in a cutting edge world like IT, you should never underestimate the importance of including these in your CV. Examples of good transferable skills to include are communication skills, time management and organisational skills, networking and self management. Make sure these skills are highlighted and stand out with key phrases such as:
- ‘œDuring my time at (Insert name of company) I continually demonstrated skills in organising workflow from group management through to project implementation. Nowhere was this more evident that the successful completion of the transition of the recent software upgrade where I was instrumental in communication between internal and external colleagues, earning a commendation from my immediate supervisor.’
Or:
- ‘œThe subsequent upgrade of the company software and well planned communications for which I was responsible, saved the company a total of £50,000 after successful installation’
Examples such as these demonstrate what role you played, the aim and the outcome. Remember, the people hiring within this industry like to see quantifiable or tangible results.
Tip 4: Depending on whether you are writing a skill based or classic reverse chronological order employment CV depends how much emphasis you place on your employment history. Dates, job titles and employers names should be included, along with any relevant voluntary/unpaid work you have undertaken. It is worth taking time to include any specific projects you were part of and take care to include targets reached, timescales met.