In a competitive job market crafting a standout CV is crucial, especially in the tech industry. With several candidates often vying for the same position, it’s essential to highlight your skills, experience, and potential contributions effectively.
Remember the average CV will only be looked at for a few seconds before deciding if it’s worth the time to pick up the phone and have a call.
So, to help you help you make a lasting impression, we’ve asked our Younity tech recruitment team for five expert tips to help your tech CV stand out from the crowd. Let’s dive in!
1. “Tailor your CV to the job description” Chris Kilbride
Chris Kilbride, Client Relationship & Delivery Consultant, Wellington
“Tailoring your CV to each specific job application is vital in the tech industry. I always tell candidates to highlight their skills, qualifications, and experience that are the most relevant to the position they are applying for.
For example, if an employer is looking for someone with expertise in data integration technologies and lists Microsoft SQL Server Integration Services or Apache Kafka as their tools, then make sure that you list your capabilities in these technologies high on your CV. This helps to align your skills to the specific job requirements and demonstrates your suitability for the role,” says Chris.
2. “Showcase your technical skills” Sian Clements
Sian Clements, Client Relationship & Delivery Partner, Auckland
“If you’re applying for a tech-focused role, employers are particularly interested in your technical skills and experience, and when we look at technical CVs, we look for keywords and read further on the parts we want to know. Make sure to create a dedicated section where you list your technical skills and experience such as programming languages, frameworks, software, and tools you are proficient in. Additionally, mention any certifications or relevant courses you have completed.
For instance, if you are experienced in web development, highlight your proficiency in HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and any related frameworks such as React or Angular,” says Sian.
She says that adding a table with a rating system of your tech skills can also be an excellent way to quickly showcase your range and proficiency in different technologies. “Rate your skills on a scale of 1-5/1-10 or as beginner, still learning, intermediate, advanced, or expert level. This gives us and our clients a strong understanding of your skillset, and where you’ll be stretched or may need support.”
3. “Highlight your projects and achievements” James Wild
James Wild, Client Relationship & Delivery Partner, Auckland
“I’ve found that employers in the tech industry want to see tangible results and evidence of your abilities, they want to know that you can deliver.
James advises tech job seekers to use specific examples or projects where they’ve successfully applied their skills, and quantify their achievements if possible (e.g., ‘Reduced data processing time by X% by implementing optimized ETL processes’).
“This not only demonstrates technical expertise but also your ability to deliver results.”
4. “Emphasize your problem-solving abilities” Andy Sole
Andy Sole, Client Relationship & Delivery Partner, Wellington
“If you work in tech, you’ll often face complex challenges that require analytical thinking and problem-solving skills. I tell tech candidates to highlight instances where they successfully resolved issues or implemented innovative solutions.
For instance, you could describe a situation where you identified a bottleneck in a system, proposed and implemented a solution, and the positive impact it had on efficiency or user experience. Demonstrating your ability to solve problems effectively will make you an attractive candidate to potential tech employers,” says Andy.
5. “Showcase your continuous learning mindset” Kelly Cappel
Kelly Cappel, Client Relationship & Delivery Associate, Auckland
“The tech industry is always evolving, and I’ve found that employers value candidates who are eager to learn and adapt. I advise candidates to include any ongoing professional development activities, such as online courses, certifications, workshops, or conferences you have attended or plan to attend.
She further says, “You can also mention any side projects or open-source contributions you have made to demonstrate your commitment to staying up-to-date with the latest trends and technologies, these all show a employers that you are interested and engaged in your area of technology.”
So, in a nutshell make sure you have a well-crafted CV to help you stand out in the competitive tech industry. Tailor your CV to the job description, emphasize your technical skills and problem-solving abilities, and showcase your projects and continuous learning mindset.
By implementing these five expert tips, you’ll increase your chances of catching the attention of potential employers and securing your dream tech job. Good luck!
Resources for tech job seekers
Download our helpful Tech CV Template here.
Remember to register your CV with us, this means you’re on our radar as soon as a new role becomes available!