If you’re an IT professional on your job search, you know how crucial your resume is. At TM Floyd & Company (TMF), we have a talented team of recruiters who have shared their insights to help you perfect your resume and make a lasting impression. From clean formatting to showcasing your technical skills, these expert tips will help you stand out from the competition.
1. Craft a Strong, Tailored Summary
Tiffanie DeSiena, one of TMF’s technical recruiters, emphasizes the importance of a well-crafted summary. “Make sure you have a strong summary tailored to the position you’re applying for. Show that you’re not only qualified, but that you can make a difference,” she advises.
Your resume summary is like your personal intro—just a few lines to show who you are and why you’d be a great fit for the job. Be specific about how your skills align with the company’s needs and make clear the value that you will bring to the table.
2. Showcase Relevant Skills with Bullet Points
Once your summary is in place, it’s time to dive into the details. Tiffanie emphasizes using bullet points under your previous job experiences to highlight your relevant skills. “Be truthful and specific about your skills and achievements,” she says. If you worked with certain technologies or tools, don’t leave them out! Describe exactly how you used those tools to solve problems or improve processes.
Employers appreciate resumes that clearly demonstrate how you’ve applied your skills to tackle everyday challenges on the job. This helps them picture exactly how you’ll fit into their team and make an impact.
3. Tailor Your Resume to the Job
Gilberto Cervantes, another experienced recruiter at TMF, emphasizes the importance of customization. “Your resume is often your first impression before an interview, so make it count. Always tailor it to the role or industry you’re applying for, and share your experience clearly, confidently, and with purpose,” he suggests.
Take the time to tweak your resume for each specific job. Highlight the skills, tools, and experiences that align with the job description. It shows that you’re paying attention to what the employer is looking for and that you’re genuinely interested in the position.
4. Organization is Key
Lynn Selby, TMF Senior Technical Recruiter, believes that an organized and clean resume is vital. “Potential employers will likely spend only a few minutes scanning your resume. Make it easy for them to quickly assess your qualifications,” she says.
A cluttered resume can turn away hiring managers. Keep your formatting simple—in addition to bullet points, use consistent headings and clear sections. Avoid overwhelming the reader with excessive information. Remember, less is more when it comes to clarity and professionalism.
5. Be Ready to Talk About What’s on Your Resume
Lynn also points out the importance of ensuring that everything on your resume is something you can speak about in detail during an interview. “If you list a skill or project, be prepared to explain it clearly,” she advises. You want to be confident in your resume, so you can confidently discuss it when the interview comes around.
6. Don’t Forget Dates and Soft Skills
Lynn also encourages candidates to include accurate employment dates, including the start and end month and year for each position. This helps employers understand the full scope of your experience and gives them a clearer picture of where you want to go in your career.
Additionally, soft skills can often be the differentiator between two equally qualified candidates. Make sure to include soft skills such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. These can help you stand out in a competitive job market.
7. Show Ongoing Professional Development
Continuing education and certifications are important in the IT industry. “Make sure any certifications, training courses, or ongoing education are reflected in your resume,” Lynn suggests. Having up-to-date certifications shows potential employers that you’re committed to staying current in your field. It also shows a dedication to professional growth.
8. Action Verbs Make a Difference
Dana Mackey, also a technical recruiter at TMF, shares one of her favorite resume tips: “Use action verbs! Start each bullet point with strong, specific verbs that show what you’ve achieved.”
For example, instead of saying, “responsible for managing a team,” try saying, “led a team of 10 to complete a project ahead of schedule.” This not only makes your resume more engaging but also clearly shows the difference you’ve made.
9. Keep It Clean and Simple
Finally, Dana recommends keeping your resume format clean and professional. “Avoid fancy fonts or too many colors. The goal is to ensure your resume is easy to read and highlights your key accomplishments,” she advises.
In Summary
Your resume is often the first impression you’ll make with a potential employer. Whether it’s tailoring your resume to the job, showcasing your technical skills, or including relevant certifications, following these expert tips will help you stand out in today’s competitive job market. Remember, your resume is more than just a list of past jobs—it’s a marketing tool that demonstrates why you’re the perfect fit for the role. Good luck!
Let our team of talented technical recruiters help you find your next role. Contact us or send your resume to resumes@tmfloyd.com.
