Top 10 Resume Tips for Today’s IT World

February 4, 2008 – 8:22 pm

Top Tips for Getting a “Jobby” Job - Part I

During my life, I have scanned probably 500 resumes, phone screened hundreds and personally interviewed at least 100 people thus far. I might be old school, but there are some key things that you just don’t do when applying for a position.

1. Don’t just spam a bunch of listings with only a line for your email and a resume attached. Take the time to read what the listing entails. Yes, this takes time, but any job worth having, should.

2. Include an intro with your email. Describe why you applied for the position. Get personal. Look at the company’s web site. Read their about page. Google them. Most likely, they will ask you why you want to work for them and “to get paid” doesn’t usually cut it.

3. Read the posting. Read it all the way. Follow the directions. Many times attachments should not be sent. This relates to number one above.

4. If you are applying for let’s say a developer position, having a massive bulleted list of technical proficiencies is not enough. Write about something you created, that you had personal experience with. Write about it like a story.

I was handed this napkin with some marketing requirements on it, then I had to confirm the requirements so that I get someone started on some comps after or during which I could start an functional specifications document…something, something, something…I then began building with some testing in between. We QA’d it a few times, did a bit of bug smashing and rolled that sucker out.

5. Send over a list of web properties you have worked on. Include your “real” involvement in each case, don’t just document what the entire team was responsible for, but document how “you” helped the team. Get granular.

6. There is nothing wrong with being a sales clerk, a “barista”, or puddle jumper as your only paid work experience. Just make sure to convince someone of your side projects and how you have attained the technical knowledge to fulfill the position. You must demonstrate your skills. Don’t leave the examples for an in-person interview.

7. Most employers will aggressively go after the right candidates, I know I do, but please don’t make them work on frivolous stuff like trying to find a number to call you back at or reformatting your entire resume just to make it legible.

8. If you state that your are fluent in Russian, Mandarin and English, be expected to demonstrate that. Many times I have had to end the interview due to a total lack of verbal fluency. The employer will expect you to effectively communicate with your team on all levels.

9. In your resume, don’t forget to plug-in a few other areas about yourself. Once again, this borders on old school resume tactics, but it makes the resume human thereby making you more accessible. Write about a new dance move you learned from DDR, a recipe you are famous for, or time spent in another country. Most employers are not looking for automatons, they are looking for humans.

10. Don’t list salary requirements on the resume. This has it’s obvious downfalls.

I understand that in IT, the market becomes hot with listings, but negating these resume fundamentals will restrict your opportunities thereby decreasing your visibility for that killer job and make you susceptible to drone work.

My Outro

I have had so many awkward silences, convoluted explanations, hedged said talents, etc. that I just had to post this. I hope at least one person benefits from this posting.