Career Advice » Industry Advice » Technology » Preparing Your Resume for a Technology Career

When applying for technology-related jobs, you’ll want a professional-looking, well-written resume that highlights your skills and that is tailored to the technology career you have chosen. First, review general resume advice and draft your resume accordingly. By following tips to craft your job search resume, you can put together an application that will stand out.

Choose a Resume Format
If you haven’t previously worked in technology or if you’re trying to change roles, consider using a functional or combination resume. That way, you can put the emphasis on your transferable skills. If most of your career to date has been in technology, stick with a chronological resume. This will show your time in the technology industry and highlight your progression.

Highlight the Most Relevant Details
Pick out the accomplishments that are most relevant to the potential employer. Instead of including a laundry list of all the responsibilities you’ve had, focus on the key problems you solved and the results you delivered. For example, if the company where you worked had an issue with quality control, and you were able to implement a solution, you might write something like this: “Reduced errors in software code by two percent by developing quality control and testing procedures and improving staff training.” Wherever possible, use numbers—doing so shows that you’re results-oriented.

Include Keywords
The technology industry is broad, and workers in this field often have a wide variety of skills. Think about what skills potential employers are looking for. For ideas, spend some time reading job ads. Include a list of the software programs you have experience with, and try to include some of the following terms:
• CAD design
• Certified
• Communication
• Customer service
• Design
• High tech
• Leadership
• Management
• People person
• Planning
• Quality control
• Team work
• Technology
• Usability

Get an Edge
Review job postings for the positions you’d like to have, so that you know what employers want. Use social networking sites to make connections with people who can provide leads and references. And consider building an online brand, so that you can influence employers who look you up on the web. By going beyond what usual job seekers do, you can capture an employer’s attention.