No matter the job you're applying for, you want to make sure your resume accurately depicts your skills and experience. This is especially important when applying to a technical position. You want to display your skills in a way that shows what you have accomplished in your previous positions and how you can add value to the new position you are applying for.
Although each resume should be tailored to the position you are applying for, here are the key elements that all technical resumes should include.
Personal Information
This should be a header that includes your first and last name, phone number, and email address.
Summary
Use this section to highlight your skills that align with the position to which you are applying, especially if they aren't reflected in your current or most recent position. Bullets can be helpful here.
Professional Experience
This section should describe both your responsibilities and your accomplishments. Explain your duties and show how you've used your skills to succeed in your role. Use a bulleted list to give a clear picture of your skills and abilities. Numbers and data can help a hiring manager gauge how you performed. Use keywords from the original job description in your resume. This will stand out to recruiters and their filtering software. This section should only contain the experience that is professionally related to the job you are applying for. Remember to avoid repetition when describing the responsibilities of each position.
Certifications and Skills
You should list all technical skills and certifications you have that make you a competitive candidate and would help you to perform the job requirements. This includes all computer programs, databases, coding tools, and platforms that you have adequate knowledge of. It's helpful if you include your level of expertise for each skill. Remember to be honest here as anything you have listed on your resume may be brought up in an interview.
Education
Include your educational experience and degrees earned on your resume.
Technical Resume Tips
Tailor the resume to match each job - take time to make sure your resume includes the required skills and experience from the job posting.
Give context to your technical skills - When speaking about your work experience, provide specific details on how you've used these skills in your previous positions.
Keep it short - You have a very short amount of time to catch a recruiter's attention. Showcase your experience clearly and succinctly.
Use these tips to create a technical resume that clearly describes your skills, experience, and accomplishments that will help you to stand out among other candidates.