Ever wondered what is the best way to make your technically-focused CV stand out? Well, we've pulled together five essential tips for you to make sure you’re ahead of the rest.
If you're starting your CV from scratch, have a look at our advice here on how to best structure your CV. If you've already covered the basics, focus on the five tips below to prove that you are a cut above other technical candidates.
1. CV Protocol
The length of a CV is very important - depending on your seniority it should be between one and two pages. At university, it's good to aim for a concise one page CV. Remember to place your most relevant details near the top and always ensure that it's specifically targeted to the job you are applying for. At this stage of your career, education should always come before any work experience.
2. Say more about your technical skills
Make sure you list all your key technical skills - these could include your knowledge of coding languages, platforms, systems etc. On top of this, make sure you list your level of ability for each skill.
It's important to include where you gained that particular skill, whether it be via a module during your degree, a short course or if it was self-taught. To go even further, it's useful to say what projects you have applied your knowledge to. Make sure you use website links if the projects are viewable online (and appropriate).
If you have studied a technical degree ensure that you highlight any modules that are most relevant to the job for which you're applying.
And of course, refrain from exaggerating. You may be asked to prove any of your listed abilities in a technical interview and so to avoid any sore points, list the dates when you were using the programme. That way, if you're ever so slightly rusty it’s explainable. That said, if one of those skills is key to the particular job for which you're applying, it's would be a good thing to brush up on it.
3. Structure
As a technical candidate, it's of the utmost importance that your CV is well structured. Clear and logical structures will stand out to a technical recruiter. You need to make sure you grab their attention for the right reasons. Similarly your language should reflect this standard and be strong and concise. Be accurate and proof read.
4. Are you right for the job...?
Often with technical job requirements there will be a list of mandatory skills. It's imperative that each of these skills is listed on your CV. Diligently check you have included them all and list in order of importance, according to the job specification.
5. Do not neglect your other abilities
Make sure you demonstrate that although your strengths lie in the technical, this does not mean you are a one dimensional candidate. Make sure your grammar and punctuation are absolutely tip top. Your CV should demonstrate that you communicate well, you think commercially and that you are a high-quality candidate.