What are some common IT resume mistakes and how can you avoid them?

When reviewing resumes I don’t mind long ones but ensure your responsibilities and achievements are bulleted for a quick read. Add more details to the most recent experience.

In my experience as an applicant it's different depending on where you apply -- so keep in mind the company culture! In public institutions -- government, education, etc. You will either be required to follow the Federal Resume Template (which can easily get up to 3-5 pages), or they will expect something of a long form resume. In private institutions that I've applied to however, I like to keep a short-form, 1 Page resume as that's what's gotten me the most success there.

Don't go beyond 3 to 5 years of experience. Hiring managers are looking for a concise recent experience that applies to the job or at least capability.

Remove other certifications not relevant to the job, or even the job realm. Because you were an EMT or certified physical trainer (I'm sure you're proud of this, and it's hard to let go) doesn't mean it relevant to IT or Cyber jobs.

Keep a running list (either in a personal notebook, or your phone, etc) of all the projects and any notable tasks you have completed. This will help you remember you key achievements and what to highlight on your resumes and in interviews. This does not need to be detailed, just enough to refresh your memory when looking over it: - Implemented IP Radio system - Lead/worked on team to migrate email domains - Migrated file share server from Windows Server 2008 to 2022 - Wrote PowerShell script to automate new-hire process Hiring managers want to know that you can do the job, and providing examples of doing the job will prove that more than any degree or certification.

Remember, being close works when playing Horseshoes. Your CV must be 100% accurate both in content AND grammar, syntax and spelling. A deviation in any of these is not acceptable.

This is a big one for me. Use spellcheck! It’s a basic IT skill set free with most document creation applications so use it! When reviewing resumes these are things that quickly tell me you don’t pay attention to details.

I agree with Melissa! I'm okay seeing 1-2 spelling errors when reading a cover letter or a resume, but, if one of those documents is absolutely laden it becomes a big distraction and makes it far less likely for me to continue with that candidate. In addition, almost every document editor has the option to export what you've made as a PDF -- make sure you're doing that. I've opened so many ODT, DOCX, DOC files that very obviously did not survive the process of getting updated to the latest version of word or getting parsed into Paycom. 9.99995/10 times the PDF will open perfectly for me or the next recruiter.

You've got two heavy-duty tools in your arsenal to get the phone to ring for that initial HR interview - your CV and cover letter. USE BOTH! Why operate at 50% capacity when you can operate at 100%? Remember: the goal is to get noticed. It's like trying to fight with one hand tied behind your back. How effective will you be like that?

Definitely agree a cover letter is a must even if the job doesn’t require it to apply. Cover letters set the stage and allow you to brag on yourself and why you fit the job description. It also gives hiring managers the opportunity to see your writing skills and understand why you want to work there.

The cover letter is often overlooked, but should definitely be submitted. If there is an opportunity to provide two solid documents - your CV and cover letter - that vouch for you, why wouldn't you? Use all available tools in your arsenal to increase your profile!

Just use AI to write a cover letter, most don't care if it's impactful, they just care if it's present in the application packet.

Lack of proofreading: Grammatical errors, typos, and inconsistencies can create a negative impression of your attention to detail. Always proofread your resume multiple times, use spell-check tools, and consider asking someone else to review it for you. It's crucial to present a polished and error-free document.

I totally agree with Khalid. When I'm reading a resume, and it's just covered in grammatical errors and typos, I'm unfortunately going to skip over it and move to the next candidate when hiring. I need to know that my potential candidate is going to care about the job that they're applying for, and if the resume doesn't contain basic proofreading I'm worried about how serious they actually are about the job.

Many job applicant systems are using scanning programs to take the first pass through resumes. This presents a challenge for applicants because they need a document rich in keywords to get through the scanning score but also with the ability to show solutions to a human reader such as recruiter/hiring manager. One approach could be to use a more bullet/key word driven version of the resume when applying on a job board or applicant tracking system. Use a more a descriptive version when applying directly with a recruiter or hiring manager.

You must invest the time to develop a CV that addresses the specifics of the job call/position description of interest to you. No, you cannot submit a generic CV and hope for the best. Tailor it. Ensure that your CV submission includes key words/phrases that appear in the job call/PD. Doing so will increase the likelihood that your CV will pass Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS), used by HR to create the initial round short-list.

Neglecting an online presence: In the IT field, having an online presence can greatly enhance your chances of being noticed by employers. Include links to your professional portfolio, LinkedIn profile, or relevant open-source contributions. Ensure that your online profiles are up-to-date and reflect your skills and achievements.