IT CV tips: quick changes to land your next tech job.

<p>CVs might seem irrelevant when applying for tech jobs but employers still value them for insight into your achievements and skills. We know updating your details is not exactly an exciting task but with more and more IT contractors’ jobs being snapped up, a polished CV can give you the edge in a competitive market.  </p>
<p>Writing a killer IT CV that lands you an interview means tailoring it to what the job requires. Whether this is your first time writing a CV or not, you must make it unique, relevant, concise, easy to read and above all – IT friendly. </p>
<p>So, before you apply for that new job in technology, follow these simple steps to making your CV stand out and be relevant.  </p>
<h3>IT CV top tips.</h3>
<h4>1. Demonstrate technical expertise.</h4>
<p>Don’t be too general and instead make sure you include the names of any software programmes you have experience of or any developments you have been involved in. Use bullet points if necessary and highlight in bold your technical experience.</p>
<p>Recruiters have precious little time to read through hundreds of CVs so make sure they can see your important skills at a glance and that you get noticed for the right reasons.</p>
<h4>2. Name drop.</h4>
<p>If this is your first time applying for an IT job you might be staring at a blank page and wondering what on earth to put under this section. But just because you don’t have any direct IT experience doesn’t mean there isn’t plenty you can write about. </p>
<p>Some of the world's biggest companies are tech ones so if you've worked for one of them - or in a technology role within a large well-known company - say so. If this is the case then you should consider putting your work experience with those attention-grabbing names high up your CV. </p>
<h4>3. Use the pyramid structure.</h4>
<p>It's an age-old adage that some employers don't even make it to the bottom of a CV. While that is not necessarily true, you should still put your most impressive achievements high up the document. That way you'll grab the reader's attention and make sure they read the highlights first.</p>
<h4>4. List more than just tech skills.</h4>
<p>An IT CV obviously needs to cover technical skills, qualifications and experience, but with IT ever-more crucial to wider business operations, the ability to explain technical terms and processes simply is a useful skill so make sure you get that point across.</p>
<p>“It’s important to describe your technical skills in the context of your daily work and give examples of projects you’ve worked on, at what level, and what you achieved”, says Chris Sheard, sales manager at Randstad technologies. “Given the fast-paced environment of IT, show too how you’ve kept yourself up-to-date with innovations in your field.”</p>
<h4>5. Mention training and courses.</h4>
<p>Personal development is important – mention mentoring programmes and courses you’ve attended. It will help employers to decide if you’ll fit in. Your style of writing should be clear and confident - don't be afraid to use bullet points - but avoid hyperbole and exaggerations. After all, you could be tested on your knowledge during the process.</p>
<h4>6. Ask a friend to review.</h4>
<p>Consider showing your CV to a trusted colleague or friend for criticism and suggestions. Randstad research shows that many IT professionals increasingly rely on co-workers for help in their career development.</p>