How to make your IT CV outstanding: 5 tips to tackle it!
Your CV is often the first thing a client ever sees of you. You would be surprised how many companies make their choices based on CVs and already exclude a lot of freelancers purely because of a poor(er) built resume. In other words, it is far too important to know how to make yours outstanding, to neglect it. No idea how to go about it? Not to worry, we give you 5 concrete tips here!
1. Clear and concise is the way to go
Firstly, make sure that people can judge at first sight whether you are a potential candidate. It should be very clear what the relevant information is, and where it is located on your CV. If it looks sloppy, many will throw it away immediately, and that would be a shame.
Sum up your trainings and experiences that are relevant to companies you want to work for in the future. Don’t forget to list all the technologies you have worked with! Those are often one of the first things clients look for. The most important aspect remains that you don’t make it a messy CV but stay clear and concise. You can always explain more in an interview.
2. Have someone proofread your CV
A second opinion can do wonders. What you deem to be clear or understandable enough may be completely illogical to someone else. So, ask someone you trust to reread your CV. You never know what good tips they will come up with!
Another reason why you should do this is that you are quick to read over a spelling mistake. Not done, of course. A second pair of eyes reduces the risk of a mistake ending up in your resume.
3. Update your resume frequently
Like your career, your CV is a living thing. Think of it this way: everything you would put on LinkedIn deserves a place on your CV. You are not the same person you were before your project(s), so make sure all your most recent and relevant experience is on there.
We’re talking about more than just ‘experience’, though. Put trainings, certificates, projects and skills gained on there too. Don’t forget the ‘softer’ skills; if you learned to coach people, that deserves a mention on your CV just as well.
Tailor your CV according to the client and/or the specific project you are targeting. You need to be the perfect answer to their vacancy or description. Don’t send one vague resume to 30 companies but rather take the time to customise it.
4. Keep it short!
You are not writing a book. Keep it short and snappy and limit yourself to no more than two pages. Let’s face it: no one is going to read more, no matter how interesting you are. Exclude experiences that don’t matter to this client, or things you’re not necessarily proud of. Remember: they are going to ask you questions about things on your CV, so make sure you can explain everything perfectly.
5. Be the flamingo in a flock of pigeons
By this we mean: setting yourself apart from the rest. Of course, your CV is meant to tell people more about yourself from a company perspective, but that doesn’t mean you can’t put anything else on it to paint your picture. Are there other (relevant) things you can tell about yourself? For example, have you ever organised an event for your school, or been a leader in a youth movement? Those are interesting things because they show a specific skillset and a sense of maturity. Moreover, they set you apart from other candidates.
Finally, don’t forget to mention things that are interesting for the project in question. Do they need you to be a good team player? Make sure you show them that you are! Are they looking for someone with coaching experience or does it involve organisational skills? Then definitely tell them about that youth movement.
To wrap it up…
… A resume may seem like ‘a simple piece of (online) paper’, but it is so much more than that. It is one of the most important negotiation and introduction tools you have.
Need more help? Don’t hesitate to reach out to us, we’re here to support you.
Are you struggling with more than just that CV and need more information on how to set your rate, for example? Then check out our blog section, because we’ve already written a lot about these subjects. Here you go: How do I determine my rate as a freelancer?
See you soon?
We are Youssef – founder of addon – and Hajar and Adam – recruiters. The three of us establish the smooth sailings of our organisation. As we want to keep our personal and human values high, we welcome anyone who wants to contribute to our story and mission. Don’t be shy to contact us: we’re approachable, available and we can’t wait to meet you!
