This article looks at resumes from the perspective of someone who is entering the IT industry for the first time. This situation brings with it special considerations, which will be covered in this section.
Tip: Although there are no specific rules as to the length of the resume, the shorter a resume is the better. But don't sacrifice information just to keep the page count down. If you do go onto a second, or in extreme cases a third page, make sure you use the entire page. Lots of blank space can make it look like you ran out of things to say. If necessary, increase the font size or the spacing on your resume to achieve this goal.
Let's start with the basics. Your resume generally includes your name in a good-sized font at the top of the page. The font should be larger than the size used in the body of the resume to make your name stand out. It should not, however, be so large that it looks disproportionate to the rest of the text. There is no need to include the word resume at the top or anywhere else on the page. Everyone who reads it will know what it is.Your name should then be followed by your contact details, which should ideally list every possible way of contacting you, including email, home and cell phone numbers, and so on.
It is becoming increasingly popular for people to create Internet Web sites that act as online resumes with information about themselves. If you have done this, feel free to include the URL as part of your contact details, but only if the page is going to add something to your application. Directing employers to a poorly written Web page that expounds your passion for skydiving is unlikely to impress anyone. On the other hand, in certain situations, such as applying for a job as a Web page designer, a professional looking personal Web page is almost a prerequisite.
After your personal details, information placement gets a little trickier. As a novice in the IT industry, your resume needs to convey the fact that you are tech savvy, knowledgeable, and keen to expand on your current skills. The fact that you may have little or no IT experience should not necessarily be seen as a negative. Everyone has to have a first job.The key to conveying this point is to structure your resume in a certain way, so that rather than broadcasting the fact that you have limited experience, you present the many other qualities that would be of interest to the employer. These skills might include a positive attitude, excellent organizational skills, and a good-natured personality.
Tip: Whether or not they are IT related, describe past work experiences in a positive manner. Indicate other competencies like "managed a team of four" or "responsible for customer relations." These skills, although obtained in a non-IT position, are relevant to your overall ability and may be just as attractive to a prospective employer as your IT skills.
Talk about your qualifications or certifications. For formal education, list the institutions you attended along with the dates and subjects studied. Be sure to highlight any courses or modules of particular relevancy to the job position.
Tip: Conserve words and ensure meaning by always using active voice. Choose verbs like created, developed, managed, and executed when talking about your previous roles.
If you have attained a certification, list the certification along with the date that you achieved it. If your training and certification program included specific course components directly related to what the employer is advertising for, highlight these details. Many degree or certification programs, for example, have elective course requirements. If an elective course you have chosen matches the job requirement, make sure to reference this point.
Tip: Generally speaking, print your resume and cover letter on good quality, bright white paper. If you really must print on colored paper, use light pastel tones not bright colors. Using colored paper may help in certain cases, but white is generally regarded as the most professional color. White also scans well.
After the education portion, your resume should then list your IT related experience, be it details of hands-on experience or any exposure to IT in general. Conventional resume wisdom dictates that your work experience should appear chronologically early on in your resume. However, if you are looking for employment in a new field, it is worth focusing on your skills, certifications, and general personality characteristics first, and then listing past employment experiences. If you are lacking prior experience, you can still provide information to ensure that your resume looks attractive to employers. The objective is to provide the employer with sufficient background information so that they understand what you have done in the past and how that can benefit them while still believing you are ready for a new job role.
If you have been lucky enough to obtain some experience by working on a part time or volunteer basis, discuss the tasks you performed in your roles and what you achieved. It is perfectly reasonable for you to talk about a volunteer position as if it were a permanent role. This experience is your most valuable asset. Make the most ofit.
Tip: Although it may be tempting to do so, especially if your resume is looking a little bare, do not include information such as your age, marital status, or race. Companies are legally obligated to make recruiting decisions irrespective of this kind of information, so it will have no bearing on your suitability for a position.
