Here’s How You Can Make Your Tech CV Stand Out
The current job market is tough. In the tech market specifically, employment across all sectors declined by approximately 214,000 jobs in April, according to the tech trade association CompTIA, which analyzes data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
It’s even harder for Black workers to find a job as unemployment among Black Americans rose to its highest level in more than three years. In June, the jobless rate for Black Americans increased to 6.8%, up from 6% in May, according to the Labor Department, as reported by CNN.
So, how can you stand out in today’s job market? Improve your CV. We know you’ve heard this advice time and again, but having the right CV is the first step to securing a good job role. Want to make sure your resume stands out from the crowd? Here’s how.
Make your CV easy to read
In a job market where employers receive hundreds of resumes for a single job role, it’s essential to make your CV easy to read.
“As a founder, I might have 50 CVs to get through in one go. If I can’t work out someone’s key skills in the first 20 seconds, I’ll probably move on. The best CVs are structured with clear headings, bullet points, and short, sharp sentences. It shouldn’t read like an essay – it should read like a highlight reel,” founder and CEO Deepak Tailor of Latest Free Stuff tells POCIT.
Highlight your impact
Your CV should highlight technical depth and quantitative impact.
“For example, instead of saying that ‘I am familiar with Python or JavaScript’ I’d highlight where and how I applied them, such as ‘Developed a Python automation script that reduced data processing time by 40%’, or ‘Developed a React front-end for an internal tool which increased user satisfaction ratings by 25%,'” Vit Koval, an HR & Career Expert and the CEO of Globy says.
Koval explains that by doing this, not only do you demonstrate what you know, but you also show how you’ve used your skills to drive value.
Tailor your CV to the role
“It’s very obvious when a candidate has sent the same CV to every company under the sun,” Tailor says. If you want to stand out, highlight your skills that are relevant to the role you’re applying for.
“Even small tweaks – like reordering your skills or giving more detail on one relevant project – can show me you’ve actually thought about this role, not just fired off another application,” Tailor adds.
Koval likes to include a brief “Tech Summary” at the beginning of his CV that highlights his most relevant tools, frameworks, and accomplishments so that the hiring manager can see his biggest strengths first.
What are some red flags on a tech CV?
Tailor believes vagueness is a red flag on a CV. “If a CV is full of generic phrases like ‘worked on various projects’ or ‘responsible for improvements’ without explaining what was actually achieved, it’s almost impossible to judge the person’s impact.”
Poor presentation is also another turn-off for employers. “A CV that’s messy, inconsistent, or full of typos suggests a lack of attention to detail, which is the last thing you want in a tech role where precision really matters,” Tailor adds.
Image: Yanalya
