A hiring manager will look to your resume writing for a reflection of your organizational skills and ability to deliver clear and succinct communication. A resume sets the stage for your
interview. It won't get you the job but it will get you in the door.
Resume Writing Lays Groundwork for Your Interview
The curious person will usually ask about things that stand out. Present your key accomplishments as bullet points. This highlights your strengths, allows you to prepare for questions you know you will be asked and leads to great first impressions.
Honesty is the Best Policy
From spell-checking to truthfulness, software engineers are best represented by writing a resume that is accurate and succinct. Tech recruiters report that, on average, they spend just 8 seconds reviewing a resume. They look at geographic location, details of your last job, education, then the skills list. Don't try to include everything you have ever done. Focus on those projects that are the most relevant to your interests, are most appealing to prospective employers and offer the greatest example of your skills.
Managers Want Information
Hiring managers do not want to read a lot of information. Highlight your technical qualifications in a technical qualifications profile. Bullet points are fine and a project may be described in as little as two sentences with sub-points highlighting all technical accomplishments.
Include details about documentation skills, customer interaction, team collaborations or other 'soft' skills. Companies hire the person first, skills second.
Cover Letters Matter
Cover letters matter. Hiring managers often complain that they are given candidates whose resumes look alike. The cover letter reveals more about you and helps you stand apart.
For a busy hiring manager looking for a software engineer, the perfect resume:
- Is one or two pages: Keep it short and sweet. Remember you have 10 seconds or less to draw attention to your profile.
- Showcases projects with technical implementation descriptions: Engineers look for algorithms, techniques, and niche software while recruiters look for keywords.
- Lists technical proficiencies: Listing twenty languages you've used is pretty standard, but try to specify a subset of your strengths. List which those are and what you are most proficient in using.
- Post code online and point to it: There's only so much you can get across in interviews. Consider a Github account and provide a link to it.
Customize your Resume Writing to the Position
- Include project descriptions that are related to the position you are applying for. Within each job's section, put only major accomplishments and key items that answer "what makes me different from everyone else".
- Your most recent work should generally go before your earlier work and your education generally comes after work experience (unless fresh out of school).
- Remove any fluff. Resist writing things like "interfaced with members of QA" or "worked closely with managers."
- When it comes to formatting, make it look nice but less is more. Bullet points, numbering, tasteful usage of bold and italics will work to make your resume much easier to scan and attractive to the eyes of those who read it.
Consider using a recruiter or a Staffing Firm. Not only will you get good resume advice but maybe a recruiter will have your next dream job…If you’re are interested in speaking to a recruiter at Incendia, click the button below.
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