Overview of key elements in crafting resumes for tech pros.

1. Writing Resumes for Technology
Professionals
Stephen Van Vreede, ITtechExec
March 18–20, 2013

2. The Resume Project Lifecycle
•
•
•
•
Set Scope & Requirements
Define Target Market
Create Value Proposition
Execute on Strategy
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3. Developing the Strategy
• Define the Project Scope
– What job(s) will the client pursue?
– Is there a specific industry focus?
– What size and type of company do they prefer?
– Consider breadth of roles and levels included in
the resume “objective”
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4. Developing the Strategy
• Analyze Stakeholder Needs
– Who is the audience?
– What’s important to each segment of the
audience?
– What expectations do the audience members
have at various review stages?
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5. Developing the Strategy
• Craft the Overarching Brand Theme
– Revisit the stakeholder needs
– Layer on the signature client data, such as:
• Personal strengths
• Experience
• Achievements
– Ensure the brand is a “value-add”
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6. Developing the Strategy
• Design the Format
– Are there any special considerations?
• Multiple contract or consulting jobs
• Numerous projects or client engagements
• “Title-only” promotions
– Is a “Technical Skills” section appropriate?
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7. Common Challenges
• “Jack of all trades” issue
• Job hopping
• Level of detail
– Job history
– Technologies
• Certifications vs. education
• Business value
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8. Important Terms & Concepts
• Infrastructure
– Virtualization (Server, Desktop)
– Cloud (Private, Public, Hybrid)
– BYOD
– Data Center/SAN
– IaaS, PaaS, SaaS
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9. Important Terms & Concepts
• IT Governance
– SLAs and KPIs
– Regulatory Compliance (SOX, HIPAA)
– Security Standards (PCI)
– Disaster Recovery
– Business Continuity
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10. Important Terms & Concepts
• Other
– Business Intelligence (BI) & Big Data
– Convergence / Unified Communications
– Program Management Office (PMO)
– SDLC: Agile, Scrum, Waterfall
– Outsourcing/BPO: Offshore, Nearshore
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11. Part IV: The Client Population
• Who are they anyway?
– C-Suite Executive: CIO, CTO
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12. Part IV: The Client Population
• Who are they anyway?
– IT Manager or Director
– Tech Hybrid Role
• IT Liaison
• Project Manager
• Sales Engineer
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13. Part IV: The Client Population
• Who are they anyway?
– Hands-on Tech Geek
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14. Engagement Approach
•
•
•
•
•
Quickly assess personality type
Ask probing questions
Clarify acronyms and other data
Research relevant tech topics
Prepare before your client interview
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15. Addressing Challenges
• “Jack of all trades”
– Pick a niche
– Market to a small/medium company
• Job hopping
– Consolidate contract or consulting roles
– Combine entries for acquired/merged entities
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16. Addressing Challenges
• Too much detail
– Find balance based on job type/level
– Use addendum for tech skills, etc.
• Education and training
– Consider what’s current and relevant
– Highlight leadership or cutting-edge tech training
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17. Addressing Challenges
• Communicating business value
– No access to metrics or financials
– Translating technical value
– What did business do with technology?
– How did tech landscape change during role?
– Employ the “So What?” test to probe deeper
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18. stephen@ittechexec.com
http://www.ittechexec.com
www.linkedin.com/in/stephenvanvreede
@ittechexec
www.facebook.com/ITtechExec
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