TECHNOLOGY CAREERS

Five Tricky Resume Situations and How to Address Them

One of the chief reasons many people dread writing a resume is that they don’t know how to properly address certain tricky details. Say, for example, that your work history is less than perfect, or you don’t meet a common educational requirement. How do you let a hiring manager know without jeopardizing your chances of being called in for an interview? Here are five common issues you may face with your resume and strategies for managing them:

1. You have a gap in your work history. If the gap is due a single event, such as a layoff or time spent raising children, you might explain the reason in your cover letter. Be sure to note anything you have done to stay current on IT trends during that time, such as attending association events or taking classes.  

If you have several gaps, you might consider a resume format that highlights your skills rather than your dates of employment. Begin your resume with a brief summary of your qualifications, followed by a section detailing your hardware and software skills, as well as abilities in other areas, such as negotiation, leadership and communication. Also mention any professional certifications or special degrees you hold. End your resume with a reverse chronological listing of your work history.

2. You don’t have much work experience. If you’re a recent graduate or relatively new to the profession, it may seem challenging to fill the white space on a resume. However, if you consider all of your jobs, including those outside of the IT field, internships and volunteer work, you likely have a lot to offer. Just be sure to highlight responsibilities and talents gained that are relevant to the position you seek.

Recognize, too, that you aren’t necessarily at a disadvantage in today’s job market. Nearly nine out of 10 chief information officers surveyed for the latest Robert Half Technology IT Hiring Index and Skills Report who plan to hire said they expect to concentrate activity at the staff level (up to five years of experience).

3. You lack a college degree. Many employers seek IT candidates who possess a college degree. If you don’t meet this educational preference, make sure your resume plays up your marketable skills, notable contributions you’ve made to previous employers and any certifications you may possess. Although not always true, exceptional talents and a solid work history can sometimes keep applicants who don’t meet all prerequisites in the running for the job.


4. You’ve spent your entire IT career at just one employer. Be sure to list and describe all of the positions held at the organization. A solid pattern of advancement, combined with your demonstrated ability to commit to a company, can be a strong selling point. If you have remained in the same role for some time, you might point out how you have kept your skills sharp so hiring managers know your abilities have not become stagnant.


5. You have short tenures at many companies. Be careful about omitting any positions in your work history as it may backfire if prospective employers learn you didn’t disclose every aspect of your work history. Explain in your cover letter any reasons that were beyond your control for the brief time at companies — for instance, you might have worked for a number of high-tech startups that folded. If you job-hopped for other reasons, be prepared to discuss the situation. You might note, for example, that you thought salary was critical when you were younger but you are now motivated by professional challenge and long-term potential at a firm.

Don’t let the tricky aspects of your background give you writer’s block. Look for ways to balance out your shortcomings and highlight all that you do have to offer to employers. You’ll help to capture the attention of hiring managers for the right reasons.

Robert Half Technology is a leading provider of IT professionals for initiatives ranging from web development and multiplatform systems integration to network security and technical support. The company has more than 100 locations worldwide. Search for jobs now or learn more at www.rht.com.