TECHNOLOGY CAREERS

The Truth About Resumes

If you’re not getting the attention you want from employers, it can be tempting to revise your resume. In many cases, this is a wise idea, as you can improve how your qualifications are presented and highlight more marketable skills. However, some job seekers take their revisions in the wrong direction, padding their resumes with false information in hopes of generating more interviews.

This is never a smart move, no matter how desperate you are to find a job. Stating that you earned a degree when you’re actually short nine units or that you managed a project when you were only an assistant may seem like a minor infraction, but it can ruin your prospects. Many companies conduct background and reference checks and can easily learn that you misrepresented yourself. Even a small overstatement of your skills, experience or education can eliminate you from contention and lead to your dismissal should managers discover the deception after you’re hired.  
So, what should you do if your resume lacks the “wow” factor? Here are some tips for standing out without stretching the truth:

1. Paint a vivid picture. Often, it’s not your work history or skills that are the problem; it’s how you’re showcasing them. Hiring managers should read your resume and have a clear idea of who you are and what you have to offer. Make sure you’re showcasing contributions at previous employers, not just listing responsibilities.
               Also, be specific when discussing your background. Saying that you “managed the company’s network” doesn’t tell companies what you did or whether you made any improvements to the network that benefited your employer. Did you design the system? Oversee employees who support the network? Troubleshoot problems that saved the company time and money?
2. Use keywords. Many organizations use resume-filtering software, which scans for certain words and evaluates how closely resume terms match the preferred language. The job ad can give you insight into potential keywords that might be searched by software or the hiring manager. If a company is looking for a web developer with strong Adobe Flash skills, for example, be sure to mention Adobe Flash and related projects in your background. Again, be honest and only use keywords that accurately reflect your qualifications.
3. Keep it neat. Your resume should be easy to read. You don’t need to hire a writer to achieve this goal; just be careful to avoid confusing language or acronyms (e.g., “Led TSR staff during our company’s IMV2 initiative.”). Also read your resume several times to ensure it makes sense and lacks typos, grammatical errors or misspellings. Ask friends and family members for proofreading assistance.
4. Include a winning cover letter. A well-written cover letter will convince the hiring manager to read on and take a look at your resume. Use this document to convey your enthusiasm and to balance out any weaknesses. For instance, if you just graduated from technical school and don’t have any experience, you might discuss what prompted you to consider the IT profession and mention the skills you possess that would benefit an employer, such as an eagerness to learn, a flexible mindset and an ability to work well on teams.

Giving your all to your employment search doesn’t have to mean adjusting your moral compass. Instead, concentrate your efforts on highlighting your skill set appropriately. Then, when you do capture the attention of employers, you’ll feel confident knowing it’s because of your true capabilities.

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.