Candidates seeking to land a position in the technology sector face a very particular set of challenges. How exactly to highlight project specifics and accomplishments when most recruiters/hiring managers lack a technical background? Don’t panic. Use these simple methods to create a balance between tech and non-tech skills, and vastly increase the attention you receive when submitting.
1) CREATE A SIMPLE OPENING PARAGRAPH
Before getting into the jargon-heavy specifics of your work history, create an opening highlighting transferable skills and making your abilities clear to a non-techie. Keep it simple, along the lines of, “Versatile professional adept at building and maintaining databases, rapidly troubleshooting issues, and working closely with technical teams to ensure on-time and under-budget project completion.” Be sure to integrate pertinent certifications, and ONLY mention specific languages and technologies at the very end (if at all).
2) CREATE A “CORE COMPETENCIES” SECTION HIGHLIGHTING NON-TECHNICAL SKILLS FIRST
A “Core Competencies” section is basically a bulleted list of skills that should be placed before your actual work history. As technical professionals are assumed to possess in-depth knowledge of computer systems, languages, etc., highlight NON-TECHNICAL SKILLS first, such as Multi-Project Management, Troubleshooting, and Staff Training/Mentoring. Doing so creates a point-of-entry for non-technical readers. Seek a balance between non-technical and technical skills, not just in this section, but throughout your resume.
3) MINIMIZE INDUSTRY JARGON WHEREVER POSSIBLE
Don’t assume a reader will automatically comprehend abbreviations taken for granted in your industry. Always take the extra step of spelling out acronyms such as ITIL (Information Technology Infrastructure Library) to ensure clarity.
4) STREAMLINE ADVANCED TRAINING CREDITS
Nothing saps reader interest more than seeing a page-and-a-half of continuing education and training courses. Sort through what you have, and ONLY include those that have a direct bearing on the position you’re targeting.