IT Jobs: Create the Perfect CV for an IT Specialist

The number of newly hired people in programming positions continues to grow, and there is still a shortage of qualified IT specialists because the digitalised and globalised world requires an ever-increasing number of new applications and computer programs—and, consequently, programmers to create them. Generally speaking, IT specialists are currently, and will remain for a long time, highly sought after on the job market.

At the same time, however, competition is not sleeping, especially when it comes to positions at large technology corporations. That is why it is important to create a professional CV, giving you a better chance of success at your dream company.

7 Steps to the Perfect Programmer CV

You are familiar with various codes and passwords, but when it comes to applying for a job, the process may seem like a language programmed in such a way that you cannot fully decipher it. HR managers have high expectations and little time. They expect a perfectly structured CV that presents your undeniable programming skills at first glance.
Meeting these high expectations can be difficult. But writing a good programmer CV is surprisingly similar to writing good code. A résumé should contain well-constructed sentences, be free of errors and be adapted to the employer’s changing requirements. Below, we will show you 7 steps to help you create the perfect CV.

1. Create a Solid CV Structure

Every programmer who respects themselves hates so-called spaghetti code, which is complicated and difficult to understand. Similarly, recruiters reject sloppy, unclear résumés. They expect everything to be in a logical order so they can read and analyse it quickly and easily. What should you pay particular attention to?

• Use reverse chronological order.
• Create an eye-catching CV heading with your contact details.
• Use elegant, readable fonts, set your CV margins to 2.5 cm on every side and set the line spacing to 1.15 cm.
• Divide your CV into clear sections and highlight each block with a heading whose font size is larger than the body text. Ideally, use 12 points for the main text and 14–16 points for headings.

These are the areas a programmer’s CV should include:

• Heading with contact details
• Professional summary/career objective
• Professional experience
• Education
• Skills

Additional information (certificates, interests, projects, etc.)

Formatting tip: send your CV as a PDF file unless explicitly advised otherwise. With PDF files, the structure is preserved, and the documents can be opened and read on almost any device.

2. Put Your Programmer Experience First

The professional experience section is the most important of all, so start your CV with it. Here is how to do it properly:

• Describe your current job first.
• Include basic information such as your position, company name and location, as well as the period of employment.
• For each entry, write no more than six bullet points describing your duties. Make sure this information matches the requirements of the position and include statements confirming your results, rather than merely listing tasks.
• Whenever possible, quantify your achievements. Mention percentage increases or decreases, cost savings or profit growth, and even the number of team members. In short, if something can be measured, include the number.

3. Add Your Education

It is only your educational background; no one really pays attention to it, right? Nothing could be further from the truth! Recruiters want to see that you have the theoretical qualifications for a programmer CV. How can you prove that your education makes you competent for the position?

• If you have at least two years of experience, basic information is enough. Name your school or university, list your degree and academic achievements.
• If you are still studying or have only recently completed your education, add more details about it to your CV. Consider listing additional courses, extracurricular activities and academic achievements.
• If you are still studying, add the expected completion date.

4. Tailor Your IT Skills to the Job Advertisement

As with the rest of your CV, you should not be too general here either. Such incomplete information irritates recruiters. They want to see that you actually possess the skills needed for this particular job.

• Read the job advertisement carefully and write down the keywords that relate to your skills. Review the sections on your education and professional experience, note the skills shown there, and think of other relevant examples from your career or educational path.
• Use this information to create a “master list” of your software development skills. Check which of them meet the position’s requirements and choose 5–10 skills to include in your CV.
• Create a mix of soft and hard skills. Computer literacy, IT skills and programming languages are obvious choices for a programmer. However, do not neglect soft skills such as interpersonal communication or time management. Soft skills are often overlooked in the IT industry, so make sure they have a place on your CV.

5. Add Additional Sections to Your CV

The CV section devoted to your skills is the last of the “standard” sections of a programmer’s résumé. If you want to stand out, you should give recruitment specialists something extra. Think about the advantages of including additional information. If you present it effectively, you will also give HR managers a pleasant surprise and another reason to invite you to a job interview!
Good ideas for additional sections, such as industry certifications, projects, conferences and volunteering, or a Hobbies and Interests section, can work well for less experienced candidates. Just make sure they are relevant and clearly described.

6. Professional Summary

Now that your CV is almost complete, it is time to return to the beginning. Your professional summary or CV objective is the introduction to your job application and should attract the hiring manager’s attention right from the start.
A CV summary is intended primarily for experienced candidates and describes relevant skills, experience and achievements. A career objective is intended for young professionals and describes your key skills and career goals.

How to start your CV:

• Read again what you have already written in your CV. Your CV summary or career objective summarises your strengths as a candidate for this particular position.
• Choose 2–3 of your best achievements and skills from the sections on your experience and skills.
• Use this formula to compose your summary/career objective: adjective + position + years of experience + achievements + skills + what you want to do for the company.

7. Programmer Cover Letter

Most companies also expect a cover letter as part of a job application. It is always better to write one so you do not risk being disqualified because it is missing.

What should a programmer’s cover letter include?

A cover letter complements and enriches your CV. It should not merely be a more elaborate description of what already appears in your CV. Include additional information about your achievements to present yourself as a potential employee of the company.

• Make sure your cover letter is short and to the point. The ideal cover letter length is no more than one page.
• Add an extra hook in the introduction to your cover letter. Capture the recruiter’s attention and encourage them to keep reading with your best and most fascinating professional achievement.
• Use the middle section of the cover letter to provide even more “evidence” of your skills.
• At the end of the cover letter, thank the reader and skillfully formulate a call to further action—that is, a job interview.

Ask for an opportunity to discuss the position further in person and add one final argument about what you can offer the company, so that the recruiter can do nothing but contact you.