writing resumes for technology professionals

Writing Resumes for Technology Professionals

Stephen Van Vreede, ITtechExec

March 18–20, 2013

The Resume Project Lifecycle

• Set Scope & Requirements• Define Target Market• Create Value Proposition• Execute on Strategy

(c) 2013 2013 Career Thought Leaders Conference & Symposium 2

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”


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?


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”


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?


Common Challenges• “Jack of all trades” issue• Job hopping• Level of detail

– Job history– Technologies

• Certifications vs. education• Business value


Important Terms & Concepts• Infrastructure

– Virtualization (Server, Desktop)– Cloud (Private, Public, Hybrid)– BYOD– Data Center/SAN– IaaS, PaaS, SaaS


Important Terms & Concepts• IT Governance

– SLAs and KPIs– Regulatory Compliance (SOX, HIPAA)– Security Standards (PCI)– Disaster Recovery– Business Continuity


Important Terms & Concepts• Other

– Business Intelligence (BI) & Big Data– Convergence / Unified Communications– Program Management Office (PMO)– SDLC: Agile, Scrum, Waterfall– Outsourcing/BPO: Offshore, Nearshore


Part IV: The Client Population• Who are they anyway?

– C-Suite Executive: CIO, CTO



– IT Manager or Director– Tech Hybrid Role

• IT Liaison• Project Manager• Sales Engineer



– Hands-on Tech Geek


Engagement Approach• Quickly assess personality type• Ask probing questions• Clarify acronyms and other data• Research relevant tech topics• Prepare before your client interview


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


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


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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