Showing posts with label Competencies. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Competencies. Show all posts
12/6/11
IT Resume Strategies for Technical Core Competencies: Part 2 - Strategies for Technical Leaders
In my last article, I discussed 3 effective strategies to present - and leverage - technical expertise for a hands-on technical role. In this article, I'd like to address strategies to incorporate technical expertise in a leadership or senior level resume.
Technical expertise remains important at a more senior level - but technical expertise needs to play a supporting - not a primary - role. All resumes, of course, are achievement based. Duties and responsibilities remain relatively similar for similar jobs - but achievements are individual. When you move into a leadership role, the need to demonstrate results grows exponentially. So technology no longer takes the center stage.
Here are a few thoughts on the most effective approaches to integrate technical expertise into your leadership Resume.
1) Don't lead with Technical Core Competencies:
As a Director, VP, or C-level technology executive, your "value proposition will revolve around effective integration of technology with strategic business objectives. Metrics - increased efficiency, reduced cost, and streamlined operation - are primary. So focus your profile in delivering business value, and highlight strategic Core Competencies on the first half of page 1.
2) Position Technologies at the End of the Document:
Since Technical Core Competencies are supporting information for a senior level resume, that information needs to easily available - but not distract from more crucial achievements. End of page 2 (or page 3, if your resume requires it) is often the best fit. Keywords are there for automated systems - and can be scanned by human readers - but don't take up valuable first page real estate.
3) Streamline the Technical Core Competencies:
While a Developer would be well served to include a comprehensive list of tools and technologies, at a more senior level, it's better to cut back to more essential approaches. Organize the Technologies clearly, and include the most critical in today's market. As a rule of thumb, 1/3 of a page is adequate - you don't want all of page 3 to be a list at a senior level.
There is some debate in the Resume and Recruiting industries on including Technical Core Competencies for a Senior Level IT Resume. Needless to say, as CIO, no one will expect you to write code.
But I feel technologies do add real value - at the Manager, Director, and C-level - if the technological expertise is effectively presented. Technical depth builds credibility - both with many hiring authorities and with technical teams. So include it - but distract from more critical concerns.
In my next article, I'll address older, obsolete, or legacy technologies.
My goal is to help technology's "best and brightest" take their careers to the next level.
As a technical resume authority and former recruiter, I am committed to crafting compelling resumes, cover letters, and other career documents that capture your career essentials, seize and hold the hiring authority's attention, and open the door for the 1st interview.
For more information, please contact me at http://www.quantumtechresumes.com/.
Follow me on twitter at https://twitter.com/QuanTechResume.
12/1/11
Technical Competencies in Your IT Resume: Part 1 - Strategies for Hands-On Technical Professionals
Technical Core Competencies are an absolutely critical element in a solid, interview winning IT or Engineering resume. But - as with all elements of a strong resume - it's important to have a clear, definite strategy in the approach you choose to highlight these technical strengths.
It is critical to ensure that you demonstrate the necessary technical depth. But it's equally important to present technical skills in a way that doesn't overwhelm the reader.
Here are 3 approaches to demonstrate your technology expertise and position yourself for new hands-on opportunities in development, network engineering, or other engineering disciplines.
1) Highlight You Technical Core Competencies Front and Center:
Frequently, for clients seeking hands-on roles, I recommend including a list of technologies immediately after the professional profile on page 1 of your resume.
In hands-on technical roles, specific skill sets are critical. So you need to make it absolutely clear to the hiring authority that you've got the chops to handle the job.
A couple of cautions, though. Be sure to format the section clearly by using subheadings like Languages, Tools, and Platforms for example. Start with the most crucial - if the job is for a Java developer, be sure to lead with Programming Languages.
Also, be careful to keep the list a manageable length - don't distract from hard accomplishments in your most recent positions.
2) Incorporate Technology within Your Accomplishments:
If technology plays a critical role in your accomplishments - or if you used an innovative approach to solve a specific business or technical issue, you might want to consider including the technology directly in the accomplishment bullet.
For example, "Leveraged Java to deliver innovative solution that grew revenue by 20%," includes technical competency and the business value of the achievement. That's a strong combination!
3) Include Tools Used as a Separate Bullet Point:
Another option is to include the tools used as a bullet point after job descriptions. This approach is particularly effective if you've used variations on core technologies in different jobs, and can demonstrate both technical depth and breadth.
But do avoid repetition. If you've used the same technologies consistently, better placed at the beginning or end of the resume.
As a final thought, these strategies aren't mutually exclusive. You can certainly take a "mix and match" approach to highlight your key strengths. But, as always, remember that the core of a resume is accomplishments. Be certain that everything you write shows not only your skills - but also what you can deliver.
In my future articles, I'll address best practices for including technology in a senior or executive technology resume, and approaches to address legacy technologies.
My goal is to help technology's "best and brightest" take their careers to the next level.
As a technical resume authority and former recruiter, I am committed to crafting compelling resumes, cover letters, and other career documents that capture your career essentials, seize and hold the hiring authority's attention, and open the door for the 1st interview.
For more information, please contact me at http://www.quantumtechresumes.com/.
Follow me on twitter at https://twitter.com/QuanTechResume.
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