Resume & Cover Letter Writing: Technical

Showing posts with label Technical. Show all posts

3/30/12

IT Infrastructure Manager Technical Resume Writing Tips

Technical Resume: IT Infrastructure Manager

Technical resumes can be a challenge to write effectively. For IT infrastructure managers, this problem is compounded immensely. You have a specific skill set that is difficult to communicate. If you elect to seek a professional resume writer, you will quickly realize that most do not have a technical foundation. As a result, they typically don't know where to begin and which questions to ask. So what do you do?

Resume Strategy

First and foremost, you need to prepare a strategy for your resume. Consider who your audience is and what they really want to see in an ideal candidate. Are you a passive candidate (someone that submits most of their resumes to online job boards)? Are you going to be using your professional network and recruiters to help you with your job search? Most candidates take an approach that combines the two, so being sensitive to the needs of all three groups is essential.

HR representatives tend to review the resume quickly by doing a broad overview, looking more to eliminate candidates they deem as "unqualified" as opposed to trying to discern the best candidates. This review often includes examining the chronology to determine if the candidate has employment gaps or would be considered a job hopper.

Technical recruiters are interested only in candidates that are currently employed and that are doing the job their client (the company) is hiring for now. So, in essence, recruiters are looking for candidates that are a 10 out of 10 match. If you fall in that category, recruiters tend to prefer resumes that are longer and contain as many details as you can provide. They often ask candidates they want to work with to expand on certain sections of the resume to provide them and their client with more information.

Decision makers and influencers, those in your professional network, want you to keep things simple and straight forward. A two-page resume that tells them what they want to know and highlights your skills and achievements is the ideal for this group. Keep in mind, their initial review is going to last less than one minute, so structure the resume in a manner that makes your core accomplishments stand out from the basic information.

Infrastructure Technologies

Communicating the technologies that you know is important. However, mentioning all the infrastructure hardware, applications, and services you have worked in is not a good idea. Also, listing the technologies used for each project or each job is not recommended. Provide an organized and succinct overview of your technical skills in a separate section at the end of the resume. If you used a hot new infrastructure technology in your most recent position, you can certainly make a reference to it in the resume entry, just try to avoid going overboard here.

Infrastructure Solutions

When you write about the infrastructure solutions you designed, deployed, and managed, this is where most recruiters and hiring executives are going to focus their attention. So what do you tell them that they have not already heard? I mean, doesn't everyone with experience as an IT infrastructure manager do similar things?

Describe the particular challenge faced by the business. Communicate the solution you developed, the obstacles you overcame to deploy it, and how the new infrastructure solution delivered benefit or business value. That's the most important element of an IT Infrastructure Manager Resume.

The "Go To" Expert for all things related to resumes, cover letters, online profiles and bios, interviewing, and the job search for executives and professionals in the IT, engineering, manufacturing, telecommunications, call center, and other technical specialty areas. The difference? We Speak Geek! We understand how to translate your technical activities and achievements into information that's meaningful to the business and to recruiters and HR reps. We help you generate a 5x return on your investment or more! Contact us today at (866) 755-9800, visit us at http://www.ittechexec.com/, or email me at stephen@ittechexec.com.

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.

8/16/11

Building a Powerful Technical Resume - 3 Important Tips

Writing a compelling, effective technical resume presents unique challenges. Encompassing a complex career in a style that is clear, readable, and gets - and keeps - the hiring authority's attention requires a strong sense of what you've accomplished.

Always keep your goal in mind. Remember, every resume needs a strategy - so be clear on what you're trying to express.

I'd like to offer 3 ideas that can make the process easier, and help create a resume that gets the results you're looking for - call, emails, and the all-important first interview. Here are the basics on what to include, what to omit, and how to built the final product.

1) What to include:

Dig down to discover the business value. Did your technical advances increase efficiency or reduce costs? Streamline development time? Decrease time to market for new applications through introduction of methodologies (like Agile)? If you can put a dollar or percentage value to any achievements, you're on your way to making your resume stand out.

2) What to omit:

Don't overwhelm the reader with technical detail!

For a Software Developer or Architect, you will want to include information on the tools and technologies you've used to address challenges. But don't be repetitive. It can be a good strategy to include technologies for each job, if that demonstrates significant breadth - but if your toolbox remains consistent, it's better to list technical skills separately. This will enable keyword searches to pick out crucial details without bogging down the reader.

Also, as you advance in your career, you'll want to reduce technical detail, and focus more on 'big picture' business challenges.

3) How to create the whole picture:

Technical resumes are often more detailed than resumes for other professions. What you've done is complex, and it's crucial to present some detail to demonstrate your unique value proposition. But describe your career as concisely as possible.

Make a clear distinction between duties / responsibilities and accomplishments.

Beware of 'death-by-bullets'. Only clear accomplishments need a bullet - if everything is bulleted, nothing stands out.

Don't worry about the "2-Page" rule; if you need 3 pages to tell your story, that's always an option. But do realize that hiring authorities are busy people. Be respectful of their time and be only as detailed as necessary to create a clear context for your achievements.

I hope these simple tips will help you create a resume that gets the call back, and lands you that crucial first interview!

J.M. Auron

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.

8/12/11

Building a Powerful Technical Resume - 3 Important Tips

Always keep your goal in mind. Remember, every resume needs a strategy - so be clear on what you're trying to express.

1) What to include:

2) What to omit:

Don't overwhelm the reader with technical detail!

Also, as you advance in your career, you'll want to reduce technical detail, and focus more on 'big picture' business challenges.

3) How to create the whole picture:

Make a clear distinction between duties / responsibilities and accomplishments.

Beware of 'death-by-bullets'. Only clear accomplishments need a bullet - if everything is bulleted, nothing stands out.

I hope these simple tips will help you create a resume that gets the call back, and lands you that crucial first interview!

J.M. Auron

My goal is to help technology's "best and brightest" take their careers to the next level.

For more information, please contact me at http://www.quantumtechresumes.com/.
Follow me on Twitter at https://twitter.com/QuanTechResume.

6/28/11

University of Pune Recruitment June 2011 Technical Assistant Vacancy

6/27/11

University of Pune Recruitment June 2011 Technical Assistant Vacancy

Organization Name : University of Pune
Job Position : Technical Assistant
Pay Scale : Rs 8000/-
Eligibility : B.Sc
Job Location : Pune
Last Date : 15-07-2011
Hiring Process : Interview

Jobs Details:-

Application are invited for the following post of Technical Assistant

Si No. 1
Post Name: Technical Assistant
No. of Post: 01
Qualification : Minimum 1st class in B.Sc with Geology.

How to apply :

Completed applicion can be submitted with the details given in the official website with self attested recent passport size photograph, should reach to Dr. S. J. Sangode, Department of Geology, University of Pune, Ganeshkhind, Pune – 411007

For More Information:- Click Here

1/14/11

How to Write Good Technical Resumes

The technical resume shows the technical skills & experiences of the applied person. The employer seeks the technical related issues in the resume rather than the general capabilities of the candidate. More emphasis is given on the technical section of the resume. Knowledge of systems, machines, expertise, achievements is scanned from the technical point of view. Candidate's technical know how & expertise are the keys evaluated by the employer. So resume should be prepared such to attract at instant by employer. The existing set up & position in market of the employer has to be considered before writing. Inclusion of certificates & achievement strengthening attachment may help a lot.

Resume starts with the basic technical education gained. Additional educational qualification has to be the part of this section. Any achievements in this period are to be added at this juncture. Good scoring if done is to be mentioned in this area. If score is average or minimum then that is not be mentioned. The part time projects or summer projects are to be highlighted.

Achievements always magnetize the employer towards you. All human being has more or less achievements with them. Pondering in will result in many more achievements. Special skill is required to show small achievements into large ones. Stress has to be given in this part of the resume.

Computer proficiency is to be separated in another section in case of non IT jobs. Computer trainings taken with acquainted software & hardware knowledge are to be put after the key words. In case of IT jobs, it is to be merged with the experience initiation.

The experience part shows your previous experience in different firms you worked with. It is where you can show your exposure. Each firm experiences have to be shown in different paragraphs with duration, period, exposure, achievements & special skills learned.

You can take help of experts in internet to fill a good technical resumes.

Sample Technical Resumes

Your resume is your ambassador which reaches the prospective employer before you physically do. Hence the appearance and details of your resume are very important because it creates the impression about you in the mind of your prospective employer. More so if it is technical job you are applying for because your paper resume will not be able to showcase your technical skills. Here is where sample technical resumes come to your rescue. These samples help you to add technical details to your resume and also enables you segregate this section in to relevant sub-groups which immediately showcase your skills, experience and knowledge.

The sample technical resumes enables you to present your resume in an attractive manner to your prospective employer who is going to base his assessment of your ability and suitability for the job based on the piece of paper which is your resume also called curriculum vitae. Your technical resume should give accurate and brief details about your basic education, the courses or diplomas attained the duration and the details of the institution and college or university where the courses are accredited with. Additional information regarding to myriad projects handled including computer platforms which is bound to enhance value of your resume.

It is very advisable to add a section detailing your people skills and soft skills just to complement your technical prowess. Other qualifications like self improvement courses or diplomas other than related to your technical skills like marketing or finance for non-finance managers. The sample technical resumes help you excellently and effectively showcase not only your technical achievements but also the other sides of your personality like your emotional quotient, etc. these samples enable you to highlight your performance and how they helped to bring more profits to your employers and while doing this not to sound like you are blowing your own trumpet.

This article has been viewed 70 time(s).
Article Submitted On: January 05, 2011

12/10/10

Resume Sample of Technical Trainer

Becoming technical trainer could be your interest and to achieve this position you need proper education. Some minimum requirements for technical trainer is a bachelor’s degree in computer science, engineering, education, instructional design, information system, technology or certification as a technical trainer. Besides that an experience for three to five years on related job field can be very helpful. Having skills such as knowledge and development of Java, C++, c# or Perl programming language will be very useful to get this job position. You also need to consider your skill on presentation and classroom management skills or communication skills. The duties of a technical trainer depend on the organization’s need. You may be required to develop computer software or programming applications, prepare system training database for training, and create data for training via funding spreadsheets and more. Those responsibilities could be yours, so before entering this field you need to well-prepared yourself and of course a perfect resume. Below is a free resume sample that you can use. Good luck!

Richard Johnson,
12 East 34 Streets,
New Jersey, MA 56789,
(098)-765 4321.
Email: richard1234@gmail.com

Objective:

Looking for a job as a technical trainer in order to apply my skills and abilities.

Summary of Qualifications:

* Great experience in technical writing, training, instructional design, course development, and resource coordination.
* Depth knowledge at collaborating with instructors, managers, and customers to find out training needs.
* Able to design web-based training, classroom, and instructional materials, devices, teaching aids, user guides and troubleshooting manuals.
* Excellent diagnostic, communication, interpersonal, and technical skills.

Technical Skills:

* Operating Systems: Microsoft Office 2007/Vista/XP/NT, Linux
* Applications: MS Project, MS Office Suite, Adobe Photoshop, MS Live Meeting, Illustrator
* Programming: C, HTML/XML, UNIX
* Databases: Sybase, Oracle, MySQL, MS Access, SQL Server
* Hardware: Printers, Servers, VoIP, networking, telecommunications devices

Experience:

Technical Trainer, XYZ Inc, Boston
2007-2010

* Designed multilevel classroom courses on organization products to end users and employees.
* Learned and taught mechanical instrumentation and proprietary software.
* Assisted and supervised in development of technical/troubleshooting manuals, training materials and user guides.
* Created student reference materials and webinars for field offices to improve quality.
* Designed course guidelines for a new launched product.

Education and Certification:

Bachelor of Science in Information Systems (2006)
Boston State University, Boston.

* CompTIA CTT+ Certification