How to Write a Technical CV
Writing a technical CV can be a tricky task. The difference in comparison to a regular CV is that it must be tailored to apply for a specific position, usually a technical one like engineering or IT. There are a number of things that a good technical CV should include to make it look presentable and professional. It is essentially the primary stage of a screening process, so think of it as a blind interview.
The first thing at the top of any CV should be personal details and contact details, and these should be clear and legible. Make sure the email address is still accessible and the telephone number is reachable.
Next have a brief description of a career objective. This is where you can express some ambition; it can be a goal achievable within the company in question, or a long-term goal that may take decades to accomplish.
For many employers there are certain criteria that they are seeking in particular. Applying for a technical job means you should be qualified for the position. The CV should include all applicable qualifications, from technical writing skills to qualifications with which experience can validate the skills. Honesty is important with a technical CV, if you over-qualify yourself, you will be increasing expectation that can end up being a hindrance. Education, trainings or workshops should also be included as they are also considered to be qualifications.
Work experience is another necessity to include; paid or voluntary, part-time or full-time; remember to list employment history chronologically, starting with the most recent.
Aside from experience, if you have any additional language skills then include them as they bring a new dimension to your professional qualifications, and it is not something everybody has, so it can set you apart from the rest of the pack.
Many candidates like to include hobbies and interests to showcase their personalities and character to the prospective employer. This can also help by providing conversation material in an interview.
It is important to keep in mind that employers need verification of the information in a technical CV. This is why at the end of the CV, there should be a list of references (people that can vouch for you).
Being concise is another advisable action. Employers simply do not have the time to sift through several pages of over-elaborate explanations—all the details can be discussed in an interview. By limiting a CV to a few pages only, you have a better chance the CV will be read.
The final stage of writing a technical CV, as with writing anything, is to proof read it. Check for any spelling mistakes or incorrect information, as you do not want to fall at the final hurdle.
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