Technical Resume or CV

The technical resume is only used in cases where mentioning particular skills or knowledge of a technical nature is particularly important, as is the case for the IT Industry. The technical resume should be very much like the chronological resume, except it must include a summary of skill, preferably at the beginning of the resume.

This type of resume is the only one that should use jargon and technological terms. If the position you are applying for requires experience in using certain equipment or having particular skills, then this is where you mention it and if possible quantify it. Generally, if a position requires a specific skill, employers will mention it on their job description or advertisement.

If you have experience in an technical area that you think is important for the position, or will give you an advantage over other applicants, then make sure you mention it. It is also very important to list your qualifications and to include any courses, training or seminars you have attended, particularly where they are requirements for the position.

Just remember that jargon and technical language should be avoided throughout the resume. The only safe place to mention it is on the summary of skills page. Often the first person that reads the resume is not a technical person, but a Recruitment Officer, you don't want to write yourself off by submitting a resume that they cannot understand, however the summary of skills allows you to use more specific technological language .

When preparing the summary of skills page, try and group items together with sub-headings so that it is easier to follow. That would make it easier for the reader to find the specific details he is looking for. Be brief and use point form whenever possible.

The rest of the resume should be constructed like the chronological resume. The sequence should be:

Personal details
Career Objective/Summary
Personal skills
Summary of skills (the technical page)
Work history (listing the most recent position first)
Referees

A very important point in both your resume and your job application letter, is to ensure you mention what the employer wants. It is amazing how many people forget to do this. They talk about this and that and totally forget to respond to the job advertisement. Always ensure that you mention achievements and quantify your skills. If you follow this guide, you will have a winning resume that will allow you to get that great job.