Introduction
Writing a CV for your first tech job can be intimidating, especially if you don’t have formal qualifications or experience in the field. While it’s obvious that your CV should include your contact details, you might be wondering what else to add to make it stand out to potential employers as well as what to leave out. Either way, it does not need to be a blank page, you already have so much going for you.
The key is to be honest and true to yourself. This doesn’t mean selling yourself short, but rather highlighting your strengths and finding opportunities that align with your interests and goals. Crafting a CV that resonates with your ideal employer is crucial. When we talk about your ideal employer, think about your ideal first employer—someone who sees your potential and is willing to invest in your growth. It’s good to have aspirations but lets get on the ladder first.
To secure that first opportunity, you’ll need a well-crafted CV. So, what should you include?
Include Direct Experience
Freelance Work: Have you taken on any freelance projects? Even small gigs can be significant. Detail what you did, the technologies you used, and the outcomes you achieved. This demonstrates your ability to apply your skills in a real-world context. For instance, if you built a website for a local business, describe the process and technologies involved.
Contract Work: Short-term contracts or temporary roles in tech can also be valuable. They show that you can quickly adapt and contribute to a team. Detail the scope of these roles and any specific accomplishments, such as completing a project ahead of schedule or improving a system’s efficiency.
Hobbies and Personal Projects: Personal projects can be just as important as formal work experience. Include any tech-related hobbies or projects you’ve worked on. Whether you’ve built an app, contributed to an open-source project, or created a personal website, describe the problem you solved, the technologies you used, and the results you achieved. This showcases your passion and self-motivation.
Anything Else: Don’t overlook any other relevant experience, such as volunteering for tech-related causes or attending hackathons. These experiences demonstrate your enthusiasm and commitment to the field. If you’ve been involved in community tech events or meetups, mention these too.
Find Transferable Skills
Working with Data: Many roles in tech require data manipulation and analysis. Highlight any experience you have with data, whether through previous jobs, projects, or coursework. This could include using Excel for data analysis, managing databases, or interpreting data trends in your current role.
Problem Solving: Tech jobs often involve identifying issues and finding solutions. Provide examples from your past work or projects where you successfully solved problems. This could be anything from streamlining a process at your current job to troubleshooting technical issues in your personal projects.
Logic Skills: Logical thinking is crucial in tech. Highlight experiences that demonstrate your ability to think logically and methodically. If you’ve worked in roles that required analytical thinking, such as finance or operations, make sure to detail these experiences.
Current Position: Even if your current job isn’t in tech, identify and highlight any relevant skills and experiences. Customer service roles, for instance, can develop communication skills and patience—both valuable in tech support roles. Project management roles can translate to tech project management or product ownership.
Previous Positions: Reflect on your past roles and identify transferable skills. Did you manage projects, work in a team, or handle complex tasks? These experiences can be relevant. For example, leadership roles show your ability to manage and coordinate, which is crucial for tech team environments.
Education and Qualifications: List any formal education, but also include online courses, certifications, and boot camps. Self-learning and continuous education are highly valued in tech. Platforms like Coursera, Udacity, and edX offer courses in various tech fields—mention any relevant courses you’ve completed.
Why You Are Changing Career
Be Positive About It: When explaining your career change, focus on the positive reasons. Highlight your passion for tech, your desire for growth, and your commitment to learning. Avoid criticizing previous employers or industries; instead, focus on what excites you about tech. Explain how your past experiences have prepared you for this transition and how they add value to your new career path.
Show how much you want it: You may be working full time in an industry you’re trying to get away from. What are you doing outside of that to influence change?
Be a Person That Companies Will Want to Invest In
Show that you are someone worth investing in. Highlight your enthusiasm, willingness to learn, and adaptability. Demonstrate that you are proactive by showcasing any self-directed learning or projects. Employers want to see that you are committed to growing and adding value to their team. Share any steps you’ve taken to improve your skills, such as attending workshops, joining tech communities, or seeking mentorship.
Think Long Term – State Your Ambitions
Share your long-term career goals. Where do you see yourself in five years? Outline the steps you are taking to achieve these goals, such as further education, certifications, or specific projects. Explain how an employer can help you reach these goals and how, in return, you will contribute to their success. Be specific about the skills you want to develop and the impact you hope to have.
Formatting
Look for CV examples online to guide your formatting. A clean, professional layout is essential. Use bullet points for clarity, keep your CV concise, and ensure it’s easy to read. Tailor your CV for each job application, emphasizing the skills and experiences most relevant to the position. Use a consistent font and layout, and avoid clutter.
Conclusion
Entering the tech field with little experience can be challenging, but don’t be disheartened. Everyone starts somewhere, and persistence is key. Don’t let rejections deter you.
Each application is a step closer to your first yes.
Remember, you only need one opportunity from the right company to begin your tech career journey. Keep learning, keep applying, and stay positive. Your first tech job is just around the corner.