How to Write a Technical CV

A technical CV is used to highlight particular skills that relate to technical jobs in professions such as IT, Engineering and Science.

The key to writing a technical CV is to get the right balance between describing your technical experience and making your CV easily read by a non-technical person such as a Human Resources Assistant. They will be looking for keywords in order to match your CV against a particular vacancy. Therefore, your CV should be clear and concise and written in good English. Technical jargon should be avoided except under the Key Skills and Technical Skills headings.

Do not list every technical skill you have acquired, however impressive they are, as this will distract the reader. Refer to the job vacancy to remind yourself of the skills the employer is looking for.

You should always include information about how long ago you last used each of your technical skills as the reader will be looking at how current your knowledge is.

The format of a technical CV should be similar to non-technical from the point of view that it should be laid out under clear headings, no more than two pages of A4 in length and have more white on the page than black to make it easy to read.

The employer will be most interested in your technical skills but remember your interpersonal skills are also important especially if the role for which you are applying is client-facing.

You need to capture the attention of the reader as soon as possible so that they are encouraged to read the rest of your CV. Therefore, in your introductory paragraph, usually called the ‘Profile’, you need to mention the technical skills the employer is asking for and any specific experience that relates to the employers business.

The Key Skills heading allows you to put more detail of relevant skills, experience and specific projects that will interest the employer. You can also highlight achievements, for example where you have saved the company money.

Your Career History should describe the company that you were working for in a couple of lines to put your role into context. Then describe your role and responsibilities. Remember, focus on the requirements of the job you are applying for and show how you have acquired the necessary skills and experience in previous jobs.

You should list specific technical skills and professional courses under a separate heading. Be concise and put the most relevant skills first.

Keep the description of your education brief. If you have a degree you may wish to exclude your lower qualifications altogether. Remember, adding unnecessary information dilutes the important points in your CV.

Finally, always include a cover letter explaining where you heard about the role and why your skills and experience are a perfect fit for the job. This can be an email with your CV attached or a formal letter.

E & O E – Copyright 2006 CV Writing Ltd