Saffron Wildbore
~ 5min read
~ 5min read
Breaking into the tech industry can be challenging, but highlighting the right skills on your CV can set you apart from the competition. Tech employers are looking for candidates with a blend of technical expertise, problem-solving abilities, and communication skills.
Here’s a breakdown of the top skills to feature on your CV if you’re looking to land a role in tech, along with tips on how to present them effectively.
We all know that a CV is a document that’s used as a tool to market yourself to potential employers. It should contain personal information, contact details, work history, educational qualifications and be tailored towards the role you’re applying for.
But, a technical CV is a specialised version tailored to highlight key skills, experiences, and achievements in technical fields like software development and production support, focusing on job-specific skills and proficiency in relevant tools, programming languages, and frameworks. It often includes sections detailing technical projects, certifications and problem solving accomplishments that highlights your ability to address technical challenges.
A well-structured CV with concise descriptions of your skills and experiences is essential. Hiring managers appreciate clear and efficient summaries that allow them to quickly understand your capabilities, making their evaluation process smoother.
It should also include relevant keywords related to the job description to align with the Applicant Tracking System (ATS), an important tool that recruiters use to sort through candidates. In order to do this, carefully analyse the job description to identify the critical skills, softwares and tools that are mentioned. These are often listed under “required skills”, “preferred skills” or “requirements”.
When submitting your CV, you may need to include a cover letter. Find out how to write a cover letter.
A technical CV should be short and to the point, yet contain all the relevant skills that the hiring manager will be looking for. It should ideally be all on one page, but no more than two.
For advice on writing a CV with no experience, or to find out how to list skills that are transferable, discover our blog on how to write a CV with no experience.
Below, we’ve listed how to set out your technical skills within the skills section of your CV.
1. Programming languages and frameworks
Proficiency in programming languages is fundamental for most tech roles, whether you’re applying for a role in software development, data science, or web development. Listing relevant languages and frameworks shows you’re ready to contribute from day one.
Examples: Python, JavaScript, Java, SQL, HTML/CSS, React, Node.js, and Django.
Tip: Focus on the languages and frameworks that are most relevant to the job. Add context if possible, such as “Developed an e-commerce website using React and Node.js, resulting in a 30% increase in user engagement."
Data-driven decision-making is central to many tech roles. If you’re interested in fields like data science, business intelligence, or product management, showcasing your ability to interpret and present data is essential.
Examples: SQL, Excel, Python (Pandas, NumPy), Tableau, Power BI, and data visualisation.
Tip: Mention specific projects or experiences where you’ve used data to make a measurable impact, like “Leveraged SQL to analyse customer data, identifying trends that contributed to a 25% increase in user retention.”
With the rapid adoption of cloud services, cloud computing skills are highly valued in tech roles. Knowledge of platforms like AWS, Google Cloud, or Azure signals to employers that you can work on scalable, secure, and efficient cloud-based solutions.
Examples: Amazon Web Services (AWS), Google Cloud Platform (GCP), Microsoft Azure, Docker, Kubernetes, and cloud architecture.
Tip: Highlight any cloud certifications (e.g., AWS Certified Solutions Architect) and experience with specific cloud projects, such as “Deployed and managed cloud infrastructure on AWS, reducing operational costs by 15%.”
Cybersecurity is crucial in tech as companies need to protect data and maintain secure systems. Even if you’re not applying for a security-focused role, demonstrating a strong understanding of cybersecurity practises adds value.
Examples: Network security, firewalls, encryption, threat modelling, penetration testing, and compliance (e.g., GDPR).
Tip: Detail your familiarity with security protocols and tools, like “Implemented basic encryption protocols and data protection measures, reducing vulnerabilities in web applications by 20%.”
Tech employers look for candidates who can streamline workflows, reduce downtime, and ensure the stability of applications. Experience in DevOps and automation tools is a strong asset in any tech CV.
Examples: Jenkins, Git, Docker, Kubernetes, Ansible, and CI/CD pipelines.
Tip: Include examples that show your efficiency in development processes, such as “Built CI/CD pipelines using Jenkins, which accelerated deployment times by 40%.”
Problem-solving is key in tech, where bugs and technical issues are part of the daily routine. Employers value candidates who can think analytically and systematically troubleshoot.
Examples: Debugging, root cause analysis, logical reasoning, and critical thinking.
Tip: Illustrate your problem-solving process by describing a challenge and your solution, like “Identified and resolved a complex bug that was impacting system performance, reducing load time by 35%.”
Version control is an industry standard, and familiarity with tools like Git is expected in most tech roles. It shows you know how to track changes, collaborate with teams, and manage project versions effectively.
Examples: Git, GitHub, GitLab, branching, and pull requests.
Tip: Highlight your experience with version control tools in collaborative settings, such as “Collaborated with a team of 5 developers on GitHub, successfully managing multiple branches and reducing code conflicts.”
With the rise of AI, machine learning skills are in demand in various fields, from data science to software development. Even a basic understanding of ML concepts can make your CV stand out in tech.
Examples: Scikit-Learn, TensorFlow, natural language processing, supervised learning, and unsupervised learning.
Tip: Focus on any real-world applications you’ve worked on, such as “Developed a machine learning model to predict customer churn with 85% accuracy, allowing the company to proactively address retention strategies.”
In tech, strong communication and teamwork skills are often as important as technical prowess. Employers want candidates who can explain technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders and work effectively in teams.
Examples: Communication, teamwork, adaptability, time management and problem solving skills.
Tip: Use specific examples, such as “Coordinated with cross-functional teams to translate client requirements into technical solutions, resulting in a 90% client satisfaction rate.”
The tech industry evolves quickly, so demonstrating a commitment to ongoing learning is essential. This can include courses, certifications, or a portfolio of projects that show you’re always sharpening your skills.
Examples: Certificates from Coursera, Udacity, or LinkedIn Learning; coding bootcamps; and side projects.
Tip: Include recent learning experiences and certifications, such as “Completed a Python for Data Science certification on Coursera, enhancing my data analysis skills for real-world applications.”
Crafting a tech-focused CV that highlights these skills will position you as a versatile and capable candidate. Tailor each CV to the specific job description, focusing on the skills most relevant to the role. With a strategic focus on these in-demand skills, you’ll be well-equipped to stand out in the competitive tech job market!
Looking to break into the tech industry with your new CV? Discover our current roles today.
Saffron Wildbore is a Senior Marketing Executive at mthree. She has worked in marketing, specialising in creating content for over 5 years. Saffron focuses on writing tips for graduates, Alumni interviews and more!
