After reviewing hundreds of resumes for tech roles, I want to share honest feedback that could change your job search results. The tech market is tough, but many candidates hurt their chances with basic resume mistakes.
Here's the truth - I reject almost every resume that comes across my desk. Not because people aren't qualified, but because they don't show me what I need to see. When we post a Lead Engineer job asking for AWS, Python, and Terraform experience, why do I get resumes that only say "cloud experience" and "programming skills"?
The main problem: You're not matching your resume to the job.
I know it seems like a lot of work to customize each application. But here's my advice - apply to 5 jobs per day instead of 50. Use that extra time to make each resume perfect for the specific role.
As experts at FAANG companies note, your resume gets only 6 seconds of attention. Make every word count by focusing on clear formatting, specific achievements, and technical depth.
Your resume needs to be clean and easy to search. Here's what works:
Drop the "references available upon request" line. Everyone knows that's standard. Use that space for something valuable instead.
Don't just write "cloud computing" when the job asks for AWS experience. Be specific:
Remember, hiring managers search for keywords. If you worked with Amazon Web Services but only wrote "cloud," you might not show up in their search.
According to recent industry data, 97% of companies use automated screening systems. Your resume must include the right technical keywords to pass these filters.
Every bullet point should follow this simple formula: What you did + How you did it + What happened
Here are examples:
Weak bullet point:
Strong bullet point:
Another weak example:
Better version:
Notice how the strong examples give me numbers I can check and stories you can tell in the interview.
Your resume is probably too long. Cut these things right away:
As IT resume experts recommend, focus on defining your specific niche and technical skills rather than using vague terms.
This might be hard to hear, but we can tell when you're using AI during interviews. The warning signs include:
Five candidates in my recent interviews showed these patterns. Here's the thing - I actually like that you know how to use AI tools. That's useful in today's workplace. But don't let AI replace your real knowledge and experience.
The technical questions will show gaps in your understanding right away. Use AI to help prepare and organize your thoughts, but make sure you truly understand everything on your resume.
| Experience Level | Best Length | What to Focus On |
|---|---|---|
| Entry-level (0-2 years) | 1 page | Projects, internships, education |
| Mid-level (3-7 years) | 2 pages | Specific wins, technologies |
| Senior (8+ years) | 2-3 pages | Leadership, big projects, impact |
Three pages is usually the limit, even for very senior roles. If you can't show your career highlights in three pages, you're probably including too much detail.
According to comprehensive tech resume guides, FAANG companies expect one-page resumes with quantified achievements and technical depth.
Different tech jobs need different approaches:
For DevOps roles: Focus on automation, CI/CD pipelines, and infrastructure as code For Security jobs: Highlight compliance frameworks, incident response, and risk management For Software Engineering: Show programming languages, frameworks, and project results For Network roles: Display protocol knowledge, troubleshooting skills, and uptime improvements
Many people struggle with writing resumes that work for both HR screeners and technical hiring managers. Here's how to handle this:
For HR readers:
For technical readers:
The key is finding technologies that are specific enough for technical people but clear enough for HR to understand their importance.
When you don't have exact experience with a requested technology, show related skills:
"Experienced with firewall management across multiple platforms including Fortinet and Palo Alto Networks. Reduced security rule complexity from 65,000+ to under 1,000 rules, improving security while maintaining functionality."
This shows me you understand firewall concepts, can work with enterprise tools, and deliver measurable results. Even if you haven't used our exact firewall brand, you've proven you can learn and adapt.
As noted in professional IT resume examples, hiring managers want to see both technical skills and positive impact on previous organizations.
The job market is tough, but that doesn't mean you should send your resume everywhere. Take time to research each company and position. Learn about their technology stack, their challenges, and their goals.
When you customize your resume for each application, you're not just checking boxes - you're showing respect for the hiring process and proving that you've done your homework.
Remember, your resume's job isn't to get you hired - it's to get you an interview. Once you're in that room (virtual or real), your knowledge, personality, and problem-solving skills will carry you forward.
Good luck with your job search. The right opportunity is out there, and with a well-crafted, targeted resume, you'll be much more likely to find it.