In case you missed it, @kaydacode
wrote a great post offering Jr. devs a chance to post their resumes for feedback. After giving feedback on a few...
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I have not updated my resume or created a CV, for more than 12 years. I have been at the same job for that time. Recent events bring me to possibly need to bring it up to date. I have developed several significant applications for my employer over the years.
Prior to this job I was an freelance developer. I have over 30 years of experience in the field, and I have done development for a myriad of industries.
I am self-taught so my educational info is sparse, although I am constantly learning new technologies to stay current.
What tips might you have for a senior developer wanting to revamp their CV?
Great question!
First and foremost, I would say keep it relevant! I would focus on those applications you built for your current employer and the freelance projects that really show off the skills you want to highlight. If you just pile it all on there it will be overwhelming for the person reading it. Be picky about what you choose.
As for education, since you have SO MUCH experience, I wouldn't worry about that too much. Your experience is what is going to shine and make you stand out.
Since you like to stay up to date on technologies make sure you list those technologies you are currently working with and those that you are familiar with or taught yourself.
Lastly, because you have so much experience with all kinds of technologies, make sure you tailor it to the kind of job you want. For example, if you apply for a job working with a single language, make sure you are showing all the ways you have used that language over the last 30 years.
Not sure what kind of feel you want your resume to have but if you really want to spice it up and want something "younger" looking I reviewed this resume from Resume Feedback Post and I personally loved the look of it. The two columns in my opinion make it look younger bc its different than more traditional ones. However, that is literally just my opinion other people might think differently.
Hopefully that helps!
That would be awesome! I created a PDF of my Linked-In profile as a starting point. bit.ly/2DHmj8T
SNAZZY!!!! I love that layout!
Thanks but I can't take credit for it. Just did a download of my Linked-in profile to a pdf. :)
Great tips, Molly! In case somebody's still following this useful post, I'd like to add something. I also have one resume recommendation I always give: USE ACTIVE VERBS IN YOUR 'EXPERIENCE' SECTION.
As I see from CV Compiler users, candidates often limit themselves with plain descriptions of their duties. Instead, I recommend using the 'golden rule' for creating bullet points:
Accomplished [X] as measured [Y] by doing [Z].
This is a common tip, but somehow developers often miss it when crafting their tech resumes.
I love that formula!!! I have never heard that one before, thanks for sharing!
I always struggle with the education part since I never really was able to finish any type of school, so I just put Hard Knocks. Or I could just put "No School had to get a job new baby on the way".
While formal education is good, I think practical education can be worth so much more! Having taken relevant classes or doing bootcamps I think a lot of times is more valuable than just having a degree bc that is the "right thing" to do. If you took valuable classes in high school or college I would list them, then just leave off a graduation date. Or load up on experience and projects if you have more of those things. If you want feedback on your resume I would happy to help and take a look :)
Hi Molly!
It seems that I came too late to the party =(. I posted my resume, but I had no luck.
hope you don't mind taking a look at my resume. I'm currently looking for a remote job, and I know my resume needs to give a good first impression of me.
Resume
Thanks in advance for your help
Surely!
First off, I would suggest putting your experience at the top followed by your projects since those are going to be the most relevant to your future employer when they are trying to determine if you are capable of doing the job.
I would also recommend adding more details to your experience positions. "Software and web development" is really vague. What exactly were you working on? What languages were you using? The most descriptive you can be the better the picture you will be able to paint for your prospective employer.
Your projects have AWESOME details but I would suggest making them bullet points so they are less of a wall of text. This will make them easy to quickly read. Under projects I would put your skills and then under that I would add your education. Since your skills will be lower on the page I would suggest adding what language you worked with to each experience so as someone is reading down your resume they can get an idea for what languages you are most experienced with.
Hope that helps!
Great article but one suggestion though. Keep your skills first, that experience. Limit your experience just to two last places. Otherwise - solid tips! For anyone who looking for a good dev resume template I would also recommend to check the fullstackresume.com service where you could build your Full Stack Resume in less than 30 seconds. Instead of writing all the content by yourself the service will generate it for you based on your unique experience using the minimalistic A/B tested resume template!
Very useful tips, and a good reminder for me to update my resume. Thanks!