CV and LinkedIn Optimisation – what are hiring managers looking for in the Tech Sector?

With the recruitment process for tech specialists becoming increasingly automated, how can applicants optimise their CVs and LinkedIn profiles so that they stand out from the crowd? 

Many hiring managers and recruiters now use an Applicant Tracking System (ATS) to help them identify the most suitably qualified candidates. Using filters such as their skills, qualifications and experience the ATS will produce a short list of those who fit the role on ‘paper’. 

However, the ATS process is an impersonal one and more experienced and selective tech recruiters prefer a more ‘hands-on’ approach to identifying talent and rising to the challenge of matching high-performing individuals to teams. 

So how can someone applying for a role in tech be sure that they present themselves to their best advantage? 

Whilst the tech market is thriving, the industry is also faced with distinct sector-specific skills gaps, where employers are competing fiercely for suitably qualified candidates. It’s in your own best interest, therefore, to consider what the tech hiring managers are looking for within a CV and optimise it accordingly.

How to optimise your CV & LinkedIn profile

Optimising your CV and LinkedIn profile will help hiring managers identify that you have the skills and experience they require. Your CV should link to your LinkedIn profile where you can explain in more detail who you are and what you bring to your current role, as well as previous ones.

The principles of the LinkedIn format are similar to your CV – your primary goal is to draw attention to your skills, abilities and experience, so these qualities should be highlighted and listed simply.

Your profile headline should be a description of your current role, rather than just your job title. You have 220 characters to draw the attention of the recruitment professional, and this will also assist you in networking as well as building your personal brand. 

It’s in the ‘About’ section that you can really begin to sell yourself to potential employers. Tell your story succinctly within the 2,000 characters and draw attention to the qualities that you bring to your role and which can be expanded upon in an interview. Make sure that you list your status as ‘open to new opportunities’ to indicate that you’re actively seeking new employment.

List your experience, with the most recent job first. Focus on your skills and experience, highlighting your relevant achievements and target your application specifically to the job you are applying for. Make sure that you frequently update your CV to include reaching recent targets or new qualifications.

The Skills and Endorsements section of LinkedIn is useful to highlight objective feedback on your current or previous performance, especially if one of those endorsements is from the person you will be receiving a reference from.

Other tactics for LinkedIn Optimisation

Joining a group on LinkedIn is an excellent way of staying on top of industry-specific topics, and networking with your peers and other industry professionals. Start a discussion within a relevant group or add your comments to an existing one to get yourself noticed by key players and potential employers. 

Publishing blogs or video content is another way to build your personal brand and draw attention to your expertise. Ask your contacts to add their comments and share your posts to widen your network. It doesn’t have to be War and Peace – a quiet, authoritative voice, demonstrating your deep understanding of your subject, is far more effective.

Sharing blog posts and videos from other leading experts in your field is also a great way to demonstrate your interest and industry knowledge. Sharing items four to five times a week on newsworthy subjects is proven to be the most successful strategy.

Hiring Managers’ Must-haves

Hiring managers’ list of requirements doesn’t stop at technical qualifications. Other essential attributes include:

• Coachability 
• Initiative
• Adaptability
• Communication skills
• Teamwork
• Ability to prioritise
• Problem solving
• Lateral thinking
• Flexibility
• Commitment 

So be sure to include as many of these as are relevant, as well as other, honest, descriptions of you and your experience as possible.

Following these guidelines will give you a great head start in fulfilling the hiring manager’s recruitment wishlist, helping your LinkedIn profile  and CV be noticed by recruitment professionals and drawing their attention to the attributes that will help you move your career forward. 

If you’re ready to make your next career move, get in touch with JIE Search.