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Writing a Technical Resume

A strong technical resume highlights your skills, tools, and impact in a way that both hiring managers and ATS can understand. Structure and clarity matter as much as the tech stack you list.

Technical Skills Section

Include a dedicated skills section with programming languages, frameworks, tools, and platforms. Group them by category (e.g., Languages, Frameworks, Databases, DevOps) so recruiters can scan quickly. List skills that match the job description and that you can speak to in an interview.

Experience: Show Impact

For each role, use bullet points that start with strong verbs and include outcomes: "Built a microservice that reduced latency by 30%," "Led migration to AWS, cutting infrastructure costs by 25%." Quantify where you can. Mention technologies in context so it\'s clear how you used them.

Projects

If you have side projects, open-source work, or academic projects, add a Projects section. For each, give the name, technologies used, and one or two lines on what it does and any measurable result or learning.

Certifications and Education

List relevant certifications (e.g., AWS, Azure, security, cloud) and your degree. For technical roles, certifications can reinforce your skills; keep them current and relevant to the job.

Formatting and ATS

Use clear headings, standard section names (Experience, Skills, Education), and avoid complex layouts or graphics that might break in ATS. Save as PDF unless the employer asks for Word. Use keywords from the job posting where they honestly apply.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What should a technical resume include?
    A technical resume should include a clear skills section (languages, tools, frameworks), experience with quantified impact, relevant projects, and education/certifications.
  • How do I list programming skills on a resume?
    Group them in a Skills section by category (e.g., Languages, Frameworks, Databases). List skills that match the job and that you can discuss in an interview.
  • Should I put projects on my technical resume?
    Yes, if they are relevant. Include project name, technologies, and a brief description of what it does or what you achieved.
  • How long should a technical resume be?
    Often one page for early career, up to two pages for senior roles with many relevant projects and roles. Prioritize clarity and impact over length.