How to Develop a First-rate IT CV in 2024 (Step-by-step guide with Examples)

Information Technology (IT) professionals are the driving force behind digital innovation, using their skills to turn concepts into practical solutions that enhance efficiency, provide entertainment, and tackle complex challenges. The world of IT encompasses a dynamic mix of programming languages, frameworks, and innovative thinking, reshaping industries and revolutionising how we work and live in our tech-driven society.

In-demand jobs for IT specialists in the UK:

• Software Developer

• IT Support Analyst

• Systems Administrator

• Network Engineer

• Data Analyst

• Business Analyst

• Cybersecurity Specialist

• Data Scientist

• Scrum master.

Whether you’re a student, seeking a career change, or a seasoned professional, this article explores everything you need to know, providing step-by-step instructions on how to format and create a modern CV.

IT CV example 

Download this IT CV sample as a PDF

This simple CV sample features Jan Kowalski, a qualified IT administrator specialising in cloud computing. The personal profile section provides a concise summary of his qualifications and relevant soft and hard skills. He is a qualified specialist with a strong background in leading network and server administration teams. Lastly, his education alongside course sections demonstrates his commitment to learning, making this CV tailored and well-suited for the next role.

Create your IT CV in just a few clicks

Start now

What to include in an IT CV? 

Building a good CV requires strategically incorporating essential keywords, technical skills, and qualifications. The foundation of a well-structured CV lies in its structure, readability, and alignment with specific career goals.

When deciding which sections to include, beware of applicant tracking systems (ATS) used by recruiters to determine if your CV includes the right keywords, skills, and years of experience. By making your career documents ATS-friendly, you can increase your chances of securing your dream job.

For more information, refer to the article about the CV writing process.

Crack the code with a personal profile 

The personal profile, commonly referred to as a summary, is a personal statement used by recruiters or hiring managers to assess if your career goals match the job requirements. It is your first opportunity to captivate their attention and set the tone for the rest of your CV.

For more examples, refer to the article on how to write a personal profile on a CV.

Add skills to your IT CV

Choosing the right skills depends on the job and industry you're targeting. The entry-level IT positions require knowledge of operating systems, computer security, networking principles, and troubleshooting. To explore software or web development, versatile and popular programming languages like Python, SQL, or Javascript can be a good starting point.

See how to list skills in a CV article for more inspiration.

Craft an achievements-based work experience for an IT CV

The work experience section highlights your daily tasks and measurable achievements on a CV. Rather than merely listing all your responsibilities and projects, highlight tangible results and statistics to make a stronger impression of your candidature.

Examples of work experience: 

IT Infrastructure Manager, TechSolutions Ltd | 2016 – Present

Lead the IT infrastructure team in optimising and maintaining critical systems, including servers, networks, and security protocols. Led technology upgrades and strategic planning to enhance operational efficiency and minimise downtime. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to align IT initiatives with business goals. 

• Implemented a comprehensive disaster recovery plan, reducing data loss risk by 30%.

• Designed and executed a network upgrade project, increasing bandwidth by 40% and enhancing connectivity across multiple office locations.

• Streamlined IT procurement processes, resulting in a 15% cost reduction while maintaining the quality of hardware and software acquisitions.

Junior Data Analyst, DataTech Analytics | 2019 – Present

Assisted CTO and senior software developers in routine system maintenance and troubleshooting, ensuring minimal downtime and optimal system performance. Analyse and interpret complex data sets to extract actionable insights for clients. Manage and optimise databases, ensuring data accuracy and security. Develop and maintain ETL processes for efficient data extraction and transformation. 

• Streamlined data processing workflows, reducing data processing time by 20% and enabling faster access to critical insights for stakeholders.

• Identified and eliminated redundant data sources, leading to a 10% reduction in data storage costs while maintaining data availability.

• Optimised A/B testing methodologies, resulting in a 20% increase in the conversion rate of digital marketing campaigns.

For more information, refer to how to list work experience on a CV.

How to decode and list education on an IT CV 

While tertiary education, such as your bachelor’s or master’s degrees, is essential, don’t overlook the value of paid or free courses, certificates, and professional training in enhancing your qualifications.

Explore careers with the National Career Service for more specific entry requirements.

Examples of education: 

• Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, University of Manchester, 2018

• Diploma in Information Technology, London School of Information Technology, 2020

• Certification in Cybersecurity (CISSP), International Information System Security Certification Consortium (ISC²), 2019

For more information, see how to add education to a CV article.

Boost your CV with courses and certificates

Continuous learning is the lifeblood of a successful IT career. Enrich your CV with online courses or certificates to help you stand out from a pool of candidates. To choose the right path, we suggest researching the specific job position to ensure your CV is up to date with the latest industry requirements. 

Examples of courses and certificates:

• Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), International Information System Security Certification Consortium (ISC²), 2020

• Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA), Cisco Networking Academy, 2019

• AWS Certified Solutions Architect - Associate, Amazon Web Services (AWS), 2021

• Microsoft Certified: Azure Administrator Associate, Microsoft, 2020

• CompTIA A+ Certification, CompTIA, 2018

See courses and certificates in a CV article for more industry-specific examples.

Key takeaways 

Crafting an IT CV can seem overwhelming, but that’s not the reason to hold you back from trying and not be afraid of failure. With our practical steps, you can outbeat the competitors and show a CV highlighting your skills and qualifications, setting you on the path to success in the ever-evolving IT industry. The job of your dreams is within your hands!

Next Steps?

To help you create an ATS-friendly and up-to-latest-standards CV, don’t forget to explore our services below:

• CV Builder: explore one of our professional CV templates to help you create a tailored and well-formated CV.

• Cover Letter Builder: apply with a matching cover letter template with a clear layout so you can easily personalise and adjust to your career goals.

• CV Writing service: connect with one of our experts to receive feedback and get quick, professional advice on tailoring your CV to a specific job. 

• Blog: see our guides and brief articles to educate yourself on the best strategies to improve your job prospects. 

Dedicating time to making a job-specific CV can help you significantly improve your job prospects and eventually secure a job interview. 

FAQ 

How do I write a good CV for an IT job?

To increase your chances of getting shortlisted for the interview, make sure to follow the next steps:

• Keep it concise, ideally two pages or one page if you're an undergraduate or school leaver

• Start with a robust personal profile, including soft skills

• List your relevant skills and technical proficiencies

• Detail your work experience, focusing on measurable achievements

• Highlight your educational background.

What do I put on a CV for IT skills?

Deciding what IT skills to add depends on the specific job you’re applying for. Regardless of where you are in your career, you can incorporate one of the following areas of expertise followed by technical proficiencies:

• Programming Languages: Java, Python, C++

• Cloud Services: AWS, Azure, Google Cloud Platform (GCP)

• Database Management: SQL, MongoDB, Oracle

• Network Administration: Cisco, Juniper, Palo Alto

• Cybersecurity: CISSP, Intrusion Detection/Prevention Systems (IDS/IPS), Siem tools

• DevOps: Docker, Kubernetes, Jenkins

• Web Development: HTML, CSS, JavaScript

• Data Analysis: Excel, Tableau, PowerBi

• IT Support: ServiceNow, Zendesk, Jira

What is the IT field summary for a CV?

The IT field summary on your CV concisely overviews your experience, skills, and career objectives in the IT industry. It gives employers a quick glimpse of your qualifications as well as your personality.

How do you write an IT CV with no experience?

Focus on your educational background, relevant coursework or certifications, and IT projects you’ve undertaken. Highlight your passion for IT and your willingness to learn. We also recommend following a skills-based CV approach to help you emphasise your skills and projects more prominently.

How do you describe my IT skills?

Describe your IT skills by specifying the programming languages, software, and systems you’re proficient in. Use concrete examples from your work experience to demonstrate how you’ve applied these skills to solve problems and achieve results.

How to format an IT CV example?

No universal format applies to every profession, but we’ve compiled a list of tips to help you get started and find your best font and right design:

• Opt for an ATS-friendly template, ideally a one-column CV

• Use a clear, professional font (e.g., Arial, Calibri)

• Include relevant headings that apply to your industry 

• Keep it concise, and avoid lengthy paragraphs.

• Use bullet points for achievements.