When it comes to resumes, there is no such thing as perfect. Your resume should reflect how you relate to an organization. Your resume is an overview of what you bring to the barter of “professional meets employer.” Resumes are more than a record of what you have done. Use them as super devices for making your career objectives clear and understandable to a potential employer. According to a 2018 IntelligenceCareers.com survey, most technology professionals will change employers every three to eight years. For that reason, it’s important to define where you are and where you want to be in two to five years. Very rarely do employees find themselves dropped into a perfect culture fit. It’s something you go after, proactively.
According to a 2018 IntelligenceCareers.com survey, most technology professionals will change employers every three to eight years. For that reason, it’s important to define where you are and where you want to be in two to five years. Very rarely do employees find themselves dropped into a perfect culture fit. It’s something you go after, proactively.
I am a senior recruiter for Zapata Technology, a technology-centric company focused on Cyber, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and providing support nationally to C5ISR organizations. Most of Zapata’s frontline employees fall into the C5ISR category, providing a service that is focused on Command, Control, Computers, Communications, Cyber, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (C5ISR). Based on my experience in recruiting, the following is what a strong resume looks like to me, and clearly communicates the type of culture you want to be a part of.
RESUME
Name
Contact Info
Security Clearance
A short OBJECTIVE or PROFESSIONAL summary such as: I am a mid-level automated logistics system IT Technician with knowledge and expertise in networks, telecom protocols, and cybersecurity of those systems. A super position for me would be something requiring 8+ years of experience and the opportunity to work on the West Coast. Up to 25% travel is acceptable.
CERTIFICATIONS: CeH, Security+, BA degree, Top Secret clearance (2019). Military Veteran, USMC MOS: XXXX and XXXX.
WORK EXPERIENCE:
2020-Present: JOBTITLE
… 25-50 words max as to key duties and technologies involved. Senior Linux System Administrator working national systems using these technology tools: ___, ___, ___.
There is no need to go back beyond 10 years. Instead, consider:
PRIOR TO 2012: 35-75 word overview of key job titles and technical system names. No need to identify employers or places.
EDUCATION: High School or name of AA/AS or BA/BS degree school.
OTHER SKILLSETS and TECHNOLOGIES:
Not everything fits above. For example, you may have self-learned the NSA NiFi data system, or learned how to use a particular system or tool not actually used in your job. Include that here. No need to explain how or why you learned this. This section gives both resume search engines AND human readers the chance to discover the complete you. Recruiters often only read a resume if a search algorithm says, “Yes, this professional has relevant skills!” So, use this space to just list keywords and key phrases like LINUX, Oracle 12c, Intelligence Analyst, GEOINT, DAWIA-II, etc.
Zapata Technology is one of the few companies where I have worked where prior employees contract me with, “I really want to get back into Zapata. What a great company!” Zapata works hard and cooperatively to make the best use of our employees’ talents. Zapata also tries to help our people grow in assignments (we often have roles in various locations and skillsets). In taking care of yourself (#1), you are encouraging growth not only within yourself, but for the company you’ve chosen to share your talents with. Your resume is a working profile of who and what you are as a professional. Keep your resume short and concise, avoid self-evaluation, and outline your skills and abilities as a professional. Avoid making recruiters and program management guess at what you want to be doing, and what you can do, and instead go for exactly what you want.
This honesty helps us all. If you want to discuss how you could find what you are looking for with us, email recruiter@ZapataTechnology.com.
#ITresume #jobseekers #clearedjobs
Author – Bill Golden
September 2022