Top 4 skills to include in your IT CV
Stepping into the world of tech? Or perhaps upskilling for the newest IT developments?
As our tech industry continues to evolve and expand, IT workers are pressed to keep up with the latest in-demand skills and knowledge. It’s a large, yet competitive, industry; trends, practices, and expertise are constantly built on or innovated, making it easy to fall behind.
However, awareness of the right skills areas can help keep your CV ahead of the curve.
SkillsTalk provide the top skills that you should include in your CV that can help you standout from your competition if you want to work in the IT field.
4 Best IT skills to add on your resume
1. Programming and software development.
According to Oxford Economics and Cisco’s “Technology and Future of Australian Jobs” report, the country may be 57% short of the programming skills requirements predicted for 2028. As such, there’s no better time than now to brush up the latest languages and coding software.
Some experts deem the skill as the “DNA” of IT; an accurate comparison given its ability to construct and script the behaviours of applications, devices, and digital environments. With its ever-growing significance in the tech world and general workforce – as well as advancements in its framework over time – those seeking any IT employer’s attention ought to have some coding skills under their belt.
Currently, the highest-paying languages in Australia include Javascript, Python, and C++.
Give your resume that extra punch by linking to any applications or software you may have independently developed, or projects you may have contributed to.
For those pursuing developer roles, it helps to be specific with your coding skillsets. Tech employers are typically curious of the programming stack and tools you’ve used, helping them indicate the type of software engineer you are. Additionally, employers in Australia currently value agile software development skills – specifically under Javascript.
2. Project management and business analytics.
The ability to prioritise, organise, and delegate tasks within projects is a soft skill required of any IT professional. Such skills not only ensure the efficiency (and success!) of each assignment – but give individuals a chance to showcase their leadership and collaboration abilities.
Project management experience adds value to your IT CV by illustrating your potential in supervisory or executive roles. Such skills also demonstrate your strengths in problem-solving, decision-making, and communication.
Those specifically seeking IT management or leadership roles may find value in pursuing business analytical skills; as the area offers further opportunity to exhibit one’s initiative and critical thinking abilities. With the rising need for data science across Australia’s workforce, and 76% of all businesses seeking to increase their investment in analytical skills – honing your abilities in statistics, data analysis, and business decision-making is sure to help you stand out in the job market.
Those who excel in business analytics are able to collect and reap insights from massive sets of data; using various tools and techniques to determine recurring patterns, future trends, and potential action plans. Paired with project management abilities, such skills can draw successful business outcomes and high productivity levels in any workplace setting.
3. Technical support.
Skills in customer service or IT support demonstrate your ability to build healthy client or colleague relationships; communicate ideas in a clear, concise manner; efficiently problem-solve; and make effective decisions on the spot. With communication, collaboration, empathy and critical thinking all topping employers’ lists of “important soft skills” in tech; experience in IT support is sure to gain their attention.
The ability to assist others with their hardware or software issues also display your extensive knowledge of technology and its associated practices. This not only benefits your potential employer, but yourself as well, as you navigate through the rapid industry changes and developments. Those who excel in technical support typically have a high proficiency in programming, networking, Linux/Unix, and working with a Windows or Mac operating system.
When listing these skills on your CV, outline the specific tasks or responsibilities you’ve undertaken. Describe any issues your clients have grappled with, and what you’ve done to resolve them. These can include repairing or replacing old equipment, configuring computer networks, helping set up accounts for new users, and training any junior employees.
The aim is to showcase your capability of navigating tricky IT scenarios; rather than simply citing vague skills such as “problem-solving”, “critical thinking”, or “a keen attention to detail”.
4. Cybersecurity.
Finally, it helps to have at least a fundamental grasp of cybersecurity.
Australia has battled rising rates of cybercrime each year, with numbers only set to skyrocket. In fact, the country is predicted to experience a staggering shortage of over 17,000 security specialists by 2026.
Needless to say, those interested in cybersecurity have vast opportunities to pursue and excel in the field.
However, regardless of role, basic security skills are mandatory for any IT professional.
Studies have pointed to employees as the “weakest link” in the fight against cybercrime. Lacking awareness in proper practices, common threats, and incident management all leave your business vulnerable to prying criminal hands.
Those entering the tech industry (or wish to advance in it) must thus display solid skills in maintaining data security, implementing proper safeguards (i.e. using VPNs, anti-virus software, encryption, etc.), detecting potential threats, and incident handling (i.e. what to do in the case of a breach, backup and data recovery, when to escalate, etc.).
However, a stand-out resume may include more technical skills in cybersecurity, such as ethical hacking, using intrusion detection tools, IP setup, and certifications such as CEH (Certified Ethical Hacker) and CompTIA Security+. The more you’re able to secure a business, the more likely you’ll gain their attention.
Need a skills boost for the tech industry?
Upskilling is vital in the world of IT, needed to keep pace with ever-evolving trends and technologies.
Thankfully, Upskilled has all you need to stay competitive, with a wide range of IT courses to help you hone your expertise. Learn to secure private data through a cybersecurity course, or explore the ins and outs of computer systems through networking training. Whatever tech training you need, their courses have you covered.
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