IT Resumes, Keywords, and Transferrable Skills - Agenda - Intro, IT Resume, ATS, Resume Template, Keywords

Sep 13, 2026

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Guidance for creating effective IT resumes focused on how applicant tracking systems (ATS) parse applications and on tailoring content using job lead keywords. It explains ATS limitations and offers concrete template and layout practices, including recommended sections, chronological structure, formatting consistency, and proofreading to prevent credibility loss. It also provides strategies for identifying transferable skills through targeted sample questions covering daily tasks, tools, customer interactions, troubleshooting processes, and related technology experience.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryResumes

FormatPDF

Pages27

Reading Time9 min

AccessFree to download

Intro

The IT Resume

Applicant Tracking Systems

Resume Template

Transferrable Skills

Finding and Using Keywords in IT

Probing for Transferrable Skills - Sample Questions

IT Resumes, Keywords, and Transferrable Skills Jeff Lareau and Nicole Maseberg 03/19/2015jlareau@comptia.org nmaseberg@comptia.org Agenda 􀂃 Intro 􀂃 The IT Resume – Applicant Tracking Systems – Resume Template 􀂃 Transferrable Skills 􀂃 Finding and Using Keywords in IT 􀂃 Questions 􀂃 Upcoming Webinars Subjectivity in the Job Search Copyright (c) 2014 CompTIA Properties, LLC. All Rights Reserved. | CompTIA.org 3 Applicant Tracking Systems 􀂃 Flawed resume parsing software created to reject resumes before theyreach a human 􀂃 Works via keyword selection 􀂃 The employer sees the parsed information, not the resume submitted 􀂃 Tips foryour clients: – Use keywords from job lead, and customize each resume – No tables, lines, images, or fancy graphics – It’s possible to submit longer resumes toan ATS, but the client should usecaution – Call work experience “work experience”, not “employment history”, etc. – Know someone* 􀂃 Red flag for ATS problems:“I’m qualified, but I never hear anything back!” Resume Template 􀂃 Background and sources 􀂃 Difference between IT resumesandother types 􀂃 Overall layout tips – 1st half of the 1st page isthe mostimportant – No references – No fancy lines or graphics – Chronological > Functional – Customize for every job lead – No dense blocks of text – Consistency in fonts, bullets,periods, and dates Copyright (c) 2014 CompTIA Properties, LLC. All Rights Reserved. | CompTIA.org 5 Resume Template 􀂃 Resume length – Lots of subjectivity here, but nomore than 3 pages, ideally only 1-2 – No farther back than 10-15 years 􀂃 Layout sections – Contact information – Title – Summary – Skills/Keywords – Technical Abilities – Work Experience – Education Resume Template 􀂃 Proofreading – Many clients forget to proofread – Just ONE mistake andthe client willlose credibility – Clients can read their resumebackwards to find typos 􀂃 Client Honesty – Some clients bend the truth beyondcredibility 􀂃 Things NOT todo! – White font keyword trick – Unusual file formats Transferrable Skills Copyright (c) 2014 CompTIA Properties, LLC. All Rights Reserved. | CompTIA.org 8 Copyright (c) 2014 CompTIA Properties, LLC. All Rights Reserved. | CompTIA.org 9 Probing for Transferrable Skills – Sample Questions 􀂃 Describe the types of electrical equipment you worked with ona daily basis (phone systems,computers, copiers, iphone/ipad, electronic cash register) in each position. 􀂃 Describe the software and hardware you usedona daily basis. 􀂃 What typeof customer interaction did you have in each position? What was the best part ofthat interaction? What did you dislike about that interaction? 􀂃 Describe the process you would go through to solve a problem in each position. 􀂃 How do you access the internet at home? Do you currently use a home pc, tablet, orsmartphone? How did you set up that network? What typeof internet service do you use?How do you connect to the internet? Have you ever had an issue with your home computer/internet access and how did you resolve that issue? 􀂃 How comfortable are you taking an object apart and putting it back together in working order?How do you remember the steps to put it back together properly? 􀂃 Have you helped friends/family members to purchase an electronic device and what factorshelped you promote that device?

FAQs

How do applicant tracking systems (ATS) handle resumes?

ATS uses flawed parsing software that selects keywords to reject resumes before a human review. The employer typically sees the parsed information rather than the original resume submitted.

What formatting rules should an IT resume follow for ATS compatibility?

Use keywords from the job lead and customize each resume. Avoid tables, lines, images, and fancy graphics, and prefer simple, consistent fonts, bulleting, punctuation, and dates.

What transferable skills questions can help uncover relevant experience?

Use prompts about daily equipment and software/hardware use, types of customer interactions, problem-solving processes, home internet setup and troubleshooting, device disassembly/repair steps, and helping others purchase electronic devices.

Sep 13, 2026

Upload by Finn