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Category: Keen People

25Sep

How to Write an Effective CV: Tips for Crafting a Standout CV or Resume

Your CV is more than just a summary of your work history; it’s your personal marketing tool and often the first impression you make on a potential employer. For IT and cybersecurity professionals, crafting a CV that highlights your unique skills, and experience is crucial in a competitive market. At Keen People, we know what it takes to make your CV stand out. Here are our top tips.

  • First Impressions Matter

Your CV’s design is the first thing a recruiter will notice, so keep it clean, organised, and professional. Use a simple, readable font and ensure there is plenty of white space to make your CV easy on the eyes. Avoid unnecessary graphics; clarity and simplicity should guide your design choices.

  • Personal Statement: The Hook

Start with a compelling personal statement that summarises who you are and what you specialise in. Tailor this section to the specific job you’re applying for, highlighting your most relevant skills and experiences.

  • Emphasise Relevant Experience  

Focus on roles most relevant to the IT or cybersecurity field. Use bullet points to outline your achievements and contributions. Quantifiable achievements—like “developed a new security protocol that reduced breaches by 30%”—make a stronger impact.

  • Showcase Your Skills

Include a skills section that highlights both technical and soft skills. Don’t overlook soft skills like problem-solving and communication, which are invaluable in any role.

  • Detail Your Education and Certifications

Include all relevant certifications, such as CISSP or CompTIA Security+, along with the issuing organisations and dates. These demonstrate your expertise and commitment.

  • Tailor Your CV for Each Job

Customise your CV for each application, focusing on the skills and experiences most relevant to the job description. Use keywords from the job posting to help your CV get through applicant tracking systems (ATS).

  • Highlight Professional Development

Show your commitment to learning by listing workshops or courses you have completed. This shows you are proactive and eager to stay ahead of industry trends.

  • Proofread Thoroughly

Avoid errors that can undermine your professionalism. Proofread your document multiple times and consider having a colleague review it as well.

  • Keep It Concise   

Your CV should ideally be no longer than two or three pages. Be concise and focus on what matters most.

At Keen People, we understand that a strong CV is the foundation of a successful job search. Follow these tips to craft a CV that sets you apart and helps you land your next role.

28Aug

Level Up Your IT/Cybersecurity Career: Why Networking is Your Secret Weapon

Tired of endless job rejections? Feeling stuck in your IT or cybersecurity career? It’s time to ditch the classic job hunting tactics and trust the power of networking! Who you know can be just as important as what you know. Let’s dive into why building strong connections is the ultimate game-changer for IT and cybersecurity job seekers.

Forget the old-school CV drop; networking is where the magic happens. It’s your secret weapon to unlock hidden job opportunities, gain insider knowledge, and build a tribe of like-minded professionals. Think of it as your personal career accelerator!

Why Networking Is Your Door To Success:

  • Hidden Job Market: Discover exclusive roles that never make it to job boards.
  • Mentorship Magic: Learn from industry experts and get career advice.
  • Brand Building: Showcase your skills and expertise to potential employers.
  • Stronger Job Offers: Negotiate better salaries and benefits with your network’s help.
  • Lifelong Connections: Build relationships that last beyond your job search.

Networking Tips for IT and Cybersecurity Pros:

  • Attend Industry Events: Conferences, meetups, and webinars are your networking playgrounds.
  • Leverage Social Media: Connect with professionals on LinkedIn, Twitter, and other platforms.
  • Join Online Communities: Participate in forums and groups to share knowledge and connect.
  • Be Genuine and Helpful: Build relationships by offering value and support. 
  • Follow Up: Stay in touch with new contacts to nurture relationships.

Networking is no longer optional; it’s a must-have skill for IT and cybersecurity professionals. So, step out of your comfort zone, start building relationships, and watch your career soar to new heights! Remember, your network is your net worth.

And if you’re ready to take your career to the next level, contact Keen People—the experts in all things recruitment. We’re here to connect you with opportunities that align with your skills and aspirations.

30Jul

Master Your Next Tech Interview: 5 Keys to Success 

Landing your dream tech job starts with nailing that interview. But with nerves running high and competition fierce, how do you stand out from the crowd? Here are five battle-tested tips to conquer your next interview:

Know Your Enemy (The Company, That Is): Research the company’s mission, values, and recent projects. This shows genuine interest and helps you tailor your answers. Think: “How can my skills contribute to their goals?” Understanding the company culture and recent achievements can also help you ask more insightful questions during the interview, making you appear more engaged and well-prepared.

Code Like a Champion: Practice coding challenges on platforms like LeetCode or Hacker Rank. Hone your problem-solving skills and demonstrate your coding prowess under pressure. Regular practice will help you get comfortable with different types of problems and improve your speed and accuracy. Additionally, understanding the common algorithms and data structures used in your desired role can give you an edge.

Cybersecurity Superhero Training: Understand key cybersecurity concepts relevant to the position. This showcases your awareness of current threats and your ability to protect sensitive data. Whether the role is directly related to cybersecurity or not, demonstrating knowledge of security principles can be a huge plus. Brush up on topics like encryption, firewalls, and secure coding practices.

Questions Sharper Than Your Wit: Prepare thoughtful questions about the role, company culture, and team dynamics. This demonstrates your curiosity and initiative. Ask about the team’s current projects, the challenges they face, and how success is measured in the role. This not only shows your interest but also helps you gauge if the company is the right fit for you.

Thank You, Thank You, Thank You: Send a personalised thank-you email to the interviewer(s) within 24 hours. Reiterate your interest and highlight key points from the conversation. This simple gesture shows professionalism and leaves a positive impression. Mention something specific you discussed during the interview to make your email stand out.

Bonus Tip: Confidence is Key! Practice your answers and body language beforehand. Remember, you’ve got this! Confidence can make a big difference in how you present yourself. Practice answering common interview questions and refine your responses. Pay attention to your body language—maintain eye contact, sit up straight, and smile.

Additionally, consider these extra steps to boost your interview game:

Mock Interviews: Conduct mock interviews with friends or mentors. This helps you get used to the interview format and receive feedback on your performance.

Portfolio Preparation: If applicable, prepare a portfolio of your work. Include projects, code samples, and any relevant achievements. This can serve as a tangible demonstration of your skills.

Soft Skills Matter: Don’t forget to highlight your soft skills. Communication, teamwork, and adaptability are crucial in tech roles. Share examples of how you’ve successfully collaborated with others or tackled challenges.

By incorporating these strategies, you’ll be well-prepared to tackle your next tech interview.

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