Introduction
Writing a CV (curriculum vitae) is one of the first steps in looking for a job in the IT industry. Despite the high demand for IT specialists, competition can still be tough – recruiters often review dozens of similar applications for a single position. A good CV should capture attention and show that you meet the requirements for the role. Keep in mind that nowadays most CVs are first scanned and evaluated by applicant tracking systems (ATS), often supported by artificial intelligence, before they ever reach a human recruiter. It is estimated that as many as 75% of applications may never be read by a recruiter precisely because of ATS filters. That’s why it’s so important to prepare your CV in a way that is both clear for humans and “understandable” for machines.
In this article, you’ll find practical tips on how to write a CV in IT – for beginners as well as some advice for more experienced candidates. We’ll cover the key sections of a CV, tailoring it to the job (including the specifics of different IT specializations), the impact of ATS/AI on recruitment, and we’ll also debunk some common CV myths.
General Rules for Writing an IT CV
Before moving on to details, it’s worth knowing a few universal principles for creating an effective CV in the IT industry:
Be truthful: The absolute foundation – don’t exaggerate or list skills you don’t actually have. Lies will quickly come out during recruitment (e.g., in an interview or skills test) and may close the door to employment. It’s better to honestly present your current level – honesty pays off more than the risk of being caught.
Tailor your CV to the job: Write your CV for a specific job offer. Use one base version, but adapt it to the requirements from the posting. Highlight the skills and experience that are crucial for the role you’re applying for, while less relevant information can be shortened or omitted so your CV doesn’t get too long.
Focus on specifics: Recruiters value conciseness and clarity. Try to fit the most important information onto 1–2 pages – especially if you’re just starting your career. Candidates with many years of experience may use 2–3 pages, but should also avoid unnecessary filler. What matters is the quality of information, not the quantity.
Keep it clear and structured: Make the recruiter’s job easier. Divide the document into clear sections, use headings and bullet points, and bold the most important information if needed. This way, key facts immediately stand out and the CV is easy to scan. Avoid walls of text – a few short points are better than one long paragraph.
Check accuracy: Spelling mistakes or typos can disqualify a candidate, as they show carelessness. Make sure your language and formatting are correct – carefully proofread your CV before sending it, and ideally ask someone else to review it. A polished CV shows professionalism and respect for potential employers.
Test the layout: Remember that a recruiter may print your CV. Print a test copy to check if everything is readable: is the font size large enough, are the colors and layout clean, and does the text align properly? This helps you avoid unpleasant surprises.
Keeping these principles in mind, you can now move on to the key elements of a CV.
Key Sections of a Good IT CV
A well-written CV is usually divided into standard sections that allow recruiters to quickly find specific information. Below, we discuss the most important ones along with tips on what to include. You’ll also find short examples that can serve as inspiration when creating your own CV.
Personal and contact details: At the top of your CV, list your basic information – full name, job title or professional headline (optional), and contact details: email address and phone number. You may also add your location (city) and links to professional profiles (e.g., LinkedIn, GitHub) or a portfolio website, if you have one. Make sure your email looks professional (ideally firstname.lastname@...). You don’t need to include private details such as marital status, date of birth, or children – avoid unnecessary personal data that has no impact on employment. A photo is not mandatory – if you include one, make sure it is professional (neutral background, business attire). Otherwise, it’s better to skip the photo than to use, for example, a holiday snapshot that might leave a poor impression.
Professional summary (candidate profile): More and more CVs start with a short paragraph presenting the candidate. In 2–4 sentences, summarize your experience, skills, and career goals. This is your “teaser” – it should encourage the recruiter to read the rest of the CV. Tailor the summary to the job description, highlighting your most relevant strengths. Example of a junior summary: "Computer Science graduate and aspiring Java Developer with experience in academic projects. Seeking an opportunity to grow in the area of web applications, leveraging knowledge of Java, Spring, and SQL along with a strong ability to learn quickly." Such a description shows who you are, what you can do, and what you’re looking for. A summary is especially useful for candidates with less experience, but senior professionals can also use it to highlight their core competencies or areas of specialization.
Skills: For IT recruiters, the skills section is crucial – they often review it right after work experience. List your technical competencies that are relevant to the given position. Ideally, group them into categories such as programming languages, technologies, tools, databases, operating systems, etc. Be specific rather than vague. It’s a good idea to indicate your level of proficiency – for example: Python (advanced), SQL (intermediate), HTML/CSS (basic). You can use a scale (e.g., 1–5 or descriptive: basic/intermediate/advanced) or years of experience. Avoid overstating – be ready to demonstrate each skill in practice. In addition to hard skills, it’s worth mentioning soft skills important in IT, such as teamwork, communication, problem-solving, time management. List only those you truly possess – empty buzzwords like “hardworking, reliable, creative” add no value (it’s better to show them through achievements). For clarity, use bullet points. Example:
Programming languages: Python (strong), Java (intermediate), C++ (basic) Frameworks: Django, Spring, React Databases: MySQL, MongoDB Tools: Git, Docker, Jira, Postman
This format makes it easy to quickly understand which technologies the candidate knows and at what level.
Work Experience: This is the most important part of a CV for candidates with any practical experience. List your jobs (or internships/placements) in reverse chronological order, focusing on positions related to IT. For each entry, include the employment period, job title, and company name, followed by a few bullet points describing your responsibilities and achievements. Emphasize accomplishments and tasks that are relevant from the perspective of your future employer. Whenever possible, try to quantify results or highlight specific successes. Example job entry:
Junior Java Developer – XYZ Software (07/2021 – 08/2023) – Developed back-end modules of a web application in Java (Spring Boot) for the e-commerce sector. – Implemented database query optimization, which increased the performance of a key feature by 30%. – Collaborated with a 5-person team in Agile (Scrum), improving communication between development and QA departments.
Such a description shows not only the scope of duties but also the added value (e.g., improvements, measurable outcomes). If you are a junior with no commercial experience, don’t leave this section empty. Instead, describe projects completed during studies, internships, or personal initiatives. This could be an app built for a university assignment, a bootcamp project, a website developed for a friend, a contribution to open source, or even your GitHub portfolio. The key is to show that you can apply your knowledge in practice. Example for a student: “Developed a mobile task management app as part of a thesis project – built with Kotlin + Firebase (2023).” Even if it’s an academic project, such an entry demonstrates engagement and initiative.
Education: In IT, practical skills are most important, but education should also be listed on your CV. Include your completed degree (major, university, graduation year) or current studies (if you’re still enrolled). There’s no need for details – something like: “Gdańsk University of Technology, Computer Science, 2018–2022, B.Eng.” is enough. For experienced professionals, this section can be placed after work experience, while fresh graduates often put it higher. If you don’t have a relevant degree, you may briefly mention career change efforts or significant courses. Do not include high school, unless you have just finished it and it is your only formal education.
Certificates and Courses: The IT industry evolves rapidly, so additional certificates, trainings, and online courses are well regarded by employers. If you have certifications confirming your skills (e.g., Oracle Certified Java Programmer, Cisco CCNA, AWS Certified Solutions Architect, Microsoft Azure Fundamentals, Scrum Master, etc.), make sure to list them. They demonstrate initiative and a willingness to grow. The same goes for completed bootcamps or specialist courses (e.g., UX Design, Automated Testing) – include the course name, provider, and year of completion. For juniors, this can be a strong asset compensating for limited experience. However, list only valuable and up-to-date certificates – an Excel course from 2010 will hardly help a programmer 😉.
Other Sections (optional): Depending on your profile and achievements, you may add extra information:
Languages: In IT, English is essentially a standard – indicate your level (e.g., English B2). If you know other languages, list them with proficiency levels.
Open-source projects / IT-related hobbies: If you run a tech blog, YouTube channel, contribute to open-source projects, or are active in IT communities, you can mention it briefly. Such involvement shows passion for technology. Avoid lengthy descriptions of interests unrelated to work – a recruiter doesn’t need to know you breed aquarium fish, unless you’re applying to a pet store 😉.
References: If you have written references from past employers or mentors, you may add a note like “References available upon request” or include a short quote. This is optional, not required.
Data protection clause: In Poland, it is standard to include consent for personal data processing at the end of your CV. Make sure your CV has an up-to-date GDPR clause, e.g.: “I consent to the processing of my personal data included in my CV for the purposes necessary to carry out the recruitment process in accordance with applicable data protection laws.” Without such a statement, your CV may be rejected for formal reasons.
Tailoring Your CV to the Job Offer and IT Specialization
A single universal CV is not enough to apply effectively for different roles. Personalizing your CV for each specific job offer significantly increases your chances of getting noticed. Here’s how to make sure your CV fits the employer’s expectations:
Job ad analysis: Carefully read the job posting and note the requirements: technologies, skills, experience, certifications, etc. Then make sure these keywords appear in your CV – especially in the skills and experience sections. Recruiters (and ATS systems) will be looking for those specific competencies. For example, if the ad is for a React Developer, highlight your experience with React, knowledge of JavaScript/TypeScript, REST APIs, etc. (provided you actually have them!).
Order and emphasis: You have full flexibility with the order of sections – place the most important information first. For example: if you don’t have commercial experience but do have strong course projects, add a “Projects” section right after skills to showcase them. If you already have rich experience but are applying for a slightly different role, start your CV with a tailored summary and list of key competencies relevant to the new position. Always ask yourself: “Does this information increase my chances for this job?” If not, shorten or remove it.
Different CV versions: If you’re applying for roles with different focuses, consider preparing separate CV versions. For example, if you’re interested in both Backend Developer and Data Analyst positions, each role emphasizes different skills. You could create one CV highlighting programming experience, and another focusing on analytical projects and data work. Sending a tailored CV each time signals that you are the right fit for that position, rather than someone sending out a generic resume to dozens of roles.
Role-specific considerations: The IT industry is broad – covering developers, testers, administrators, UX/UI designers, analysts, managers, and many more. It’s worth adapting your CV to reflect the specific requirements of the given specialization. Here are a few examples of what to emphasize depending on the role:
Software Developer: In a developer’s CV, make sure to list the programming languages, frameworks, and development tools you use. Recruiters want to know if you are familiar with the technologies required for the role (e.g., for a frontend developer – JavaScript/TypeScript, React; for a backend developer – Java, Spring, or Python, Django, etc.). Linking to a code portfolio is highly recommended – for example, a GitHub or GitLab profile with sample projects. Highlight significant achievements, such as contributions to well-known open-source projects or hackathon wins. Also, mention your familiarity with work methodologies (Agile/Scrum, Git flow, CI/CD) – these are often listed as requirements. Tip: Frontend developers can subtly showcase aesthetic sense (e.g., a CV with clean design), but avoid excessive graphic embellishments – content and readability matter most.
Software Tester (QA/QC): As a tester, emphasize your testing experience – whether manual or automated. List testing tools and frameworks (e.g., Selenium, JUnit, Postman, JIRA, TestRail) as well as knowledge of testing methodologies. Analytical thinking and attention to detail are important – briefly mention how you contributed to product quality (e.g., "identified a critical bug before deployment"). If you have ISTQB certification or other QA-related certificates, highlight them in the Certifications section. For automation testers, emphasize programming skills for test scripts (Python, Java, JavaScript – depending on the tech stack). Junior testers can mention completed testing courses or testing of personal projects in a portfolio.
Network Administrator / DevOps / IT Specialist: In these roles, experience with infrastructure is key. In the CV, highlight knowledge of operating systems (Linux, Windows Server), network technologies (protocols, hardware), DevOps tools (Docker, Kubernetes, Jenkins, Terraform, etc.), and cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP – including services you have used). Certifications such as Cisco (CCNA/CCNP), Red Hat, Microsoft Azure/AWS are highly valuable – be sure to include them. In the experience section, provide examples of infrastructure projects you managed, e.g., "implemented monitoring system, automated deployment, migrated 100+ servers to the cloud." This demonstrates scope and responsibility. Also mention IT security knowledge if relevant to the role. Attention to detail is critical – a system administrator’s CV must be precise and well-structured.
UX/UI Designer: For user experience and interface design specialists, a portfolio of work is crucial. Include a link to an online portfolio (e.g., Behance, Dribbble, or a personal website with case studies). In the skills section, list design tools (Figma, Adobe XD, Sketch, InVision, etc.) and understanding of UX processes (user research, prototyping, usability testing). You may highlight projects where you improved UX metrics (e.g., "increased conversion by X% after app redesign"). Unlike other roles, CV aesthetics matter for designers – it can be more visual to showcase your design sense. Still, do not compromise readability – the CV should be scannable and the most important information easily visible.
Of course, these are just examples. In every specialization, try to understand what the employer expects and emphasize those elements in your CV. Think like a recruiter: reading hundreds of CVs, who would I want to invite for an interview? The person who immediately demonstrates that they know the required technologies and understand the role’s specifics.
Language and Terminology: Adapt the language of your CV to the industry. IT uses many English terms – use commonly recognized technology and tool names in their original form (better to write “Docker, Kubernetes” than force a translation). If the role requires English, consider preparing an English-language CV. If applying to a Polish company with a Polish job posting, a Polish CV is natural – just avoid spelling errors in proper names (e.g., correct JavaScript, not “Java Script”). Write concisely, using active verbs and being specific. Instead of: "I was responsible for developing an application," write: "Developed application X for industry Y, improving process Z." Such phrasing sounds dynamic and demonstrates your impact.
CV Formatting and Readability
Great content is one thing, but CV presentation also matters. Recruiters are visual – first impressions can determine whether they even start reading. Ensure your CV is neat and easy to scan:
Clear layout: A good CV has an optimal amount of text and is divided into clear, thematic sections. Avoid clutter and information overload. Use a readable structure: section headings (larger/bold font), bullet points for listing duties or skills, spacing between text blocks. Don’t fear “white space” – a concise, structured CV is better than a cluttered one.
Minimal graphics: You don’t have to stick to black-and-white CVs; you can use 2–3 muted colors for headings or small design elements. However, avoid excessive graphics and embellishments, especially for non-creative roles. Overly complex layouts, unusual fonts, or icons instead of text can hinder readability and even cause automatic systems to reject the CV. Instead of an infographic or poster-style CV, opt for a simple, classic style – readability is more important than visual flair. (Exception: creative roles may allow a touch of design flair, but content must remain legible.)
**Font and size: **Choose a professional, readable font (e.g., Arial, Calibri, Verdana, Roboto). Avoid decorative fonts. Main text size 10–12 pt is typical; headings slightly larger. Consistency is key – use uniform formatting (all section headings styled the same, dates formatted consistently). This makes the CV look tidy and shows attention to detail.
CV length: It’s often said a CV should fit on one page – this is a myth (discussed further below). The length depends on experience. One page may suffice for juniors, 2 pages for typical specialists, and highly experienced experts or managers may need 3 pages. Aim for 2 pages, but if you have extensive accomplishments, it’s better to add a page than remove key information. Remember, recruiters spend an average of just a few dozen seconds on an initial scan, so the most important information should be immediately accessible.
File and format: Always send your CV as a PDF, unless the job posting specifies otherwise. PDFs preserve layout and fonts – ensuring the recruiter sees the CV as intended. Avoid editable formats (doc, docx) unless requested. Never send a CV as an image (e.g., JPG) – text in images is invisible to CV scanning systems. This is a sure way for your application to disappear before anyone sees it. Name the file meaningfully, e.g., “CV_FirstNameLastName.pdf” – a small detail that signals professionalism (a file named “cv_final_revision2_v3.pdf” may raise eyebrows).
Consistency and aesthetics: Ensure visual consistency throughout the CV. If using colored accents, maintain the same palette throughout. Align text fields, maintain consistent date formats (e.g., MM.YYYY). Small details matter – uneven dashes, mixed languages, or inconsistent bullet points signal carelessness. Your CV is your professional card, so it must be polished. Do a final visual check: are sections clearly separated? Does nothing spill onto a new page without a heading? Are bullet points legible (standard dots/dashes, no fancy symbols that might not display)? Remember, both humans and algorithms notice clarity.
CV and Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) / AI
As mentioned earlier, most large companies use ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems) for initial CV screening. Increasingly, AI-powered systems are also deployed to analyze candidates more intelligently. What does this mean for you? Your CV must be friendly to such systems – otherwise, even excellent qualifications may be automatically rejected before a recruiter sees them.
How does ATS work? Traditional ATS converts CVs into text and matches them against job requirements – based on keywords, years of experience, job level, etc. It assigns a ranking or filters out applications that don’t meet criteria. Modern AI-based tools analyze CVs more contextually – understanding synonyms, estimating fit based on patterns rather than exact words. Still, the principle is the same: the computer reads your CV before a human does, so both content and format must be readable by the algorithm.
Key points to beat ATS filters:
Keywords: ATS looks for specific skills and experiences listed in the job posting. Therefore, use the same phrases in your CV as in the job ad, as long as they honestly apply to you. For example, if the requirements list “JavaScript (Angular),” make sure these exact terms appear in your skills or experience (not just a general “web application development”). List all relevant programs, technologies, and tools you know – even if they seem obvious. This increases the chances that ATS will “find” you in its database. Avoid overly unusual job titles or jargon – the system may not associate them with the desired profile. It’s better to use a standard role title, e.g., “Software Tester” instead of a creative “Bug Hunting Ninja” 😉.
Simple text format: Avoid anything that could confuse the system. For example, column layouts (two parallel columns of text) are often misread – it’s better to stack sections one after another. Headers and footers in PDFs may not be read by ATS, so don’t place important contact info there – instead, include it in the main content at the top. Do not insert key information as an image (e.g., a university logo next to education – unnecessary, and text in the image won’t be visible). ATS may struggle with decorative elements, icons, or charts – better to avoid them or add alternative text. Excessive use of tables or boxes can also disrupt the reading order. Therefore, the simpler, the better: plain text, simple lists, no fancy formatting.
Fonts and special characters: Use standard fonts and basic characters. If you use a non-standard symbol for bullet points, ATS may treat it as an odd character or skip that part of the text. For reliability, use classic bullets (•, –). Likewise, stick to standard section names like “Experience,” “Education,” “Skills” – many systems recognize these and categorize information correctly.
**CV testing in a scanner: **Consider using online tools (often free for basic use) that scan your CV for ATS compatibility. Platforms like Jobscan or Resumatch allow you to upload your CV and paste the job description, then show how well your CV matches and what might be missing. This helps identify missing keywords or elements to improve. Of course, you don’t need to chase 100% match – write your CV for humans, not just robots. Still, understanding ATS principles helps avoid errors that could exclude you right at the start.
AI in recruitment: New recruitment systems can not only filter CVs but also group candidates thematically, analyze tone in cover letters, or even examine a candidate’s online profile. Increasingly, AI video interviews or recruitment games are used to assess skills. Regarding CVs, AI may compare your resume with top performers at the company or analyze career paths. However, the foundation is still a well-written, honest CV with accurate information – there are no shortcuts. Ensure every role and project you add shows your growth in the desired direction. AI might notice this, and an experienced recruiter certainly will.
In summary: your CV must first “pass” the computer filter to have a chance to impress a human. Write clearly, specifically, and tailored to the requirements, and make the format maximally friendly for automated analysis. Taking care of these aspects gives you an advantage over candidates who forget them.
Common CV Myths
The internet is full of CV advice – unfortunately, some of it is long outdated or outright wrong. Here are a few of the most repeated myths and the facts you should know:
Myth 1: “CV must fit on one page.”
This is perhaps the most well-known stereotype. While shorter CVs are faster to scan, the “one page” rule is no longer strict. Optimal length depends on experience – one page may suffice for a junior, but a specialist with 10 years of experience will naturally need 2, even 3 pages to describe their career adequately. Recruiters consistently emphasize that it’s better to present important information fully than to cut the CV to one page at the expense of essential content. Of course, this doesn’t mean writing essays – each page should add value. But if your experience requires it, a two-page CV is perfectly fine.
Myth 2: “The more creative and decorative the CV, the better.”
It’s true you need to stand out, but a CV is not a work of art, it’s a recruitment document. Excessive design often does more harm than good. Recruiters prefer clear, readable CVs over elaborate graphical creations. Especially in IT – specifics and clear presentation of skills matter. Creative CVs (e.g., infographic, video, or presentation formats) may work in artistic, marketing, or design roles, but in most cases, a traditional CV works best. Flashy formats can even frustrate recruiters, making it hard to find key data. Fact: the best CV is simple, neat, and readable – moderate graphics, consistent layout, and possibly subtle elements highlighting key sections. Remember ATS compatibility – overly unconventional CVs may be misread by automated systems and never reach a human.
Myth 3: “The photo is the most important part – that’s what recruiters look at.”
Many overemphasize the photo, thinking that an attractive picture determines success. Research shows that recruiters spend only about 3% of their CV review time on the photo, while over half the time (58%) is focused on work experience. This means CV content matters far more than the photo. A professional photo can help (making you memorable after the interview), but its absence won’t disqualify you if your qualifications are right. On the other hand, an inappropriate photo can hurt. So: have a good business photo – add it; don’t have one – better no photo than a poor one. Your image should align with your professional persona, but your skills and experience determine the interview invitation.