Tech CV Tips: 8 Simple Fixes for a CV That Isn't Getting Interviews
Sending out applications and hearing nothing back? Here are eight tech CV tips that make a real difference for developers, analysts and IT support staff.
A big share of posts on UK tech career forums are some version of the same thing: plenty of applications, hardly any replies, and a request for someone to look at their CV. If that sounds familiar, the problem is often fixable. These tech CV tips focus on the changes that make the most difference to whether a recruiter or hiring manager reads on.
1. Put Your Strongest Skills at the Top
Recruiters often spend seconds on a first read. Start with a short summary of two or three lines saying what you do and what you are good at, followed by a skills section with the languages, tools and platforms you actually use. Put the ones that match the job first.
2. Tailor Your Tech CV to Each Job
A generic tech CV gets generic results. Read the advert and make sure the skills and words it uses appear in your CV, as long as they are true. Many employers use applicant tracking systems that look for matching terms, and a human reader does the same.
3. Show Results, Not Just Duties
Instead of listing what you were responsible for, show what changed because of your work. Did you speed up a process, reduce tickets, ship a feature or automate something? Be specific about what you did and the effect it had, using numbers only where you genuinely know them.
4. Add Projects if You Are Junior
If you are a graduate or career changer, one or two solid projects can carry a CV. Link to the code, say what problem it solves and what you learned. One real project you can talk about in depth is worth more than a dozen tutorial clones.
5. Explain Gaps and Redundancy Plainly
Redundancy is common in tech right now, and employers know it. A short line such as role made redundant in a restructure is enough. Do not hide gaps. Just add a brief note about what you did, whether it was learning, freelancing or caring for family.
6. Keep the Layout Simple
Fancy designs, columns and graphics can confuse applicant tracking systems. Use a clean, single-column layout, standard headings and a readable font. Two pages is fine for experienced people. One is often better for graduates.
7. Write It Yourself
Employers are seeing a flood of AI-written applications, and many are now rethinking how they screen. Using a tool to check spelling or structure is fine, but a CV that reads like everyone else’s will not stand out. Your own voice and real detail are what make a hiring manager pick up the phone.
8. Check Your IT CV Before You Send It
A second pair of eyes helps. Our free CV checker gives quick feedback on structure and content, and our Job Matcher shows which roles in a large UK job feed best match your CV.
You can browse IT and tech roles on our vacancies page, read more on our IT jobs hub or get tips for the next stage in our coding test guide on the IT blog.
Tech CV Tips: Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my tech CV not getting interviews?
Common reasons include a generic CV that does not match the job, skills buried too far down, duties listed instead of results, and layouts that applicant tracking systems struggle to read.
How long should a developer CV be?
Two pages is fine for experienced developers. Graduates and junior candidates often do better with one page.
Should I put projects on my IT CV?
Yes, especially if you are junior or changing careers. Include one or two solid projects with links and a short explanation.
Can I use AI to write my tech CV?
Using a tool to check spelling or structure is fine, but a CV in your own words with real detail is more likely to stand out.
More IT & Tech News and Career Guides
Looking for IT & Tech Jobs?
Browse our live vacancies, run your CV through our free CV checker or talk to our IT team.
New AI Job Matcher
Not sure which jobs to apply for? Let AI match your CV to 150,000+ live UK jobs.
Upload your CV once and every job is scored against it, best fits first, with the skills you have and the ones you’re missing.
- 150,000+live UK jobs
- 0–100score on every job
- Nightlyfresh jobs every day
3-day free trial, then £11.99/month. Includes CV rewrites for every job. Cancel online any time.