A survey of CIOs reveals how tech talent can jeopardize their chances at a new job, right from the resume-submission process all the way through the interview.

1. 14 Resume
and Interview
Deal Breakers
And Tips for Tech Professionals
to Succeed in a Job Search

2. © 2018 Robert Half Technology. An Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/Disability/Veterans.
Resume Deal Breakers
2
1. Frequent job hopping
Tip: Be prepared to proactively explain your tenure with each organization.
Was it for professional growth? A temporary contract?
T
T
2. Bad formatting, sloppiness or typos*
Tip: Proofread! Errors like these are easy to avoid with a little extra time and
effort. Take the extra step of having a trusted friend review the document to
catch any mistakes you may have missed.
Source: Robert Half Technology survey of more than 2,600 CIOs at companies in 26 major U.S. markets.
*Denotes a tie.

3. © 2018 Robert Half Technology. An Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/Disability/Veterans.3
2. Too long or too much unnecessary information*
Tip: Keep it short and simple. Only include your most significant contributions
and the skills and experiences that are relevant to the position.
4. Not highlighting strategic thinking and
business knowledge
Tip: Avoid writing a lengthy task list from your previous positions.
Instead, emphasize your accomplishments and explain how your
efforts impacted the business.
T
T
Resume Deal Breakers
Source: Robert Half Technology survey of more than 2,600 CIOs at companies in 26 major U.S. markets.
*Denotes a tie.

4. © 2018 Robert Half Technology. An Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/Disability/Veterans.4
5. Overuse of technical jargon
Tip: While you may think including technical terms makes you look like an
expert, use straightforward language to help hiring managers skim your
resume for the skills and experience they seek.
6. Overly complicated
Tip: HR may be the first to look at your resume, so make sure someone
outside the technology industry can easily see how you’re a good fit for the
position. Include a professional summary at the top, and use section
headings and bullet points for easy navigation.
Resume Deal Breakers
Source: Robert Half Technology survey of more than 2,600 CIOs at companies in 26 major U.S. markets.

5. © 2018 Robert Half Technology. An Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/Disability/Veterans.5
7. No context around prior experience
Tip: A long list of past responsibilities isn’t helpful if you don’t include how it
helped the company’s bottom line. Describe projects and achievements in a
way that highlights your skills and achievements.
Resume Deal Breakers
Want more resume tips?
Learn how to write a stand-out resume in 7 easy steps:
Source: Robert Half Technology survey of more than 2,600 CIOs at companies in 26 major U.S. markets.
Robert Half Technology
Blog

6. © 2018 Robert Half Technology. An Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/Disability/Veterans.
Interview Deal Breakers
6
1. Speaking negatively about past employers or managers
Tip: Demonstrate professionalism and tact when talking about previous jobs.
Negative comments will leave hiring managers with a bad feeling.
2. Poor body language
Tip: Project confidence, strong soft skills and interest in the position by offering
a firm handshake, making good eye contact and listening attentively
throughout the meeting.
Source: Robert Half Technology survey of more than 2,600 CIOs at companies in 26 major U.S. markets.

7. © 2018 Robert Half Technology. An Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/Disability/Veterans.
Interview Deal Breakers
7
3. Unprepared for technical questions
Tip: While you can’t prepare for every question you may be asked,
think about how your previous technical experience can apply to the
new opportunity.
4. No clear understanding of the business*
Tip: Do your research. Hiring managers want to see that you’re familiar
with their business model, products, services and goals.
Source: Robert Half Technology survey of more than 2,600 CIOs at companies in 26 major U.S. markets.
*Denotes a tie.

8. © 2018 Robert Half Technology. An Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/Disability/Veterans.
Interview Deal Breakers
8
4. Ineffective explanation of career history*
Tip: Study your resume and think about your past contributions to prepare for
questions the employer may have about your previous experiences. This is
your chance to highlight your successes and explain any red flags, like gaps in
employment.
6. Unprofessional dress
Tip: Your interview sets the stage for your potential success with a new
employer. Make a strong first impression by wearing formal business attire
regardless of the company’s dress code.
Source: Robert Half Technology survey of more than 2,600 CIOs at companies in 26 major U.S. markets.
*Denotes a tie.

9. © 2018 Robert Half Technology. An Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/Disability/Veterans.
Interview Deal Breakers
9
Source: Robert Half Technology survey of more than 2,600 CIOs at companies in 26 major U.S. markets.
7. No “thank you” or follow-up after the interview
Tip: Always send a thank-you note or email shortly after the interview, relaying
your appreciation for the hiring manager’s time, and reiterating your interest in
and fit for the role.
Made it through the first interview? Congrats!
Learn what to expect and questions to anticipate in a second interview:
Robert Half Technology
Blog

10. For more job search tips,
visit
roberthalf.com/technology/blog.