I.T. AUTOMATION!!!

I.T. automation is the use of software to perform tasks that would otherwise be done manually by technology professionals. This can include tasks such as provisioning and configuring servers, deploying applications, managing user accounts, and responding to incidents. IT automation needs to be on EVERY applicant's resume for the reasons below.

• It Reduces costs: Automation can help to reduce the cost of IT operations by eliminating the need for manual labor.
• Increased efficiency: Automation can help to improve the efficiency of IT operations by reducing the time it takes to complete tasks.
• Improved accuracy: Automation can help to improve the accuracy of IT operations by reducing the number of human errors.
• Increased scalability: Automation can help to make IT operations more scalable by making it easier to manage large and complex IT environments.
• Improved agility: Automation can help to make IT operations more agile by making it easier to respond to change.

In my opinion, it's a buzz word or phrase and needs to be on your resume. Why? Because it not only makes you stand out, but it also can apply to anything in tech, and makes sense in various contexts. For example, let's say you're currently a Desktop Support Specialist and you're applying for a System Administrator role. The Desktop Support section on your (and MOST candidates) resume reads like this....

Desktop Support Technician
XYZ Company, Anytown, CA
2016 - 2018

Diagnosed and resolved hardware and software issues

Installed and configured new hardware and software

Create user accounts & deployed network resources

This is fine for the average candidate, but the problem is EVERY candidate can do this!! As mentioned in my Tech Resume Tips article, this makes you just another candidate. You want to standout and be THE CANDIDATE. Using our new secret buzz word is how you do this. Take a look at how much better the resume section reads when you include some references to automation.

Desktop Support Technician
XYZ Company, Anytown, CA
2016 - 2018

Diagnosed and resolved hardware and software issues

Automated the installation and configuration of new hardware and software via GroupPolicy, SCCM/MECM, and Powershell

Create user accounts & deployed network resources automatically using Active Directory

Notice the underlined additions here. The first excerpt basically says, "I'm a tech person who does tech things". The second excerpt says, "I'm a tech person that does tech things, faster and more efficiently with this specific software." This helps you standout by not just saying what you can and have done (as most candidates do), but by also detailing exactly how you do these things more efficiently. That will either go over the hiring manager's head, which is a good thing, or be advanced enough to catch the technical reviewer's eye, or both! That's how you get your resume moved forward, get interviewed, and hired. Most candidates appeal only to one or the other (or neither). Imagine having your resume reviewed or you interview being discussed and having multiple evaluators interested in you as a candidate. This is very important for obvious reasons. Next week I'll have a sample resume for both entry-level and mid-level I.T. jobs. Stay tuned.