How to Write a CV for Data Centre Jobs (UK)
Creating a standout CV for a data centre job application is a crucial step in advancing your career in the sector. Whether you’re coming from a different sector and want to adapt your existing CV, or you’re applying for a role a step up on the data centre career ladder, your CV needs to effectively showcase your skills, experience, and qualifications.
In this article, we’ll guide you through five essential steps for how to write a CV for data centre positions. We’ll also explore how to tailor your CV for different data centre job applications and highlight four different tools you can use to create a professional CV.
Contents
- Writing a CV for data centre jobs: 5 steps
- How to write a CV for a job application
- How to make a CV for a data centre job application
- Data centre jobs UK
Writing a CV for data centre jobs: 5 steps
Follow these steps when writing a CV for data centre jobs in the UK:
1. Write your contact information
Firstly, it’s a good idea to write the following contact information on your CV:
- Full name
- Phone number (ideally a mobile number)
- Email address
- LinkedIn profile
By including this information, you ensure that your potential employers can contact you to follow up with your application. Make sure these contact details are up-to-date and professional – perhaps set up a new email address instead of using [email protected]!
2. Write a personal statement
Next, write three or four sentences that summarise your professional background and goals for your career. If you’ve worked in the data centre sector for a while, highlight some important career achievements. If you’ve not worked in data centres before but are looking to break into the industry, write a line or two about why you want to make the move.
Data centre personal statement example:
“Highly skilled and detail-oriented Data Centre Technician with over five years of experience in managing, maintaining, and optimising data centre operations. Proficient in hardware installation, troubleshooting, and network infrastructure management. Adept at ensuring uptime, efficiency, and security in high-demand environments. Strong problem-solving skills with a focus on continuous improvement and customer satisfaction.”
3. List work experience
With your personal statement complete, it’s time to list your work experience. Write your experience in bullet points in reverse chronological order (most recent at the top of the page) and include this information for each previous job:
- Job title
- Company name
- Employment start and end dates
- Key responsibilities
- Achievements
Even if you don’t have any direct experience working in the data centre industry, you’ll have many achievements and transferrable experience.
4. List education and certifications
Next, list your education and relevant certifications. This will include any degrees, professional awards and certificates, and other courses you may have taken. In the world of data centres, some such qualifications in the UK include CDCMP and DCE.
5. List skills and technical proficiencies
Lastly, you’ll want to write a few lines about your skills such as network management, server maintenance, and knowledge of DCIM tools. Mention any specific software or hardware expertise that you have that make you a strong candidate for data centre jobs.
How to write a CV for a job application
It can work to your advantage if you tailor your data centre CV to your job application. You don’t need to completely re-write your CV for every job you apply for, but doing some research upfront about what potential employers are looking for will help you in the long run.
Emphasise your most relevant experience and skills
To make your CV relevant to the job you are applying for, put emphasis on your most relevant experience. Write a few extra sentences on your most relevant previous work experience and consider making important sentences bold to draw attention to them.
Make connections between your previous experience and the job description
To make your CV stand out from the crowd, make direct links between the job advertisement and your previous experience. For example, if the job description says:
‘We are seeking a dedicated and detail-oriented Data Centre Technician to join our team. The ideal candidate will be responsible for installing, maintaining, and troubleshooting data centre hardware, including servers, network devices, and storage systems.’
Then you can reframe your previous experience using language from the job description:
‘In my previous role as a Data Centre Technician at XYZ Solutions, I was responsible for installing, maintaining, and troubleshooting a wide range of data centre hardware, and successfully managed the deployment of over 200 server units, ensuring proper configuration and integration with existing infrastructure.’
Don’t forget about ‘soft’ skills
Lastly, don’t forget about the soft skills required for a data centre job. Take a look at the job description and pick out any key soft skills that are of particular interest to your potential employer, and make sure to include them on your CV.
For example:
- Communication
- Teamwork
- Problem-solving
- Time management
- Attention to detail
- Adaptability
- Organisation
- Work ethic
How to make a CV for a data centre job application
There are many ways to make a CV for your data centre job application. Here are just a few:
Word processors
Word processors like Microsoft Word and Google Docs are versatile and widely used for making CVs. Both have customisable cv templates that you can adapt to suit your data centre job application. CVs made with a word processor will be more traditional, without the bells and whistles.
Online design tools
Design tools like Canva and Adobe can be used to make creative, visually engaging CVs with a high level of customisation available. These CVs are usually more suitable for design-focused or creative roles within the data centre sector.
Jobs board CV builder
Online jobs boards like Indeed, LinkedIn, and Monster have built-in CV builders that you can use to make your CV. These are quick to use and convenient for applying for multiple jobs on the same platform.
Recruiters
If you’re working with a recruiter in the data centre industry, they can assist you with crafting the perfect CV for your job application. They’ll be able to advise on key skills you need to highlight, as well as the most appropriate formatting option.
Are you looking for a data centre job in the UK? Get in touch with us to find out how we can help you secure your next role.
Data centre jobs UK
We recruit for a wide range of data centre jobs in the UK including technical supervisors, shift engineers, planners, and design managers.
Data centre jobs London
London is the largest data centre market in the UK and is home to over 34% of all UK data centres. The city is ranked first on Cushman & Wakefield’s list of EMEA established markets and fifth on the list of global established markets. It also features on the top ten markets for land availability, market size, and regulations and incentives.
If you’re looking for a data centre job in London, get in touch with an experienced DataX consultant.
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