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People Operations
Apr 26th 2022

A Guide to Google Interview Questions: 20 Examples and Tips

Created by CakeIn this article, we'll cover:Google Coding and Technical Interview QuestionsCommon Google Interview QuestionsGoogle Behavioral Interview QuestionsTips for Cracking Google InterviewsDo you want to work at Google? It's a dream for many people, and with good reason. Google is well known for being one of the most difficult places to interview. They're looking for the top 1% of candidates, which means that they're extremely selective. Google looks for candidates who are not only intelligent and able to solve complex problems, but also those who are able to work well with others and share Google's values. However, displaying technical skills and job-specific knowledge during a Google interview alone is hard enough because the technical questions may range from a wide range of topics and may be very specific about Google's culture and products. In this article, we'll walk you through how to prepare for a Google interview. We'll cover coding and technical questions, common Google interview questions, behavioral questions and tips. Let's go! Google Coding and Technical Interview QuestionsTechnical interview questions in a Google interview heavily focus on problem-solving skills. Some of the most prevalent topics are data structure, algorithms, recursions and dynamic programming. Be prepared to answer questions on all of these topics.10 common coding and technical interview questions that you may want to prepare for before your Google technical interview:How would you approach a problem that you've never seen before?What is your experience with data structures and algorithms?How do you find the distance between two nodes in a binary tree?How would you implement a queue?Given a string, reverse it without using any additional storage.What is the maximum number of nodes that a binary tree can have?What is a hash table and how would you use it?What is recursion, and how can it be used to solve problems?How do you optimize an algorithm?How would you design a search engine? 1. How would you approach a problem that you've never seen before? Google is a leader in innovation, so they're always looking for candidates who are able to think outside the box and come up with creative solutions. The recruiter at Google might ask this question in a technical interview to find out how you think creatively. 2. What is your experience with data structures and algorithms? This is another question that will likely come up during a Google technical interview for data scientists. Be prepared to talk about your experience with common data structures such as arrays, linked lists, trees and hash tables. If you have experience with common algorithms such as quicksort, merge sort and binary search, be sure to mention that as well. 3. How do you find the distance between two nodes in a binary tree? This is a technical question that tests your knowledge of tree data structures. Binary tree questions are common in Google interviews, so brush up on your tree algorithms. 4. How would you implement a queue? Data structure is likely to be a huge part of Google's technical interview. Be prepared to talk about how you would implement a queue using an array, linked list or a stack. You should also be able to compare the performance tradeoffs between arrays, linked lists and a stack. 5. Given a string, reverse it without using any additional storage. Code efficiency and storage optimization will likely be a big part of Google technical interview. This question tests your ability to solve problems in the most efficient way possible. 6. What is the maximum number of nodes that a binary tree can have? This coding interview question tests your knowledge of tree data structures, a big part of algorithms. To prepare for this type of technical interview question, be sure to brush up on the key concepts of algorithms. 7. What is a hash table and how would you use it? Hash tables are a data structure that is used to store key-value pairs and can hugely improve the efficiency of your code. For this Google coding interview question, you would want to highlight your experience implementing hash tables in your code and how much runtime it reduced as a result. 8. What is recursion, and how can it be used to solve problems? Recursion is a powerful tool that can be used to solve problems. If you have coding projects that use recursion, highlight why you chose it as part of your solution and how it made your code more efficient. If not, you could consider talking about the most popular applications of recursion, including Tower of Hanoi, Fibonacci series, and binary search to answer this technical question in a Google interview. 9. How do you optimize an algorithm? Unlike conceptual coding questions that assess your fundamental knowledge, this Google technical interview question tests your ability to think critically about your code and find ways to make it more efficient. This is a great opportunity to talk about your experience with common optimization techniques, such as sorting arrays using insertion sort instead of quicksort, and a chance to bring up algorithm projects that you are proud of. 10. How would you design a search engine? Google's search engine is one of the most popular websites in the world, so they are likely to ask this question in a technical interview during a Google system design interview. This technical interview question tests your knowledge of how to build large-scale software projects. To answer it properly, you should demonstrate your knowledge of distributed systems, big data and indexing.✏️These are just a few examples of technical questions that may come up in a Google interview. We also recommend practicing as many coding questions on platforms like Leetcode as possible before your Google interview. The more practice you have, the better prepared you will be for your Google technical interview! Common Google Interview QuestionsAside from coding and technical interview questions, Google also likes to ask general questions in their interviews. Here are a few common Google interview questions: Question: What is your favorite Google product? Why? Sample Answer: My favorite Google product has to be Google Workspace. Having worked in large corporate environments, I can appreciate the benefits of Google Workspace - easy communication, file sharing and collaboration. It's also incredibly intuitive so new team members can fit right into existing workflows. Google always puts their customers first, and for me Google Workspace is the perfect example of that. I cannot imagine working without it honestly. Question: What do you know about Google's culture? Sample Answer: Google is known for its unique culture, which is based on transparency, innovation and creativity. I was really inspired when I first read about how Larry Page and Sergey Brin started Google - they wanted to create a company where people could work on their own terms and be creative. That's something that I really value and am passionate about, so if given the opportunity, I would love to experience Google's culture first hand. Question: Are you working on any side projects in your free time? Sample Answer: I am actually working on a few side projects in my free time. I have a personal project that I've been working on for a while, which is a to-do list app. I'm also helping out with a friend's startup and doing some volunteer work on the weekends. I think it's important to always be learning and keeping your skills sharp, so I try to make time for side projects no matter how busy I am. Question: Why did you choose to become a backend developer? Sample Answer: I became a software engineer because I enjoy solving problems and working on complex systems. I also like the challenge of learning new things and keeping up with the latest technology trends. As a software engineer, I have the opportunity to do all of those things, which is why I love my job. I hope to continue my journey with Google and make a difference in the world. Question: What are your strengths and weaknesses? Sample Answer: I take pride in being a critical thinker and a problem solver. I am also very patient and have strong attention to detail. My weakness is my fear of public speaking. I am working on that and have taken a few public speaking classes, but it's still something that I struggle with. Google Behavioral Interview QuestionsApart from technical questions, Google also likes to ask behavioral interview questions. These questions are designed to get to know you better as a person and see how you would fit in at Google. Some common Google behavioral interview questions include: Behavioral Question on Teamwork Question: How have you worked with culturally diverse teams in the past? Were there any challenges? Sample Answer: I'm fairly familiar with working in a cross-cultural workplace. In my previous job, I worked with a team of engineers from all over the world, including countries such as Korea, Nigeria, Egypt and Russia and we were often working across time zones. I think the biggest one was making sure that everyone felt heard and respected in meetings, especially when there were language barriers. Establishing a strong team culture from the start was the most important, so we could all work towards the same goal, and lots of happy hours and team bonding events helped with that. Overall, it was a really enriching experience for me. Behavioral Question on Decision-Making Question: Tell me about a time when you had to make a decision that affected the entire team. Sample Answer: Once we received an inquiry from a big client, but they requested a lot of customization work that our team didn't have the bandwidth to do, since we were in the middle of pushing a major update. I had to make the tough call to turn down the client even though it meant losing out on a large project. I communicated with the team and explained the situation, and while it was a difficult decision to make, everyone understood why it was necessary and we were able to continue our work without further distractions. Behavioral Question on Communication Question: Has anyone ever made you feel resentful at work? How did you get over it? Sample Answer: I've had a few difficult bosses over the years, and in one situation my boss was micromanaging me to the point where it made it difficult for me to do my job. As a full-stack engineer, I need a lot of autonomy to be productive, and the constant micromanaging was really frustrating. I eventually talked to my boss about it and explained how it was impacting my work. We were able to come to a better understanding and my boss backed off a bit, but it was definitely a challenging experience. Behavioral Question on Leadership Question: How would your teammates describe you as a leader? Sample Answer: My team members told me "you're the type of leader that makes everyone feel comfortable and like they can speak up without feeling judged." I'm really proud of that, because I think it's really important for team members to feel comfortable being themselves and contributing their best work. It actually led to several breakthroughs where my team members challenged my idea with theirs, and it turned out to be great for the team as a whole. Behavioral Question on Problem-Solving Question: What do you do when you're stuck on a problem? Sample Answer: When I'm stuck on a problem, I'll usually take some time to step back and brainstorm. Something that works really well for me is solving a Rubik's cube so I always keep one on my desk. I also talk to my team to gain fresh perspectives. By stepping away from the problem and coming back with a fresh perspective, I'm often able to find a solution. Tips for Cracking Google InterviewsThere may be up to 7 rounds of interviews at Google, some of which are done over the phone, while the final rounds are more likely to be on-site. Aside from preparing for common technical and behavioral Google interview questions, here are 5 tips that apply to phone, virtual and on-site interviews. 💡 Organize your idea. Come up with a game plan before the Google interview. According to tips from Google Careers, Google highly values organization. Focus on data, preparing examples that best demonstrate your past experience, or even writing down your thoughts are all great ways to get your Google interview answers ready. 💡 Pay attention to the time. Google interviews are designed to be difficult, and time limits are placed on many interview questions to further test your abilities. Precise answers to interview questions show that you are well-prepared and have done your research. This is also a good indicator of how you would perform on the job so be sure to pay close attention to the time. 💡 Use breathing techniques to stay calm. Google officially points out that "We want you clear and calm so you can really explore your experience, your desires, the position, and how we connect. " In order to show your best qualities, it's important to stay calm during the Google interview. Deep breathing exercises can help you relax and focus on the questions at hand. 💡 Display "Googleyness". Google looks for individuals that display "Googleyness," and some interview questions are designed for that. This includes qualities such as being passionate, fun-loving, comfortable with uncertainty, willing to learn new things, demonstrating leadership and creativity, being able to think outside the box, etc. When preparing for your Google interview answers, try to think of how your experiences have shown these qualities and how you can connect them to Google. 💡 Search for others’ Google interview experience. There are many resources out there that can help you prepare for your Google interview. Blog posts, YouTube and podcasts are good sources of information. By reading and watching the experiences of others, you can get a glimpse into the Google interview process and learn more about what to expect. By doing your research ahead of time, you'll be able to feel more confident and prepared for the big day.🔑 Key Takeaways:So, there you have it! Our guide to cracking Google interviews. While this is not an exhaustive list of all the questions that could be asked in a Google interview, it should give you a good foundation and some tips on how to answer common Google interview questions. Remember, practice makes perfect so start drilling yourself on these coding and technical questions as well as behavioral interview questions today. Cake provides the best resume making tools templates to help you create the perfect resume for your job hunt. Take your career journeyto new heights - create a resume online (free download) now!Create CV--- Originally written by Candy Ho ---
Resume & CV
Feb 11th 2022

150+ Superior Technical Skills for a Resume [+ Definitions & Examples]

Created by CakeWhat are technical skills? Many people may know technical skills as hard skills. They are skills acquired in specialized education or experience on the job. Technical skills for a resume or CV are important for every sector in the industry. For instance, a software engineer needs the technical knowledge and skill of C++ and unit testing. Waiters or bartenders need the technical skill of a point-of-sale (POS) system.In this article, we will show you everything you need to know about technical skills on a resume and provide you with a list of 150+ technical skills to list on your resume. TABLEOFCONTENTSWhat Are Technical Skills for a Resume?Why Are Technical Skills Important for a Resume? 150+ Best Technical Skills for a Resume/CV How to List Technical Skills on a Resume/CV Tips on Writing Technical Skills in a Resume/CV What Are Technical Skills for a Resume?Technical skills to put on resumes and CVs refer to specific domains of knowledge and competence required to complete complex tasks, actions, and processes of the job. Technical skills allow individuals to perform practical tasks in the domains of science, engineering, technology, mathematics, and arts. Technical Skills vs. Soft Skills Despite the importance of having technical qualifications in resumes, soft skills are equally meaningful to an organization or business. Soft skills are interpersonal skills to help you communicate and work with others effectively. Examples of soft skills include communication, leadership, teamwork, and flexibility. Soft skills can be transferable skills because these skills can be used in various job positions. You may think that it is more difficult to add technical skills to resumes and CVs. After all, technical skills take time to acquire. Yet, soft skills can be challenging to learn for some people. For example, not everyone can become a leader, and leadership skills are frequently sought out by employers and recruiters. Why Are TechnicalSkills Important for a Resume?Including technical skills on your resume or CV is extremely critical when applying for a job position. By highlighting your technical abilities, you are effectively showcasing your potential to recruiters and employers, indicating that you possess the necessary skills to fulfill the requirements of the job. Therefore, it is highly recommended that you showcase your technical proficiency on your resume or CV in order to maximize your chances of being selected as a successful candidate. 150+ Best Technical Skills for a Resume/CVIn the section below, you can find 150+ best technical skills lists for resumes and CVs. Software Development (Coding Programming)Data AnalysisBusiness AnalysisProject ManagementGraphic DesignMarketing Social MediaWritingSalesHealthcare MedicineNursingAccountingTeaching EducationManagementEngineeringProductivity Software 1. Software Development (Coding Programming) Check out some software development, coding programming related technical skills. JavaScriptCSSHyperText Markup Language (HTML)PythonC++RubyMeanAbstractionInheritancePolymorphism📚 Further reading:How to List Computer Skills on Your Resume [+Examples] 2. Data Analysis If you need some technical skills related to data analysis to put in your resume, refer to the list below. Structured Query Language (SQL)Microsoft ExcelPythonMachine LearningPresentation skillsCritical thinkingData cleaningStatistical knowledgeData visualisation 3. Business Analysis Here are some business analysis technical skills for your resume. Business process modelsStructured Query Language (SQL)Microsoft OfficeResearchFinancial planningBudgetingForecastingVariance analysisReportingPlanning and monitoring 4. Project Management Need some project managementskills for your resume? Check out the list below. Risk managementPlanningForecastingBudgetingAgileWaterfallWrikePMP CertificationKanbanFinancial modeling 5. Graphic Design Here are some graphic design technical skills to put in your resume. Adobe InDesignAdobe PhotoshopAdobe IllustratorSketchPrototypingTypographyDesign principlesIdeationBrandingPortfolio Management 6. Marketing Social Media If you work in marketing and social media, make sure to include these marketing technical skills in your resume. Content curationProject managementCommunity managementAd campaignsEditingBloggingBrandingSocial media publishingSentence structureSocial media marketing 7. Writing Writing is a highly important skill in marketing, business, administration or other creative fields. Check out some of these writing technical skills. ResearchSearch Engine Optimization (SEO)OrganizationEditingHyperText Markup Language (HTML)WordPressCopywritingEmail writingStorytellingGrant writing 8. Sales Not sure what technical skills to put in your sales position resume? Check out the list below. Product knowledgeBusiness softwareBusiness communicationClient engagementSales presentation / demosSocial sellingResearchData analysisSales pitch developmentBusiness acumen 9. Healthcare Medicine If you work in the healthcare medicine field, the following technical skills are a must-have. Computer technologyData analysisCertifications and licencesProject managementCloud computingPharmacyCPR + first aidBusiness administrationMedical administrationInventory 10. Nursing You can include some of these technical skills for a nursing resume. Urgent careEmergency carePatient safetyAdvanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS)TelemetryComputer skillsEHR proficiencyCare plan administrationVital signsAdministering medication 11. Accounting Here are some accounting technical skills for your resume, if you work in accounting. Standards of accountingSoftware proficiencyMicrosoft OfficeQuickBooksPeachtreeSAP softwareGrain PlainsFinancial statements interpretationFinancial reportsFinancial planning 12. Teaching Education If you work in the education field, consider including these technical skills in your resume. Word processing skillsSpreadsheets skillsDatabase skillsElectronic presentationWeb navigationEMail management skillsDigital CamerasVideoconferencingScanner knowledgeComputer security knowledge 13. Management Management skills are crucial in every job role. Including these management technical skills can highly improve your resume strength and help you land the dream job. Business developmentLogisticsHiringBudgetingHuman resource knowledgeFinanceOffice managementAccountingEnterprise systemsQuickbooks 14. Engineering Engineering is a field that requires specific technical skills. Refer to the list below for some of the technical skills for an engineering resume. Computer scienceIndustry skillsStructural analysisData modellingMachiningAssemblingJoining componentsSystem design and analysisAdvanced physicsNanotechnology 15. Productivity Software With the advancement of technology, many workplaces are utilizing various productivity softwares to help smoothen work flows and improve collaboration between workers. Some of them include: Operating systems (MacOS or Windows)Office suites (Microsoft Office, G Suite)Presentation software (Microsoft PowerPoint, Keynote)Spreadsheets (Microsoft Excel, Google Spreadsheets)Communication tools (Slack, Skype, Workspace)Accounting software (QuickBooks, FreshBooks, Xero)Social media (Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn)Word processorDatabaseSalesforceCake is the best resume builder that provides you with hundreds of free resume templates and examples that help showcase the best you. Create your resume online now and landing your dream job will be a piece of cake! Create ResumeHow to List Technical Skills on a Resume/CVNow that you have learned the different categories of technical skills for resumes and CVs, it is time to learn how to demonstrate a list of technical skills for resumes and CVs. There are many different ways of listing technical skills on a resume: 1. Incorporate your technical skills into a resume summary statement. You can add relevant technical skills into a resume summary statement. A resume summary provides an immediate introduction to the recruiters. They will be able to understand the competencies and knowledge quickly. Add your technical skills in your resume summary statement if you want recruiters to notice you right away. Check out the below business analyst technical skills in resume summary statement example:"Business analyst with six years of experience in business development in the financial technology sector. Achieved 30% of inventory purchases after improving operation systems for X company. Increased 40% of the new client database by client development and cold calls."Below are electrical engineer technical skills in resume summary statement example: "Ambitious and detail-oriented electrical engineer with five years of experience in modeling, designing, and testing various electrical systems. Acquired Series 6 and Series 66 licenses. Maintained all electrical systems in case of arising problems."2. Incorporate your technical skills into the work experience section. Incorporating your technical skills into the work experience section is another straightforward method to showcase your technical skills for resumes and CVs. An advantage of this is to let recruiters know what you have accomplished in the past. Below are electronics engineer technical skills in work experience section: WORK EXPERIENCEATTA Tech | 2015 - 2017Designed and built electrical systems for 10+ clients.Tested 5 new electronics products and pieces of equipment. Here's an example oflisting project manager technical skills on a resume work experience section:WORK EXPERIENCEHOH Company | 2015 - 2017Managed and led a team of 6 software engineers using Scrum and successfully improved company revenue by 15%.Delivered B2B SaaS product with careful financial and budget planning for 20+ clients. 3. Create an independent category under the skills section. A dedicated technical skills section allows you to showcase strong technical skills examples for resumes and CVs. Make sure to use a bullet list so readers can process the technical skills more smoothly. Examples are listed in the below:Example of technical skills for marketing resume: SKILLSCommunication: Search Engine Optimization (SEO), Screaming Frog, Netpeak SpiderSocial Media Marketing: HTML, HubSpot, Content writingStorytelling: WordPress, WixExample of technical skills for teacher resume: SKILLSComputer skills: Microsoft Office, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft PowerPoint, web navigation, databasesTeaching skills: material planning, mathematics, English language, program planning Tips on Writing Technical Skills in a Resume/CV💡 Match your technical skills with the job description. Showcasing technical skills that fit the job description can get you noticed by the recruiters quickly. Read through the job descriptions carefully before applying for the job. 💡 Use numbers or quantifiable results to highlight your technical skills. Using numbers, percentages, and dollars can prove your previous work experience. Quantifying your technical skills for resumes and CVs can also highlight your competency. 💡 Add proofs to support the technical skills listed (i.e. certifications). Technical skills in resumes can be more advanced when adding other supporting evidence such as certifications and licenses. Many technical skills can only be acquired through specific training and education (e.g., engineers, teachers). 💡 Complement your technical skills with soft skills. As mentioned in the article earlier, soft skills are as important as technical skills. Complementing your technical skills with soft skills can show the recruiters that you’re the full package. 💡 Show your technical skills during a job interview. Many companies test technical skills during job interviews. For example, during a data analyst job interview round, they may ask you to perform data analysis to demonstrate your technical skill. The reason is that technical skills can be challenging and time-consuming to acquire, and sometimes employers need to be sure.📕 Further reading: Most Common Job Interview Questions and Answer Samples 🔑 Key Takeaways:Technical skills for resumes are skills needed for various jobs. Every job sector demands specific technical skills, and thus recruiters alway look for necessary technical skills in candidates’ resumes and CVs.There is a misconception that technical skills outweigh non-technical skills in resumes and CVs. Contrary to popular belief, soft skills take a longer time to acquire compared to technical skills. Take this for example, a data analyst can become proficient in Python and R within three years, but may not have the needed skills to lead a team. Knowing where to place your technical skills for resumes and CVs can help you stand out from the rest. For example, if you place technical skills in the resume summary, recruiters can have a better first impression of you. If you place technical skills in a separate technical skills section, it is easier to showcase various technical skills you obtained. In addition to technical skills in resumes and CVs, many companies seek candidates to prove their technical skills during interview rounds. In this case, show your technical skills in confidence as you would on your resumes and CVs. --- Originally written byDiana Shih---
People Operations
May 13th 2022

How to Prepare for a Google Interview

Created by CakeIn this article, we'll cover:What Is Google Looking for in a Candidate?Google Interview ProcessHow to Prepare for Google InterviewsGoogle is the ultimate goal for many software engineers. Aside from driving innovation around the world, Google employees can expect to be treated well and given lots of room for growth and creativity. They get to work with some of the brightest minds in technology and execute their creative vision. Engineering at Google is an invaluable experience and the first step is preparing for the Google software engineer interview. Google owes some of its success to being selective in their hiring process. They want smart people with relevant knowledge or experience, and the right attitude. Google is a fast paced and ever-growing company, and they need their candidates to be motivated and knowledgeable in addition to having specific skills. Google interview prep is a marathon and the interview itself can be stressful. The best way to prepare for the Google interview is to have a good plan and lots of practice.What Is Google Looking for in a Candidate?Before you dive into your Google interview prep, it helps to know which qualities the company looks for. Software engineers need to demonstrate advanced technical skills in coding. For this reason, Google technical interview prep is often the most time-consuming part. But Google also looks for soft interpersonal skills, since their candidates should have values and abilities that align with Google’s goals. Here are some of the qualities to review in your interview preparation for Google. 💡 Googleyness Google looks for candidates who they think will fit in with their company culture. They emphasize qualities like inclusiveness and creativity, and their goal is to enhance our daily lives. When preparing for a Google interview, review their company goals and their workplace culture. According to Laszlo Bock, the former vice president of people operations at Google, Googleyness qualities include fun-loving, intellectual humility, conscientiousness, being comfortable with ambiguity, and having made courageous and interesting life choices.Further reading:Learn all about Googleyness [+Interview questions samples] 💡 Technical skills When you apply to work at Google, your preparation for the coding interview should be your biggest focus. Google looks for applicants with good technical skills, but also a strong conceptual understanding, so reviewing the coding theory is also crucial. 💡 General cognitive skills General cognitive ability is also an important Google quality. They look for people who are curious and critical thinkers. Good problem-solving, reasoning, abstract thinking, and a learning drive will go a long way in a Google interview. 💡 Leadership skills Google is big on cross-functionality, and they look for applicants who demonstrate they can approach problems when they are needed. If you’re preparing for a Google interview, think of how you can demonstrate effective communication and productivity.Google Interview ProcessPreparing for a Google software engineer interview can be strenuous. There are multiple stages of a Google hiring process, which start with you demonstrating your technical skills and end with several in-person interviews to assess compatibility. Here are the steps to keep in mind while preparing for a Google interview: ✏️ Online assessments When you start your Google software engineer preparation, the first step you’ll need to work on is Google's online assessment. This is a coding test for recent graduates and interns. The test is a coding sample you must complete within an hour and a half, and experienced candidates can bypass this step. ✏️ Short virtual chats The next step is a brief virtual chat, typically over Google Meet. You’ll be given a few algorithm questions to solve on spot, but the interviewer will also ask questions about you. Don’t forget to review some basic interview questions like “Why did you apply to this position?” and “Tell me about yourself” during your interview preparation for Google. ✏️ Project work Sometimes, the Google hiring process will include a short project. When preparing for your Google software engineer interview, you might be asked to give coding samples or work on a case study. The information will be provided to applicants in advance and is an opportunity for you to demonstrate your problem-solving and coding skills. ✏️ In-depth interviews The best way to prepare for a Google interview is to focus on the in-depth interview portion. There are several interviews performed over the course of a day, and each interview covers specific topics, like technical or interpersonal skills. For this part of the process, coding theory and practice should be a major focus of your interview preparation for Google. ✏️ Decision Your interviewers will write recommendations after each interview and summarize your ability and their thoughts. The hiring committee will review these recommendations and make their decision before reaching out with an offer. If you’ve done adequate Google interview prep, then at this stage you can relax and be ready to celebrate! How to Prepare for Google InterviewsSince the Google interview process is grueling, it’s important to be fully prepared for the questions and problems that will come up. Preparing for a Google software engineer interview is a big commitment. It’s hard to outdo other applicants in the Google interview without preparation. ✅ Estimate Google interview prep time Your first step in preparing for the Google software engineer interview is to estimate the time it will take to cover the material. Look at areas in which you might lack knowledge or strength and analyze how much time you will need each week to devote to improving or reviewing. Your Google interview prep could be daily or on weekends depending on how much ground you need to cover. ✅ Prepare a roadmap Without a proper plan or good habits, it’s easy to forget or procrastinate and slack off in your interview preparation for Google. You, thus, need a carefully devised plan–your roadmap–, which will vary depending on how much time you have before the interview. Prepare for Google interviews in 6 months It’s less punishing to prepare for a Google interview in 6 months or more, as you can afford to spend some extra time studying theory more broadly and doing coding and interview practice. Once you are closer to the interview date, you can do mock interviews and rehearse answers to the most common questions. Prepare for Google interviews in 3 months If you need to prepare for your Google interview in 3 months, you should narrow your focus to a few key books or resources. Schedule time during weekends or off days to review material and study your chosen coding language. Increase the time you spend preparing for a Google interview as the date gets closer. Prepare for Google interviews in 1 month If you need to prepare for a Google interview in 1 month, your roadmap should set aside time every day to solve coding problems, using your days off to study theory. Pick a few books in your coding language and do some mock interviews in the final week before your date. ✅ Practice coding and system design The best way to prepare for a Google interview is to practice. There are many resources available and even some Google interview prep guides. Look for books, courses, videos, and online tools to help you study theory and practice coding. If you’ve applied to Google, the coding interview preparation will take the most time. 5 online coding platforms to practice coding and help with your Google technical interview prep:Coderbyte: In addition to coding challenges, they have tutorials and videos to help with theory for your Google interview prep.TopCoder: As one of the first programming platforms, they offer weekly coding challenges.LeetCode: This platform has a mock interview section, great for preparing for a Google interview.Codewars: You can see a discussion and solution for each coding challenge.CodeChef: This platform lets you enter coding contests with other users. Although practicing coding challenges is the best way to prepare for a Google interview, you should review theory and coding languages as well. 5 more resources to help you in your interview preparation for Google:Cracking the Coding Interview: This book is a cherished manual for coding interviews and is often used as a Google interview prep guide.Algorithms Specialization: This Coursera program covers the fundamentals of algorithm design and analysis, and is useful for Google coding interview preparation.Coding Interview University: This GitHub study plan is designed for Google interview prep.Interview Cake: This platform lets you practice programming-specific interview questions.Programming Interviews Exposed: This is a popular Google interview prep book with coding challenges. In addition to coding challenges, you’ll need to review system design to properly prepare for a Google software engineer interview. System design concepts and problem-solving will be a big part of your Google SRE interview prep.5 resources to help you practice system design and enhance your interview preparation for Google:HiredInTech: This is a course for practicing system design interview questions.Tech Dummies: This YouTuber has multiple system design videos.Grokking the System Design Interview: This is both a book and an online course.Info Q: This is a series of online presentations covering system design topics, perfect for Google SRE interview prep.The System Design Primer: This GitHub course covers fundamentals and is useful for Google interview prep. ✅ Prepare for behavioral questions People focus heavily on the coding interview preparation when they apply for jobs at Google because it’s technically challenging and time-consuming. But there will also be interviews focusing on your soft skills with behavioral questions. General cognitive ability is a Google quality, and some questions will assess your soft skills to determine your intellect and fitness for the company.These questions will be more general, so when you’re preparing for a Google interview, think about your goals and experiences. There will be team-centered questions, like “Do you prefer larger teams?” or “How do you approach a teammate who is hard to deal with?” Some questions will be about your leadership skills and some, about product management. The best way to prepare for Google interview behavioural questions is to think of specific situations where you have demonstrated a skill Google is looking for. For example, a time you successfully led a team or approached a problem.💡Tip:During your Google interview prep, rehearse your explanation of the situation and emphasize how your skills made an impact. ✅ Do mock interviews A mock interview will go a long way to help you prepare for a Google software engineer interview.Some people prefer to film themselves as they practice, in order to review their pace, body language and overall delivery of their answers. Prepare a list of questions you think will come up and rehearse your answers. Play back the video and look for things you can improve on. This practice will help you answer those questions with confidence when the time comes and enhance your interview preparation for Google. 🔑 Key Takeaways:Google software engineering jobs are excellent opportunities with fierce competition. The only way to prepare for a Google software engineer interview is to commit time and effort.Study coding theory and practice challenges in the months and weeks leading up to the interview. There are a number of resources online that can give your Google interview prep a boost.Don’t forget to review some behavioral interview questions and try doing some mock interviews before the date.Your best chance at nailing the Google software engineer interview is preparation and dedication.With Cake’s resume builder tool, resume templates and resume examples, you could showcase your best qualifications to land your dream job. Try making a resume online (free download) now!Create CV--- Originally written by Tiffany Quinn---
Job Search Tips
Aug 24th 2025

Job Application Letter: Examples, What to Include & Writing Tips

Created by CakeResumeIn this article, we'll cover: What Is an Application Letter?What to Include in a Job Application LetterJob Application Letter SamplesApplication Letter TemplateTips for Writing an Application LetterAside from your resume, the hiring manager may ask you to submit a cover letter as a formal letter for a job application. Under different circumstances, it can go under different names shown below: Job application letter – explains why you're applying for this position and what makes you qualified.Letter of interest – expresses your interest in some position in a company even though it's already filled or not being advertised yet.Letter of motivation – proves that you are the perfect candidate for the position. Among these application formats for jobs, an application letter most closely resembles the function of a cover letter. It demonstrates your relevant qualifications for the position and convinces the employer to call you for an interview. This article will guide you on how to write an application letter for employment and feature samples of both an application letter format and an email job application format. What Is an Application Letter?Simply put, a letter of application is a formal document sent with your resume to explain at least these three things: Why you want to apply for this roleWhat makes you the right fitHow you can bring value to the organization A well-written job application letter can grab the recruiters' attention effectively, motivate them to read through your resume and offer you a job interview. Hence, you should always submit a short application letter, even though it’s not required for the application. Recruiters normally would read your application letter before your resume. Therefore, it is important that your job application letter could serve as an overview of your profile as a candidate, and is interesting enough to make them want to review your application until the end. When reviewing an application letter, recruiters expect to find a brief introduction of who you are and why you're applying for this role. Next, some paragraphs should elaborate the qualifications you possess that make you the right fit, in terms of education, experience, and skills. If you've stayed in the field for a while, focus on showing your achievements and present to the employer how you would contribute to their company in your job application letter. Lastly, to make a lasting ending for your application letter, express your appreciation for their time and insert a CTA about the job interview. Also, make sure you include a professional sign-off! What to Include in a Job Application LetterIn this paragraph, you will learn how to write each of the 6 sections included in a job application letter:Letter headerSalutationIntroduction paragraphBody paragraph(s)Closing paragraphSignature1. Letter header Basically, the header of an application letter should follow the format of any other formal letters. It means that you need to provide the following information: Your personal info (name, email, phone number/LinkedIn)Date writtenThe recipient's info (name, job title, email, company address) Example of anapplication letter header:Kaylee Tran9215 Fremontia Ave, Fontana, CA 92335[email protected](+310)-442-1500May 10, 2022Davis MiserPrincipalWest Randall Elementary School15620 Randall Ave, Fontana, CA 92335 2. Salutation The salutation in a job application letter is a greeting to the people who will read your document and evaluate your qualifications for the role. Normally, they can be the company founder, the hiring manager, or the position’s department head. Good salutations for application letters:Dear Mr/Mrs + [Last Name], Dear Hiring Manager,Dear [First Name], Hi Team,To Whom It May Concern,Bad salutations for application letters:Hey,How do you do!Dear all, Good morning/afternoon!What's up! 💡 Pro Tip: The cover letter salutation is one part of the letter where you can address the receiver of the letter directly. Addressing the correct or relevant people directly shows that you’ve put in the effort to do some research about the role and the team. 3. Introduction paragraph In the opening paragraph, it's essential to introduce yourself and the purpose of writing this application letter. The most important information that employers expect to read is a brief statement of your qualifications that make you qualified for the position. Instead of stuffing too many details in this section, keep your application letter opening paragraphs within 2-3 sentences. Example of the introduction paragraph in a job application letter:“My name is Kaylee Tran, an MSc graduate from IU International University of Applied Science. I am interested in applying for the Software Engineering Intern at Google after coming across your job listing on LinkedIn. I believe that my educational background and freelancing experience make me a highly competitive candidate for this position.” 4. Body paragraph(s) Here comes the most important part of your application letter for employment where you will need to express your motivation to apply and provide details on why you think you're the right fit. In the same way that you write a resume or CV, key components include skills, education, work experience, and professional achievements. However, instead of listing them in bullet points, you will compile a concise paragraph that best presents yourself to the hiring manager.💡 Pro Tip: Don't just repeat information from your resume. Keep your explanation no longer than 10 sentences. Be brief and concise since recruiters don’t have all day to review your application letter. Example of the body paragraph in an application letter:“I have a strong passion for writing and blogging, which is why I have found such fulfillment in content creation. My first job was as a social media specialist at IVY Travel, where I was responsible for managing the company’s social media accounts and producing well-thought-out content to attract more potential customers. My biggest achievement is receiving the 2018 Marketing Award for doubling the average organic likes from 80K to 160K on Facebook in one year.The following year, I advanced my career as a freelance content writer. This allows me to write for a variety of industries such as FinTech, EdTech, fashion, beauty, and tourism. I have helped over 15 companies with their content strategy and online branding. My previous clients are content with my active listening, attention to detail, and commitment to deadlines.” 5. Closing paragraph In this the final paragraph of your application letter, you will need to: Restate your interestKindly remind the hiring manager to review your resume and other files attachedKindly ask for an interviewExpress your appreciation for their time and consideration Example of the closing paragraph in an application letter:“As requested, I have enclosed my resume, work samples, and IELTS certificate. Please let me know if you have any questions or need any additional information. Thank you for your time and appreciate your consideration of my application. It would be my honor to have the chance to discuss this opportunity further with you.” 6. Signature To end an application letter, just simply write a formal closing, followed by your signature. If you're using an email job application format, make sure your email signature is professional and covers your personal information, like this: Kaylee Tran (Ms.)cakeresume.com/kaylee1990[email protected](+098)-1234-567 Good sign-offs for application letters:Best,Best regards,Kind regards,Sincerely,With gratitude,Bad sign-offs for application letters:See you soon!Thanks in advance!Stay safe!Cheers,Bye! Job Application Letter SamplesSample of an application letter for a job vacancy Kaylee Tran9215 Fremontia Ave, Fontana, CA 92335[email protected](+310)-442-1500 May 10, 2022 Davis MiserPrincipalWest Randall Elementary School15620 Randall Ave, Fontana, CA 92335 Dear Mr. Miser, My name is Kaylee Tran, an MSc graduate from IU International University of Applied Science. I saw the posting of the Software Engineering Intern from Google on LinkedIn, and I am very interested. I believe that my educational background and freelancing experience make me a highly competitive candidate for this position. For the past two years, I have gained hands-on experience in coding and programming, providing solutions in database technology, and testing applications. My main responsibility is collaborating with a US-based team to develop four new websites that serve 2.5 million users per month. The biggest accomplishment I have achieved is building and implementing an automated bug tracking system, resulting in a 25% reduction in issues reported in the later stages of development. The documents attached are my resume and work portfolio. I look forward to learning more about the Software Engineering Internship Program at Google. Thank you for your time and consideration. Sincerely,Kaylee Tran Simple job application email sample Dear Hiring Manager, I'm writing to express my interest in the content editor position listed on CakeResume. While I have 5 years of experience in content marketing and social media management, I am confident that I am well-positioned to support IVY Magazine. I have a strong passion for writing and blogging, which is why I have found such fulfillment in content creation. My first job was as a social media specialist at IVY Travel, where I was responsible for managing the company’s social media accounts and producing well-thought-out content to attract more potential customers. My biggest achievement is receiving the 2018 Marketing Award for doubling the average organic likes from 80K to 160K on Facebook in one year. The following year, I advanced my career as a freelance content writer. This allows me to write for a variety of industries such as FinTech, EdTech, fashion, beauty, and tourism. I have helped over 15 companies with their content strategy and online branding. My previous clients are content with my active listening, attention to detail, and commitment to deadlines. As requested, I have enclosed my resume, work samples, and IELTS certificate. Please let me know if you have any questions or need any additional information. Thank you for your time and appreciate your consideration of my application. It would be my honor to have the chance to discuss this opportunity further with you. Kind regards,Colleen Miller[email protected](881)-123-1234cakeresume.com/colleen.miller Application Letter TemplateNeed to write a quick and simple application letter? Use the free application letter template below. [Your name][Your address][Your email address][Your phone number] [Date written] [Recipient’s name][Company name][Company physical address] Dear Mr./Mrs. [Last Name], I am writing this letter to apply for the [job title] position at your company - [company name]. I believe that my educational background and professional experience make me an ideal candidate for this role. Moreover, I can have a chance to continue building upon the [technical skill] and [soft skill] acquired over the past [number] years. In the last role as a [job title], I was responsible for [job task 1], [job task 2], and [job task 3]. I pride myself on [notable accomplishment 1] and [notable accomplishment 2], resulting in [contribution] at [your former company]. You and the team can rely on me as a [personal trait 1], [personal trait 2], and [personal trait 3] employee with the ability to [soft skill] effectively. In terms of my educational background, I earned my [degree type] in [your major] from [University name] in [year]. I also obtained a certificate (or license) in [field]. Please find attached my resume for your further review of my skills and work history. I would appreciate the opportunity to discuss this position and how I can bring more value to the [team or department name]. Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing from you soon. Kind regards,[Your Name] Tips for Writing an Application Letter✅ Start with a professional subject line. This is particularly important if you choose an email format for your job application. Think of it as an article title that is professional-looking and can grab the reader's attention. Examples of email subject lines for application letters:Front-desk Position - Your NameJob Posting #321: Marketing ManagerApplication for Public Health Associate Position 💡 Pro Tip: Some job postings list specific formats that you are required to follow when submitting your application. Make sure to pay close attention to these specific instructions if you don’t want your application to go missing. ✅ Highlight your skills. Bullet points on a resume make it easier to list relevant skills. However, you can’t do so when writing a job application letter - instead, provide specific examples of how you’ve leveraged that skill and what you've achieved. That will help fully showcase why you’re the right one for the position. ✅ Incorporate related keywords. A rule of thumb is not only your resume but also your application letter should be tailored to the job opening. You just need to review the job description carefully and insert keywords related to skills, job responsibilities, and requirements. Doing so can help effectively pitch yourself to employers and stand out from the crowd. ✅ Be concise. In general, an application letter sample for any position should not exceed one A4 page, ideally 250 to 400 words. Also, keep in mind that the body paragraph is the focus of the letter - longest and providing the most detail. ✅ Express your gratitude. Being polite and professional will always imprint a positive impression on recruiters. It also indicates good character and can be seen as an indication of how you will fit into the company. Hiring managers will be impressed by your professionalism if you put your appreciation into words. ✅ Include a strong CTA. A CTA (call-to-action) is like an invitation and reminder to the hiring manager to follow up and speak with you further regarding the job opportunity. This allows you to express your interest in the role and give them a push to reach out to you for an interview. ✅ Proofread before sending it out. Many job applicants don't make a practice of proofreading their application letters, resulting in spelling and grammar mistakes. These may reflect badly on you and cost you the interview. Thus, make sure your job application letter is error-free before it's submitted.Take the guesswork out of resume writing. Our AI resume checker analyzes your resume against industry standards and provides instant feedback.Get AI Feedback--- Originally written by May Luong --
Portfolio
Apr 27th 2026

UX Designer Portfolio: 9 Best Portfolio Examples and Why They Work

Created by CakeResumeIn this article, you will read about:What to Put in a UX Designer PortfolioHow to Include UX Design Projects to a PortfolioBest UX Designer Portfolio Websites9 Best UX Design Portfolio Examples (+ Analysis)Tips for Creating a Good UX Designer PortfolioA UX designer portfolio is the most critical tool for any UX job applicant. It showcases our creative works and explains our design rationale. However, you might not know what a UX designer portfolio looks like or even what to put in a UX designer portfolio for junior UX designers. But worry not, because in this article, we’ll guide you through how to make an organized and structured UX designer portfolio, the best websites to refer to while making your UX portfolio websites, some UX portfolio website examples and what to learn from them as well as tips for creating a UX portfolio website.What to Put in a UX Designer PortfolioTo ensure that your audience can get to know you and have a pleasant experience when going through your UX designer portfolio, there are a few components that you should consider including:Front pageHeadlineAbout me sectionContact informationResume (optional)WorksOther projects (optional) Front page A front-page or home page is an excellent place to start your UX designer portfolio planning. When choosing how to present the front page, consider the following essential questions: How do you want to introduce yourself? Professionally? Or friendlily?Will the front page include a catalog of your project? Headline A headline is the largest title on your front or home page. It is basically a powerful greeting to anyone who comes to your UX designer portfolio website. Similarly, crafting a unique and impressive tagline is a part of attracting your audience! So, make sure to craft a strong headline that describes your personality as a UX designer. About me section The “about me” section in your user experience design portfolio is where the reader expects to know more about your background. In this section, you can include: A summary of who you are, what you do, your accomplishments, and what you are interested inExternal links to LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, Github, Dribbble, or other sitesYour education and work experience(s)More personal stories, details, or photos you want to share Contact information Always make sure your contact information is accessible on all pages. Add a simple call-to-action and make it easier for them to reach out and say hi. Resume (optional) Your UX portfolio website is often included in your LinkedIn page, resume, and other application portals that a potential client and hiring manager reach. Likewise, it would be convenient if a resume is available on your UX portfolio website directly. Works UX design projects are the center of your portfolio website. It is definitely not easy to organize the qualitative materials you had, let alone select the highlight and focus on the essence. In the next part of this article, we will discuss in more detail what components to be included when adding UX design projects to your portfolio. Other projects (optional) If you have graphic design work or case studies, hiring managers might be glad to see them. Give them a separate section for those who want to know more about your skills. How to Include UX Design Projects to a PortfolioAs mentioned before, UX design projects are the key element in your UX portfolio. Since UX design is a long and complex process, many might wonder how we can keep the portfolio brief and not include too many unnecessary details We’ve organized a template for you to consider when creating your UX design project. Here are the things that must be included in your UX design portfolio:Project description, scope and timelineYour role and list of collaboratorsProblem and methodsPrimary and secondary researchUser researchUser persona and user journey mapDesign iterations (sketches, wireframes, low and high-fidelity prototypes)Final productConclusion and quantified resultsLessons Project description, scope, and timeline First, in the summary section, briefly explain the project: what is the product? What does it provide? What is unique about it? Explain the scope of your project and the timeline of your involvement as well as how much time you spent on it. Your role and list of collaborators Be specific with your contribution in a project. Clarify the size of your team, who you collaborated with, your role, and your responsibilities. Problem and methods Next, state the problem you were trying to solve. Make your problem statement short and precise. You can also state your project goal.Your design method is the process, tools, and methodology you’ve adopted to solve your problem. List the design steps you took, but specify why. For example, perhaps you’re trying to validate a hypothesis and decided to start the first round of user testing to confirm your assumptions. Primary and secondary research Recap the research information you collected to share the stats, facts, and figures that are important to know. User research Following up on your UX designer portfolio, when recapping the user research, remember to explain your goals. For instance, you may have conducted surveys or user interviews. What is the essential information you want to know? What are the most important questions you’ve asked to reach the goal? These explanations can be short, but it needs to address insights and highlights instead of simply presenting unsorted information. Moreover, it’s ideal to use numbers to support your findings. User persona and user journey map Next, showcase the persona your team has made. Rather than copy-pasting the image of your persona and UJM, what you can do is make your UX design projects even more crucial to highlight the most crucial highlight that is discovered. For example, provide more explanation on key pain points and touchpoints in your user journey map. This way, any reader can quickly get a gist of what the map is illustrating and the objective of your design solution. Design iterations (sketches, wireframes, low and high-fidelity prototypes) Present the tools you’ve used to design the product. That may include messy sketches, simple wireframes that are used for discussion, and low fidelity models for establishing user flow. Final product Showcasing your final product is a tricky part as well. A great hack to do this is to choose a mock-up template that is clear and simple. Conclusion and quantified results Finally, conclude your UX design project by stating the efficiency of your design solution. Why is this a successful project? Moreover, if you have conducted user testing, use quantified testing results to explain the success of your final product. Lessons If you want to sum up your project, adding a “lesson learned” or takeaway summary is a good option. It explains your self-reflecting ability and gives you chances to improve on future UX design projects.Best UX Designer Portfolio WebsitesBelow we have compiled a list of 5 platforms that you can use to kickstart your UX designer portfolio creation. 1.Cake Cake’s free online portfolio maker is ideal for creative professionals and UX designers like you. With user-friendly tools, you can build UX design projects quickly.✨Features: Link to your digital resume and professional profile on other sites easilyCreate your UX designer portfolio online, free of charge, and with no limit to the number of projectsMultimedia tools: Embed media such as images, websites, audio files, or video filesCake’s free online portfolio maker is suitable for creative and design professionals. With our user-friendly portfolio-making tools, anyone can make their very own portfolio hassle-free. Create your online UX designer portfolio now!Create Portfolio 2.Behance Behance is a free portfolio website by Adobe. Creators can discover other works by other creators. On Behance, users’ works will appear on the website’s homepage, so UX designers can easily view the works.✨ Features: Link and save UX design projects from other creators that you likeMultimedia tools: Embed media such as images, websites, audio files, or video filesCreate your projects without limit 3.Squarespace Squarespace is a popular website builder that includes categorized templates. You can easily build and customize your UX designer portfolio by utilizing Squarespace’s style editor. It’s ideal for designers who don’t want to spend too much time customizing the appearance and interaction. ✨Features: All Squarespace templates are fully responsiveIdeal for UX beginners to intuitively design your website without codingEasily manage or try out multiple websites on the Squarespace dashboard 4.Dribbble Dribbble is commonly used as a UX design portfolio website. It is also used by digital designers and artists. Recruiters who are looking for talented collaborators could also post opportunities.✨Features: Uses 4:3 size, ready-made single images as shots to catch the viewers’ eyesUse job boards and freelance projects pages to find jobs easilyLearn courses online directly from industry leaders 5.Wix Wix is a famous portfolio website builder that offers drag-and-drop tools to add customized sections. There are hundreds of templates to choose from, ideal for UX designers, shop-owners, or web developers to build their portfolio website. ✨ Features: Easy to maneuver with no coding skills neededA huge number of templates to choose from, so no need to spend too much time starting from scratchPremium account enjoys free domain for one year6.UXfolioUXfolio is a portfolio builder designed specifically for UX and product designers. It helps you turn your work into decision-driven case studies with polished visuals, making it easier for hiring managers to quickly understand and evaluate your thinking.✨ Features:Structured case study builder with predefined UX sections and promptsAI-powered text refinement to improve clarity and readability without losing your original thinkingPresentation tools like interactive prototypes, custom thumbnails, and clean layouts for maximum engagement and scannabilityUX Design Portfolio Examples  When you're a UXdesigner, your portfolio isn't just a gallery of 'pretty' screens, it's actually a product in itself. Recruiters are also looking for the "why" behind your decision, to see the progress of turning a problem into a clean, usable solution.Here are the best places to find the best UXportfolio examples for inspiration, with what you can learn from each:1. CakeCake is a goldmine for seeing how to turn your products into something attractive for recruiters/ You'll find results-driven portfolios that don't just show screenshots, but highlight specific business impacts, such as "Boosting user sign-ups by 10%."It's a great place to learn how to showcase your designs in a way that proves you understand the bottom line, not just the designing part.👉 See UX design portfolio examples at Cake2. BehanceBehance is also good for finding deep-dive "storytelling"portfolio examples. You can find projects that walk you through the entire lifecycle of a product, from the initial sketches to the final prototype. It's the perfect place to learn how to turn wireframes and user flow diagrams into a beautiful visual narrative that keeps a recruiter engaged from start to finish.👉 See UX design portfolio examples at Behance3. BestfoliosIf you want to see what it takes to get hired at companies like Google, Airbnb, or Spotify, you can find portfolios from designers at top-tier companies at Bestfolios. You'll also find end-to-end case studies that also details the research process, such as usability testing results and accessibility audits. It's an essential reference for learning how to structure your own projects to prove you're a strategic thinker who designs for real people.👉 See UX design portfolio examples at Bestfolios4. DribbbleIn Dribble, you can find interaction design and micro-animations examples here. You can also browse the trending works to see modern aesthetic trends and learn how to present your final mockups with a "wow factor" that makes a portfolio feel premium and modern.👉 See UX design portfolio examples at Dribbble5. PinterestPinterest has built their visual archive for years, so you can just search for "UXCase Study Layouts" and you'll find creative ways to organize the text and pictures on your portfolio without making it look like a boring wall of words. It's a great tool to find layout inspirations on how to present your user personas and affinity maps so they look clean, professional, and easy to read.👉 See UX design portfolio examples at Pinterest6. CofoliosIf you're an early career professional, Cofolios features portfolios from interns at well-known tech firms. You can find junior level portfolios that focus on the core fundamentals. This is the best place to learn how to document your growth and show that you have a solid grasp of the UXprocess, even if you don't have years of industry experience under your belt yet.👉 See UX design portfolio examples at Cofolios7. UXfolioUXfolio helps you turn your UX work into clear, decision-driven case studies. Instead of just showcasing screens, it makes your thinking easy to follow and evaluate by structuring your portfolio around the “why” behind your work.With tools like a case study generator, AI text enhancement, and a job fit checker, you can build, refine, and evaluate your portfolio in one place.👉 See UX design portfolio examples at UXfolioTips for Creating a Good UX Designer Portfolio💡 Put on a reader’s hat. When outlining your UX design portfolio website, be empathetic. Imagine yourself as a hiring manager or a potential client. What do you expect to see in a UX project? Making a UX designer’s portfolio is like making another UX design project. Keep your reader in mind to plan out the best presentation. 💡 Share the details, but only the best ones. You may be excited to finally present your UX work on your portfolio website. However, be restrained when you describe your project. It is tempting to write a long and rambling paragraph. Nevertheless, most viewers have limited attention and can lose interest quickly. 💡 Make your UX project case study visually appealing. When presenting your works, visual materials are eye-catching. As a result, whenever possible, make your point visible. In addition, you have spent so much time on UI prototypes. Why not present them more clearly? 💡 Describe and explain the process without using jargons. Your UX designer portfolio website is not meant for senior UX designers and specialists. Your audience is probably not familiar with the complex technical jargon. Use a professional voice that is approachable and avoid excessive self-promotion. 💡 Be careful with stock images. Many UX designers use sites such as Freepik or Unsplash to add visual elements or mock-up their designs. However, when using stock images, pay attention to the consistency of your portfolio style as well as the attribution.Cake is your all-in-one career solution. Use our online resume builder for an ATS-friendly resume, complete with hundreds of free, professional resume templates and examples. Optimize your application instantly with Cake AI Resume Checker and generate a compelling cover letter with Cake Cover letter AI. Beyond documents, Cake helps you grow: build an online portfolio, find opportunities on our job portal, and establish your personal brand. Ready to simplify your job search and make success a piece of cake? Start using Cake now!
Career Development
Sep 1st 2024

Take these Google Free Certification Courses to Step Up Your Career!

Google Free Certification Courses Table of Contents Google Digital Marketing Courses Google Cloud Certification Courses Google Data Analytics Certification Courses Google Developer Certification Courses Google UX Design Certification Courses Google AI and Machine Learning Certification Courses How to list certificate in a resume Certifications and Certificates are quickly becoming a mainstay in the most successful resumes in the current job market. With the price of traditional education continuing to climb and the implementation of higher education standards to land top positions, online training has become a cheaper, sometimes free, alternative to learning new professional skills and qualifications. Online learning is perfect for the modern professional who lacks the time or resources to dedicate to formal schooling and allow them to keep up to date with new trends, technologies, and industry knowledge. Google is a trailblazer in qualified certification courses for several highly desirable skills. Google’s initiative in providing certification courses lies in its goal of providing quality theoretical and practical instruction to professionals seeking positions in their fields. Millions have access Google online certification courses and leverage the experience and knowledge gained in their resumes and job negotiations! This article will discuss Google's free certification courses across a broad range of specializations. We will examine over 20 courses in-depth, examining their scope, prerequisite knowledge, and much more. If you want to learn more about the field you are working in or explore other career options, this article may be right for you! Google Digital Marketing Courses The digital marketing field is quickly growing in popularity for its high demand in every sector, business, and industry seeking to establish a strong online presence. Google marketing platform is a field worth discovering by those who are interested in working as marketers. In this section, we will discuss the five top free Google certification courses you can start to upgrade your digital marketing skills! Foundations of Digital Marketing and E-Commerce: The Foundations of Digital Marketing and E-Commerce Google course offers an introductory and general look into the digital marketing field. This course will take about 18 hours of dedicated work towards completion and is self-paced so you can learn at your leisure. This course is intended for beginners and takes you on a journey from introducing the basic nature and responsibilities of a digital marketer to explaining the metric and application of data in market analysis and teaching marketing campaigns that you have launched! With this certificate, you can gain the fundamental knowledge needed to take more advanced courses in digital marketing.Attract and Engage Customers with Digital Marketing: This 21-hour course takes a more focused approach, narrowing the scope of discussion to optimizing a company’s digital presence to attract more customers more engagingly. This certification is intended for those with some background knowledge of digital marketing and includes training on SEO strategies, search engine marketing, and setting up a website in the most appealing manner in line with marketing strategies. Website developers would also benefit from this course, as they would receive insight into improving a website’s design and structure from a marketing perspective. After completing this free Google course, participants should possess the necessary fundamental skills to seek entry-level positions in SEO content creation.Assess for Success: Marketing Analytics and Measurement: Google tools like Search Console, Ads or Keyword Planner are essential assets for any digital marketers nowadays. The Marketing Analytics and Measurements course is an intermediate-level certification that examines more complex topics in Digital Marketing. This course is longer, roughly 26 hours, and covers topics such as using and analyzing metrics from Google Ads and Google Analytics, measuring analytics strategies, and training on delivering metric analysis presentations to stakeholders. This course is highly recommended for those already working in the digital marketing field who would like to gain more theoretical and practical experience with Google marketing services and would like to receive more training on their delivery of results to stakeholders. Certificate holders of this free Google course can easily apply to positions in market analysis and other similar posts as they would receive the necessary training to read and successfully interpret consumer data.From Likes to Leads: Interact with Customers Online: This 28-hour course is another intensive course in the digital marketing field that, while beginner-friendly, is targeted towards those who are more experienced and wish to deepen their skill sets. This course takes participants along a journey, starting from a basic introduction to the importance of promoting a business or product to the consumer to social media publishing strategy, and analyzing social media engagement metrics. Certificate holders from this Google online course can move forward with exploring careers in social media management and positions as social media marketers in the marketing department of a company.Make the Sale: Build, Launch, and Manage E-Commerce Stores: This self-paced online Google course requires around 23 hours of dedicated time, and the content focuses on how to start, grow, and manage an e-commerce store platform. This course would most benefit small businesses and business owners who are considering moving their physical stores online. This course would also be suitable for e-commerce store managers who already possess strong expertise but would like to maximize the potential and reach of their service to a wider consumer base. Some potential career opportunities associated with this free Google course include store managers and digital marketing specialists, who can also assist experienced professionals who can apply the theories and ideas they learn to their daily practice. Google Cloud Certification Courses With businesses and services opting to take their service to the Google Cloud platform over privately hosting their servers, the need for qualified and certified cloud engineers is growing by the day! Cloud engineering is a complex field where professionals need a deep understanding of new technologies and standards to stay relevant and employed. Here are 5 key free Google courses that you can take to begin or deepen your knowledge of the cloud! Reliable Google Cloud Infrastructure: Design and Process: This is a relatively short (roughly 8-hour) advanced online training course for the Google Cloud system. In this course, participants will get fundamental training on the scope, purposes, and functions of the cloud; learn how to define application requirements and express them as KPIs, SLOs, and SLIs; and learn how to differentiate and choose the most appropriate Google Cloud storage and deployment service. As this is an advanced course, only those who have had substantial experience with cloud engineering are recommended to take this course; completing this course will provide a deeper understanding of the Google Cloud infrastructure, which can be leveraged into higher-paying positions further down the line!Google Cloud Fundamentals: Core Infrastructure: This free Google course offers an introductory examination of the Google Cloud platform core infrastructure and is a beginner course that all interested parties are welcome to join. The course can be completed in five hours and describes the foundational terminology and concepts needed to work with the Google Cloud, successfully covers policy Google Cloud skills and resource management tools, and introduces Google's various storage and computing services. Completing this course will earn you a number of Google Badges, which, like certifications, can be included in a resume to boost your qualified skill set and appeal to employers.Digital Transformation with Google Cloud: This online training Google course offers 2 hours of video content and instructional resources related to the concept of the digital cloud and its impact on business development models. In this course, participants will be guided through the fundamental concepts of the Google Cloud and the benefits of different infrastructure and storage options. At the end of the course, participants will be placed in a simulation where they will need to decide the most appropriate cloud infrastructure for a company’s described need. This course is recommended for beginners and can help even business owners determine the optimal cloud infrastructure for their company’s needs.Modernize Infrastructure and Applications with Google Cloud: This online training course teaches participants the skills and technical know-how to help dated web services transition into modern cloud systems. This course investigates cloud-based solutions to the computational, infrastructural, and storage problems that legacy private servers face. As another introductory and beginner-friendly course, this free online Google course is highly recommended for business owners who have no prior knowledge of computer science but wish to take their servers and customer data online to the cloud.Explore Data Transformation with Google Cloud: Data is everything in a business and tracking customer data with modern analytic tools can help to keep a business competitive and relevant in the modern market. This course explores the value that the Google Cloud can add to business operations and the data analysis tools it contains that can streamline workflows and optimize operations within a business. This is a beginner-level course, and it is highly recommended that business owners take this course to learn how to utilize the cloud to maximize their ventures in the digital space. What’s more, this course is relatively short (about 2 hours of dedicated work in total), so the small investment of time can yield high rewards in the short term! Google Data Analytics Certification Courses The ability to analyze data metrics is an integral part of marketing and monitoring the success of digital services and campaigns. Google Ads and Good Analytics are Google services that form a central part of many modern businesses that wish to track and monitor the success of their digital presence. Here are five free Google courses that you can take to learn more about Google data analytics services. Foundations: Data, Data, Everywhere: This is an intensive 18-hour introductory-level course in data analytics. This course requires only a high-school level of math, which makes it easily accessible to the majority of people. The contents of this course range from introducing key concepts in data analytics to setting up a data spreadsheet and data visualization tools. This course also overviews the career potential for those proficient in data analytics, which is helpful for beginners to map out possible career paths from early on!Prepare Data for Exploration: The Prepare Data for Exploration course examines the factors of consideration when preparing data to be analyzed. Over its 25 hours of prepared videos, readings, and informational resources, this free Google course lays out the differences between biased and unbiased data, best practices for organizing data, filtering data from large datasets and much, much more! This course is another introductory session in data analytics and is recommended for those who are beginning to explore the field and what it has to offer.Process Data from Dirty to Clean: This course examines the difference between verifiable (clean) and inconsistent (dirty) data, and explores techniques and applications used to verify and maintain data integrity. This course is beginner-friendly and can be completed in around 26 hours of focused work. Persons interested in learning more about sourcing and analyzing data can consider taking this course! The lessons learned from this program can be applied across many fields, including engineering, medicine, and marketing.Analyze Data to Answer Questions: Processing unfiltered raw data can be an arduous and sometimes pointless task; taking time to process and sort data into manageable categories can ensure that your analysis results are relevant and organized. This course teaches participants the importance of organizing data before analysis through the use of SQL and other services. This 34-hour free Google course also covers instruction on the proper forms and syntax used in SQL and spreadsheet functions that can help to sort data. Course completers can leverage the knowledge from this course to seek positions in data analysis and management in fields like marketing and sales!Data Analysis with R Programming: R is a programming language used for statistical computing and data visualization. This 36-hour online Google course is a great introduction to a helpful data analysis tool. This course is targeted to those in the data analytics field or industries like marketing and sales; the skills learned can be directly applied to these positions to streamline workflows and increase efficiency. Google Developer Certification Courses The field of software development covers many skills and schools of knowledge, and a range of disciplines including computer networking, coding in many programming languages, and application development. In this section, we will cover five informational and helpful free Google developer courses that you can start today! The Bits and Bytes of Computer Networking: This is an introductory online 27-hour Google course into the field of computer networking, a fundamental area of knowledge needed for aspiring software developers. This course covers topics ranging from introducing the range and features of Transmission Control Protocol (TCP), various networking services, and the connection of networking to the Internet. This course can be used to gain the knowledge base needed to understand more advanced concepts in networking and software development.Crash Course of Python: Python is a core programming language needed in the field of software and network development. This 34-hour online Google course covers the basics of the Python programming language; topics covered include basic Python syntax, loops, strings, and dictionaries. Interested students and professionals wishing to experience the field of computer science in general should definitely check this course out! The knowledge and skills gained can be applied to more advanced courses, which can be added to a resume to boost its appeal and even land entry-level positions!Kotlin Coroutines: Kotlin is a high-level programming language used in Android software development. This free online course covers the concept of Kotlin coroutines, which are used to simplify asynchronous code executions. This is a highly advanced course that only those very experienced in software development should attempt. That said, completers of this course will possess a core skill set that can be applied in higher-paying positions and can land good jobs in software development for application and web services.Introduction to Git and GitHub: GitHub is a free service that programmers use to create, store, share, and manage their code. This course is a beginner-friendly investigation into this core service, which almost all programmers interact with regularly! Over its 27-hour duration, participants will get hands-on experience in using Git and GitHub, learning about repositories and copying them to their own devices, and how to use the collaboration tools available in Git.Troubleshooting and Debugging Technique: Part of being a developer is being able to troubleshoot and identify vulnerabilities in their code. This introductory 24-hour free Google course covers topics related to troubleshooting and debugging, including optimizing software performance, identifying problems in code, understanding errors, and creating a plan to resolve them. Certificate holders of this online Google course can apply this knowledge in tandem with the other courses mentioned in this section to seek entry-level positions in software and application development! Google UX Design Certification Courses User Experience (UX) design is a complex field requiring background knowledge in the computer sciences. Here are five online Google courses that you can take to explore the field of UX design and train key skills that will support your success! Foundations of User Experience (UX) Design: The Foundations of UX Design online Google course is an introductory look into the scope, responsibilities, and career opportunities available in the UX design field. This 19-hour course is targeted at people with no prior experience in UX design and is meant to inform participants about the key concepts and theories of the field. Participants can take the knowledge gained from this course to find more specialized courses that can deepen their understanding of the broad field of UX design!Start the UX Design Process: Emphasize, Define, and Ideate: This 21-hour course takes a closer look at the UX design process, focusing on teaching beginners the first step in UX design: empathizing with the user. The course details the process by which UX designers understand the user’s frame of mind when using their service through designing empathy maps and persona creation. Beginners in UX design can then frame their thought processes in such a way that allows them to define user problems and create user-centered services that solve these identified issues!Conduct UX Research and Test Early Concepts: This course takes participants on the next step of the UX design process: conducting usability testing and surveys to identify areas of improvement. This course takes around 20 hours to complete and discusses how to plan and conduct a usability study, and how to properly analyze the collected data and present it for constructive feedback. Both beginners and veterans in the UX design field would benefit from this course. Experienced professionals, in particular, can use the knowledge gained from this free online course to streamline their own usability studies and optimize the data they collect and use in subsequent product design revisions.Create High-Fidelity Designs and Prototypes in Figma: This course teaches the fundamentals of an interface design program called Figma, a core competency in a UX designer’s toolbox. Throughout this 29-hour online Google course, participants will learn the principles and techniques of creating a high-fidelity design of a product called a mockup. The course ends by discussing the best ways to incorporate feedback on product mockups to create dynamic iterations that reflect design improvements in line with consumer interests. Beginners in UX design are recommended to take this course; the knowledge and technical skills of core design applications can be translated into entry-level jobs in UX design!Build Dynamic User Interfaces (UI) for Websites: This course focuses on UI design for websites and web-based services. For those who have a basic understanding of UX design theory and techniques, taking this course would provide a deeper understanding of UI design for website interfaces which can be included in resumes to build the strength of an application to a position in UX design. This course should take about 24 hours to complete and covers everything needed to successfully plan and test website prototypes. In addition, the course also offers tips for the UX design job hunt, including how to prepare a portfolio and develop an effective and informational design handoff presentation. This makes it a great course to take for beginners seriously considering seeking a position in the design industry! Google AI and Machine Learning Certification Courses AI development has taken the technology space by storm, with groundbreaking advancements being made year-on-year. This section discusses the top free online Google AI and machine learning courses that beginners and experienced professionals alike can take today! Nuts and Bolts of Machine Learning: Machine learning is a field that requires a substantial background in many concepts in computer science and programming. This is an advanced course that covers the concepts of machine learning, covering subjects including the types of machine learning, discussions on building complex machine models, and supervised and unsupervised learning techniques. This is a moderately long course, roughly 34 hours in length, and provides professionals adept in the computer sciences the foundational knowledge needed to independently explore the advanced field of machine learning!Get Started with Python: For those interested in what the fields of AI and machine learning have to offer, this is a great introductory course! This course covers the fundamentals of Python, one of the industry's most utilized programming languages. Python is a language commonly used to develop machine learning models and its knowledge can be broadly applied across many positions and fields in and outside AI development. Designed for those with prior industry knowledge, this 30-hour course will provide many skills and tools that can be applied to and leveraged for higher-paying positions requiring more qualifications or knowledge of Python!Machine Learning in the Enterprise: This free Google course offers an introductory discussion of machine learning in a real-world setting. By discussing workflow case studies and detailing data management and preprocessing tools, this course is a great option for those interested in how machine learning models can be trained and applied in the business setting. The course is roughly 32 hours in length and covers topics such as AutoML, BigQuery ML, and Vertex AI Vizier. Completers of this course can apply this knowledge in their existing workflows to identify areas of operation that can be made more efficient with a well-designed machine learning model!Google: Google AI for Anyone: This four-week, low-intensity course is a great introduction to the concept of AI for those who have little to no experience in computer science and AI! This course explores the fundamental principles of AI and how it is used in real-life applications, the differences between supervised and unsupervised machine learning, and neural networks, to name a few. This free Google course is specially designed for those with absolutely no background knowledge in computer science, mathematics, or machine learning and AI, so all are welcome to sign up!Google: Google AI for JavaScript developers with TensorFlow.js: This is a 7-week, self-paced, free online Google course that requires about 3 hours of work a week. This course is an advanced discussion on the applications of AI in web application services using TensorFlow.js. It is designed for those with prior experience in web design and computer science, so those with a matching background stand to gain the most from this free Google course. Completers of this course and the others mentioned in this section can use the knowledge gained to apply for more advanced courses that cover other concepts within the industry in deeper detail! How to list certificate in a resume Once you have taken the time to complete online courses to broaden your knowledge base and gain useful transferable skills, it is only right that you know where to put them so employers can properly see the extent of your qualifications! Typically speaking, certifications (traditional and online alike) are listed in their own section. In this section, certifications can either be listed in chronological order or by relevance to the position and company being applied to. When listing certifications on a resume, several features should be highlighted whenever possible. These include the course name, issuing institution, body or organization, the certificate title, date of completion, and, if possible, the certification serial number. The latter in particular is important for online certifications so that employers can verify the validity of the certification to ensure it was issued from a reputable source. Here is a general example of how to list a certification on a resume. Data Analysis with R ProgrammingOnline courseIssued by: Google Developer CoursesDate of completion, 23/01/2024 It is important to remember that your resume should always be tailored to the position and company you are applying to. When deciding which certifications to include in a resume, refer back to the job description and identify the skills and qualifications that are preferred and required by the company for the position. In addition, conduct your industry research and determine the skills and qualifications that the position you are applying to generally asks for. Then, identify the certifications that best align with these requirements and add them to your resume! You have the choice of listing them chronologically or by relevance – choose whichever fits the best for you! Conclusion Google’s Developer courses offer a wealth of information and resources for those interested in taking the next step into the digital industry. From the many fields of software development and networking to data analysis and digital marketing, free Google courses offer an attractive and resource-saving alternative to traditional schooling. For those who are willing to take the next step in their career and fully display their knowledge on their resumes, Google certificates offer a tangible demonstration of the time and energy spent honing skills from the convenience of your computer or mobile phone! Are you an aspiring or seasoned professional seeking ways to make the most of your career? Cake could be the place for you! Our free online resume builder, job search platform, curated articles, and job-searching platform offer a full package for those seeking the next step in their professional career! In particular, our articles focus on all aspects of the job-seeking process, tips and tricks for landing interviews and jobs in virtually every sector and industry, and ways to develop hard and soft skills that can be applied in hundreds of careers. If you are seeking a new position or are thinking of how to leverage your qualifications into a higher position within your company, check out Cake today!Make a lasting impression with CakeResume – craft polished online resumes with ease. Drag-and-drop editing and sleek templates help you stand out for free. Create your professional online presence now. Create My Resume
Resume & CV
Aug 26th 2025

100+ Must-have IT Skills on Your Resume (with Examples)

Created by CakeResumeBoth basic and professional IT skills on a job application CV or resume have become an integral part of any IT job seeker’s core competencies due to the prevalence of computer and information technology in today’s workplace. IT specialists are in high demand. Research shows that people with IT skills earn 49 percent more than those who don't.Showing the hiring team that you are qualified with IT skills on your resume is essentially telling them that you are a great asset to the business.Table of Contents:What are IT Skills?100+ In-Demand IT Skills Examples for ResumeHow to Highlight Your IT Skills on Your Resume (+ Examples)3 Tips on Showcasing Your IT Skills during a Job HuntHow to Improve Your IT SkillsWhat are IT Skills?Information Technology, or simply IT skills, refer to a wide variety of skills that you need when working with computers and/or telecommunications from coding, cybersecurity skills to providing technical support. IT skills are your ability and knowledge to manage information and technology. IT skills include both technical skills and interpersonal skills; both of these skills are required for an IT job resume. The employer looks for different IT skill sets for different roles on the resume. Therefore, knowing what IT skills are expected in the position you’re applying for before you put them on your resume is important. Here are a list of common jobs that require IT skills: Data AnalystComputer Sales Support WorkerDatabase AdministratorCloud Computing EngineerComputer Network SpecialistInformation Technology AnalystInformation Security AnalystSoftware and Application DeveloperHardware TechnicianHelp Desk Analyst 1. Data Analyst A data analyst uses data analysis tools, such as Microsoft Power BI, Python, and SQL, to carefully examine raw data to gain insights. Using these IT skills, they help businesses to make better decisions to achieve various objectives. 2. Computer Sales Support Worker Computer sales supporter workers work as a bridge between customers and a company that sells computer systems or related products. They introduce products to customers, answer questions, and provide technical help. Professionals in this field require IT skills, such as understanding of hardware to properly do their work. 3. Database Administrator Database administrators’ main responsibility includes database improvement, maintenance and security. Using their IT skills, they plan and develop the database to help achieve the company’s goal. 4. Cloud Computing Engineer Cloud computing engineers plan and implement cloud computing systems and various related tasks for an organization. Using the relevant IT skills, they could be building cloud architecture systems, maintaining existing cloud-based infrastructure, migrating information to the cloud system, managing the security of the cloud system and so on. 5. Computer Network Specialist Computer network specialists are responsible for network setup, maintenance, and evaluation for local area networks and wide area networks. They analyze and troubleshoot the company’s network problems with their IT skills and knowledge related to network connectivity, protocols, and cybersecurity. 6. Information Technology Analyst IT analysts optimize the information system in the company to maximize organizational efficiency. They design and improve IT systems based on the company’s objective, using various IT skills and tools, such as information engineering, to satisfy the management team as well as end-users. 7. Information Security Specialist Information security specialists’ main responsibility is to ensure the safety of the company’s data and protect them from being attacked as well as computer viruses. Analyzing and researching IT systems and risks the company might be exposed to, information security specialists then make improvements and suggestions to better the current information system. 8. Software and Application Developer Software and application developers create various kinds of software for specific purposes, for example, video games and graphic programs. They need to be familiar with IT skills, including clouding computing skills, data structures and algorithms, containers, databases, and SQL, to name a few. 9. Hardware Technician Hardware technicians are tasked to provide customers and colleagues with technical support. Helping them resolve hardware-related problems. They also install, maintain, and repair computer systems, ranging from laptops and desktops to external devices and servers. 10. Help Desk Analyst Help desk analysts help customers with variety of computer issues or work as in-house technical support specialists to solve computer system problems for their coworkers. Don't let resume mistakes hold you back. Scan your resume with our AI checker and get personalized recommendations to land more interviews.Scan Resume Now100+ In-Demand IT Skills Examples for ResumeIT skills can also be divided into two groups: hard skills, also known as technical skills, and soft skills; both are needed for IT jobs. IT hard skills are specific abilities with which you can design, develop, and improve information systems. They help you to carry out technical duties. IT Technical Skills for Resume AI (Artificial Intelligence):AI integration and application, deep learning, machine learning, natural language processing, natural network architecturesApplication and software development:Agile development, Android/iOS UI, Android/iOS mobile application development kit, Angular, Docker, back-end development, front-end development, GeneXus, Github, Jira, Linx, React.js, SQL, Xcode development, Zoho CreatorCloud computing:Alibaba Cloud, Amazon Web, AWS (Amazon Web Service), Google Cloud, IBM Cloud, Kamatera, Microsoft Azure, Oracle, Panda Cloud, Rackspace Cloud, Salesforce, SAP cloud, VMware CloudCoding languages:C, C++, C#, CSS, Go, HTML5, Java, JavaScript, MATLAB, Objective-C, PHP, Python, R, Ruby, SQL, SwiftData analysis:Data cleansing, data cube technology, data queries, data structures and algorithms, data synchronization, data visualization, data warehousing, Microsoft Excel, OLAP, raw data processing and integration, TableaueCommerce platforms:BigCommerce, Big Cartel, Ecwid, Magento, OpenCart, Prestashop, Shift4Shop, Shopify, Square Online, Squarespace, Volusion, Weebly, Wix, WooCommerceHardware knowledge:Components configuration, computer drivers, external devices (monitor, printer, scanner, hard drive)Internet connection:Bandwidth, ethernet connection, IP address, modem, router, wireless configurationNetwork security:CEH, cloud security, CISA, data and file encryption, encryption solutions, firewalls, GCIH, intrusion detection, malware analysis, OSCP, secure code development, threat modeling, visualization technologies, vulnerability testingOperating systems:Android, Linux, Mac OS, Windows, iOS📚Further reading:How to List Computer Skills on Your Resume [+Examples] IT Soft Skills for Resume IT soft skills are skills that allow you to work efficiently as part of the IT team; therefore, you should mention them in your CV. Attention to detailAccountabilityCommunicationConflict resolutionCreativityCritical thinkingFlexibilityLeadershipNegotiationOrganizationPatienceProblem-solvingProject managementResourcefulnessTeamworkTime management More IT Skills In-Demand for Different Jobs IT skills on your resume, both hard and soft skills, are needed when you apply for IT-related jobs. But it might not be easy to determine what IT skills you want to include on your resume; therefore, a list of IT professions and relevant skills they require is provided here for you. 1. IT Engineer Skills for Resume Hard skillsCoding, hardware skills, operating system knowledge, software development, testing and debuggingSoft skillsCritical thinking, problem-solving, project management, teamwork, written and verbal communication 2. IT Administrator Skills for Resume Hard skillsData backup management, network security skills, operating system knowledge, software installation and maintenanceSoft skillsCommunication, organization, patience, time management 3. IT Consultant Skills for Resume Hard skillsData analysis, hardware skills, software installation and maintenanceSoft skillsAttention to detail, critical thinking, patience, problem-solving, written and verbal communication 4. IT Support Specialist Skills for Resume Hard skillsHardware skills, software installation and maintenanceSoft skillsAttention to detail, flexibility, organization, patience, problem-solving, teamwork, resourcefulness, written and verbal communication 5. IT Technician Skills for Resume Hard skillsData analysis, data collection, hardware and electronic devices installation and repairs, software maintenanceSoft skillsCommunication, creativity, critical thinking, problem-solving, teamwork 6. IT Recruiter Skills for Resume Hard skillsTechnical knowledgeSoftware skillsCommunication, flexibility, patience, organization, project management, resourcefulness, teamwork, time management 7. IT Manager Skills for Resume Hard skillsTechnical knowledge, hardware maintenanceSoft skillsAttention to detail, communication, conflict resolution, critical thinking, leadership skills, negotiation, project management 8. IT Specialist Skills for Resume Hard skillsCloud computing skills, coding, hardware maintenance, internet connection, network security, operating system knowledge, software developmentSoft skillsCommunication, problem-solving, teamwork 9. IT Project Manager Skills for Resume Hard skillsTechnical knowledgeSoft skillsCommunication, flexibility, negotiation, organization, project management, teamwork, time management 10. IT Director Skills for Resume Hard skillsTechnical knowledge (including software, hardware and operating systems)Soft skillsCommunication, critical thinking, flexibility, leadership, negotiation, problem-solving, organization, teamworkHow to Highlight Your IT Skills on Your Resume (+ Examples)On your resume, IT skills can be included in three different sections, namely, resume summary/ objective section, work experience section, and IT skills section. Each of them highlights different aspects of your expertise. 1. Resume Summary/ Objective Traditionally, you write 3 to 5 lines summarizing your career. Placing your IT skills here on top of your resume makes sure the hiring team won’t miss them. Here is an example of including IT skills in the resume summary section for a fresher IT specialist:"Motivated and detail-oriented Computer Science graduate seeking the role of IT Specialist at ABC Software. Passionate about cyber security and antivirus software development. Protected 30+ computers from viruses for a local company. Relevant skills include secure code development and vulnerability testing." 💡 Pro Tips:Carefully choose the most impressive achievement you have due to the limited spaceInclude both the results and the relevant skills. Remember to make a clear connection between them 2. Work Experience The work experience section is also ideal for you to show your IT skills on the resume. You can mention more skills and in detailed.Here is an example of placing IT skills in the work experience section of an IT project manager’s resume: WORKEXPERIENCE IT Support Specialist | TechX Corp.2018 - 2020Managed a team of 15 web developers.Optimally managed risk factors through data analysis and lowered the risk by 13%. 💡 Pro Tips:Back up your achievement with statisticsBe concise 3. IT Skills Alternatively, you can also dedicate a whole skills section to your IT skills on your resume. You will have more space to list each IT skill specifically.Here is an example of listing IT skills in IT Skills for a software developer’s resume: SKILLS Python (PCPP certification - Python Institute)C++ (CPA certification - C++ Certificated Associate Programmer Certification)HTML language (Proficient) 💡 Pro Tips:Include certifications to certify your abilityProvide levels of proficiency, from basic to proficient, for your IT skills in the resume3 Tips on Showcasing Your IT Skills during a Job HuntJob-hunting doesn’t end after you send out your resume. The interview is equally important for you to elaborate on your accomplishments and IT skills listed on your resume. Here are some tips to impress the hiring team while applying for an IT job: Use examples and numbers to quantify results as a proof on your IT skills on your resume.Employ the STAR framework to discuss a specific situation, task, action, and result of the situation and provide a context of your IT expertise during interviews.Present a slideshow with informative graphics and pictures that help the recruiter visualize your IT-related achievement during the interview.How to Improve Your IT SkillsThe information industry is always evolving. For this reason, whether you only have entry-level IT skills on the resume or you are an experienced IT professional, you need tocontinuously improveyour IT skills to keep up with it. Here are some tips to improve your IT skills required for IT jobs: ✨ Practice Self-learning Once you graduate, you no longer have an instructor walking you through various fields of knowledge. You will need to develop learning habits that allow you to master IT skills on your own, such as setting clear goals and finding learning resources. ✨ Take Courses Alternatively, you can find a wide variety of courses, both online and in-person, to help you learn more effectively. These courses provide information and resources for you if you are a new to the industry or don’t know where to start. ✨ Network with Other Techies Another way for you to grow as an IT professional is to exchange experience with other people, who can provide you with fresh ideas and share resources with you. Most importantly, you can get the emotional support that you need while learning new IT skills. 🔑 Key Takeaways:The prominence of IT skills grows as the world increasinglybecomes digital-oriented. With suitable IT skills on your resume, you can easily land your IT dream job. All you need to know is what IT skills are, in-demand IT skills for your resume, how to improve your IT skills, and how to showcase IT skills on the resume. Follow the tips and let's impress the recruiters with your IT skills during a job hunt. --- Originally written byYin-Hsuan Liang ---
Resume & CV
May 6th 2026

100+ Key Hard Skills for Your Resume to Get You Hired in 2026

Key SummaryHard skills are specific, measurable abilities you gain through education, training, or experience.Tailor your skills to every job you apply for.Show your skills in context, not just as a list.AI skills are now a must-have across all industries to give you a competitive edge over other candidates.Use Cake’s AI Resume Checker to analyze your resume against the job description and tell you exactly which skills to add before you hit submit.Hard skills are measurable abilities that an individual can acquire through practice, repetition, or education. Hard skills are one of the most important sections hiring managers look at, and getting them right can be the difference between landing an interview or getting ghosted. If you’re still wondering “what skills should I even put on my resume?” No worries, this guide covers everything you need to know about hard skills for your resume: what they are, why they matter, and exactly which ones to list. Table of Contents: What are Hard Skills? Difference Between Hard Skills vs. Soft Skills Why Hard Skills Matter on a Resume Top 100 Hard Skills to Put on a Resume How to List Hard Skills on a Resume How to Improve Your Hard SkillsWhat are Hard Skills?Hard skills, also known as technical skills, are job-specific abilities, capabilities, or knowledge that must be learned through online/university courses, hands-on experience, and training. Examples include things like coding in Python, operating Excel, speaking a second language, or holding a PMP certification.Unlike personality traits, hard skills are concrete, either you know how to do something or you don’t. They’re also easy for recruiters and ATS to scan and verify quickly. Difference Between Hard Skills and Soft Skills Here’s a simple breakdown between the two. Hard skills are technical and job-specific, they’re what you know. Whereas soft skills are interpersonal and behavioral, they’re how you work. Here are different examples of hard skills and soft skills to help you get a gist of it: Hard SkillsSoft Skills Data AnalysisCommunication Graphic DesignTeamwork Financial ModelingProblem-Solving SQLLeadership Machine LearningAdaptability Both types matter on a resume, but hard skills are what get you past the ATS screening and onto a recruiter’s shortlist. Soft skills will shine more during the interview stage.Why Hard Skills Matter on Your ResumeMost companies today use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to screen resumes before a human ever reads them. These systems are programmed to look for specific keywords, and hard skills are a huge part of that. If your resume doesn’t include the right technical terms, it may never reach a recruiter at all. Beyond ATS, hard skills signal to employers that you are equipped to do the job. They reduce training time and demonstrate competence, making you a more attractive candidate. In high-demand fields, having the right hard skills can also directly impact your starting salary. Top 100 Hard Skills to Put on a ResumeHard Skills by Category Technology IT AI Machine Learning Data Analytics Business Management Marketing Communications Healthcare Medical Engineering Manufacturing Finance Accounting Languages1. Technology IT These are some of the most high-demand skills in the job market right now.Programming Languages (Python, Java, JavaScript, C++, R, Swift)Web Development (HTML/CSS, REact, Node.js, Angular, PHP)Cloud Computing (AWS, Microsoft Azure, Google Cloud Platform)Cybersecurity (AI Threat Detection, Ethical Hacking, Network Security)Database Management (SQL, MySQL, MongoDB, PostgreSQL, Vector Databases)DevOps (Docker, Kubernetes, Jenkins)AI Integration (API Integration with OpenAI, Anthropic, or Gemini; building AI-powered apps) 2. AI Machine Learning AI is becoming a baseline expectation across industries, from tech to marketing to finance. Demonstrating AI fluency on your resume signals to employers that you’re future-ready and adaptable. For Technical Roles (e.g. AI/ML Engineers, Data Scientists): Machine Learning Frameworks (TensorFlow, Pytorch, Keras)Natural Language Processing (Hugging Face Transformers, spaCy, NLTK)Computer Vision (OpenCV, YOLO, Stable Diffusion)Large Language Models (Fine-tuning, RAG, LangChain)MLOps (Model deployment, monitoring, MLflow, Kubeflow)AI Cloud Services (AWS SageMaker, Google Vertex AI, Azure AI)For Non-Technical Roles: AI Prompt Engineering (ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, Copilot)AI-Powered Analytics (DataRobot, Tableau AI, Microsoft Copilot for Excel)Generative AI Tools (Midjourney, Runway ML, Adobe Firefly)AI Writing Content Tools (Jasper, Copy.ai, Grammarly AI)AI Automation (Zapier AI, Make) 3. Data Analytics Data literacy is no longer optional, it’s expected across nearly every industry and positions. Microsoft Excel (VLOOKUP, Pivot Tables, Macros)Google Analytics Data StudioPower BI TableauStatistical Analysis (SPSS, SAS, Stata)Big Data Tools (Hadoop, Spark)Predictive Analytics using AI/ML models 4. Business Management When you’re in operations, consulting, or project management, these skills are extremely valuable. Project Management (PMP, Agile, Scrum, Kanban)Business AnalysisFinancial Modeling ForecastingBudgeting Cost ControlERP Systems (SAP, Oracle, Microsoft Dynamics)Supply Chain ManagementRisk ManagementAI Tool Adoption Change ManagementPerformance Evaluation 5. Marketing Communications Digital marketing skills are in massive demand for both startups and large corporations. SEO SEM (Ahrefs, ScreamingFrog, SurferSEO, Technical SEO, Google Ads)Social Media Marketing (Meta Ads, LinkedIn Ads)Content Marketing CopywritingEmail Marketing (Mailchimp, HubSpot, Klaviyo)CRM Software (Salesforce, Zoho CRM)Video Editing (Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro)Graphic Design (Adobe Photoshop, Canva, Illustrator)AI Content Creation 6. Healthcare Medical For healthcare professionals, certifications and clinical skills are non-negotiables. Electronic Health Records (Epic, Cerner)Medical Coding Billing (ICD-10, CPT Codes)Patient Assessment TriagePhlebotomy Clinical ProceduresSurgical AssistanceHIPAA CompliancePharmacology KnowledgeMeditech DocumentationNursing Practice Act JCAHOEmergency Response 7. Engineering Manufacturing These technical skills apply across mechanical, civil, electrical, and industrial engineering.CAD Software (AutoCAD, SolidWorks, CATIA)Lean Manufacturing Six SigmaQuality Assurance Control (QA QC)PLC ProgrammingStructural Analysis3D PrintingOSHA Safety StandardsEquipment DiagnosticsInventory ManagementRisk Management 8. Finance Accounting Finance professionals need a solid mix of software proficiency and technical knowledge. Financial Reporting GAAP/IFRS StandardsTaxationAuditingQuickBooks, Tally ERP, XeroInvestment AnalysisCFA/CPA/CA CertificationRegulatory StandardsAccounting Reporting SoftwaresBudgetingBloomberg Terminal 9. Languages Multilingual ability is a serious competitive advantage in global companies. Example of how to write a language skills section on a resume:English - NativeFrench - FluentMandarin - ConversationalKorean - BeginnerOrEnglish - BilingualSpanish - Full professional proficiencyPortuguese - Professional working proficiency To see examples of how to put this in your resume, check out our guide on how to list language skills on your resume. How to List Hard Skills on a ResumeThe hard skills that you want to include in your resume will differ depending on your profession. Below are the different specific skills for different roles:💡 For Students: Even if you don’t have work experience yet, listing tools and software you’ve used in coursework, internships, or personal projects count as a legitimate hard skill. Tips to List Hard Skills on Your Resume1. Create a Dedicated Skills Section Place a clearly labeled “Skills” section on your resume, typically at the bottom of your resume. Keep it clean, scannable, and organized by category if you have many skills. This makes it easy for recruiters to see. 2. Match Skills to the Job Description Always tailor your skills section to each job you apply for. Read the job description and pull keywords from the job posting. You can mirror the exact language used, which can be critical to pass ATS filters. 3. Show Skills in a Context You can also demonstrate the skills in your resume summary or work experience bullet points. For example, instead of just listing “AI tools”, write: “Automated weekly reporting using ChatGPT and Power BI, reducing manual work by 40%.” Numbers and context make your hard skills far more credible. 4. Be Honest about Proficiency Only list skills you can confidently back up in an interview or technical assessment. If you're a beginner in something, you can note your proficiency level (e.g., "Python – Intermediate" or "Prompt Engineering – Familiar"), but avoid overstating expertise. Getting caught misrepresenting your skills is a quick way to lose a job offer. Still not sure if your resume has the right skills? It’s easy to miss key skills that a specific job description is looking for, and that’s where most resumes fall short. Cake’s AI Resume Checker automatically analyzes your resume against a job description, flags missing skills, and suggests exactly what to add to strengthen your application. Here’s what the Skills section of your Cake AI resume report looks like:Suggestions for Skills Section in AIResume Checker Report And you can also apply hard skill suggestions directly to your resume.Resume Editor Section in AIResume Checker Try Cake’s AI Resume Checker for free and make sure your hard skills are always working in your favor. How to Improve Your Hard SkillsEven if you currently don’t have all the skills a job requires, you can build them strategically. 1. Enroll in professional courses with a certificateTaking courses is an effective way to learn a new skill or knowledge, or improve existing hard skills. It would be best if you can acquire a certificate of completion which provides employers with solid evidence of that hard skill. 2. Keep practicingRegular practice is key to getting better at everything. Depending on the fields you’re working in, you can choose one or a few crucial hard skills to practice every day. Once you’ve mastered that skill, move on to the other. 3. Join a professional group in your fieldBy being active in a group setting, you have the chance to learn new knowledge and experience from other professionals. For example, if you’re a Marketer, check out these Facebook groups: CXL - Conversion Optimization, Analytics Growth, Digital Marketing Questions, Marketing Solved, etc.Frequently Asked QuestionsHow many hard skills should I put on my resume? Aim for 8-12 hard skills that are directly relevant to the role. Quality matters far more than quantity. A focused, tailored list will always seem better than a generic wall of buzzwords. Should I list AI tools as hard skills on my resume? Yes. AI tool proficiency is now considered a necessary skill across nearly every industry. Be specific about the tools you use (e.g. “Copilot for data summarization” “Claude Code for debugging”) rather than just writing “AI tools” generically. Should I put skill levels on my resume? It depends on the industry and role. For technical fields like IT, data science, or AI/ML, adding proficiency levels (i.e. beginner, intermediate, expert) can be helpful. You should also add proficiency levels to language skills. Are hard skills more important than soft skills? Both are essentials, but hard skills typically get your resume shortlisted, while soft skills help you get hired and succeed long-term. Hard skills might be necessary to complete your task in your role, so it is what opens doors. What are the most in-demand hard skills in 2026? The most sought-after hard skills right now include AI prompt engineering, machine learning, cloud computing, data analysis, and cybersecurity. AI fluency in particular has become a cross-industry expectation, not just a tech sector one.Key TakeawaysYour resume is often the first impression you make on a potential employer. Hard skills show recruiters and hiring managers that you have what it takes to do the job well. Start by identifying the hard skills most relevant to your target role, tailor your list for each application, and continuously invest in learning new ones, especially in AI, which is reshaping every industry right now. To be 100% sure what skills to put in your resume, check your resume with Cake’s AI Resume Checker and make every skill count. 💡 Looking for more career tips? Check out our guides on how to write “about me” on resume, how to create ATS-friendly resume, and resume examples for different professions.
Industry & Job Overview
Nov 28th 2025

Data Analyst: How to Get Your Foot in the Door & Get Hired

Created by CakeResumeIn this article, we'll cover: How to become a data analyst with or without a degreeHow to become a data analyst with no experienceData analyst FAQData analysts play a vital role in the business world. A data analyst is responsible for collecting, organizing, and analyzing data to help a business make informed decisions. They use their skills in mathematics and statistics to interpret data sets and communicate their findings to others. A data analyst may also be responsible for developing new ways to collect and organize data. In the business world, data analysts play an essential role in helping companies make decisions about everything from product development to marketing strategy. By understanding trends and patterns in data, analysts can help businesses optimize their operations and stay ahead of the competition. If you're interested in pursuing a career in data analytics, you may be wondering how to get your foot in the door. With data analyst jobs on the rise, it's more important than ever to have the right skills and qualifications. Fortunately, there are many ways to break into this field. In this blog post, we will discuss the different paths you can take to become a data analyst. We will also provide tips for getting hired in this growing industry. How to Become a Data Analyst Without a Degree?There are many ways to become a data analyst. You can pursue a data analytics degree or get hired without one. If you have a degree in data analytics, you'll likely have an advantage over candidates without a data analytics degree thanks to the specialized skills and knowledge you'll have acquired. However, data analytics degrees are not always required for data analyst jobs. In many cases, employers are more interested in your ability to analyze data than your educational background. With or without a data analytics degree, you can get a data analyst job by following the steps below.Learn fundamental knowledge about data analysis.Work on technical skills.Learn to create visualizations.Build a strong portfolio with data analysis projects.Write a perfect resume.Apply for data analysis jobs. 🎯 Learn fundamental knowledge about data analysis. There are many degrees that can help you pursue a career in data analytics. A few of the most common degrees include statistics, mathematics, and computer science. These degrees will give you the fundamental knowledge you need to understand and analyze data sets. However, you don't necessarily need a data analytics degree to become a data analyst. There are many ways to get into data analytics other than formal education. If you don't have a data analytics degree, consider taking online courses or attending workshops to learn the basics of data analysis. You could build your data analytics skills by working on personal projects or contributing to open-source data sets. Any experience you have working with data will be helpful in landing a job as a data analyst. If you have transferable skills from another field, such as marketing or accounting, you may be able to transition into data analytics without starting from scratch. 🎯 Work on your technical skills. Technical skills are essential for data analysts throughout their career path. Data analysts need to be able to manipulate, transform, and analyze data sets. Some of the most important technical skills for data analysts include: Coding skills In the corporate world, data sets are usually huge, so it's important to be able to work with large data sets efficiently. Coding skills will help you automate repetitive tasks and speed up your workflow as a professional data analyst. Data visualization skills Data visualization skills will come in handy when you need to communicate your findings to others. Data mining, cleansing and wrangling skills Data mining, data cleansing, and data wrangling skills are essential for finding the signal in the noise and extracting valuable insights from data sets. Statistical analysis skills Statistical analysis skills will help you understand data sets and find trends and patterns. Machine learning skills Machine learning is a growing field within data analytics. It is popular because it allows data analysts to automate repetitive tasks and make predictions about the future. These are just some examples of some essential technical skills that you may need to work on. If you do not have a degree in data analytics, you may want to consider taking some online courses or workshops to learn these skills. 🎯 Learn to create visualizations. Creating visualizations is a key part of data analysis. Data analysts use visualization to communicate their findings to others. This is a key skill to have in the business world, so many data analyst job descriptions will list data visualization skills as a requirement. There are many different software programs that you can use to create visualizations. Some popular data visualization software programs include Tableau, Google Data Studio, Google Sheets, and Microsoft Power BI. To become a data analyst, you should be familiar with at least one of these software programs. 🎯 Build a strong portfolio with data analysis projects. When you're applying for data analyst jobs, the employer would no doubt carefully review your portfolio. Your portfolio should showcase your technical skills and highlight any projects you've worked on that are relevant to the job you're applying for. If you don't have any previous work experience, having a strong portfolio is your chance to show employers what you're capable of. With or without a degree in data analytics, having a strong portfolio is essential for getting your foot in the door as a data analyst. 🎯 Write a perfect resume. Your resume is your first opportunity to make a good impression on potential employers. To get a job as a data analyst, you first need to have a strong resume that highlights your technical skills and work experience. A good resume for data analysts jobs should include: Any relevant work experience, even if it's not in the data analytics field: Employers will be looking for transferable skills that show you have the ability to work with data. And relevant work experience can show that.Any technical skills that you have, such as coding languages or statistical analysis software: If you don't have much work experience, including a section on your skills dedicated to relevant technical skills is a great way to show employers what you're capable of.Relevant education or certifications that you have: Even if you don't have a degree in data analytics, having a certification from an online course will show employers that you're serious about working in the field. If you follow these tips, you'll be sure to write a strong data analyst resume that will help you get your foot in the door. To give you a great head start, check out our data analyst resume example, which you can use as a template to build your own resume! 🎯 Apply for data analysis jobs. The next and final step is to start applying for data analyst jobs. Make sure to tailor your resume and cover letter to each job you apply for, and highlight any skills or experience that are relevant to the position. It's also important to know that aside from a data analyst position, there are many other jobs in the data analytics field. Some examples include: data engineerbusiness intelligence analystdata scientistmarket research analyststatistician Don't limit yourself to applying for data analyst jobs, explore other positions in the field that you may be interested in. How to Become a Data Analyst with No Experience?It can be difficult to get a job as a data analyst if you don't have any previous experience. However, there are some things you can do to increase your chances of getting hired. Here are 3 best tips for you if you don't know how to get a data analyst job as a fresher with little to no experience in the data analytics field: ✅ Enroll in data analytics courses. There are many online courses that you can take to learn about data analytics. These courses will teach you the basics of working with data, and some even offer certification. Some of the most recognized data analytics courses include Coursera, Udacity, and edX. While taking data analytics courses is a great way to learn about the field, they won't guarantee you a job after you finish the course. However, they will give you the skills and knowledge you need to be successful in the role. Many employers also prefer to hire candidates who have completed data analytics courses and earned certifications. ✅ Participate in data science bootcamps. Bootcamps are short, intensive programs that will teach you the skills you need to get a job as a data analyst. Bootcamps typically last for a few weeks or months, and they often have an emphasis on hands-on learning. There are many bootcamps to choose from, so make sure to do your research before enrolling. Bootcamps can be expensive, so make sure you're enrolling in one that has a good reputation and will give you the skills (and sometimes even teaches you how to get a job in data science) you need to get hired. ✅ Get internship experience. If you don't have any work experience, an internship is a great way to get your foot in the door. Many employers are open to hiring interns and giving them the opportunity to learn on the job. It's especially important to have an internship if you want to work in a specific data analytics field, such as healthcare or finance. An internship will give you the opportunity to learn about the day-to-day tasks of a data analyst and get hands-on experience working with data. It's also a great way to network and make connections in the industry. FAQs about Becoming a Data AnalystStill not sure how or if you want to get into data analytics? Here are some of the most searched questions about careers in data analytics. We've curated the most popular questions and provided answers to help you learn more about data analyst careers. ❓ How long does it take to become a data analyst? It could take anywhere from a few weeks to a few years to become a data analyst depending on your prior experience and education. The amount of time it takes to become a data analyst depends on your previous experience and education. If you have a degree in a related field, such as computer science or business, you may be able to get hired without any prior experience. If you don't have a related degree, you may need to gain some work experience or take data analytics courses before you can be hired for a data analyst role. The best way to become a data analyst is to get experience working with data, so the time it takes to become a data analyst may vary depending on your experience and your ability to learn. ❓ Is coding required to be a data analyst? The answer is a simple yes. In the past, coding wasn't a necessary skill for data analysts. However, as data analytics has become more complex, employers are now looking for candidates who have at least basic coding skills. Coding along with data analysis skills will allow you to automate tasks, build data visualizations, and create custom reports at a scale that is otherwise not possible. To stay competitive as a data analyst throughout your career, keep your coding skills up-to-date. Even if you're not required to code in your current role, it's a valuable skill to have and will make you more marketable to employers. ❓ Are data analysts in demand? Yes, data analysts are in high demand. The demand for data analytics professionals is expected to grow by 25% from 2020 to 2030, which is much faster than the average for all occupations. With the digitization of everything from shopping to healthcare, businesses increasingly rely on data to make decisions, and need data analysts to help them make sense of all the data they're collecting. 🔑 Key Takeaways:Becoming a data analyst is not an easy task, but it is definitely worth it to invest in some of the most in-demand skills of the future. With the right skills and experience, you can be on your way to an exciting and rewarding career in data analytics.We've provided some tips and advice on how you can get started in your data analyst career path with or without a degree in data analytics:Acquiring technical skillsBuilding a strong data analysis portfolioWriting a great resumeThese are all important steps to take on your journey to becoming a data analyst.We hope this article has helped you get started on your journey to becoming a data analyst even if you're just starting out in the corporate world. And if you're already working as a data analyst, perhaps this has inspired you to share your own tips and advice on how to get started in data analytics! Start creating your data analyst resume now!Use Cake's ATS-friendly resume templates and download in PDFfor FREECreate My ResumeStart Your Data Analyst Career NowCake is your all-in-one career solution. Use our online resume builder for an ATS-friendly resume, complete with hundreds of free, professional resume templates and examples. Optimize your application instantly with Cake AI Resume Checker and generate a compelling cover letter with Cake Cover letter AI.Beyond documents, Cake helps you grow: build an online portfolio, find opportunities on our job portal, and establish your personal brand.Ready to simplify your job search and make success a piece of cake? Start using Cake now! --- Originally written by Candy Ho ---
Interview Skills
Oct 11th 2022

Tips On Preparing for a Phone Screening Interview

Created by CakeIn this article, we'll cover: What Is a Phone Screen?How to Prepare for a Phone ScreeningWhat to Do After a Phone ScreenTips for Nailing Your Phone ScreenDuring your job hunt, you might receive an invitation for a call to test your skills related to an application you submitted ahead of interviews. This is called a phone screening, and this occurs for jobs which require thorough technical or “hard skills”, and are common for engineering, programming and IT roles. These phone screening calls are a preliminary step in the hiring process, and you should be anticipating invitations for calls from recruiters for every application you send in. The phone screening step is not just for recruiters, however – you can leave a good impression early in the recruiting process by preparing accordingly! What Is a Phone Screen?Phone screenings are a preliminary screening for candidates who applied to a job opening. These are usually run by the recruiter or manager, and depending on the size of the company, are an initial way of filtering applicants before being invited to interviews to meet the hiring manager. There are different types of phone screenings, depending on the role – they can be technical, skill or theory-based. Here are examples of major companies which are likely to conduct phone screens and their phone screen processes: 📞 Google phone screen: Google’s phone screening interview process is conducted after the application stage, where you will receive an invitation to schedule a phone screening interview. Google’s phone screening process will have a behavioral component just like any other interview, asking about your experiences and desire to work at Google. However, the technical component of the phone screen will explicitly test your knowledge related to the role – such as fundamentals of programming, debugging code and explaining the rationale or concepts behind solutions you employ. 📞 Amazon phone screen interview: Amazon’s phone screen interview also has a brief behavioral component, but the main component of their phone screening interviews is solving a technical problem. This can come in the form of short coding questions, or a larger problem which you solve via an online whiteboard, explaining your method over the phone as you complete it. 📞 Facebook phone screen: Facebook’s phone screening interviews will first have a behavioral component, and then you will be given problems to complete. Facebook’s phone screening technical questions will be scenario based questions, where you will have to write or fix the code correctly to solve the problem. 📞 Microsoft phone screen interview: Microsoft’s phone screen interview has a behavioral component, technical component, and questions which are in-between these two categories. After going through basics of your resume, the bulk of the phone screen interview will be solving programming or coding questions where you will walk the interviewer through your answer. Also, Microsoft has been known to use “brain teaser” types of questions in their phone screen interviews, to allow candidates to show their soft problem solving skills. 💡 It's important to realize that phone screens are different from phone interviews. Phone screens are almost exclusively testing your hard skills related to the role, and will go over basic behavioral or personal questions to ensure your resume matches your answers. As phone screens will be scheduled in advance, you have time to prepare yourself to appropriately answer phone screen interview questions. How to Prepare for a Phone ScreeningThe idea of a phone screen interview which requires industry knowledge can be overwhelming and stressful. As mentioned earlier, phone screenings are scheduled in advance, so there is time to prepare! Here are our tips for phone screenings: 1. Review the job description and research the company: When you receive an invite for a phone screen, the recruiter will usually mention what role you are interviewing for in their email. Go back to the job opening and review the description, specifically the hard skills, software knowledge and responsibilities of the role. Likewise, research the company you will conduct the phone screen interview with, to get an idea of what their scope is. 2. Prepare a good self-introduction: Although phone screening interviews are mainly to test your technical skills related to the role, recruiters conducting phone screens will start off with greetings and ask you to introduce yourself. Use your research of the company and job description to form an answer that makes you sound like a good fit for the company. 3. Check out your equipment: Phone screening interviews are a mixture of a phone call and screen sharing applications such as electronic whiteboards, collaborative documents or the company’s own platform. Make sure your devices are up to date, your cell and wifi reception is strong, and that you have allowed access to your camera, microphone and screen before the phone screen. 4. Prepare for common interview questions: As phone screens are a combination of behavioral and technical questions, prepare for both types in advance of your phone screen interview. Depending on the company, there are plenty of resources online where others have shared their experiences and questions they received during phone screens. Make sure you know how to solve the problems as well as explain the concepts behind your code so you can provide a well rounded answer during phone screens.What to Do After a Phone ScreenAlthough phone screens differ from traditional interviews, you should still follow proper interview etiquette and also reflect on the experience of a phone screen. After your phone screen, you should make time to: 🎯 Send a thank you email: Phone screening interviews can be stressful, and very information-heavy discussions can take up the bulk of the time. Maintain a personable connection to the recruiter after your phone screen by sending a brief email thanking them for the opportunity. 🎯 Send a follow-up email: Recruiters will conduct many phone screening interviews, and might take a while to provide you with feedback or their decision. If the recruiter gives you a time frame for an expected response, wait until that time has lapsed before sending a follow-up email. Otherwise, wait about 5-7 business days after the phone screening to send a follow up inquiring about the hiring process. 🎯 Consider what you’ve learnt about the role: Phone screening interviews put your knowledge and skills to the test. Whether you feel like you aced it, or had a knock in confidence, use your phone screen interview experience to reflect on your skills and how they apply to roles you apply for. Tips for Nailing Your Phone ScreenAs phone screening interviews are a unique combination of traditional and technical interviews, we’ve compiled a list of tips to ensure you have a successful phone screening interview! ❗️Show that you take it seriously: When you receive an invite for a phone screening interview, respond and schedule your interview time promptly. Be on time for the phone screening, and always maintain professionalism when speaking. If your cameras are off during the phone screening, maintain a professional tone of voice, sound cheerful and engage with the interviewer throughout the phone screen. ❗️Prepare a professional voicemail: Call yourself from a friend's phone to check what your voicemail is. If it’s old, silly sounding or an automated message, script and record a new one which includes your full name, apology for missing the call and state that you will call back ASAP. On the chance that you accidentally miss the phone screen call, your interviewer will at least be assured they have the correct number. ❗️Avoid scheduling conflicts: When booking a time for your phone screen, be certain it's a time that you will be able to attend. Recruiters have limited spots for phone screening interviews and might not let you change at a short notice. Try to schedule your phone screening around university or work, and think about noisy times of day, or if others are home. ❗️Get your resume or portfolio ready: Have your resume open on your computer, and have the link to your portfolio ready to paste in case the interviewer asks for it during your phone screen. Having these ready to view will come in handy during the behavioral and introductory section of the phone screen, if the recruiter wants to discuss anything they’ve read with you. ❗️ Listen attentively: As phone screens are not in person, it can be hard to show the interviewer you are actively listening to them. During your phone screen, avoid long pauses, acknowledge what they are saying, and listen attentively during the technical questions so you are able to solve them. Don’t pretend to listen or understand the recruiter – they have expert knowledge in the area they are testing you in, and will know if you didn’t listen to their instructions. If you need them to repeat or clarify, let them know – they would prefer this over feeling ignored! ❗️Take notes: If the recruiter mentions anything of interest to you during your phone screen, write it down. It's preferable to use a pen and paper over typing, as the recruiter will be able to hear you typing over the phone. Likewise, you can take notes during the technical or problem-solving questions to help you efficiently visualize the scenarios given during the phone screening. 🔑 Key TakeawaysPhone screening interviews are unique to particular roles and industries, and require preparation in order to have a successful interview. Technical phone screens will test your ability to use skills needed for the role, but also inadvertently test your soft skills such as communication and problem solving by discussing your answers with the recruiter. Maintain regular interview etiquette and practice relevant technical questions in advance, so that you are not overwhelmed by the intensity of a technical phone screen.With Cake, you can easily create a resume online, free download your resume in PDF, and utilize ATS-compliant templates to create a resume. Create your resume online (free download) now and land your dream job!Create resume--- Originally written by Bronte McNamara---

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