As a network engineer, you’ve got a long and exciting career ahead of you in one of the fastest-growing tech fields. You’re the go-to person to handle the roadmap for a company’s network needs, expansion plans and security concerns. You’re also the one on call when systems are down – a critical (and sometimes stressful!) role.
Hiring managers are looking for network engineers who are confident, forward-thinking and ready to tackle challenges. You’ll also need great people skills and the ability to work with multiple teams. Where do you convey all of these essential qualities? On a great resume, of course!
This resume guide, along with our network engineer resume example is designed to help you take your career to the next level through the following topics:
- The responsibilities of a network engineer
- How to write a great resume
- The best format for a network engineer resume sample
- A great resume example for a network engineer
Resume.io is an expert resource for job seekers of all experience levels. Each of our 300+ resume examples can be modified and customized inside of our easy-to-use resume builder. Submitting the perfect application has never been easier!
The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts the need for network engineers to grow by about 4 percent over the coming decade – faster than average for most professions.
What does a network engineer do?
Network engineers, sometimes called network architects, are responsible for creating and implementing an organization’s network structure and systems. Common duties include:
- Creating blueprints for system layouts and presenting them to executives
- Explaining potential benefits and impacts of system upgrades
- Install routers, servers and other hardware needed for the network
- Stay up-to-date on industry changes to be proactive in updating network infrastructure
Network engineers work closely with IT directors and other systems managers to make sure that projects are completed on time and on budget. While much of the position revolves around technical knowledge, it’s important for network engineers to understand a company’s needs and structure so that the systems are as effective as possible.
For even more expert insights into this field and related ones, check out our collection of IT resume examples which can be easily customized inside our resume builder!
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How to write a network engineer resume
When writing your resume for a network engineer position, you should have many of the key sections an IT project manager or hiring manager will be looking for, including:
- The resume header
- The resume summary (aka profile or personal statement)
- The employment history section
- The resume skills section
- The education section
Although your job is a technical one, make sure to use language that a hiring manager or recruiter can reasonably understand (unless you know that an IT manager will be reading the resume instead.) Too much jargon can make your writing hard to follow and may discourage a hiring manager from continuing to read. Instead, focus on your achievements using numbers and statistics wherever possible to show the impact you had in your previous roles.
As a network engineer, you’re well aware of the fact that the first gatekeepers are never human ones. The same is true for your resume. Before it lands on a hiring manager’s desk, it’s likely to be scanned by an ATS – short for Applicant Tracking System. These algorithms are built into most of today’s online application portals and can filter out candidates who don’t meet enough criteria for the position. Here are three tips to make sure it doesn’t happen to you:
- Read the job description closely and look for “keywords” – any skills, responsibilities or duties that are emphasized by the employer.
- Insert these keywords into the appropriate sections on your resume, making sure to use the exact language from the job description.
- Create formatting that makes it easy for the scanners to find what they’re looking for via common section headings.
Choosing the best resume format for network engineers
The right resume format can make a big difference in how a hiring manager perceives your skills and experience. If you’ve already worked in the field of IT before, then the traditional reverse chronological resume format is likely your best option. This format begins with your most recent position and works backwards until you’ve listed all relevant experience. We recommend this format if you’ve learned many computer skills on the job or had roles directly related to the ones you are applying to.
However, there may be certain situations where a combination resume format is the better choice. This format begins with an experience section where you can highlight your top skills related to the position. You can still include related work experience in a shorter employment history section below. This format is best if you want to draw more attention to your abilities instead of your previous employment, such as in the case of a career switch or a promotion.
Resume summary example
Your summary is the introduction of your resume. In these 3-5 sentences, your goal is to catch a hiring manager’s attention by giving a taste of your motivations, skills and experience. It’s important not to overload this section, but you should still offer enough detail to make a hiring manager want to keep reading.
Your summary is also a good place to express your professional personality. IT positions can sometimes be seen as independent roles where people skills are not as important. This couldn’t be further from the truth. Network engineers work with teams of network systems analysts to make sure that everything is running smoothly. Showing your human side in the summary is a great idea.
See how that’s done in our network engineer resume sample:
Experienced and innovative Network Engineer seeking to become an integral part of a company. Adept in the thoughtful and practical design and implementation of computer and information networks. Committed to working collaboratively with other team members to ensure the smooth running of all networking technology.
Employment history sample
When you’ve got experience as a network engineer or IT professional, your employment history becomes one of the most powerful sections on your resume. That’s because it gives you the space to expand on what you’ve accomplished in previous positions and how you can apply them to this new role.
Underneath each previous job title, you’ll want to create 3-5 bullet points that use action verbs, numbers and figures to convey your impact. This section is also the perfect place to include skills that take more than a few words to describe.
Check out the employment history section from our network engineer resume example:
Network Engineer at Easy Solutions Systems, San Diego
May 2017 - July 2021
- Effectively managed the design and installation of all system networks.
- Tested, documented, and maintained all network components.
- Performed life cycle upgrades of network infrastructure.
- Researched and troubleshooted any network performance issues and worked to resolve them immediately.
- Maintained an inventory of networking equipment and supplies.
- Worked as a thoughtful and cooperative team member.
Junior Network Engineer at Raymont Technologies, Los Angeles
August 2014 - July 2017
- Managed the daily activities of local and wide area network systems.
- Installed and tested network servers.
- Assisted the Senior Network Engineers with developing and monitoring network security procedures for all networking systems.
- Managed and coordinated the installation of new data services.
CV skills example
The skills section of your CV is the place to bring home all your strengths. This section is best suited to qualities that can be summed up in a few words on a bullet point list. While this is the best place to list complex programs and systems knowledge, it’s also important to mention your communication and professional workplace skills. By creating a balance of technical skills to interpersonal ones, your CV will show what a well-rounded candidate you are.
See how it’s done on our network engineer resume sample:
- Cisco Networking
- Hardware Install and Support
- Complex Problem Solving
- CCNA level knowledge of LAN switching
- Advanced Analytical Thinking Skills
Network engineer resume education example
The education section may only take up a few lines of your resume, but it’s hard to overstate its importance. More and more employers are looking for network engineers who have completed IT coursework or computer science degrees. If you hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, you can leave off your high school education.
If you’ve learned many of your duties through on the job training, the education section can be a great place to highlight any continuing education or certification courses you’ve taken. These help show that you’re invested in the field and committed to improving your knowledge of it.
Certifications from reputable companies are one of the biggest things that can put your resume ahead of another network engineer. CompTIA, Cisco, Microsoft and the EC-Council are some of the most impressive ones according to CBTnuggets.
Here’s the education section from our network engineer resume example:
Bachelor of Computer Science, Loyola Marymount University, East Los Angeles
September 2010 - May 2014
High School Diploma, Los Angeles High School, Los Angeles
September 2006 - June 2010
Resume layout and design
A well-written resume is key to landing your next network engineering position, but it’s not the only thing that counts. A great layout is one of the best advantages you can give yourself when it comes to catching a hiring manager’s attention and convincing them that you’re worthy of an interview.
A great design needn’t be complicated but it should be professional and polished. Make sure to keep a healthy balance of white space to text and to stick with one or two fonts throughout your resume. A network engineer resume doesn’t necessarily need to be bright, but if you do opt for a dash of color, make sure to choose a scheme that goes well with the tone of your potential employer. When in doubt, a resume template can help you get all the nuances just right.
A clean and well-designed header can really make your resume stand out when the competition is tough. Make sure to include only the necessary pieces of information like your name, phone number, email and LinkedIn. By keeping your header short and punchy you increase the chances of catching a hiring manager’s attention without taking up too much of your precious resume space.
Key takeaways for a network engineer resume
- A great resume can make all the difference when it comes to landing your next network engineer position so make sure to invest in the writing and formatting of yours.
- Network engineers may work in a technical capacity but that doesn’t mean their resumes shouldn’t show off a strong number of interpersonal skills.
- Create a summary that showcases both your accomplishments and skills and your professional personality to increase the chances of catching a hiring manager’s attention.
- Add action verbs and concrete information to your employment history section to show a hiring manager what impact you could bring to their company.
- Check out our network engineer resume example for even more tips on how to make your application as effective as possible.
