Network Engineer Resume: Free Template & Guide

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As a Network Engineer, you’re used to designing complicated networks. But are your skills in technology helping you develop a resume? Use our Network Engineer Resume Template in Word to help connect with a recruiter and get the job you deserve!

Network Engineer Resume Example MSWord®
Use our Network Engineer Resume Template in Word to design your resume with the skills you use in the workplace. 

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In the world of developing technology, network engineering is a highly appreciated and growing field. It’s a rather competitive industry among the millennials who wish to become future network engineers. 

The daily responsibilities of network and computer system administrators entail setting up, developing, and maintaining the organization’s networks, including network segments, LANs, WANs, and other network systems.

Getting the desired job in this field requires writing a captivating network engineer resume that highlights your skills and showcases your professional background as a candidate.

Resourcefulness, multitasking, analytical and problem-solving skills are just some of the assets a suitable candidate’s resume should feature. 

If you want to learn how to write a resume for a network engineer application—read our immersive guide with tips, tricks and templates included and take one more step towards landing your dream job!

Highly skilled staff is always in demand in the IT field. Network engineer professionals may be required to work overtime due to networks being unstable at times. 

Every company or organization depends on the smooth operation of their network and that’s the reason for the required around-the-clock availability.

Resume Example

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[Tom Jamison]

[Senior Network Engineer]

[3333 Marsh Road, Chicago | (555) 555-1111 | tom.jamison@example.com]

Summary

A professional with over 12 years of experience developing business solutions and operating data communications systems. Has extensive knowledge of Cisco hardware and data management. Manages high-quality ICT and Internet solutions.

Experience 

ABC Chicago, IL 

Senior Network Engineer

(02/2012) – Present

• Assess and plan network design and implementation projects
• Assist in network detailed designs development on network security, network access control, software-defined networking, cloud networking components, and network segmentation
• Develop and implement the roadmap and transition plans
• Assist in assessments of network environments, identify gaps and performance improvement opportunities
• Work with clients on developing network engineering solutions from concept through implementation

Education 

University of Illinois, Chicago, IL 

B.S. Computer Science

(2009)

• Cisco
• CompTIA

Skills

• Windows
• Cloud Management
• Cisco
• MPLS
• OSPF with a CCNP
• Network Security Oversight
• Data Backups
• System Upgrades
• Security
• Wireless
• Firewalls

Being a network engineer is a demanding position, especially if you are working for a larger organization with several network locations. 

This office-based job can be challenging when things go south, especially because most companies depend on their computer networks. 

Preparing a resume format requires an original and personal approach to the matter.

Before starting to create the content of the network engineer resume template, the first thing to do is choose the right resume format.

A well-composed and organized resume is of high importance when in search of a job. 

Unless otherwise specified by the employer, the applicant is the one that chooses the format of their resume. To make sure you understand which is the best format to use for your network engineer resume, check out the following three most common resume formats used by applicants and accepted by recruiters in any field. 

Reverse-chronological format

The most widely used resume format in the job market. It’s characterized by presenting the working experience in an organized reversed chronological order, listing it from most recent to oldest.

Functional format

This resume format is not often used unless there is a need to highlight the applicant’s skills over their working experience, such as for entry-level candidates who do not have much work experience.

Combination format

This is a hybrid resume format that combines the previous two resume formats and provides an overview of your skills and your experience.

When talking about resume formats, it’s not just the manner of presenting your skills and experience that counts—but other formatting aspects as well. 

Be sure to use a distinct and professional font that is easy on the eye e.g. Calibri, Tahoma, Verdana, Arial, Times New Roman. Always include the correct contact details and include only the relevant skills and working experience.

Don’t overburden the resume content with unnecessary information. Be simple, short, and precise with the information because you are not the only applicant for the job position.

Recruiters go through volumes of job applications daily and don’t have time to read long resumes.

Not many applicants can prepare the right network engineer resume that will feature quality content and adequate format. If you are one of them, you can always turn to us for free resume templates that are bound to help you build the best network engineer resume.

The first thing that should be on your mind once you start writing your resume is the network engineer profile summary or objective. 

The first thing to do before deciding on whether to choose a career objective for a network engineer or a resume summary, you need to consider your professional experience. 

A resume objective is typically used for preparing a junior network engineer position, when you are just starting off in your career. 

The resume objective is the best way to offer an overview of the skills an applicant possesses, especially if they don’t have much experience or are transitioning to a new role. 

Not only this, but a objective should also include the aspirations and goals of the applicant, outlining what they can offer the company.

On the other hand, a professional resume summary may be used for applicants who have experience in their field of work. This is a suitable option when preparing a senior network engineer resume where the applicant showcases their skills and experience. 

Both objectives and summaries have to reflect your professional and personal achievements, though in a precise and short fashion.

The most suitable length of either of these sections is a maximum of five sentences. 

Network Engineer Resume Summary Example

When going through various resume summaries for network engineers on a daily basis, recruiters are looking for resumes that will catch their eye. 

Use the summary for a network engineer to shine and present yourself as the applicant that every company would want on board.

Just a few catchy phrases and industry related keywords can help you showcase your background in the proper way. 

Go through the job description and requirements provided by the company and make an effort to mirror their keywords in your summary.

You also have to highlight your value and the contribution that you can offer the company. Put an emphasis on the years of experience and the positions you have held in the industry., along with a few key competencies.

Present the traits and skills you possess neatly, alongside your main professional achievements. It’s recommended to use non-generic content. 

A good network engineer resume summary example should be written as follows:

How to Write an Entry Level Network Engineer Resume Objective

As mentioned previously, objectives should be used for entry level network engineer resumes. Having no experience or very little relevant work experience to add to your resume can make writing your document daunting, so objectives provide a safe option for these applicants.

To lend you a helping hand, a notable objective for a network engineer should contain the following crucial elements:

• Provide information on education and certifications
• Concentrate on listing specific skills, such as organizational skills learnt outside of the workplace
• Give the reason for applying for the position 
• Underline how you could benefit the company

Use the objective section to portray yourself as an essential candidate with a wide range of skills that any company would make use of. Also, underline the contribution you can make to the company. Always use well-constructed, formal sentences, active language and powerful verbs to capture the recruiter’s attention.

Entry-Level Network Engineer Resume Objectives

Modesty has never been a friend when creating content for a resume objective—don’t be self-conscious, rather make your skills stand out from the resume. 

Use the below entry-level network engineer resume objective example to get an idea of what you should include in your objective:

Having professional working experience facilitates the writing process of any resume.

You may be a veteran in your business and have plenty of content to include in the experience section, but writing everything down is unwise since it overcrowds your resume. 

Having experience doesn’t make your resume any more impressive than the resume of an entry-level applicant. You may possess plenty of experience which you can include and gloat about when you update your resume, but remember – sometimes less is more content.

Always think of quality before quantity and only feature the experience you have as a medior or senior network engineer resume. 

Applicants compiling an entry level network engineer resume won’t have much to include, due to a lack of experience. However, it doesn’t mean the resume will be of lesser quality. 

In fact, many applicants often disregard the talents and skills that are outside of their academic and professional ones – but that can still look good on their resume.

Networking covers a wide selection of skills that may be included in a resume. Reflect on these traits and skills that may come in handy to fill in the experience section.

Here are some tips on what an experience section should include:

• A reverse-chronological format is useful when listing working experience from the most current position backward.
• Offer information about the previous employment. Provide the name of the company that employed you, the duration of your post, and the position you held.
• Find a skillful way to link the qualifications given in the job description to your experience.
• Use the right vocabulary and keywords to add texture to what you’ve written.
• Always use bullet points to present your accomplishments. 5-8 bullets should be sufficient to give an overview of your experience. Don’t overburden the experience section by using paragraphs to present this type of information.

One specialty of network engineers is aiding communication between users by enabling data to pass between computers in a network

In preparing a network engineer resume, some of the core responsibilities that you might include are:

• Maintaining the security of a network and computer system
• Training users on how to properly use software and hardware
• Identify the system needs and install the network software and hardware
• Spot, interpret, and solve problems when receiving alerts.

Always remember to align your experience with the qualifications that are required by the company! But do not be tempted to invent experience that you do not have.

A recommended experience section for a network engineer should look something like this:

EXPERIENCE

Network Engineer

Johnson Group, Chicago, IL

2015 – present

• Led server virtualization and migration improving server speed by 15% without an increase in down-time
• Create documentation for 30 client networks, ensuring they are accurate and updated
• Implement 10 firewalls with VPN for safeguarding company information while at the same time undergoing a shift to work-from-home for every employee.

Entry-Level Network Engineer Resume: Experience Section

Beginnings are always difficult. Entering the job market as a novice requires lots of motivation to make it in a highly competitive industry like network engineering. 

Beginners lack confidence when entering the job industry and have to compete against veterans who overestimate their experience.

But, there is more to being a network engineer than just experience.

Problem-solving, multitasking, communication, working in a team and analytical qualities are just a few of the skills a network engineer should have. 

Some companies prefer to hire applicants at entry-level positions due to their eager nature to learn and their fresh views on the industry. It also allows them to shape the candidate and train them for a specific position within their company.

Do some brainstorming on all qualities and skills that you own and feature them as part of your work experience section. Maybe you did a project in school or assisted in maintaining the network of the local community in an industry-relevant volunteer position —all these are a plus! 

Whether for your school, family, or the community, any related activity can be included in the experience section. In practice, your experience should look like this:

EDUCATION

University of Illinois, IL – 2015

BSc. In Computer Information Systems

RELEVANT COURSES

Analysis of Information Systems

Math for Information Science

Database Management systems

TECHNICAL SKILLS

LAN/WAN

Routing Protocols – BGP, MPLS, OSPF, ECMP

TCP/IP Networking

Cisco Nexus/ISE/Prime (WiFi)

ADDITIONAL STRENGTHS

• Strong attention to detail
• Excellent communication skills

The information technology industry is changing continuously. Therefore, working as a network engineer requires constant updating of the applicant’s knowledge.

What is expected in the education section from a suitable candidate?

Depending on the position, companies require candidates to have a Bachelor’s Degree in a field related to computer and information science. Some companies would accept an Associate’s Degree, too.

Network engineers work with equipment and hardware, so degrees in electrical engineering or computer engineering are usually acceptable. It all depends on the position you are applying for and the company requirements. There are some companies who will hire IT professionals without a college degree.

Additionally, certifications are often favored or required by some IT employers. Companies may ask that you are certified in the products that they use. 

These certifications are proof of a candidates knowledge in the are they are working in. Some of the most common certifications for network and computer system administrators are offered by Microsoft and Cisco. 

If you have aspirations to become an employee of a particular company, do some research on the company certification requirements and the products they use.

Communicate with vendors offering certifications to inquire about their programs. Choose the programs that you think will be useful when seeking employment.

Remember that in IT, your education doesn’t ever stop! 

This industry changes at a fast pace and you always need to be on top of things. Upgrading your knowledge will help you advance in your workplace and offer new and fresh ideas to your employer.

Being up-to-date with the latest news in the industry may be just the thing to land you that job you’ve always wanted. 

A resume is not always about experience – knowledge and skills can also contribute to getting the job you are searching for.

Network Engineer Resume Education Section

Research the company where you are applying for a job. Review the job requirements and description and try to match them with your educational qualifications.

Below is an example of what a network engineer education section should look like. If you do not have much work experience, you could include:

• Your GPA, if it is 3.50 or over
• Any academic awards you have received
• Coursework or projects that would be relevant to the role.

Being a network engineer requires resourcefulness, knowledge, and being goal-oriented.

Patience and understanding are a virtue because not everyone knows or understands what networks are or how they work. 

Remember, many people are still struggling to learn everything they need about IT without having to deal with advanced issues like networks. 

Soft Skills

Among the most important skills that network engineers should own are the following:

• Analytical skills – the main task of administrators is to evaluate the systems and networks to be sure they perform reliably. They also need to assess and anticipate new requirements depending on the client’s changing needs 
• Multitasking skills – there are often cases when the professional’s attention is needed in several places at once. This is a necessary skill to work on – it helps fix many problems at the same time and makes you an essential employee.
• Communication skills – a highly valued skill among non-IT workers. Being able to identify and fix the problem and then describe this, along with the solution, to a non-IT worker is a virtue. Remember that not everyone understands what you are saying when you use specific tech vocabulary. A good communicator is a valuable company asset!
• Problem-solving skills – this requires a fast thinker oriented toward quick resolution of all issues that may arise within a computer network. 
• Detail-oriented – working with networks requires the candidate to be detail-oriented to know every part of the network process. This skill comes in handy especially when trying to identify a problem within the network.  

Hard Skills

Some of the more technical skills that you need to have as a network engineer are as follows:

• Programming languages – learning a programming language like C++, Python, Java, and others, can boost your working style and make you more efficient and productive. Knowing how to write codes offers you freedom for creativity when it comes to solutions.
• Firewalls and security – network security is the core responsibility of network engineers. Necessary knowledge of security methodologies and protocols is needed in case of cyberattacks or virus infections. 
• Cloud computing – an essential tool due to the fast growth of cloud use. Understanding cloud computing is a boost when applying for a new position. AWS and Azure are just some of the systems you can learn to help businesses increase their speed, efficiency, and security of data. 
• Troubleshooting processes – a must-know skill to identify and analyze a problem in finding errors in the network
• Networking skills – a definite must-have skill. Solid knowledge of network architectures and types of WAN and LAN is integral.

This section is usually used by candidates who want to present themselves outside their academic and professional profile. This doesn’t mean that you should just write any information in this section, though. 

Instead, include information on projects and organizations that are close to your heart. List interests and hobbies that describe you as a person. Try to connect the selected information to the job you are applying for.

Network Engineer Resume Sample “Other” Sections

Use the other section to boost the quality of your network engineer resume. List sports you enjoy playing, your volunteer work, projects that occupy your time, or the number of languages you speak.

Below is an example of how to present the other section:

OTHER:

• Study engineering, networking, and IT courses
• Actively engaged in sports (tennis, handball)
• Fluent in English, Spanish, and German

If you got this far, you now know what it takes to write the best resume for a network engineer. 

To make sure you haven’t missed anything, go through our key takeaways and make sure you have covered all points of preparing the captivating resume:

• Choosing the reverse-chronology resume format is always the best form of presenting your professional experience;
• Always use a professional font and strong keywords when presenting yourself to catch the recruiter’s attention;
• Depending on your professional background, choose between a resume objective or summary to introduce yourself;
• The working experience section serves to emphasize your accomplishments. Include a few words on the impact you made in any of the previous positions;
• If you are applying for an entry-level position, use the skills section to present the hard and soft skills you possess, such as your strengths, talents, and unique skills;
• Use the (optional) Other Section to create an image of you and what motivates you and you are passionate about. List the organizations and projects that you feel passionate about
• Education is an integral part of the resume. Present your academic achievements to highlight your qualities. List any certificates, courses, publications and licenses to let the recruiter know that you care to keep your knowledge up-to-date. 

Remember, never underestimate the importance of creating the best resume for a network engineer. Try to make it strong and captivating so it stands out in the sea of applicants. 

If you still need help with adding that professional touch, turn to our free resume builders and modern templates for assistance!