Network Engineer Resume Example, Skills, & Writing Tips

 $100 an hour. Yes, top network engineers make that.

But employers don’t just hand it out to any candidate. You have to fit the job like a fieldbus connector.

And you do! You just have to show it in your network engineering resume.

In this guide:

• A network engineer resume sample better than most.
• How to make a great network engineer job description for resumes.
• How to write a resume for network engineer jobs that zaps your downtime.
• Why you can’t just list network engineer skills (and what to do instead).

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Network Engineer Resume Sample You Can Copy and Use

Here’s how to write a network engineer resume that works:

1. Choose the Right Network Engineer Resume Format

So many network engineer resumes fail before they start.

Why?

They don’t pay attention to resume formatting.

Use these tips for the right protocol:

Network Engineer Resume Format

• Select the reverse-chronological resume format.
• Use one of the respected resume fonts like 10–12pt Cambria or Verdana.
• Make it readable with white space and 1-inch margins.
• Keep the length of your resume to one page.
• Write these resume sections: Heading, Objective, Job Experience, Education, and Skills.
• Always save resumes as PDFs. They migrate well to lots of different screens.

Expert Hint: The median network engineer salary is $82,050. The top jobs pay far above the median. Target the top jobs with a well-tailored resume.

2. Write a Network Engineer Resume Objective or Summary

Picture this:

You have six seconds with your dream employer.

Can you convince her to hire you in that tiny time?

In fact you have to.

Most hiring teams spend just that long with each networking engineer resume.

But don’t sweat it.

Six seconds is plenty to hook them with a career objective statement or a summary statement.

Make yours right, and you’ll look like a young Chuck Robbins.

Use:

1. One adjective (smart, talented)
2. The words “network engineer”
3. Years of experience (2+, 6+)
4. How/whom you’ll help (serve clients at Sullivan IT)
5. Your coolest network engineer achievements (slashed completion times 20%)

These Cisco network engineer resume examples show the design:

Network Engineer Resume Summary—Example

Now:

Pretend you’re the hiring manager. Which one of those would grab you?

It’s the numbers. It’s the details.

But what if your experience is still in packing peanuts?

In an entry-level network engineer resume, talk about small things you’ve done.

Network Engineer Objective

Bonus: Save your network engineer resume summary for last. It’s simpler to write that way.

Expert Hint: Certifications matter in an entry-level resume for network engineers. Go for a CompTIA A+, MCSA, VMware, or other certs to stand above the other N00Bs.

The ResumeLab builder is more than looks. Get specific content to boost your chances of getting the job. Add job descriptions, bullet points, and skills. Easy. Improve your resume in our resume builder now.

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3. Electrify Your Network Engineer Job Description and Skills Section

So many blow this.

But it’s so easy.

Your network resume can’t just say, “I’ve got experience.”

It must say, “I’ve got your experience.”

What do I mean?

Look in the job ad for the right skills to put on a resume. Write them down. They’re your resume keywords.

Now, show times you’ve used them.

Watch these senior network engineer resume samples do it right and wrong:

The job ad wants these network engineer skills: Cisco, automation, VPNs, project management.

Network Engineer Job Description for Resume [Sample]

The point:

The hiring manager who sees the first of those network engineer resume examples will say—

“Wow. She’s a Cisco expert and she’s done a ton of VPNs. Plus, she’s got automation and project management experience.”

The numbers are the icing on the cake.

Next let’s see a job description for an entry-level resume:

The job ad wants these network engineer skills: Windows 2010 networks, upgrading, efficiency, teamwork.

Entry-Level Network Engineer Resume Job Description [Sample]

Worlds apart.

But both the same applicant.

Use these network engineer resume skills to start:

Network Engineer Resume Skills

Hard Skills

• Routing and Switching
• Network Components
• Firewalls
• Services Virtualization
• Security Efficiency
• Converged Systems
• Product Knowledge
• Troubleshooting
• VPNs

Soft Skills

• Interpersonal Skills
• Collaboration
• Communication Skills
• Critical Thinking
• Problem Solving
• Organization
• Attention to Detail
• Presentation

Expert Hint: Just starting with no experience? You may need to start on the help desk or as a network admin assistant. Those look great on networking engineer resumes.

4. Turn Boring Education to a Reason to Hire You

Most network engineers need at least a bachelor’s degree.

But—

You can’t just say you have it.

Your resume’s education section is a place to show more skills.

Watch how this network engineer resume sample does it:

Network Engineer Resume Example—Education

Nice.

If the job ad wants Cisco, security, and cloud computing, you just turbocharged your resume.

Expert Hint: Want your CCNA certification? Get help from the Todd Lammle books and Wendell Odom’s test guides. If you pass, put it on your network engineering resume.

5. Add “Bonus” Sections to Your Network Engineer Resume

“He’s got the right experience, but is he good to work with?”

Prove you are.

Do it with added sections in your network resume.

Try a couple of these:

• Association memberships (NaSPA)
• Conferences
• Certifications (CompTIA, CCNP, etc.)
• Projects
• Volunteer work
• Freelancing
• Groups, clubs
• High test scores
• Awards, honors
• Publications
• Additional activities
• Exercise

These network engineer resume examples show how:

Network Engineer Resume—Extra Sections

Wow.

Nothing against ski joring. What a conversation-starter!

But that first network engineer resume example is Juniper-worthy.

Expert Hint: Include a cover letter. Your job search will almost automate itself if you show passion and job fit in your network engineer cover letter. Learn how to write a cover letter from our guide.

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Key Points

For a network engineer resume that clicks:

• Use the network engineer resume template up top. It routes all your best achievements to the front.
• Pack your resume sections with accomplishments that fit the job needs.
• Pick resume keywords from the hiring ad online.
• Add some “bonus” sections to show the network engineering force is strong in you.

Got questions on how to write great resumes for network engineer jobs? Not sure how to show network engineer on a resume? Leave a comment. We’ll be happy to reply!