IT Resume - How-To Guide for 2024 [11+ Samples]

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You’re an IT specialist.

You promote efficiency by keeping information systems up-and-running

IT specialists are a vital cog of any company or office.

As such, companies have a strict hiring process. 

Couple this with skilled competition, and you need a seriously good IT resume.

You’re in luck! This guide takes you through a simple step-by-step process of creating an IT specialist resume that works.

  • An example of a finished IT Specialist resume that works
  • How to write a IT Specialist resume that’ll fill up your interview diary
  • How to make an IT Specialist resume stand out [with top tips & tricks]

Before we get into the details, here’s an IT resume example , created with our very own resume builder :

IT resume

Now it’s your turn! Simply follow the steps below to create an IT Specialist resume that get results, just like the above example.

Not the right resume example for you? We've got a lot more! Check them out in the list below:

  • Data Scientist Resume
  • Data Analyst Resume
  • Data Entry Resume
  • Web Developer Resume
  • Computer Science Resume
  • Artificial Intelligence Engineer Resume
  • Software Engineer Resume
  • Java Developer Resume
  • Engineering Resume

How to Format an IT Specialist Resume

To really showcase your IT expertise, you need pick the best format.

The most common resume format is “reverse-chronological”, and it’s for good reason. Essentially, it allows the hiring managers to immediately see how you can benefit the company. We recommend IT Specialists start with this format.

How to Format an IT Specialist Resume

The following resume formats can also work well:

  • Functional Resume – If your IT skills are stronger than your work experience, we recommend a Functional Resume format. It’s ideal for CS graduates who lack the work experience or those who have gaps in their work history.
  • Combination Resume – As the name suggests, this format combines both “Functional” and “Reverse-Chronological” formats. It focuses on skills AND work experience, so is ideal for IT Specialists who have some work experience.

With your format sorted, it’s time to arrange your resume layout .

When you’re developing a piece of software, you need to create the best user experience possible, and this is the same when creating your resume.

Use an IT Specialist Resume Template

As an IT Specialist, you’re well-versed in building efficient computer systems.

Similarly, you need to build a resume that flows well and doesn’t break.

The best way to do this is via an IT Specialist resume template. All of the following resume templates can be tailored for an IT position.

You could use a text editor, but then your entire resume layout is at risk from falling apart with every small alteration!

What to Include in an IT Specialist Resume

The main sections in an IT specialist resume are:

  • Work Experience
  • Contact Information

Want to go a step further? You can also add these optional sections:

  • Awards & Certification
  • Volunteer Experience
  • Personal Projects

Interests & Hobbies

So, those are the sections of an IT resume, but what should you write for each of them? 

Read on to find out!

Want to know more about IT resume sections? View our guide on What to Put on a Resume .

How to Correctly Display your Contact Information

You need to really focus when you configure a system’s software.

Building your contact information resume section requires the same level of focus.

In fact, one misplaced digit can completely destroy your chances of being contacted for an interview.

The contact information section must include:

  • Title – Align this to the exact role you’re applying for, which is “IT specialist”
  • Phone Number – Check this for errors
  • Email Address – Use a professional email address ([email protected]), not your childhood email ([email protected])
  • Location – Applying for a job abroad? Mention your location
  • (Optional) - Relevant social media
  • Paul King - IT Specialist. 101-358-6095. [email protected]
  • Paul King - IT Wizard. 101-358-6095. [email protected]

job search masterclass novoresume

How to Write an IT Specialist Resume Summary or Objective

Put yourself in the recruiter’s shoes.

You’re sitting at your desk with hundreds of resumes in a heap in front of you.

Now, ask yourself honestly:

Are you going to spend 10 minutes dissecting each resume or are you going to spend 30 seconds skim reading?

This scenario highlights that we have to make every second count.

The best way to do this is with a resume summary or objective .

These are short paragraphs found at the top of a resume, just under your contact information.

But what is the difference between these two sections?

A resume summary is a 2-4 sentence summary of your professional experiences and achievements.

  • Experienced IT Specialist with a strong background in designing, developing, and maintaining computer systems for a diverse business clientele. 5+ years of industry experience includes increasing UX scores by 40%, decreasing website load time by 22%, and training 20+ members of staff. Seeking a role with XYZ Solutions, where my skills can be leveraged to maintain and optimize the company’s computer systems.

A resume objective is a 2-4 sentence snapshot of what you want to achieve professionally.

  • Motivated Computer Science graduate seeking the role of IT Specialist at SoftwareX. Passionate about building software solutions and maintaining computer systems. Developed software solutions for a local technology company while at University X. Relevant skills include Database Administration, Cloud Management, and Network Architecture.

Should an IT Specialist use a resume summary or objective?

Generally, we recommend that experienced IT Specialists use a summary. An objective is suited to those who have the required IT skills, but lack the industry experience (graduates, career changers, or those still studying).

How to Make Your IT Specialist Work Experience Stand Out

There isn’t much that beats years of relevant work experience .

It shows that you can walk the walk, not just talk the talk.

As such, make sure you spend time making this section perfect. 

Here’s the professional way to structure your work experience section:

  • Position name
  • Company Name
  • Responsibilities & Achievements

IT Specialist

StartAgency

05/2017 - 04/2021

  • Increased UX scores by 40%
  • Decreased website load time by 22%
  • Monitored installation, integration, configuration, and maintenance of the IT system for 0% downtime
  • Trained over 20 staff members in internal website functions

To show that you’re the best applicant for the job, the work experience section should reveal your top achievements. You see, you want the recruiter to see the value in hiring you .

Instead of saying:

“Maintained the system”

“Monitored installation, integration, configuration, and maintenance of the IT system for 0% downtime”

So, what’s the difference between the two examples?

Simply put, the first example shows what you did in your day-to-day work life, but that’s about it…

The second example does into more depth and shows the value of your work. “0% downtime” is an impressive statistic that companies will be attracted by.

What if You Don’t Have Work Experience?

Maybe you’re a CS graduate looking for your first IT job?

Maybe you just fancy a career change?

Whatever the reason, recruiters want to see evidence that you can do the job.

The best way to do this is with a portfolio of work that shows your IT skills.

Don’t worry if you don’t have one, you can start today:

  • Use a freelancing platform (UpWork)
  • Use social media to market your services to friends and family
  • If you don’t fancy the above options, you can become your own client! Show your skills by developing your own piece of software

Are you a recent graduate? Make sure to check out our student resume guide !

Use Action Words to Make Your IT Specialist Resume POP!

Do you really want your IT resume to read the same as the others?

If not, use some power words to make your achievements stand out:

  • Conceptualized

How to Correctly List your Education

With the experience section finished, it’s time to reveal your educational history.

Just like when you’re debugging, keep this section simple and efficient. 

Simply enter your education history in the following format:

  • Degree Type & Major
  • University Name
  • Years Studied
  • GPA, Honours, Courses, and anything else you might want to add

B.A. in Computer Science

Boston State University

2013 - 2016

  • Relevant Courses: Algorithms, Compilers, Principles of Programming, Logic and Database Theory, Systems Engineering, Computer Systems

There’s a chance that you still have questions that need answering. If so, here are the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions:

What if I haven’t completed education yet?

  • Regardless of whether you’re an IT graduate or still studying, you should still mention every year of education to date.

Should I include my high school education?

  • The general rule is to only include your highest education. So, include your high school education if you don’t have a relevant degree for IT.

What do I put first, my education or experience?

  • Experiences are the priority, so those go first. If you’re a recent graduate, you will likely need to start with education.

Need further guidance? Check out our guide on how to list education on a resume .

Top Skills for an IT Specialist Resume

Your IT Specialist resume must do one thing: 

Show that you’re the best person for the job.

But how can you do this?

Well, by highlighting the right IT skills on a resume.  

This is done by looking at the job description, and then comparing the skills needed with the skills you already have.

Here are some of the most common skills to put on an IT resume:

Hard Skills and Computer Skills for an IT Resume

  • Computer Hardware Knowledge
  • Computer Software Knowledge
  • Internet Applications
  • Operating Systems
  • Troubleshooting
  • Internet Security
  • Data Privacy
  • Programming Languages
  • Agile Development
  • Database Administration
  • Front-End & Back-End Development
  • Cloud Management
  • Data Synchronization
  • Social Media Experience
  • Project Management
  • Technical Writing
  • Network Architecture
  • Quality Assurance
  • Technical Support
  • Software Installation
  • Adobe Creative Suite
  • Maintaining servers, routers, and PCs
  • Configuring, managing, and maintaining networks
  • Backup management
  • Microsoft Office
  • LAN technology

Soft Skills for an IT Resume

  • Attention to Detail
  • Problem Solving
  • Communication
  • Multitasking
  • Customer service
  • Organization
  • Decision Making
  • Working under pressure
  • Time Management
  • Analytical Skills

What Else Can You Include?

With every essential resume complete, it’s time to call it a day, right?!

Well, only if you’re sure that your resume is the absolute best it can be?

Completing the essential resume sections should be enough to get your foot through the door, but the following sections could be the deciding factor in whether you’re hired for the role or not.

Awards & Certifications

Have you won an award that showcases your talents?

Have you completed any courses to improve your IT skills?

Create an awards & certifications section in your resume. 

  • Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA)
  • CompTIA A+ Technician
  • Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE)
  • Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP)
  • Project Management Professional (PMP)
  • Certified Cloud Technology Professional (CCTP)
  • EMC Cloud Architect (EMCCA)

As an IT Specialist, you know how to speak all-things-computer.

However, this section involves listing vocal languages, like Spanish.

Those able to speak multiple languages may want to add a small languages section. 

Rank the languages by proficiency:

  • Intermediate

Now, you may be wondering, “why does my gardening hobby matter?”

Well, your interests and hobbies reveal more about who you are. 

Simply include a few sentences about what you to do unwind (but keep it appropriate).

Here’s which hobbies & interests you may want to mention.

Include a Cover Letter with Your Resume

While some employers are happy with a resume, others will require a cover letter .

This is not the time to leave things to chance, so we recommend writing the best IT cover letter possible.

Cover letters are the perfect finishing touch to any application.

In fact, nothing comes close to their power at showing your desire to work for this specific company .

Here’s the perfect structure you can use for your IT Specialist cover letter:

cover letter structure for IT resume

You should complete the following sections:

Personal Contact Information

Your full name, profession, email, phone number, location, and website (or Behance / Dribble).

Hiring Manager’s Contact Information

Full name, position, location, email

Opening Paragraph

As the recruiter will be skimming through your application, you need to hook them with the first few sentences. Use concise language to mention:

  • The exact position you’re applying for
  • Your experience summary and best achievement to date

Once you have the recruiter interested, you can get deeper into the following specifics:

  • Why you chose this specific company
  • What you know about the company
  • How are your IT skills relevant for the job
  • Which similar industries or positions have you worked in before

Closing Paragraph

Don’t just end the letter in an abrupt manner, you should:

  • Conclude the points made in the body paragraph
  • Thank the recruiter for the opportunity
  • Finish with a call to action to ignite a conversation. A simple “At your earliest opportunity, I’d love to discuss more about how I can help company X” will work.

Formal Salutations

End the letter with professionalism. We recommend something like, “Kind regards” or “Sincerely.”  

For more inspiration, read our step-by-step guide on how to write a cover letter .

Key Takeaways

You have now learnt how to build an IT Specialist resume that’ll have countless companies lined-up to interview you. 

Let’s quickly go over the most important points:

  • Format your IT Specialist resume correctly. Use the reverse-chronological format, and then follow the best practices on content layout
  • Use an IT resume summary or objective to catch the recruiter’s attention
  • Talk about your top achievements in your work experience section
  • Complete your application with a convincing cover letter

Suggested Reading:

  • When to Use a 2-Page Resume  [7 Samples Included]
  • Why Should We Hire You  - 10+ Best Answers
  • How to Write a CV (Curriculum Vitae) in 2024 [31+ Examples]
  • CV vs. Resume - What are the Differences & Definitions  [+ Examples]

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Information Technology resume examples & templates

Information Technology resume examples & templates

Information technology is a wide open field. All you need to do is develop an IT resume that backs up your desire for a new position with the highlights of your career. You’re a busy professional who wants to fast-track your job hunt. Resume.io is here to help.

Entry-level Information Technology Resume Example

Our resume guides and resume examples for 300+ professions are powerful resources for getting you your next job. Use this reference as a datamap to guide the development of your application.

This resume guide, along with the corresponding IT resume example will cover the following topics:

  • What does an IT professional do?
  • How to write an information technology resume (tips and tricks)
  • The best format for an IT resume
  • Advice on each section of your resume (summary, work history, education, skills)
  • Professional resume layout and design hints.

What does an information technology professional do?

Information technology professionals have positions in which they develop, test, debug and manage hardware and software programs and systems.

Their jobs may range from coding to analyzing to managing to providing support for others using IT systems. 

The following table lists broad categories of segments within the IT field.

Executive Director Management Project management
Architects Analysts Specialists Development
Administration Support Sales support Designers
Security, risk and compliance      

There are at least 87 different job titles associated with the information technology field, according to Simplicable .

Information technology job market and outlook

If you’re in IT, you will continue to have your choice of jobs, depending on your specialization. The explosion in need for IT professionals is expected to continue for the next decade.

The demand for information security analysts will leap a whopping 31% followed by software developers, quality assurance analysts and testers at 22% and computer and information research scientists at 15% by 2029, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts. The need for database administrators will rise 10%; computer support specialists, 8%; systems analysts, 7%; computer network architect, 5% — all higher than the average profession. The demand for network and computer systems analysts will rise 4%, the pace of general job growth.

On the flip side, the demand for programmers will drop 9% in the same timeframe.

What do IT professionals earn?

Computer and information research scientists earn the highest median annual salaries, at $126,830, but the entry-level education for this field is a master’s degree. If you’re not looking to go back to the classroom, but want to earn in the six-figures, you may aim to be a computer network architect ($116,780), a software developer, quality assurance analyst or tester ($110,140) or an information security analyst ($103,590).

How to write an information technology resume

Before you plunge into creating your IT resume, you need to know what elements it has to contain. Your CV needs:

  • The resume header
  • The resume summary (aka profile or personal statement)
  • The employment history section
  • The resume skills section
  • The education section

The best computer programs are elegant. That is, they waste no lines of code. They do what they need to do efficiently. The same is true of your resume. You begin that process by deciding on a clear message, tone and style that you will carry throughout your application. Each resume, like each implementation, will need to fit the exact requirements of that target audience.

Do your homework! Check out the company, it’s philosophy and style. Learn as much as you can about the people who work there. See if you can get the name of the hiring manager and your prospective boss. All of this work will pay off in a resume that speaks to the company directly. Knowing the boss’s name (and getting some background information) may help you make a connection that lands you that interview.

An elegantly composed IT resume will do the following:

  • Address your message to each employer in the tone and style that matches the company.
  • Present a professional image with a layout and design that is neat and easy-to-read.
  • Optimizes to take into account the ATS algorithms that scan and sort resumes.

Optimize for the ATS

As an IT professional, you know how algorithms work. You may have even designed an Applicant Tracking System. You definitely know that the scanning and sorting software can easily filter you right out of contention for a job if you don’t optimize.

Analyze the job listing for keywords and phrases you know are important, then make sure they appear in your resume. Do this every time you apply for a new job to ensure that you give yourself the best chance to get past this gatekeeping software.

Choosing the best resume format for information technology

Typically, we recommend the standard reverse chronological order resume format. Recruiters and the ATS like it best. This heavily features an Employment History section where you can highlight your past 10 years of experience.

We highly recommend the reverse chronological format, but you still have other options. The functional resume format is mostly used by technical professions and specialists (as well as for some scientific roles) as it mostly emphasizes important niche or complex skills and competencies rather than your work history. This type of resume will have a larger than usual skills section with detailed explanations and a very diminished employment history. The combination resume format takes the best from both worlds and can be implemented in various ways (niche IT specialists sometimes use this type of document). The hybrid format, which features elements of both the functional and reverse chronological structure, may work for you if you are new to the job market or are a seasoned professional looking for a bit of a change.

Resume summary example: your unique cookies

The summary of your information technology resume is a freeform paragraph that gives you the chance to offer a little explanation about who you are. The first of your 3-4 sentences should introduce your professional personality and offer a phrase that sums up your career. Then, we suggest choosing one or two of your greatest achievements and describing them in a sentence or two. Save your last sentence (if you feel you need one) as a breadcrumb that a hiring manager may want to follow up on in your interview or for explaining how your IT philosophy will make you a great fit for your target company.

The best summaries answer the question, “Why should I hire you?” by illustrating how you will easily slide into the job and relieve a company pain point.

Since the summary can be the hardest section to envision, you may want to read over some IT resume samples. For a more specialized CV, try our network systems analyst resume example or our software developer resume sample . Our computer science resume example offers a more general idea. If your in a supervisory role, check out our IT director resume sample or our technical project manager resume sample .  

Check out the summary from our IT resume sample below.

IT Specialist adept in leading large scale technology projects from conception to completion. Experienced in installing, maintaining, and providing support for computer systems and networks. 

Employment history sample: directory of your career

In the employment history section of your information technology resume, you will do more than list your job responsibilities. Think in terms of successful outcomes and how you can make the most of them. Remember that being part of a team that achieved success shows that you are a good collaborator.

If you are a niche technical specialist and are using the functional resume format, this section will briefly list your jobs and perhaps a line or two job description.

Use the STAR method to highlight your achievements:

  • Name the work Situation
  • Explain the Task you were assigned
  • Describe the Action you took
  • Detail the Results you achieved.

Use data to back up your assertions whenever possible.

Below you will find an adaptable employment history resume example.

  • Designed and implemented advanced security processes and procedures.
  • Worked to safeguard the integrity of enterprise systems, files and data.
  • Provided direct support for systems security related issues.
  • Prepared status reports on security matters to develop security risk analysis.
  • Interacted with staff and management in the coordination and implementation of results from security audits.
  • Worked to improve tools and processes for systems under management.
  • Educated others on information security through training and reports.

CV skills example: filter your content

In the CV skills section, you’ll want to curate 4-7 of your most desirable skills. How do you know which those are? Your first resource is the job listing. Your prospective employer is telling you what they want, so make sure you match those skills to your CV (when you can).

Keep in mind that hiring managers are looking to see whether you have the skills they need, but also what skills you think are the most important to highlight. Depending on your role, you may want to include at least three soft skills, also known as interpersonal and basic job skills.

Here are some soft skills to consider adding to your IT resume: communication, organization, critical and analytical thinking, creativity, project management, perseverance, problem-solving, resourcefulness, curiosity.

Below you will find a skills section resume example.

  • IT Service Management
  • Knowledge of the ITIL
  • Knowledge of Digital Performance Metrics
  • Complex Problem Solving
  • SLI and SLO Monitoring
  • Resource Planning

Information technology resume education example

Your education section is a listing of your degrees and certifications, if you have any. You don’t need to include anything but your degrees and the name of your high school and college, if applicable. If you have a master’s degree or more, you may leave off your high school experience.

If you have completed many technical courses or received technical qualifications, you may add a different section for them or simply add them here.

Of the top 10 most widely held IT certifications of 2021, 30% are security-related. The most popular certification is ITIL, according to CompTIA .

Below you will find an education section resume example as a formatting guide.

  • Master of Science in Information Systems, Florida International University, Miami
  • Sep, 2010 - May, 2012
  • Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, Barry University, Miami
  • Sep, 2006 - May, 2010

Resume layout and design: impress with clarity

As we said earlier, the best programs are the most elegant. Keep your resume layout and design elegant as well by using restraint. Your goal here is to make a professional first visual impression.

How do you do that? Keep your design clean with enough white space. Use legible fonts and avoid any more than a splash of color. Create an attractive header so that your contact information stands out so the hiring manager can easily get to you to schedule that coveted interview.

If you’d like to save some time while making sure your formatting is professional, a resume template might be the way to go. These pre-designed layouts allow you to focus on the writing knowing that the visuals are already taken care of.

Key takeaways for an IT resume

  • Your analytical skills will come in handy as you develop and personalize your resume.
  • The demand for information technology professionals is exploding, so take advantage by elevating your resume.
  • Use your knowledge of algorithms to get past the gatekeeping ATS software.
  • Check out our IT resume sample for more ideas on how to create an attractive and functional header.

Beautiful ready-to-use resume templates

  • • Spearheaded development of a cloud-based analytics platform, enhancing data processing speed by 40%.
  • • Managed a team of 12 developers, fostering a collaborative environment that reduced project delivery times by 25%.
  • • Implemented Agile methodologies, improving project flexibility and stakeholder satisfaction by 35%.
  • • Led migration of legacy systems to AWS, reducing operational costs by 20% and improving system scalability.
  • • Developed and integrated a robust security framework across all projects, resulting in a 50% reduction in vulnerability reports.
  • • Instituted a CI/CD pipeline using Jenkins and GitLab, enhancing deployment efficiency by 30% and reducing rollback instances.
  • • Created a multi-platform application using Angular and Node.js, achieving a user base growth of 100K in the first year.
  • • Optimized database operations with MongoDB, improving data retrieval times by 50%.
  • • Implemented robust data encryption methods, enhancing system security and user data protection.
  • • Contributed to reducing server downtime by 40% through efficient backend solutions.
  • • Initiated and led weekly team coding sessions, improving team skills and project consistency.
  • • Developed and maintained client websites using JavaScript and TypeScript, increasing client satisfaction by 30%.
  • • Automated manual back-end processes with Python scripts, saving up to 60 hours of manual work per month.
  • • Enhanced application performance by 20% through effective database management and optimization.
  • • Collaborated in a cross-functional team to deliver a comprehensive e-commerce solution, boosting the client's sales by 150%.

5 IT Resume Examples & Guide for 2024

Your IT resume must be a testament to your technical prowess. Highlight your expertise with specific technologies vividly. Ensure your professional milestones are front and center. Demonstrate a clear trajectory of your career growth in the IT sector.

All resume examples in this guide

resume formats for it

Entry Level IT

resume formats for it

IT Specialist

resume formats for it

Resume Guide

How to format an Informational Technology resume

How to write your IT resume experience

How to list your hard and soft skills on your resume, how to list your certifications and education on your resume, how to write your it resume summary or objective, key takeaways.

By Experience

IT resume example

Navigating the competitive landscape of Information Technology (IT) job hunting is akin to upgrading your system to the latest software—it’s all about optimizing for performance.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics , employment in computer and IT is projected to grow much faster than all other occupations from 2022 to 2032, so standing out with a stellar resume isn't just recommended; it's essential. While fields like manufacturing or retail might emphasize years of experience or management roles, the IT sector prioritizes technical prowess, certifications, and cutting-edge skills.

We cannot emphasize enough the importance of displaying the unique blend of skills, achievements, and passion for technology that your resume must convey to catch a recruiter’s eye in the dynamic IT field.

Let's dive into crafting an IT resume that not only ticks all the boxes but also tells your story in the language of innovation.

In this article, we’ll go over the following elements and why it’s crucial to:

  • Choose the right format for your Information Technology resume whether you need to highlight career progression, emphasize skills, or showcase both skills and experience.
  • Detail work experiences that highlight technical skills and achievements.
  • Use quantifiable metrics and relevant keywords and integrate both soft and hard skills.
  • List education and certifications to effectively demonstrate your foundational knowledge and your commitment to the industry.
  • Craft a resume summary or objective to introduce your skills and professional narrative.

Need a more specific guide? Try one of these or search our resume example page  for the particular job you’re after:

  • IT Cover Letter Guide
  • IT Support Analyst Resume Guide
  • IT Technician Resume Guide
  • IT Support Resume Guide
  • Entry-Level IT Resume Guide
  • IT Specialist Resume Guide

In the IT industry, competition has become so fierce that it favors only the best.

Azim Premji, Founder of Wipro Technologies

With that said and done, let’s continue on our path and explore some different resume formats.

How to format an Informational Technology resume

Choosing the correct resume format  for the Information Technology (IT) sector is crucial because it helps highlight your strongest assets, whether that's your technical skills, professional experience, or a combination of both. The IT field is diverse and rapidly evolving, so your resume needs to reflect your specific strengths and how they align with the job you're applying for .

The format you choose can significantly impact a hiring manager's first impression and your resume's overall effectiveness in demonstrating your suitability for the role.

To choose the most appropriate format, consider your background and the position's requirements:

  • Reverse chronological format : Perfect for candidates with a strong, directly relevant work history. It presents work experience in reverse chronological order, emphasizing professional growth and achievements. This format suits those whose IT career shows clear progression, highlighting advancements and increasing responsibilities.
  • Functional/Skills-based format : Ideal for career changers, those with employment gaps, or entry-level candidates with limited experience. This format emphasizes technical skills and abilities over career chronology, spotlighting IT competencies and relevant projects.
  • Combination/Hybrid format : This format combines chronological and functional styles, showcasing your technical skills and work history. It's ideal for highlighting a robust IT skill set alongside a detailed work history, perfect for individuals with diverse IT roles, significant projects, or those targeting mid-level to senior positions where technical and leadership skills are crucial.

To choose the best format, align your resume with the job description. Use keywords and highlight experiences that match the employer's needs. For IT roles, emphasizing technical skills, certifications, and relevant projects is often vital , so consider a format that allows these elements to take precedence.

Regardless of the format, ensure your resume is clear, concise, and tailored to the role , demonstrating both your technical capabilities and how they translate into business value.

Optimizing your IT sector resume layout  not only involves highlighting your skills and experiences but also ensuring the document is professionally designed, easily readable, and ATS-friendly . Here's how to approach these aspects:

Resume design

  • Keep margins on your resume  between 0.5 inches and 1 inch on all sides. This ensures your resume looks tidy and maximizes space.
  • Use color on a resume  sparingly to highlight headings or important details, but stick to one or two colors. Shades of blue, gray, or green are generally safe and convey a professional image.
  • Choose clean, professional resume fonts  like Arial, Calibri, or Rubik. Keep your font size between 10 and 12 points for the body text and slightly larger for headings (H2).
  • A one-page resume with plenty of experience won’t fit on a single-column template. At Enhancv, our double-column template  is specifically designed to meet applicant tracking systems requirements with one-page resumes in mind. The length  for most IT professionals shouldn’t go over two pages . Focus on recent, relevant experiences and be concise.

R esume header

  • Including your full address  in the resume header  is no longer necessary—listing your city and state is sufficient. Also, be sure to clearly have your email and phone number so the recruiter can easily contact you for an interview.
  • Include links to your LinkedIn profile , GitHub, or personal website if they’re professionally relevant and well-maintained. Ensure your LinkedIn profile complements your resume.
  • Generally, photos  aren’t recommended on resumes in the U.S. due to equal employment opportunity regulations.

ATS compatibility

  • For an ATS-friendly resume , incorporate keywords from the job description relevant to skills, technologies, and qualifications.
  • Avoid footers, tables, or graphics as these can confuse ATS scans. Stick to standard resume sections.

File formatting and naming conventions

  • Save your resume as a PDF to preserve the formatting , unless the job listing specifies a Word document. PDFs are also generally ATS-friendly.
  • Use a clear, professional naming convention for your resume file, such as "FirstName LastName Resume.pdf".

By following these guidelines, your resume won’t only be visually appealing and easy to read but also compatible with the automated systems that many companies use to screen candidates.

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Resume creation can often seem overwhelming, so we have put together the top five sections on an IT sector resume that you should dedicate the majority of your time and energy to perfecting.

The top sections on an IT resume

  • Technical skills : Showcases expertise in specific programming languages and tools.
  • Professional experience:  Details past roles, projects, and achievements.
  • Education & certifications: Highlights relevant academic background and IT certifications.
  • Projects:  Demonstrates hands-on experience with real-world applications.
  • Achievements:  Showcases awards and recognitions, underscoring your expertise and contribution to the field.

Besides giving those sections your full attention, also remember that recruiters are looking out for specific criteria while reading your resume. Here are some note-worthy elements to highlight as you craft yours:

What recruiters want to see on your resume

  • Relevant technical skills:  Recruiters prioritize these because they indicate the candidate's capability to perform the specific technical tasks required by the role.
  • Certifications:  Certifications are highly valued as they validate the candidate's skills and knowledge in particular technologies or methodologies.
  • Problem-solving ability:  Essential for IT roles, as these professionals are often required to find solutions to complex technical issues.
  • Experience with specific technologies:  Recruiters look for experience with tools and technologies specific to the job to ensure a candidate can contribute immediately.
  • Project management experience:  Demonstrates the candidate's ability to manage tasks, deadlines, and work within a team, crucial for IT projects.

With the topic of resume formats thoroughly covered, it’s time to now look at the individual sections. No better place to start than perhaps the most important of them all— work history .

The inclusion of a work experience section  on an IT sector resume is beyond compare because, like a backbone, it supports your claim to the throne in the tech kingdom.

It's not just about listing jobs; it's about showcasing your epic quests in the realm of technology. Think of your work history as the plot of your professional saga – without it, you're just a character without a story.

Tips to follow

When listing your IT work history, it's essential to display your technical skills and experiences as well as structure them in a way that captures the attention of recruiters and hiring managers. Here are some industry-specific tips to help you stand out:

  • Prioritize relevance and impact

Start with your most recent job and work backward, but prioritize relevance to the job you're applying for. Highlight roles and projects that showcase your proficiency in the technologies and skills the job listing emphasizes.

  • Quantify achievements

Use numbers  to make your accomplishments stand out. For instance, mention how you improved system efficiency by a certain percentage, reduced downtime, or managed a team to deliver a project under budget. Quantifiable achievements offer concrete evidence of your impact.

  • Use keywords from the job description

Many companies use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to filter resumes. Incorporate keywords  and phrases from the job listing into your work history to ensure your resume makes it past these filters and catches the eye of a human recruiter.

  • Detail your technical skills and tools

Specify the technologies, programming languages, and tools you've used in each role. Be specific about your expertise areas, such as cloud services  (AWS, Azure), programming languages  (Python, Java), or cybersecurity protocols .

  • Highlight your problem-solving capabilities

Informational Technology is all about solving problems . Provide examples of how you've identified issues, developed solutions, and implemented them successfully. This could be anything from optimizing a database to resolving security vulnerabilities.

  • Showcase soft skills

Technical prowess  is crucial, but so are soft skills. Demonstrate your ability to work in a team, communicate effectively, and manage projects or personnel, especially for senior-level positions .

  • Mention relevant certifications

If you've earned certifications relevant to the job or industry (e.g., CompTIA Security+, AWS Certified Solutions Architect), include these in your work history section, especially if they directly contributed to your successes in previous roles.

  • Include side projects or contributions to open-source

If you've worked on any side projects, contributed to open-source projects , or have a portfolio , make sure to include these. They can be particularly persuasive for showcasing skills that might not be evident from your formal work history.

Impress the recruiter

  • Customization : Tailor your resume for each application , highlighting the experience and skills most relevant to each job.
  • Professional layout : Ensure your resume is well-organized and easy to read. Use a clean, professional format.
  • Cover letter : Always include a customized cover letter  that speaks directly to the job requirements and how you can meet them.

Implementing these tips will help your resume stand out and demonstrate to recruiters that you possess both the hard and soft skills necessary to excel in the IT industry.

Remember, your resume is your personal marketing document designed to sell your skills and experiences to potential employers.

A significant development in the IT job market for 2024 is the creation of new job opportunities due to generative AI. Research conducted by ServiceNow with Pearson  indicates that emerging technologies are expected to generate 1 million additional full-time roles in the U.S. retail industry alone. This opens avenues for workers with industry knowledge to reskill for technical roles necessitated by the advent of generative AI technologies.

Now, let’s quickly go over all the bits that need to be included in a work history entry.

Work experience elements

  • Specify your official position or job title as it was at the company.

Company name and location

  • Mention the name of the company where you worked and its location.

Dates of employment

  • Include the start and end dates of your employment in month/year format. If you're currently employed there, you can write it as "Start Date – Present."

Key responsibilities

  • List your primary duties and responsibilities in bullet points. Start each point with action verbs  to make your role and contributions clear and dynamic.

Optional elements:

  • Company description: If the company isn't widely known, a brief description of the business or its industry can provide valuable context.
  • Promotions: If you were promoted, you might list this as a separate entry under the same company to highlight your growth.

Remember, the goal of each work experience entry is to give potential employers a clear, engaging snapshot of your professional journey, showcasing both your contributions and your growth.

Here we go:

  • • Managed software updates.
  • • Supported IT team in various projects.
  • • Handled technical troubleshooting.

This is at best a mediocre example. First of all, they don’t specify which software or technologies they updated. Beyond that, they put little effort into describing their responsibilities, leaving them extremely vague, e.g. “Supported IT team” is too general; it’s unclear what their contribution actually was.

There’s also no mention of the impact made through troubleshooting or project support. Lastly, they failed to use numbers to quantify achievements and/or the scope of their responsibilities.

It can definitely be improved, so let’s do that. Here’s the same candidate but with more motivation to craft a good professional history entry.

  • • Led the successful deployment of Windows 10 across 500+ company workstations, enhancing system security and performance.
  • • Collaborated on a 6-month project to migrate company data to a cloud-based storage solution, improving data retrieval times by 30%.
  • • Resolved an average of 50+ technical support tickets weekly, including software errors and hardware issues, achieving a 95% satisfaction rate from internal users.

As you can immediately see there’s a great deal of improvement. This entry provides specific details about the projects, including the scope (e.g., number of workstations, project duration), the impact (e.g., improved data retrieval times, user satisfaction rate), and the technologies involved (e.g., Windows 10, cloud storage), making the candidate's contributions and achievements clear and quantifiable.

Since we’re already talking about making an impact, here are some very specific ways you can do so in your next work experience listing.

Where to quantify impact on your next resume

  • Quantify code optimization improvements , such as reducing execution time by X%, to demonstrate efficiency gains.
  • Highlight the scale of databases managed , specifying the amount of data in terabytes, to show experience with large-scale systems.
  • Mention the number of users supported in system deployments or IT support roles , indicating the breadth of your impact.
  • Detail cost savings achieved through IT solutions , like reducing operational costs by X% through cloud migration.
  • Specify the size of networks established or upgraded , in terms of endpoints, to showcase infrastructure capabilities.
  • Include the percentage increase in system uptime or reliability you contributed to , highlighting your role in improving operational stability.
  • Document the decrease in security incidents due to initiatives you implemented , using percentages to quantify improvement.
  • Note the growth in web traffic or system usage following optimizations or deployments you led , demonstrating your contribution to business growth.

What to do if I don’t have any relevant experience?

Of course, you’re not an experienced developer or IT specialist—you have to start somewhere. So, let’s look at the best way to approach crafting a resume if you’re lacking in experience or are in the midst of a career change.

For those new to the IT field or making a career change without direct experience, focus on transferable skills  like problem-solving, project management, and adaptability. Highlight any tech-related projects, even personal or academic ones, to demonstrate your passion and initiative.

Leverage courses, certifications, or self-study in relevant technologies or tools to show your commitment to learning the field. Additionally, emphasize soft skills, teamwork, and any instances where you quickly learned new systems or concepts, as these are highly valued in IT roles.

Let’s look more into the skills section  of your resume to see which ones and just how you should incorporate them throughout your application.

Listing your skills on an IT resume showcases your technical proficiency alongside your ability to fit into a team and lead projects, providing a well-rounded view of your capabilities to potential employers.

Hard skills  should be listed in a dedicated section, often titled "Skills" or "Technical Skills," where you can clearly outline your technical proficiencies, such as programming languages and software expertise.

Here is a list of the most sought-after hard skills in the IT sector:

Best hard skills for your IT resume

  • Agile methodologies
  • Linux/Unix administration
  • Network security
  • Machine learning
  • Data analysis with R or Python
  • DevOps practices
  • Blockchain technology
  • Cloud Services  (Azure, GCP)
  • Mobile development (iOS, Android)
  • Web development (HTML, CSS, JavaScript)
  • CI/CD pipelines
  • Database management  (MongoDB, MySQL)

Soft skills , on the other hand, are best demonstrated within the context of your work experience or in a summary section at the top, where you can highlight your interpersonal skills through examples of teamwork, leadership, and communication.

Don't list them—demonstrate them with examples.

Best soft skills for your IT resume

  • Problem-solving
  • Communication
  • Adaptability
  • Time management
  • Critical thinking
  • Detail orientated
  • Emotional intelligence
  • Work under pressure
  • Collaboration
  • Project management
  • Analytical thinking
  • Client-focused approach
  • Negotiation
  • Conflict resolution
  • Continuous learning

Even with the best skills in the industry at your disposal, not much will come of them without some education. Next, we’ll examine exactly how you should demonstrate your education and certification—both of equal importance in the IT sector.

Be passionate and bold. Always keep learning. You stop doing useful things if you don't learn.

Satya Nadella, CEO of Microsoft

In the IT sector, education and certifications aren’t just part of your arsenal; they're your launch codes. They demonstrate your foundation in tech theory and your prowess with practical, specialized skills. Think of them as your diploma-tic immunity in the job market, making it clear you're not just another candidate—you're a certified tech envoy.

Without them, your resume might just byte  the dust.

Enough puns for now. So, what does an education entry look like and what should it include?

For IT professionals, your education section  entries should include the degree title (e.g., Bachelor of Science in Computer Science), the institution's name, location, graduation date, and relevant coursework  or projects  that showcase specific IT skills or knowledge areas.

This information demonstrates your foundational knowledge and specialized training in IT, aligning your academic background with the technical requirements of the IT sector.

Let us illustrate:

  • • Relevant Coursework: Data Structures and Algorithms, Network Security, Cloud Computing Applications

This listing is effective because it clearly outlines the degree, prestigious honors ( Magna Cum Laude ), and institution, which immediately establishes the candidate's academic credibility. The inclusion of GPA  demonstrates high academic achievement, and detailing relevant coursework provides insight into the candidate's specific areas of expertise and preparedness for technical challenges in the IT sector.

Certification

Equally important are your certifications —especially in the IT sector. They validate your skills and knowledge in specific technologies and methodologies, showcasing your commitment to professional development and staying current in the rapidly evolving IT field.

Certifications can differentiate you from other candidates , demonstrating proven competencies in areas that are in high demand. Employers often look for these as indicators of a candidate's expertise and ability to hit the ground running.

The best way to include them is by creating a separate "Certifications" section where you can list each certification clearly with its full title, issuing organization, and the date obtained or renewed. This section should ideally follow your education.

Here’s a quick example:

We have put together the top 5 certifications out there for the IT sector below. It would be a good idea to follow the links and consider getting one or more if you haven’t already.

Best certifications for your IT resume

  • Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
  • Amazon Web Services (AWS) Certified Solutions Architect
  • Microsoft Certified: Azure Administrator Associate
  • Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA)
  • Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA)

A resume summary or objective acts as your IT career’s compelling headline, setting the stage for your technical prowess and professional narrative. It serves as a quick introduction to your skills, experiences, and professional goals.

  • Summary : If you’re an experienced professional, a well-crafted resume summary  can highlight your expertise, achievements, and what you bring to the table, making a strong first impression. Demonstrate your key tech skills, significant achievements, and years of experience. Also, use it to show your career highlights and how you can solve the company's tech challenges.
  • Objective : For those new to the field or changing careers, an objective statement  can communicate their enthusiasm for the IT sector and how their skills align with the company's needs, demonstrating potential and fit. Emphasize your eagerness to grow, learn, and contribute to specific IT areas within the company.

For a standout IT resume, your summary or objective should be crisp, focused, and tailored. Clarity and relevance to the job you're applying for are key— align your statement with the company’s technology needs and culture .

Let’s have a look.

This summary is poor because it's overly vague, lacks specific skills or areas of expertise, and doesn’t convey how the applicant can add value to a potential employer.

Better to craft something more like this:

This revised summary clearly outlines the candidate's skills, areas of expertise, and how they can specifically contribute to the potential employer, making it compelling and focused.

Additional sections for an IT resume

If you find that you have some free space on your resume or are looking for ways to compensate for your lack of experience, consider the following additional sections:

  • Awards and honors : If you've received any notable recognitions in your field, include them.
  • Languages skills : This could be beneficial if you're fluent in languages besides English, especially in global companies or roles requiring multilingual support.
  • Publications : Detail any authored industry-relevant articles or papers.
  • Conferences: List any events you've spoken at or attended.
  • Volunteer work : Demonstrate your community engagement and further soft skills.
  • Hobbies & interests : Talk about your skills or qualities relevant to IT (e.g., problem-solving through puzzle-solving hobbies).

These sections can provide a more comprehensive view of your abilities and character, making you a more memorable candidate.

Your IT resume is a narrative of your professional journey—an opportunity to highlight your technical skills, achievements, and aspirations. Every section should reflect your dedication and potential, telling a compelling story of success. Keep honing your resume and learning; your dream job might just be one submission away.

Now, onto the key takeaways to ensure your resume stands out in the dynamic world of IT.

  • Choose the right resume format: Your resume format should highlight your strengths, whether it's your technical skills, professional experience, or both. The IT field values technical prowess, certifications, and cutting-edge skills highly, making it crucial to select a format that showcases these effectively.
  • Optimize for ATS and professional design:  Ensure your resume is ATS-friendly by using keywords from the job description and avoiding complex formatting that could confuse the software. A professional, easy-to-read design can also make a significant difference.
  • Highlight technical skills and certifications:  A dedicated section for technical skills and certifications is vital, as these demonstrate your expertise and commitment to staying current in the fast-evolving IT field.
  • Quantify achievements:  When detailing your professional experience, it's essential to quantify your achievements. This could include how you improved system efficiency, reduced downtime, or contributed to project success, providing concrete evidence of your impact.
  • Include additional sections to stand out:  These can provide a more rounded view of your skills and character, making your resume more unique.

IT resume examples

Explore additional it resume samples and guides and see what works for your level of experience or role.

IT Intern Resume Example

For Entry-Level IT roles, a mix of technical proficiency and problem-solving abilities is necessary. Include practical experience with network troubleshooting, helpdesk support, and software installation. If you have experience with SQL, Windows servers or Linux, highlight these skills. However, do not simply list them, demonstrate how they were implemented to bring about improvement, most likely as part of your training. For instance, 'Improved system functionality by troubleshooting XYZ'. Ensure to showcase any relevant certifications such as CompTIA A+. Remember that foundational IT roles are about problem solving and dependability, so evidence of these soft skills is also crucial. Your goal is to convey a solid understanding of IT systems and the desire to learn quickly.

IT Specialist Resume Example

Looking to build your own IT resume?

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Information Technology Resume Sample

As the digital industry and the corresponding technology continue to evolve, jobs in the information technology (IT) field will grow, too. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 12 percent growth of IT jobs between now and 2024. That's more than 488,000 new information technology jobs!

If you're in the IT field, you may be smiling right now. This is great news, especially for those looking to either make a career change and move into this industry, or simply find a new information technology job. When it comes to resume preparation, TopResume is here to help.

There are certain best practices you should keep in mind when revising your resume to be relevant for the IT field. For example, you should make sure your information technology resume is formatted proper and contains keywords that will push it through applicant tracking systems (ATS) and into the hands of the hiring manager. View the below information technology resume sample to see what yours should look like.

IT Resume Examples

What Makes this Information Technology Resume Sample Successful?

  • It uses common fonts. ATS can have difficulty reading some fonts. In addition, a human being may not find fancy fonts as easy to read. Instead, stay with common fonts such as Cambria, Calibri, or Times New Roman.
  • It uses clear section headings. When deciding how to format a resume, remember that these headings must be definitive and must stand out amidst the other text in the document. Don't be afraid to use a shaded box, bold text, and white-space around each heading.
  • It highlights the most important information. Even if your information is in bullet format, it may still be difficult to quickly identify the pertinent skills and accomplishments that are important to the potential employer. If a bullet contains keywords and examples that directly align with the possible opportunity, then draw attention to this detail.

Now take a look at your information technology resume. Does it use the best practices noted above? If not, don't worry. TopResume offers three levels of resume writing services with all of the components you need to make your IT resume the best it can be. We guarantee you'll get 2x more job interviews within 60 days or we'll rewrite your resume for free.

Give your resume the update (or complete overhaul) it needs. Use our resume writing service today!

Samples by Category

  • Administrative Office Assistant
  • Advertising & Marketing
  • Construction Contractor
  • Customer Service
  • Executive Assistant
  • Executive/CEO
  • Graphic Designer
  • Industrial Engineer
  • Insurance Agent
  • Information Technology
  • Mid-Career Professional
  • Military-to-Civilian
  • Nurse Practitioner
  • Nursing (Healthcare)
  • Public Relations
  • Real Estate Management
  • Retail Merchandising
  • Safety Management
  • Sales Management
  • Student (or Recent Graduate)
  • Teacher / Professor / Librarian
  • Telecommunications

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Resume templates

Put your best qualities on display with professional, customizable resume and cv templates. no matter your line of work or length of professional history, you'll find resume and cv templates that'll help you get the gig..

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Download free resume templates

Land your dream job with free, customizable resume templates. Showcase your potential to recruiters and stand out from other candidates with a professional template. Whether you're applying to corporate positions or creative roles, go with a sleek design or show your creativity with bold colors .

Resumes don't need to look boring—add flair to your professional experience with a creative resume template. There are plenty of resume designs to choose from, like simple resume templates and modern resume templates. Each resume template is fully customizable in Microsoft Word , so you can personalize each design element and add your own text. Using a template also makes it easier to customize your resume for each position you apply to.

Print out as many copies as you'd like or download the template for free to share digitally when applying online. These professional resume templates are perfect for any stage of life or career. Whether you're a high school student, actor, or seeking a career in nursing, you can find any format for any job type.

There are also a variety of free CV (Curriculum Vitae) templates to choose from. A CV is often longer than a resume and contains an in-depth look at your education and professional accomplishments. Like our resume templates, these CV templates are also customizable in Word.

Remember, your next job is only a template away! Once you've customized your resume, explore free cover letter templates to help you land the job.

Your Complete Guide to Resume Formats (and How to Pick the Best One for You!)

person sitting on a couch with a laptop

It’s not easy to take years’ (or decades’!) worth of your work history, skills, and accomplishments and wrangle it into a one-page document that’s optimally organized to convince a stranger to give you a job and the salary and benefits that go with it. But it is possible.

While there are endless decisions you could make about your resume (font! colors! number of bullets!), the biggest one is simply: What format should you use? Here’s everything you need to know about the three most common resume formats and how to pick the right one for you.

The Chronological Resume

The functional resume, the combination resume, what to know about resume formats and applicant tracking systems.

When someone says the word “resume,” the image that comes to mind is probably a chronological resume, since it’s the kind that job seekers use most frequently and therefore the one recruiters and hiring managers see most often. Also known as a reverse-chronological resume, which is a slightly more accurate label, it puts the spotlight on your work experience listed from most recent to least recent.

What Goes Into a Chronological Resume?

A chronological resume contains the following components, roughly in this order:

  • Name and contact information
  • Summary statement (optional)
  • Work history (or relevant work history) including the role, company, location, and dates as well as details about your accomplishments in that role, with your current or most recent job listed first
  • Hobbies , interests, activities, volunteer experience , awards, and/or any other relevant section (optional)

Should You Use a Chronological Resume Format?

Most job seekers could make good use of a chronological resume, from recent graduates to seasoned executives. It’s an especially natural fit for anyone who’s pursued a relatively linear and consistent path without any major pivots or big gaps.

There are two major advantages to this format. Because the chronological resume is so common, recruiters and hiring managers are familiar with the format and know how to read it. They can quickly and easily see how you built your career. This resume format also tends to pass through applicant tracking systems more smoothly than other formats. (An applicant tracking system, or ATS, is software that helps employers manage the hiring process, including scanning applications. More on resume formats and applicant tracking systems below.)

The downside is that if you’re changing careers, have had a complicated or varied path, or are returning from a long period away from the workforce, the chronological resume could highlight those gaps and make it difficult for those reading it to decipher what skills you bring to the table that would make you a strong candidate for this particular role.

Example of a Chronological Resume

What does this all actually look like? You can take a look at an example chronological resume below and click here to download a copy.

Chronological resume example (click for downloadable Google doc version)

Read more about the chronological resume

A functional resume, also known as a skills-based resume , takes a different tack. Instead of focusing on your work history, it gives the most space and attention to key skills and accomplishments that are relevant to the role you’re applying for. You’d still include a brief section about your work experience, but wouldn’t include any further description or detail.

What Goes Into a Functional Resume?

A functional resume contains the following components, roughly in this order:

  • Skills/areas of expertise, typically grouped into a few subcategories relevant to the role, with related accomplishments and details below each skill or group of skills
  • Work history (or relevant work history) including the role, company, location, and dates
  • Additional skills, hobbies, interests, activities, volunteer experience, awards, and/or any other relevant section (optional)

Should You Use a Functional Resume Format?

Functional resumes are sometimes recommended for job seekers who don’t have any recent work experience (or any traditional work experience at all), those who are making a major career change, and folks whose work history is all over the map.

But should you really use a functional resume? The answer in most cases is probably not, according to Muse writer Jaclyn Westlake, a recruiter and former HR manager. Recruiters are often suspicious of functional resumes , and might assume that an applicant using one is trying to hide something.

Recruiters and hiring managers are sifting through a lot of resumes, so your goal as a job seeker is to make it as easy as possible for them to read and understand yours. Since the functional resume is far less common than the typical chronological resume and includes only the bare bones of your work history toward the bottom of the page, it can be harder to parse.

Besides the fact that “recruiters and employers are distrustful of them,” functional resumes “become a garbled mess when they pass through the ATS,” says Amanda Augustine, career expert for TopResume . Augustine urges job seekers to avoid the functional resume even if they’re making a pivot. “You’re better off using the professional summary section of your combination resume to highlight your relevant skills, rather than resorting to a functional resume format.”

Example of a Functional Resume

You can take a look at an example functional resume below and click here to download a copy.

Functional resume example (click for downloadable Google doc version)

Read more about the functional resume

If the chronological and functional resume formats sit on two ends of a spectrum, the combination resume can be found somewhere in the middle. Sometimes referred to as a hybrid resume, it features relevant skills at the top and a section with your detailed work history listed in reverse-chronological order. In other words, it’s a format that allows you to emphasize both aspects on relatively footing.

What Goes Into a Combination Resume?

A combination resume contains the following components, roughly in this order:

  • Relevant/key skills
  • Work history (or relevant work history) including the role, company, location, and dates as well as details about your accomplishments in that role

Should You Use a Combination Resume Format?

The combination resume might be a good choice if you’re not sure your work history alone would tell the right story about you as a candidate for the kinds of roles you’re interested in. If you’re a career changer, a veteran, or a recent graduate, the combination resume could serve you well. This format can also be helpful if you have a lot of experience, a multi-track job history, or big gaps in employment.

The combination resume carries some of the same risks as a functional resume in the sense that some employers might assume you’re trying to hide something. However, because it does include the chronological work history that recruiters and hiring managers expect to see, it’s less likely to feel cagey. It also lets you to take a little bit more control of the story you’d like to tell and highlight why you’d be a great fit for the job even if your past roles don’t immediately say so.

It “allows the recruiter, like me, to pay very close attention to skill sets first. What do they think they’re really good at?” recruiter Steven Davis, a Muse career coach, told The Muse.

Example of a Combination Resume

You can take a look at an example combination resume below and click here to download a copy.

Combination resume example (click for downloadable Google doc version)

Read more about the combination resume

Now you know all the basics about the big three resume formats—and perhaps have a sense of which one might be the best fit for you and your job search. But before you go off and craft the perfect document, there are a few other things you should know about your resume format.

We’ve talked a lot about how your resume will look and feel to recruiters and hiring managers. But in this day and age, your application might never reach a human hand if it doesn’t “impress” the applicant tracking system first. Companies often use this software to scan incoming resumes and surface ones that are more likely to be a good fit for the role. Using the right keywords , of course, is crucial, but it’s not enough on its own.

“ATS-parsing technology favors documents that have a clear hierarchy to their information, so combination and chronological resume formats work best,” says Augustine. She also recommends keeping your name and contact information (or any other pertinent details) out of the header and footer of the document so it doesn’t get lost. In other words, yes, put your name and contact info at the top of the page, but don’t literally double-click into the separate part of document that Word calls the “Header” and put it there.

And don’t go wild with the visuals! “When it comes to your format, less is often more,” says Augustine. “Stick to a simple, clean resume design without including charts, images, or unusual fonts. Save the creative design elements for your online profile or portfolio.” The same goes for fonts—stick to a standard font like Times New Roman or Arial rather than getting too fancy.

If you want to do a quick proxy test to see whether an ATS will be able to read your resume, Augustine suggests copying and pasting it into a plain text file. “If this version of your resume is missing details, includes odd characters, or looks disorganized, then you know your format will require some changes before it will pass safely through the ATS,” she says.

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13 IT Manager Resume Examples That Work in 2024

Stephen Greet

Best for jobs requiring a traditional resume

A professional resume like this one communicates a more formal tone, but it’s unique enough to still leave a favorable first impression.

Resume Builder

Like this template? Customize this resume and make it your own with the help of our Al-powered suggestions, accent colors, and modern fonts.

IT Manager Resume

  • Mid-Level IT Manager Resumes
  • Senior IT Manager Resumes
  • IT Manager Resumes By Role
  • Writing Your IT Manager Resume

You can manage technical teams and ensure projects are on time and within budget to deliver software that delights end-users.

You’re a great IT manager; you shouldn’t also have to be great at  writing cover letters or resumes. It can be tough to talk about your technical skills and experience in the right way when either creating or  cleaning up your resume .

Don’t worry—we’ve got you! These IT manager resume samples have helped pros like you  land highly-coveted jobs with companies like Stripe and Uber,  so they’re a great place for you to build a resume online  you can feel good about in 2024.

or download as PDF

It manager resume example with 8 years of experience

Why this resume works

  • When you’re an IT manager with a few years of experience under your belt, your IT manager resume must highlight major projects from your past roles. It’s much better to talk about the high-level projects you worked on instead of the smaller one-offs.
  • Be sure to mention the scope and impact of your past projects in numbers. Quantifying the impact of your work is the quickest and most impactful way of convincing the person reviewing your resume that you’ll have a similarly large impact in the role for which you’re applying.
  • Your  resume objective  should accomplish two things: it should quickly highlight your experience and summarize what you’re looking for in your next IT manager role.

IT Production Support Manager Resume

It production support manager resume example with 5 years of experience

  • As an IT production support manager, it’s vitally important that you demonstrate your ability to provide support through your technical expertise when talking about your work experience.
  • Suppose you don’t have a lot of experience and you’re worried about space on your IT production support manager resume . In that case, you should highlight any side projects, activities, or even  resume-worthy hobbies  that you started or worked on to demonstrate your competency. These can be open-source projects, projects for school, or projects you undertook on your own.
  • Highlight your accomplishments in support roles to quickly make the case to the hiring manager that you deserve an interview. Did you improve the efficiency of ticket resolution? Build tools to improve customer satisfaction? Make the case that you have a track record of using your technical ability to improve efficiency in a production environment.

IT Services Manager Resume

It services manager resume example with 4 years of experience

  • If you’re having difficulty, consider how many people you managed, mean time to repair, KPI metrics, and how much you boosted efficiency or revenue. You can also check our  free resume examples  for helpful tips!
  • Sometimes, applicants forget to include a  resume skills section  or don’t realize the importance of having one.
  • Skills are important because recruiters often use applicant tracking systems (ATS) to filter out candidates who may not be a good fit.
  • ATS works by removing applicants whose resumes don’t include enough keywords from a pre-selected list of words and skills. Including 6-10 of your most relevant skills will help ensure your resume isn’t thrown out before a real person has a chance to review it.

Senior IT Project Manager Resume

Senior IT project manager resume example with 13 years of experience

  • In this exceptional senior IT project manager resume, notice how the candidate insists on keeping a clean record of security while at the same time keeping systems running optimally. Choosing such an approach sets you apart from the rest.

IT Infrastructure Manager Resume

IT infrastructure manager resume example with 9 years of experience

  • One thing that this IT infrastructure manager resume does exceptionally well is highlighting team and resource management skills. These achievements present you as a team leader and someone employers would easily hire.

Senior IT Manager Resume

Senior it manager resume example with 7 years of experience

  • For example, your senior IT manager resume should highlight your first work experience (like the automation of repetitive tasks, with your second work experience detailing your lead in the budgeting process). This is a clear increase in responsibility.
  • Again, use metrics when defining the scope of the projects you managed. These metrics can be revenue, budget, team size, and customer adoption. Numbers draw the hiring manager’s eye and are more convincing and easy to read than extensive text.
  • Your resume objective  should summarize your career while also demonstrating what you’re looking for in your next IT role. Don’t forget to tailor your objective to each position you apply for by mentioning that company by name!

IT Project Manager Resume

It project manager resume example with 8 years of experience

  • As an IT project manager, you need to quickly highlight the projects you’ve successfully managed in your past roles. Again, be sure to quantify your impact whenever possible.
  • For example, “Created alignment with executive leadership…” shows you can communicate and work alongside leadership teams to achieve desired outcomes through the projects you manage.

IT Application Manager Resume

It application manager resume example with 5 years of experience

  • Demonstrate this command in your work experience section and make it count! Don’t sweat it if you’re fuzzy on these details; try our  free resume helper  to get all of your sections in tip-top shape.
  • If you’ve had the opportunity to manage other team members, explicitly mention the size of those teams on your IT application manager resume . People management experience will help you stand out amongst the hundreds of other applicants for the role you’re applying for.
  • Be sure to talk about the size of the applications you worked on, either revenue or number of users. Also, mention the teams you worked with to build these applications (engineering, executive leadership, or sales). 

IT Program Manager Resume

It program manager resume example with 9 years of experience

  • When you’ve got lots of work history, we recommend ordering it in a  reverse-chronological resume format  to emphasize increased job responsibilities throughout your career.
  • Job titles you held early in your career may no longer have a place on your resume, particularly if you held the position 10+ years ago. Save it for the interview!

IT Operations Manager Resume

It operations manager resume example with 13 years of experience

  • We don’t always recommend using a  resume summary ; that said, do include it if you boast 10+ years in your field or have some noteworthy specializations you’ve honed over the years.
  • If you’re short on time or can’t tailor your summary to every  job description , it’s best to leave it off your IT operations manager resume altogether.
  • Tailoring includes listing the specific job title, company name, and your brag-worthy expertise within this short paragraph.

IT Asset Manager Resume

It asset manager resume example with 6 years of experience

  • Use active verbs like “monitored” and “evaluated” to start your work experience bullet points.
  • Enlist numbers to discuss your impact: for example, the money you saved and any reductions you made in security breaches.
  • Try an appealing  resume template  that visually matches your qualifications.
  • Opt for professional colors like dark blue or gray to express stability, reliability, and order. Just don’t overdo it. A touch of color goes a long way, and our  handy resume checker  goes even further in removing all doubt!

IT Delivery Manager Resume

IT delivery manager resume example with 10+ years of experience

  • It’s best to have a combination of skills such as GitLab, Google Workspace, TestRail, and Splunk together. This shows the employer that you’re well-versed in managing various IT aspects of a system and can test and monitor software releases with detail.

IT Audit Manager Resume

IT audit manager resume example with 10+ years of experience

  • Start designing your IT audit manager resume by choosing the official template to stand out as a formal and serious candidate. Next, highlight quantified bullet points from your career that have created a great impact like “18% decrease in audit discrepancies.”

Related resume guides

  • Java Developer
  • Network Engineer

Tailor Your IT Manager Resume to Match the Needs of Your Clients

Laptop screen with yellow paint roller shows BeamJobs enhancements for job seekers' career materials

You’re in IT—we don’t need to tell you that AI resume scanners are prevalent. Fortunately, there’s one way to get around them, and it’s to make sure that your resume matches the most important parts of the job description: the skills and the job responsibilities .

However, as an IT manager, your responsibilities are so diverse that you have a to-do list that’s a mile long, and that’s on a regular day. How do you condense them into a short resume? Start by checking out the responsibilities most often found in job descriptions.

  • Lead a team of software engineers, including overseeing daily tasks and setting quarterly targets
  • Oversee the development of a comprehensive IT strategy from initial planning stages to full deployment
  • Manage the budget for the IT department, including comprehensive reporting and analysis to lower expenses
  • Oversee the design, implementation, and maintenance of IT systems, networks, and infrastructure
  • Monitor system performance across five remote locations, proactively addressing issues and suggesting solutions
  • Ensure full compliance with data security and privacy laws across the entire IT department

resume formats for it

Adding skills to your IT Manager resume

resume formats for it

1. Focus on your IT manager skills

When you’re trying to  create a resume , it’s highly recommended that you focus on your IT manager skills. Keep in mind that recruiters at top companies can receive hundreds of resumes for a single position in a short time, which is why it’s important that your IT manager resume is well-written, easy to digest, and highlights necessary pieces of information.

As recruiters weed through resumes, they take numerous steps to sort them. The main steps most recruiters adhere to when sorting resumes include:

  • 1. Sending the resume through an applicant tracking system software to scan for prerequisites and filter those resumes that don’t fit
  • 2. Reviewing a candidate shortlist and inspecting the information that an ATS could miss
  • 3. Sending the strongest applications to the hiring team for further review
  • 4. Contacting top candidates for interviews

Before sending in your resume, you must understand how applicant tracking software works. After your resume reaches the company you’re applying to, the first thing that occurs is a scan through the ATS, a type of software that searches for specific keywords in the resume and gets rid of applicants who don’t offer the skills the position requires. If you want to beat the ATS, it’s highly recommended to input the essential skills section into your resume.

While you can include hard and soft skills in various ways, a simple method for listing the right skills is to review five to seven job descriptions of IT managers. These descriptions should contain terms and phrases that relate to various hard and soft skills. Placing these skills into your resume should make it easier to get through the ATS. The most important skills to include in an IT manager resume include:

  • Project management
  • Understanding of SDLC, JavaScript, and Python software
  • Analytical thinking
  • Agile and lean methodologies
  • APIs, network infrastructure, server infrastructure

These  resume skills  are essential because they cover most of the technologies, management methodologies, and expertise you’ll need when performing everyday IT management tasks.

IT manager resume skills.

2. Format your IT manager resume correctly

Your IT manager resume format is also essential for your ability to obtain a job for this specific position. In general, your contact information, job title, skills, and education details should be included. Your name should be in a larger font at the top of the page. Avoid fancy colors or overly-playful font styles.  Keep it classic and professional .

The  resume format  you use matters because recruiters and managers have a basic structure in mind when sorting through resumes, which means that  resumes that aren’t formatted correctly could be rejected  immediately.

Some tips and suggestions to follow when formatting your resume:

  • Your resume should be one page
  • Use bullet points for work experience
  • Mention the IT manager role you’re seeking
  • Avoid using icons and images
  • Don’t have any grammatical or punctuation errors
  • Determine if an objective/summary is needed

These suggestions will help you make your resume format ATS-friendly, which substantially increases the likelihood that your resume will get through the ATS software, after which recruiters will review it. Remember that three resume formats can be used when making an IT manager resume: reverse-chronological, functional, and combination/hybrid.

Each format has its own set of pros and cons, of which you should be aware. For instance,  the reverse-chronological format is the most popular option in 2024  and is preferred by most recruiters. However, this format isn’t great for someone lacking extensive work history.

If you’re applying for an IT manager position, you likely have at least some work history, which would make the reverse-chronological format ideal for your situation. While the functional format effectively emphasizes position-related skills, recruiters aren’t as familiar with the layout, which could weigh against you when resumes are being sorted.

Writing an IT manager resume objective

When you’re applying for an IT manager position, it’s possible to include a  resume objective  or summary. Even though these statements are optional and aren’t always beneficial, there are some situations where you would benefit from placing a summary or objective in your IT manager resume.

A  resume summary  is a statement that consists of two to three sentences that summarize your skill set and work experience. If you’ve been working in the IT industry for many years, a summary can help you highlight the knowledge and expertise you’ve developed over that time.

A resume objective can also be comprised of two to three sentences but is focused more on the qualifications you have and why you’re interested in the IT manager role. Along with prominently displaying the experience you’ve cultivated, a resume objective helps tell recruiters exactly what you’re looking for in an IT manager role.

Even though a resume objective or summary can help you land a job in some situations, you don’t have to include one of these statements on your resume. Recruiters tend to spend 10 seconds or less looking at a resume, which means that it’s important that they get to the resume’s skills, work experience, and education areas before they lose interest. If your resume objective is vague or difficult to parse, you could hurt your chances of getting the job.

  • “Ample experience managing projects in past jobs. I want to earn a job that allows me to implement my skills.”
  • “IT manager with 6+ years of experience using Python and managing IT projects that increased company revenue by $1.5M. I’m searching for a position that allows me to collaborate with Apple analysts, developers, and company executives.”

IT Junior Program Manager career objective

3. Give data and statistics to show your impact as an IT manager

The most effective way to  build a resume  as an IT manager is to provide data and statistics that display the impact you’ve had as an IT manager in your recent positions. Above all, recruiters want to see quantitative data to determine how hiring you will benefit the company’s bottom line.

Quantifying the work you’ve done will allow you to set yourself apart from the competition. Many fellow applicants will have similar qualifications and experience, which is why it’s important to find a way to put your resume ahead of the rest. When writing the bullet points for your job description, make sure that you avoid any vague generalizations. Some ways to quantify your impact as an IT manager:

  • Mention how much revenue increased as a result of the technical projects you worked on at a previous job
  • Discuss the large-scale IT projects you managed and how they came in under budget by a specific amount
  • Describe how improvements you made to network servers enhanced application speed by a certain percentage
  • Talk about an IT project you managed that involved developing a software application that can handle millions of concurrent users
  • List how many hours each week you spent troubleshooting

A few examples of strong bullet points for past work experience include:

  • Met 95% of project deadlines by mitigating all engineering hurdles and roadblocks
  • Provided remote troubleshooting to customers over the phone with a 90% success rate, resolving calls in less than 7 minutes
  • Managed 3 essential projects that facilitated more than $5 million in annual revenue

resume formats for it

4. Tailor your resume for each IT manager job

The fourth method you can use to  polish your resume  is to tailor it to each specific IT manager position. You shouldn’t use a one-size-fits-all approach when  writing your resume . While such an approach allows you to send out more resumes in a short time, recruiters can tell when applicants have made a careless or hasty effort.

Even though it takes longer, tailoring your resume to every IT manager position you apply to will make your resume stand out when viewed by recruiters. You can perform extensive customization on your resume in the following sections:

  • Job description bullet points
  • Objective/summary sections

IT manager resume

You can customize your resume for an IT manager role by providing in-depth information about your experience as an IT manager. As mentioned previously, use quantitative data to talk about the teams you’ve managed, how much revenue you drove, and how the projects you led benefited the company. The skills you emphasize should include those needed for the IT manager position, which extends to knowledge of various operating systems and project management skills.

IT project manager resume

When applying for an IT project manager job, detail the projects you’ve managed in previous employment. Include quantitative data that displays how successful these projects were. Along with hard skills, make sure that you include soft leadership skills essential for a project manager, including delegating tasks to team members and communicating with executive leadership during a project.

Senior IT manager resume

When customizing your work experience bullet points, it’s important to  show  how your responsibilities have increased from position to position. Metrics are a great way to customize your senior IT manager resume. These metrics can include everything from saving on the budget and revenue to customer adoption and team size. Including a detailed objective can also inform recruiters  why  you want the position in a manner that could set you apart from other applicants.

IT production support manager resume

When applying for a support manager job, you should customize your IT production support manager resume by highlighting  how  you used your technical expertise to provide IT support in previous employment. Even if you don’t have extensive experience, you should mention any tasks you’ve performed that display your technical expertise, including developing software that enhanced customer satisfaction and increased efficiency with ticket resolutions.

IT application manager resume

If you’ve worked with or managed IT applications in the past, customizing your IT application manager resume for this specific position involves showing how you implemented new features and improved applications in your previous roles. Consider mentioning the number of users for the previous applications you developed. If you have some experience as an application manager, note how many team members you managed at a given time.

IT program manager resume

Some of the most important skills for your IT program manager resume include budgeting knowledge, project management skills, negotiation capabilities, and strategic thinking. If you’ve had multiple IT jobs over the past 10-15 years, it’s important to show how your responsibilities have increased as you’ve moved from one role to another. Start with the last job you had, using the reverse-chronological format.

IT services manager resume

When applying for an IT services manager role, numbers are essential and help customize your IT services manager resume. The metrics you use to highlight past success as a services manager include time-to-repair, the number of people you oversaw, KPI metrics, and revenue boosted. Your skills should emphasize networking infrastructure, technical reporting, digital security, and troubleshooting, all of which could be keywords that applicant tracking software seeks.

IT operations manager resume

As an IT operations manager, you will be responsible for ensuring that all services and infrastructure work securely and reliably. You can customize your IT operations manager resume by going into detail about the tech projects and processes you’ve overseen in past jobs. Any experience in data analytics and cyber security should also be highlighted in the work experience or resume objective sections.

IT asset manager resume

As an IT asset manager, you will be tasked with managing and protecting all of the company’s IT assets, including processes, systems, and hardware. Important skills include asset procurement, asset lifecycles, international logistics, and forecasting.

You should customize each aspect of your IT asset manager resume to showcase your leadership abilities and above-the-board integrity. Include any statistics or information in your work experience showing that you’re trustworthy when handling company assets.

resume formats for it

Key points for your IT manager resume

Polish and perfect your IT manager resume:

  • Focus on your IT manager skills and keywords to get through the ATS
  • Format your IT manager resume properly by using bullet points whenever possible, keeping it to a single page, and using the reverse-chronological order
  • Write an IT manager resume objective or summary if you intend to customize it to the role
  • Provide prospective employers with data, statistics, and metrics that highlight your dynamite impact as an IT manager

Great job in taking your IT manager resume seriously! You cared enough to stick with us to the end, but it’s the beginning of a bright future for you.

If you need any help with your resume, we invite you to use our  free resume checker  to upload your current resume and check it against our AI-powered tips. You can also benefit from our  AI resume builder , making it a cinch to develop an effective resume from scratch.

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18 Résumé Writing Tips to Help You Stand Out

By  Allison Pohle

Updated May 11, 2021 2:15 pm ET

  • A résumé isn’t just a list of every job you’ve ever had. It should demonstrate your accomplishments.
  • Mirror language used in the job posting so your résumé isn’t discarded by an applicant tracking system.
  • Use a clean and simple format. 

Companies increasingly  rely on software  to sort through applicants, which is why it is essential to tailor your résumé to ensure it makes the cut. Applicant tracking systems sort, scan and rank applicants by looking for keywords in applications. Although these programs can save time and money for employers, about 60% said such tools cause them to miss some qualified candidates, according to a 2016 survey of 1,200 job seekers and managers by CareerArc, a human-resources technology company, and Future Workplace, a research firm. Here’s how to make your résumé stand out to robots and humans alike. 

1. Highlight your achievements in your résumé. 

A common mistake job seekers make is believing a résumé is a recap of your career, when in reality, it should convey what you have accomplished, says Christy Noel, a career expert and author of “Your Personal Career Coach.” 

“I always say, spend less of your real estate describing your job, and more time describing your results,” says Ms. Noel.  

2. Customize your résumé.

Read over the job posting, and think about the work experience you have had that is most directly relevant to the position you are pursuing. You can leave out some past jobs and internships if the experience you had wasn’t related. Whatever you do: Don’t submit a generic résumé to dozens of postings. “Even if you have the best experience, if your résumé isn’t speaking directly to the position in which you are applying, there is a strong chance you’ll never even get an interview,” says Demisha Jennings, a certified professional résumé writer and founder and owner of She Assists LLC.  

The same applies to your cover letter. It is your chance to provide more detail on how your experience will help you succeed in the job.  Read our cover letter guide  for how to write one that makes you stand out.

3. Decide how to format your résumé.

Most of the time, a chronological résumé will work well for communicating your past experience. But, in some cases, a functional or hybrid résumé might be more appropriate.  Read more about résumé formats here.

4. Make your contact information easy to find.

Include your name, phone number, email address, city and state. It may also be appropriate to include the URL to your LinkedIn profile. You want it to be easy for hiring managers to reach out.

In addition to making it easy to connect with you, it is important to your job search that you grow your network.  Read our networking guide  for tips on how to do so.

5. Consider adding a summary. 

Many résumé templates leave space for an objective statement, outlining career goals, but that approach is outdated, says Ms. Jennings. Instead, consider a carefully worded summary. The summary is often the first place a hiring manager will look, and gives you an opportunity to introduce your skills high up on the page. You can also work in relevant keywords from the job description. “Recruiters are looking for what you can bring to the table and what you’ve done, rather than you saying, ‘I’m seeking a position,’” Ms. Jennings says. 

6. Great résumés should stand out to skim readers.

Most recruiters spend just a few seconds skimming through a résumé—with an average in one study of  7.4 seconds.  

To have the best chance of making an impression, ensure your job titles, company names and dates of employment are easy to read. The sections of your résumé should be adequately spaced, too, says Dana Leavy-Detrick, founder and director of Brooklyn Resume Studio. 

For additional ways to make a good impression on recruiters and headhunters, read  our guide on how to work with headhunters .

7. Make your résumé robot-friendly. 

Structure your résumé to meet the requirements of an applicant tracking system to give yourself the best chance of having it reach an actual human. Ms. Leavy-Detrick suggests the following:

  • Optimize keywords.  Use the same words and language that are in the job description. For example, three different companies might describe the same role as “programmer,” “developer” or “software engineer.” 
  • Use a straightforward format.  Avoid tables and text-based graphics, which might not get picked up by a scan of the résumé. Sans-serif fonts such as Arial or Helvetica are also best to ensure readability.
  • Think about order.  When formatting each line item of work experience, list the company name first, followed by the job location (city, state), your job title, and your start and end dates. Some résumés can get lost if the dates are listed before the job title. 

8. Prioritize relevant keywords. 

Tailoring your skills to include language from the job posting is an important way to let both the applicant tracking system and, eventually, a hiring manager, see how your prior qualifications tie into the job requirements. But just because you have a résumé full of keywords doesn’t mean you’ll automatically get an interview. “The ATS isn’t there to help the job seeker, it is there to help the employer review your skills against their most important qualifications,” says Ashley Watkins, a career coach and résumé writer with Write Step Résumés LLC. 

9. Craft compelling and concise bullet points.

The goal of a résumé is to list your accomplishments, rather than every duty you performed in the role. Résumé-writing experts recommend including no more than five bullet points per prior job listed. 

  • Don’t focus on tasks.  Many job seekers describe what they did every day, such as answering phones or creating marketing materials, Ms. Watkins says. “Simply copying and pasting the job description doesn’t account for the things you did great, that you did above and beyond your peers,” she says.
  • Instead, explain what those tasks achieved.  Emphasize your results. Ms. Watkins suggests asking yourself “Did I save [the employer] money? Did I save time? Did I improve a process? Did I build a relationship?” These will help you format your bullet points.
  • Use metrics.  Say what you achieved, then contextualize it—with figures if possible. You might not be able to put a monetary value on every accomplishment, but you can frame it by sharing details like the time it took or how many people were involved. “If you raised sales 50% in two months, that means a whole lot more than ‘I’m in charge of sales,’” Ms. Watkins says. 
  • Don’t omit accomplishments that aren’t quantifiable.  Not every achievement will have metrics to show success. If there are figures, you might not always have access to them. But that shouldn’t stop you from including them, says Ms. Leavy-Detrick. Perhaps you had a positive impact on the culture of an organization, or improved a struggling relationship with a client. These efforts could help to demonstrate your  soft skills.

10. Focus on transferable skills if you lack experience.

If you are applying for a job in a new field or you are an entry-level applicant and don’t have much direct experience, don’t worry. Highlight transferable skills you have developed in the past that will serve you well in the position, says Ms. Leavy-Detrick. For example, you could play up leadership skills you developed participating in an extracurricular activity or time-management skills you learned in a prior job.

11. Go beyond your work history, and include all relevant experience.

If you are new to the workforce, or are job-hunting after being laid off, you could also include related experience that was outside of a traditional full-time job, says Ms. Watkins. For example, you can highlight volunteer work, consulting projects or educational training, all as part of making the case for your unique value, she says.

12. Don’t worry too much about gaps in your résumé.

The Covid-19 pandemic economy resulted in many people being laid off or furloughed. Ms. Watkins says the 2020 job market reminds her of 2008, when she worked as a recruiter. The expectation at that time, she says, was that candidates would have  gaps  on their résumés or list more short-term positions. While it isn’t necessary to directly address the gaps in your résumé, you should be  prepared to talk about them in an interview . “The focus should not be centered on the fact that you were furloughed or laid off, it should be focused on you and your skills and what you do that impacts the company’s bottom line in a positive way,” Ms. Watkins says.

While it is common to list the months and years you started and ended positions in the job history section, you could just use years. This will draw less attention to a six- or eight-month gap, says Ms. Leavy-Detrick. 

13. Highlight relevant skills.

It is common to  add a skills section to your résumé , outlining expertise relevant to the position. You can include languages you speak, technical skills or courses you have done. If you lack experience, you can also complete some trainings, which you can find on LinkedIn and elsewhere, related to the job you are applying for and add the courses in this section, says Ms. Jennings.

14. Prioritize work experience over education.

The professional experience you have had is often more relevant to the position than your education history, which is why the work experience should be listed first. In the “Education” section, you should list where you attended college, if applicable, or the highest level of education you have attained. If you graduated with honors, you can flag that, but it isn’t necessary to list your GPA.

15. If you are early on in your career, a key résumé tip is to limit it to one page. 

If you are early on in your career, you should limit your résumé to one page. It is OK to start spilling onto a second page after you have eight to 10 years of experience, says Ms. Leavy-Detrick. 

16. Add some color for a stylish résumé that sets you apart. 

Your résumé should look clean and professional and you should keep applicant tracking systems in mind when formatting the document. But, if it is appropriate, you can add subtle accents of color in the section headings or in bars that separate sections as a way to differentiate your résumé. Ms. Leavy-Detrick doesn’t overstress the need for good design with her clients. “But it can definitely help,” she says. “When I say design, I don’t mean crazy graphic design. I mean having a polished application,” she says. “Think of it the same way you would coming dressed to an interview, it is part of your presentation, and so many people overlook this on the résumé.”

It may be appropriate to incorporate a more creative and graphic-based layout depending on the field in which you work and where you are applying. If you are applying for a position in a creative field, and you are emailing your résumé directly to a hiring manager, then it can be appropriate to use more designs, says Ms. Jennings. But if you are applying to a large company that uses an applicant tracking system or job portal, she says it is best to avoid using graphics unless you are working with a résumé writer who can help you get your resume through the system.

17. Proofread and double-check the formatting.

You may be eager to send your résumé or submit your application, but you should take the time to first check for typos and grammatical errors. You could also have a friend or family member look over it. When you are checking for errors, be sure to double-check the formatting. Sometimes the spacing can get thrown off when you save the file, so check how it looks as a saved document and, if you can, save it as a PDF before sending. 

18. Make sure the saved file name includes your name. 

Make less work for the hiring manager by including your full name in the file name of the résumé document.

What to read next

  • How to Prepare for a Job Interview
  • What Questions to Ask During a Job Interview
  • Common Job Interview Questions and How to Answer Them
  • How to Dress for a Job Interview
  • How to Write a Thank-You Email After a Job Interview  
  • How to Negotiate and Counter a Job Offer
  • How to Negotiate Salary for a New Job: The Do’s and Don’ts
  • Severance Pay: What It Is and Why You Should Negotiate a Package Before Accepting a Job

Corrections & Amplifications Ashley Watkins is a résumé writer with Write Step Résumés LLC. An earlier version of this article incorrectly said Write Steps LLC. (Corrected on Nov. 20)

Copyright ©2024 Dow Jones & Company, Inc. All Rights Reserved. 87990cbe856818d5eddac44c7b1cdeb8

Appeared in the November 23, 2020, print edition as '11 Résumé Tips to Help You Get Noticed

How to craft an effective XYZ resume to land your dream job

Do you want to get hired by the world’s top companies? According to a former Google SVP, using the XYZ resume formula to focus on achievements and measurable outcomes is the way to go. Discover how to make a strong impression on recruiters and hiring managers with this unique method.

What is an XYZ resume?  

An XYZ resume format is a formula introduced by Laszlo Bock, former senior vice president of personnel operations at Google, to help those applying for jobs at Google (and other top companies) increase their chances of landing their dream job (1). The acronym stands for the following: “Accomplished [X] as measured by [Y], by doing [Z].”

The purpose of creating a Google XYZ resume is to help you stand out as an accomplished professional who understands how your work connects to overall business outcomes. 

The format gives you an easy way to quantify your achievements, enabling you to go beyond simply describing your professional responsibilities and helping you show the true, measurable impact of your work. 

Benefits of the XYZ resume format  

The XYZ resume format is far from just another trend or gimmick put forth to try to tip the scales in your favor. Similar to the CAR method , it’s a tried and true formula that has many practical benefits in the job search process.

First, it helps you provide clear and concise details about your achievements. When you use the XYZ formula, recruiters and hiring managers won’t be confused about your professional background and what you bring to the table. Instead, you can get straight to the point using highly impactful language.

Additionally, the XYZ resume format helps you highlight your measurable outcomes, which is much more impressive to recruiters than using generic language. This is especially true at highly sought-after companies that receive thousands of resumes. Hiring managers want to know they’re hiring someone who can get the job done, and the XYZ format helps you demonstrate this.

Finally, the XYZ resume formula helps you keep everything relevant to the job role. If you have experience in the role and have read the job description thoroughly, you know what recruiters and hiring managers want to see on your resume. The XYZ formula helps you trim irrelevant details and stick to only what the readers need to know.

How to create an XYZ resume  

The Google XYZ resume method is a fairly easy way to create an impactful job application. You can use a standard reverse chronological format for most of your resume. The bullet points you use to explain your professional history are where you’ll apply the XYZ formula. 

Once you have collected details of your past accomplishments, start your first bullet point describing what you accomplished. For example, you may have:

  • Grown sales revenue
  • Increased customer satisfaction scores
  • Increased employee productivity

In the next part of the sentence, you’ll explain how your accomplishment was measured using quantifiable results. For example, you may have:

  • Grown sales revenue by 15%
  • Increased customer satisfaction scores by 46%
  • Increased employee productivity by 32% 

In the last part of your bullet point, you will talk about the task that led you to that impactful outcome. For example, you may have:

  • Grown sales revenue by 15% by pivoting to account-based marketing
  • Increased customer satisfaction scores by 46% by prioritizing first-call resolution 
  • Increased employee productivity by 32% by launching generative AI training

As much as possible, limit your XYZ statements to one line. Note that you may have to tweak any resume examples you’re using to achieve this goal.

Key components of an XYZ resume  

It’s important to understand how a good XYZ resume is structured. If you’re crafting your application using a resume and cover letter template , you’ll want to ensure the following key components are included in your document.

Contact information 

Your contact information, including your name, location (city, state, and zip code), phone number, and email address, should go at the very top of the document. This helps recruiters and hiring managers easily contact you for an interview or inquire further about your qualifications.

Objective statement

Many expert resume articles agree that this section of your resume should only be one line. Use it to tell the recruiter or the hiring manager what role you’re applying for and what you hope to accomplish in that role.

Summary of qualifications

Use this section to describe your professional background and why you’re a great fit for the job. Include details such as how many years of experience you have, what achievements you have made, and how your past colleagues and managers have described your impact.

Education background

List the important details of your educational experiences, such as the names and locations of any colleges or universities you attended, the degrees you obtained, and the year you graduated from the institution. 

Relevant experience 

Provide the details of your past roles in reverse chronological format (starting with your current or most recent position). List the title of the position, the company name and location, and the dates you worked there. Then, create succinct bullet points covering your major achievements using the Google XYZ resume formula.

Skills and competencies 

Provide a short list of your skills to grab the attention of the recruiter or hiring manager. If you prefer, you can split this list into separate sections for soft skills and technical skills. To keep things relevant, try to include skills that are also listed in the job description (if you actually do possess them). 

Achievements and qualifications 

If you choose, you can include a separate section on your resume to list your major achievements and qualifications directly so a hiring manager or recruiter doesn’t have to go fishing for them. Make sure to use the XYZ format in this section and include only accomplishments that are relevant to the role.

Expert Tip:

To identify relevant accomplishments that you can use to execute the XYZ formula, try looking back at past performance review notes or considering your past project outcomes. Then, determine exactly how your job responsibilities and actions contributed to those positive outcomes.

Common XYZ resume mistakes to avoid  

Despite the simplicity of the Google XYZ resume format, there are a few mistakes you may be tempted to make if it’s your first time using the formula. Here are some common pitfalls you should avoid as you craft your XYZ resume.

Using vague language

Be specific about your achievements. For example, don’t just tell the hiring manager you improved customer service. Tell them what specific aspects of the customer service experience you improved and how much of an improvement you made.

Forgetting measurable outcomes

To correctly use the XYZ format, resumes must include quantifiable achievements that connect actions to business outcomes. Ensure your bullet point statements include numbers, as this helps showcase the impact you’ve made in past roles.

Overloading statements with details

Though details are important, it’s also crucial not to include too many. When possible, try to keep your statements to one or two lines at most and your entire resume to one page. If you feel that your achievements need more context, include that information in your cover letter .

Including irrelevant information

Each statement should be tailored to the role and company you’re applying for, so leave out anything that doesn’t directly relate to the industry or job description. The criteria for relevance is that there should be a clear connection between the jobs, skills, and achievements you have written about and what is listed in the job description.

"The XYZ resume format helps you highlight your measurable outcomes, which is much more impressive to recruiters than using generic language."

Let the XYZ resume format lead you to job-hunting success

Much like using the STAR method to answer interview questions, following the XYZ resume format is an excellent way to include measurable outcomes that wow recruiters and hiring managers and highlight you as an accomplished professional. It also helps you present your achievements in a clear and concise way, making it obvious that you’re the best candidate for the job.

If you need help building your XYZ resume, one of the best ways to get started is with a template. Using resume and cover letter examples that incorporate the XYZ format can help enhance your job applications and improve your chances of landing interviews. With a few robust resources and the right resume format, this approach can help you get the job you’ve been dreaming about.

(1) Inc. Magazine: Google Recruiters Say Using the X-Y-Z Formula on Your Resume Will Improve Your Odds of Getting Hired at Google

Get ahead of the competition

Make your job applications stand-out from other candidates.

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More From Forbes

Top 10 resume trends in 2024: what you need to know to stand out.

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For most people, resume writing is a daunting task.

Job hunters wonder about how to improve their resume. Mary, a director at a large company, called for help with resume writing because she was losing her job. She said, “I’m sure my resume doesn’t represent me very well. I want it to be impressive, but I’m stumbling on how to create it. I hear people say they send out dozens of resumes with no response, which makes me very anxious. How must I differentiate myself to get an employer’s attention?”

For most people, resume writing is a daunting task. The stakes are high. Yet, you may be unaware of the current resume trends you need to consider. Here are the ten resume trends to understand to help you showcase your uniqueness and capabilities and stand out to an employer.

Self-Marketing. Self-analysis is essential to do before you start writing. Think of your resume as an advertisement trying to get an employer to buy the product, and that product is you. Outline what you are best at doing. Note your top strengths. What are relevant credentials and experience to emphasize? Identify your best accomplishments.

RESULTS. Employers hire you based on your previous achievements and the belief that you can repeat those if they hire you. Each work description must focus on sharing measurable results and outcomes. Be specific. Employers value concrete accomplishments. Emphasize if you made the company money, saved money, started something, made an innovation, or created a new tool, process, system, or program. Incorporate numbers and percentages into your bullet descriptions. Have your most impressive accomplishments and best experience near the top of the description.

Prioritize. Target what is most important to employers. Determine the key elements they seek and tailor your resume to their needs. To identify the key points to highlight, review several relevant job openings. Focus on the top three to five qualifications and duties they advertise for. Incorporate that information into your resume to demonstrate that you have what a potential employer values.

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Highlight. Showcase your success. Under your work history, you should use bullet points to create each statement. The most effective way to develop these is to use the formula: Actions = Results, noting what you did and its impact. For example, “Developed and executed a new email fundraising campaign, and the results increased donations by 21%.” Or state the dollar amount if that is impressive.

Keywords. Research the job description, paying close attention to the required skills and qualifications, and align your relevant skills accordingly. Identify the more critical tasks, such as project management or process improvement, and sprinkle these sparingly throughout the resume, especially in the work descriptions and in the summary section. Include any relevant industry terms, too. Don’t try to “keyword stuff” throughout the resume, as the ATS may reject your resume, and a recruiter may disregard it, viewing it as being too generic or lacking.

Action verbs. Under your work descriptions, start each sentence with an action verb. Use words highlighting the skill or accomplishments, such as Led, Drove, Analyzed, Designed, Originated, Implemented, Established, etc. Avoid repetition, and don’t use that same action verb to start a statement within a particular work description. Write the sentence in the past tense, even for your current position.

ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems). ATS is a human resources software that works as an online database or a digital filing cabinet when you submit a job application. It’s not very sophisticated and requires search engine optimization. Avoid any creative resume style. Simple formatting is the key to getting through the system’s filters. Eliminate columns, tables, text boxes, headers, footers, graphics, color ink, or PDFs (unless specifically requested).

Qualifications. Employers hire someone with the skillset necessary to succeed in that advertised job. They want a person who is not underqualified or overqualified. Carefully evaluate the role before you hit “apply.” Assess your skills, education, and experience to ensure the job closely fits your background. Refrain from applying for a job if you don’t have 80% of the qualifications required.

Soft skills. These traits help show how you fit into the job role and match the company’s culture. Include appropriate ones to supplement your hard skills. The top soft skills employers value beyond excellent oral and written communication are collaboration, critical thinking, emotional intelligence, leadership, adaptability, problem-solving, critical thinking, and creativity.

Competencies. Employers find no value when you list a lot of competencies, such as project management, team leadership, results-driven, etc., in one section since you aren’t demonstrating exactly where you used these abilities. Avoid creating this section. Instead, inserting these competencies into the work history and summary of qualifications is much more effective. That way, you illustrate how you have that skill and apply it on the job.

Robin Ryan

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Account Executive Resume Examples and Templates for 2024

Account Executive Resume Examples and Templates for 2024

Frank Hackett

Account Executive Resume Templates and Examples (Download in App)

Most popular account executive resumes.

  • Account Manager
  • Sales Manager
  • Senior Account Manager
  • Resume Text Examples
  • How To Write a Account Executive Resume
  • Account Executive Assistant
  • Business Account Executive
  • Senior Account Executive
  • Enterprise Account Executive

Account Executive Resume Examples and Templates for 2024

Account Manager Resume Example

Account Manager Resume Example

9 Sales Manager Resume Examples

9 Sales Manager Resume Examples

Senior Account Manager Resume Example

Senior Account Manager Resume Example

Account Executive Text-Only Resume Templates and Examples

  • Account Executive Assistant Resume Example
  • Business Account Executive Resume Example
  • Senior Account Executive Resume Example
  • Enterprise Account Executive Resume Example

Jasmine Brown (123) 456-7890 [email protected] San Diego, CA 12345 LinkedIn | Portfolio

An assistant account executive with three years of experience, specializing in client relations, sales reporting, and pipeline development. Adept at coordinating with account executives and managers to drive new business development.

Professional Experience

Assistant Account Executive , Roark HR Solutions, San Diego, CA | July 2022 – present

  • Support a team of five account executives in managing, developing, and growing a portfolio of 20 major accounts valued at $100,000 to $350,000
  • Coordinate with cross-functional teams to execute influencer marketing campaigns, perform research on target demographics, and refine content strategy
  • Communicate effectively with client stakeholders and external partners to support account growth and achieve long-term business objectives

Assistant Account Executive , Norman Web Design, San Diego, CA | June 2021 – July 2022

  • Provided support to account executives in building and maintaining client relationships for accounts valued at up to $200,000
  • Analyzed sales performance and delivered recommendations to increase account growth through value-added services
  • Business development
  • Account management
  • Consultative selling
  • Cross-functional collaboration
  • Client relations

Certifications

  • Strategic Account Management, SAMA | 2021

Bachelor of Science (B.S.) Marketing University of San Diego, San Diego, CA | 2021

In this example, the candidate makes up for their limited work history by highlighting the experiences they gained working with account executives to manage client relationships. These bullet points show that the applicant has the qualifications to transition from an assistant role to an account executive position.

Yaling Zhang (123) 456-7890 [email protected] San Francisco, CA 12345 LinkedIn | Portfolio

A business account executive with six years of experience specializing in consultative selling, account management, and pipeline development. A proven track record of collaborating with cross-functional teams and clients to drive new business development.

Account Executive , Cadence Technologies, San Francisco, CA | October 2020 – present

  • Identify and nurture new business opportunities for a premiere technology company, coordinate early-stage funnel development, serve as the point of contact for clients, and contribute to over $1.2 million in annual recurring revenue
  • Exceed quotas by 25% to 35% year over year by building long-term client relationships and collaborating effectively with internal and external cross-functional teams
  • Attend meetings with account managers and clients to assess business needs and identify opportunities for value-added services

Account Executive , Arkline Tech Co., San Francisco, CA | June 2018 – October 2020

  • Coordinated with account managers and sales executives to evaluate existing sales processes and identify improvements to support business development efforts for an account portfolio totaling over $900,000
  • Liaised with client stakeholders, served as the point of contact for customer issues, and achieved a 92% client retention rate
  • Strategic Account Management, SAMA | 2018

Bachelor of Science (B.S.) Marketing University of San Francisco, San Francisco, CA | 2018

This account manager resume example is effective because it uses numbers and metrics to paint a compelling picture of the candidate’s sales experience. The bullet points also draw attention to the applicant’s cross-functional leadership expertise, which helps to emphasize their versatility as a sales professional.

John Bergsen (123) 456-7890 [email protected] New York, NY 12345 LinkedIn | Portfolio

A senior account executive with seven years of experience driving new business development for financial services companies. A strong history of defining high-impact sales strategies to grow existing accounts and build long-term relationships with clients.

Senior Account Executive , Highland Financial, New York, NY | March 2021 – present

  • Oversee 30 client accounts valued at $1.5 million to $3 million in collaboration with account managers, nurture relationships, and support account growth
  • Serve as the point of contact for clients, recommend comprehensive financial solutions based on individual needs, and achieve a 94% retention rate
  • Manage all aspects of the sales cycle, conduct prospecting and lead generation activities, and effectively target key decision-makers

Account Executive , Helios Finance Solutions, New York, NY | June 2017 – March 2021

  • Educated potential clients on the benefits of finance and investment products, interfaced with prospects throughout the sales cycle, and nurtured long-term business relationships to generate over $600,000 in new business
  • Conducted sales reporting and analyzed market indicators to define data-driven sales strategies, which contributed to a 17% increase in growth across 19 accounts
  • Strategic selling
  • Data-driven decision making
  • Certified Business Development Professional (CBDP), AIBM | 2017

Bachelor of Science (B.S.) Marketing University of Syracuse, New York, NY | 2017

In this account executive resume, the candidate focuses on highlighting their ability to nurture and maintain high-value client relationships. The bullet points send a clear message that the applicant has a proven track record of success generating new business and achieving exceptional client retention rates.

Meera Patel (123) 456-7890 [email protected] Seattle, WA 12345 LinkedIn | Portfolio

An enterprise account executive with nine years of experience specializing in marketing strategy, business development, and sales analytics. A proven track record of collaborating with cross-functional teams to enhance revenue growth. Adept at building and nurturing strategic partnerships centered on trust and integrity.

Enterprise Account Executive , Roland Payroll Solutions, Seattle, WA | February 2019 – present

  • Define high-impact sales and marketing strategies for a payroll management software company, oversee all aspects of the sales cycle, and build and grow a pipeline of 40 contracts generating $17 million in annual recurring revenue
  • Manage a team of 12 account executives to identify opportunities to drive revenue growth for existing accounts and exceed annual quotas by 20% to 30% year over year
  • Develop a comprehensive prospecting plan to target midsize companies, resulting in $2.7 million in new business in 2023

Enterprise Executive , Specter HR Management Inc., Seattle, WA | June 2015 – February 2019

  • Served as the point of contact for a portfolio of 20 client accounts valued at $4.2 million and educated key decision-makers on the benefits of HR management solutions
  • Nurtured key account relationships, identified ideal products based on individual client needs, and generated a 14% increase in account growth
  • Sales strategy
  • Relationship building
  • Certified Business Development Professional (CBDP), AIBM | 2015

Bachelor of Science (B.S.) Marketing University of Washington, Seattle, WA | 2015

This account executive resume is effective because it demonstrates the candidate’s capabilities as a sales strategist and leader. An ability to manage personnel and client relationships effectively is incredibly valuable for this type of role. The numbers incorporated in the bullet points make this all the more impressive, given the size of the account portfolio.

How To Write an Account Executive Resume

To write a great account executive resume, market yourself effectively to potential employers by illustrating your most compelling sales achievements. Incorporate eye-catching numbers and monetary figures to establish a sense of scope for your contributions. Brand yourself as a creative marketing and sales strategist using tangible examples.

Also, emphasize how you’ve successfully nurtured and maintained relationships in your previous roles, as account executives typically serve as the point of contact for clients. In this guide, we’ll provide expert tips to close the deal on your next big job opportunity.

1. Write a dynamic profile summarizing your qualifications

Think of your opening summary as a value proposition for the hiring manager. Your objective is to immediately present yourself as a qualified candidate who can generate results for the organization. Highlight your years of experience and three to four skill sets that match the job description. Use the remainder of the paragraph to showcase your unique talents as an account executive.

For example, you might draw attention to your expertise in driving new business development or identifying opportunities to grow existing accounts. Nurturing strategic partnerships and client relationships is another key responsibility of an account executive, so it’s important to illustrate this aspect of your experience directly in the summary.

Profile Example #1

A results-driven account executive with six years of experience specializing in consultative selling, account management, and pipeline development. A proven track record of collaborating with cross-functional teams and clients to drive new business development.

Profile Example #2

A senior account executive with nine years of experience specializing in marketing strategy, business development, and sales analytics. A proven track record of collaborating with cross-functional teams to enhance revenue growth. Adept at building and nurturing strategic partnerships centered on trust and integrity.

2. Add an accomplishment-driven professional experience section

The professional experience section serves as the foundation of your account executive resume. Paint a clear and engaging picture of your strongest achievements as a sales professional. Featuring hard numbers, monetary figures, and data is a must. Without this information, the hiring manager will have no way of understanding the full impact of your career accomplishments.

As you develop your bullet points, focus on establishing appropriate context for how you generated account revenue and new business. What strategies did you use to close deals? How did you nurture and maintain client relationships within your industry? These insights will help convey the nuances of your sales expertise.

Professional Experience Example #1

Account Executive, Highland Financial, New York, NY  | March 2021 – present

  • Oversee 30 client accounts valued at $1.5 million to $3 million in collaboration with  account managers, nurture relationships, and support account growth

Professional Experience Example #2

Account Executive, Cadence Technologies, San Francisco, CA | October 2020 – present

3. Include relevant education and certifications

Bachelor’s degrees in sales and marketing are typically preferred for account executive positions. Certifications are not always required, but they won’t hurt your chances of landing the interview. Having a Strategic Account Management or Certified Business Development Professional credential can be particularly valuable for these types of positions.

  • [Degree Name]
  • [School Name], [City, State Abbreviation] | [Graduation Year]
  • Bachelor of Science (B.S.) Sales and Marketing
  • University of Washington, Seattle, WA | 2016
  • [Certification Name], [Awarding Organization], [Completion Year]

4. List pertinent key skills

To pass initial screenings with applicant tracking systems (ATS), you need to incorporate specific keywords that align with the job description. These types of roles often involve a mix of sales and marketing skills, so it’s important to feature both to brand yourself as a versatile candidate. Below is a list of key terms you may encounter during the job search process:

Key Skills and Proficiencies
Account management Business development
Client engagement Client relations
Cold calling Cross-functional leadership
Customer relationship management (CRM) software Customer success
Inbound sales and outbound sales Lead generation
Lead qualification Market analysis
Negotiations Pipeline development
Product knowledge Prospecting
Revenue generation Sales strategy
Strategic selling Upselling

How To Pick The Best Account Executive Resume Template

When selecting a template for your account executive resume, prioritize structure and readability over visual appeal. Bulky graphics and distracting colors can often draw attention away from your qualifications and achievements. Opt for a traditional top-down approach that allows the reader to review each section of your resume individually rather than placing them side by side.

Frequently Asked Questions: Account Executive Resume Examples and Advice

What are common action verbs for account executive resumes -.

Diversifying your usage of action verbs can be challenging when crafting your account executive resume. Often you’ll use the same three or four verbs throughout your bullet points. Although varying your word choice takes more time, it also helps to enhance the reading experience for the hiring manager. Review our list of action verbs to craft the professional experience section of your account executive resume:

Action Verbs
Achieved Analyzed
Closed Collaborated
Demonstrated Developed
Established Exceeded
Expanded Generated
Influenced Managed
Negotiated Presented
Prospected Resolved
Secured Strategized
Streamlined Trained

How do you align your resume with an account executive job description? -

Aligning your account manager resume with the job description is essential for generating interviews in today’s competitive job market. As you review the job description, pay close attention to the keywords and industry experience that employers seek. Instead of only listing key terms, demonstrate these skill sets using examples from your professional experience.

For instance, if a company is looking for a candidate who excels in new business development, define how you identified unique ways to grow an account portfolio. If the posting mentions Salesforce, show the hiring manager how you utilized CRM tools to infuse your account strategies with sales analytics.

What is the best account executive resume format? -

The reverse chronological format is best suited for account executive resumes. This approach ensures that your most recent and relevant experience is featured at the top of your document. Combination and functional resumes tend to prioritize skills and certifications, which are far less impactful than your sales achievements.

Craft your perfect resume in minutes

Get 2x more interviews with Resume Builder. Access Pro Plan features for a limited time!

Once you’ve completed your account executive resume, consider pairing it with a stand-out cover letter that is fully customized for the organization you’re targeting. Read our account manager and sales manager cover letter guides to learn more.

Frank Hackett

Frank Hackett

Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW)

Frank Hackett is a professional resume writer and career consultant with over eight years of experience. As the lead editor at a boutique career consulting firm, Frank developed an innovative approach to resume writing that empowers job seekers to tell their professional stories. His approach involves creating accomplishment-driven documents that balance keyword optimization with personal branding. Frank is a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW) with the Professional Association of Resume Writers and Career Coaches (PAWRCC).

Check out Related Examples

Account Manager Resume Example

Account Manager Resume Examples and Templates

Sales Manager Resume Example

Sales Manager Resume Examples and Templates

Senior Account Manager Resume Example

Senior Account Manager Resume Examples and Templates

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    There are certain best practices you should keep in mind when revising your resume to be relevant for the IT field. For example, you should make sure your information technology resume is formatted proper and contains keywords that will push it through applicant tracking systems (ATS) and into the hands of the hiring manager. View the below information technology resume sample to see what ...

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