A network engineer resume isn’t just a list of previous jobs — it’s your opportunity to make a strong first impression in a competitive field. 

But where do you start? Whether you’re new to network engineering or have years of experience, our guide provides all the tools, customizable templates, samples, and tried-and-tested tips you need to build a resume that truly stands out. Sounds good?

Junior Network Analyst CV Example

Hired by:

Hired by:

Biomax

Network Administrator at Design Group Resume Sample

Hired by:

Hired by:

DesignGroup

Systems Engineer Resume Sample

Hired by:

EPB

Hired by:

EPB

See more examples like these

Keep reading to learn how to:

• Explore high-quality network engineer resume samples
• Choose the best resume format for a network engineer
• Write a compelling resume summary or objective
• Highlight your most relevant network engineering skills
• Showcase key accomplishments on your network engineer resume
• Strengthen your resume with impactful action verbs
• Make your certifications and education count
• Add optional sections that elevate your network engineer resume
• Avoid common resume mistakes network engineers often make
• Complement your resume with a tailored cover letter
• Find helpful job search resources for network engineering professionals
• Understand the average salary and career outlook for network engineers

Still looking for a job? These 100+ resources will tell you everything you need to get hired fast.

Junior network analyst CV example

Created with

Hired by Biomax

Why does this resume example work?

• Ample skills section: The applicant includes a detailed list of IT-related skills, including specific tools and platforms. Recruiters love to see a well-rounded skill set — especially in a tech-heavy role like network engineering. The more relevant tools and platforms you can list (that you genuinely know how to use), the better.
• Emphasizing language skills: The resume includes a section listing several languages spoken, with proficiency percentages. Especially in support, analyst, or international environments, being multilingual is a real asset. It shows communication versatility and cultural awareness — both valuable in global teams.

What could be improved?

• Sharing less personal information: The resume includes nationality, full birth date, and full address. While this info might be standard in some countries, in many places (especially Canada, where this applicant seems to be applying), it's unnecessary and could even lead to unconscious bias. Recruiters don't need this to evaluate a candidate’s skills. A phone number and email are all that’s needed for contact. Date of birth and nationality can be left out.
• More detailed education section: The applicant lists two solid pieces of education, a BSc in Electronics and a networking-focused certification, but the details stop there. For someone at an early career stage, education can really shine. Especially when it's directly related to the job (like CCNA). It's a missed opportunity not to highlight relevant coursework, hands-on labs, certifications earned, or academic projects.

Server manufacturing supervisor resume sample

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Hired by Google

Why does this resume example work?

• Easy-to-read layout: The resume follows a clean, straightforward structure. Section headers are clearly marked, the content is chunked into manageable pieces, and everything is easy to follow at a glance. Recruiters often spend less than 7 seconds on the first scan of a resume — so making it skimmable is key. This layout makes it easy to spot work experience, skills, and strengths quickly.
• Effective resume summary: The summary at the top highlights relevant experience in server manufacturing, training development, and hardware troubleshooting, with keywords emphasized in bold. This is a great way to draw the reader’s eye to important info — especially those terms that are likely to match what a recruiter (or an applicant tracking system) is looking for.

What could be improved?

• Adding dates of employment: None of the work experience entries include the dates of employment. Dates give recruiters context. They show how long the applicant has worked in each role and help tell the story of their career path. Leaving them out might raise questions or make it harder to assess seniority and experience. Just a simple month/year format (like Jan 2019 – Dec 2022) under each job title is all that’s needed. 

Systems engineer resume sample

Created with

Hired by EPB

Why does this resume example work?

• Use of string action verbs: The applicant kicks off nearly every bullet point with a solid, confident action verb — “Created,” “Performed,” “Diagnosed,” “Compiled,” “Configured.” Action verbs instantly make the resume feel more dynamic and show initiative. They help highlight what the applicant actually did and how they contributed, rather than just listing responsibilities.
• Adding a separate achievements section: The resume has a dedicated “Achievements” section with specific projects and wins — from building tools to validating Intel chipsets. This kind of section is a smart move. It’s a chance to spotlight accomplishments that don’t always fit neatly under job roles. Plus, it makes the applicant’s skills feel more well-rounded and impressive.

What could be improved?

• Including quantifiable data: The resume includes a lot of strong actions, but most bullet points stop short of saying what impact those actions had. There’s very little in terms of numbers, percentages, or other measurable outcomes. Numbers make achievements real. They give the reader a clear idea of scale, efficiency, or impact. Saying “reduced workload” is good — saying “reduced manual testing time by 30%” is even better.
• Crafting a brief resume summary: There’s no summary or profile section at the top to frame the rest of the resume. A good resume summary acts like a quick preview of what recruiters can expect from the rest of your CV. Right now, this resume jumps straight into the experience, which can feel a bit abrupt. Just 3–5 short lines at the top could do the trick. 

1. How to choose the best resume format for a network engineer

As someone who thrives on structure, connectivity, and optimization, you probably already know that how you present something can be just as important as what you’re presenting.

Your resume is no exception.

Before we dive into specific resume formats, let’s talk about some general formatting best practices to make sure your resume layout is clean and easy to read: 

• Use a simple, professional font like Calibri, Arial, or Helvetica
• Keep the font size between 10 and 12 points 
• Stick to a one-page layout unless you have 10+ years of highly relevant experience
• Use clearly defined sections with bold headings (e.g., "Work Experience", "Skills")
• Maintain consistent spacing and margins — typically 1 inch on all sides
• Use bullet points to make your resume easier to scan
• Avoid dense blocks of text — white space is your friend
• Save your resume as a PDF unless the job posting asks for a different format

Resume formats have a bigger impact on how your resume is perceived than you might think. That's because each format emphasizes certain aspects of your professional experience while downplaying others. 

Here's a quick rundown of the three most popular resume formats — what they spotlight, what they might hide, and who they’re best suited for:

• Reverse-chronological format: It highlights your career progression by placing your most recent role at the top and working backward. If you’ve got a steady track record in network engineering or a clear ladder of advancement, this format shows it off beautifully. 
• Functional format: Instead of centering on where you worked, the functional format emphasizes what you can do. Your skills, certifications, and technical knowledge take center stage, with work history placed further down the page. This structure works best for career changers, recent graduates, and candidates with non-traditional career paths.
• Hybrid (combination) format: The hybrid format starts off strong with a skills and achievements section, then backs that up with a reverse-chronological employment history. This format is ideal if you're a freelancer or consultant with diverse project-based work, or an applicant with a mix of full-time roles and contract work.

And if formatting isn’t your favorite part of the job search? Our professionally designed resume templates can do the heavy lifting for you — keeping things visually sharp, while letting your content shine.

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2. How to write a compelling resume summary or objective

Once you're done with formatting, you can start working on your resume summary or resume objective — which one you choose depends on your level of experience.

But before we get to that part … Why does this section even matter? 

Hiring managers don’t have time to read every word on every resume that lands in their inbox. When a single job posting pulls in dozens, sometimes hundreds, of applications, they need a fast way to spot the strongest candidates. 

That’s where your resume summary or objective comes in. In just 3–5 sentences, it gives them a quick “taste” of what’s to come — and helps them decide whether to keep reading.

Writing a resume summary

Go with a resume summary if you’ve already got solid experience under your belt. 

What to include:

• Your current job title (or the one you're targeting, if it's a match)
• Years of experience in network engineering or related fields
• A few standout skills (like network design or security protocols)
• Certifications like CCNA, CCNP, or CompTIA Network+
• One specific achievement that shows you make a real impact

Why does it miss the mark? This example is too vague and doesn’t tell us much about what the applicant actually does. It doesn't mention any clear strengths or accomplishments. It simply has no spark.

What makes this example so much better? It’s specific, accomplishment-driven, and packed with relevant keywords — all without feeling bloated. This summary quickly establishes the applicant’s certification, technical strengths, and value to previous employers. 

Writing a resume objective

If you’re just starting out, changing careers, or fresh from certification, a resume objective is a smarter bet. 

What to include:

• Your career goal and why you’re drawn to the position
• Relevant skills from coursework, labs, internships, or entry-level jobs
• Any certifications you’ve earned or are working toward
• A quick snapshot of your motivation and readiness to learn

Why does this objective fall flat? Because it's too generic and doesn’t tell the employer why this person is a good fit. “Willing to work hard” just doesn’t cut it when you’re competing with dozens of other applicants who are just as eager.

What makes this objective work? It strikes the right balance between confidence and curiosity. It’s focused, specific, and shows real initiative — three things hiring managers look for in entry-level candidates. By naming a CCNA training program and a relevant internship, the applicant proves they’re not coming in empty-handed. 

Whether you go with a summary or objective, keep it lean and mean(ingful). You’ve got 3–5 sentences to impress — so skip the fluff (“motivated,” “hardworking”) and cut straight to what makes you valuable. Show your strengths. Speak to the role. And most of all, make the hiring manager want to keep reading.

3. How to highlight your most relevant network engineering skills

When it comes to landing a network engineering role, your skills are your bread and butter. But listing every protocol you’ve ever configured or every tool you’ve tinkered with won’t do the trick. What matters most is relevance.

The key is to mention the skills that align with the role you’re applying for. Here's how to figure out which ones make the cut:

1. Read the job posting
   Look for exact keywords and recurring themes in the responsibilities and requirements sections.
   
   
2. Match your skills to the job’s demands
   Highlight the tools, protocols, and platforms you know that are also named in the job ad. The closer your skills mirror what they’re asking for, the more likely your resume will pass through both the ATS and the hiring manager.
   
   
3. Prioritize your strongest, most relevant abilities
   Choose skills you’re not only familiar with but confident putting into action. It’s better to list five solid skills than ten half-hearted ones.
   
   
4. Tailor your resume for every application
   Yes, every single one. Customizing your resume helps you stay aligned with the company’s needs.

Here are some of the most sought-after technical skills in the industry right now:

Sure, knowing your way around a CLI is important. But being a successful network engineer isn’t just about your technical know-how. Employers also want someone with strong soft skills — someone who can collaborate with cross-functional teams, communicate clearly with non-technical stakeholders, and keep their cool during a critical outage.

Where should you list your skills on your resume?

The most obvious place is a dedicated skills section, typically located just below your summary or objective. This section should be skimmable and to the point. You can indicate your level of proficiency using graphics — but if you’re submitting your resume through an ATS, it’s best to skip the visuals and stick to plain text instead.

However, the most effective resumes show these skills in action. Use the work experience section to back up your claims with real-world examples — how you applied those skills, solved problems, and contributed to your previous teams. But that is a topic for another chapter. 

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4. How to showcase key accomplishments on your network engineer resume

Your work experience section gives you a chance to show exactly how you made a difference in your previous job. It’s the proof behind your skills, and one of the first things hiring managers will scan to decide if you’re worth a callback.

So, what does a strong experience entry actually look like?

• Start with your job title and the name of your company.
• Add dates of employment (month and year format is standard).
• List a few key responsibilities, but keep it brief.
• Focus on results (what achieved, not just what you did)
• Back it up with numbers (metrics make your impact tangible)
• Use action verbs to lead your bullet points (more on that later)

Why does this example feel so off? This isn’t wrong — but it doesn’t do much to set you apart. It reads like a list of duties anyone in the same role might have. There’s no sense of impact or accomplishment.

What makes this example better? Unlike the earlier version, this one highlights the impact of the candidate's work. That kind of information shows a hiring manager that this person isn’t just familiar with the tools — they know how to use them to solve problems, drive improvements, and add value to a business.

Tips for newcomers to the profession 

There are still plenty of ways to build a strong work experience section, even if you’re early in your network engineering journey. The key is to focus on what you’ve learned, contributed, or achieved, no matter the size of the project.

Here’s what you can include:

• Internships 
• Personal projects 
• Cert programs or bootcamps 
• Volunteer tech support

Your experience section should tell a story — not just where you’ve been, but how you’ve made things better. Use numbers, action verbs, and specifics. Make it easy for recruiters to see your value, fast.

5. How to strengthen your resume with impactful action verbs

Let’s talk about one of the easiest (and most overlooked) ways to make your resume sound stronger: action verbs.

What can they do for you?

Instead of starting a sentence with something dull like “I was responsible for…”, action verbs help you get straight to the point and show what you actually did.

Here are some great action verbs to use in a network engineering resume:

Want a clearer picture of how this works in practice? Let’s do a quick before-and-after:

Not only does the second version use stronger language — it also shows what you achieved. That’s exactly the kind of thing hiring managers want to see! Take a good look at your work experience section and if there are any soft openers like “Helped with” or “Assisted in”, swap them out for action verbs that show ownership and impact. 

6. How to make your certifications and education count

Is it even necessary to put an education section on your resume? Isn’t it just a waste of space if your degree doesn’t match your job?

No, it’s definitely not a waste. In fact, recruiters expect to see it. It’s one of those standard sections that gives your resume structure and shows that you’ve followed a certain path to get where you are.

Now, there are two ways to go about this — and which one you choose depends on your background.

Option 1: Your education isn’t related to network engineering

Let’s say you studied literature, psychology, or business — but later switched into tech. Totally fine. Even if your degree isn’t directly related to your job, it still says something valuable about you, like:

• You’re capable of learning and finishing what you start
• You’ve got solid writing, research, or communication skills
• You’ve worked through deadlines, exams, and real-world academic challenges

In this case, keep it simple and just list the basics:

Option 2: Your education is related to network engineering

If you studied something like Computer Networking, Information Technology, or Electrical Engineering — great! This is your chance to show how your education prepared you for this field. You can go beyond just the basics and include things like:

• Relevant coursework
• Capstone or senior thesis
• Lab work or research
• Team projects
• Certifications earned during school
• Awards and honors
• Relevant extracurricular activities

Even if your degree has nothing to do with network engineering, include it. It helps fill in your story, gives context to your journey, and shows employers that you have a solid foundation to build on. What matters most is how you connect the dots, and that’s something you can do, no matter what you studied.

7. How to add optional sections that elevate your network engineer resume

Resume summary, skills section, work experience, and education — these are the golden standard. If your resume has all four, you can technically call it a day.

But… why stop there?

If you’ve still got valuable things to say, things that don’t quite fit into those classic categories, you can absolutely go a step further. Optional sections can add personality, show off specialized knowledge, or highlight unique strengths. That said, there are some rules to follow.

When should you include more sections?

Yes, go for it, if:

• You’ve got something worth sharing that doesn’t belong in the core sections.
• You still have a little space left (without crowding the page).
• The new section adds value and makes your application stronger.

Maybe skip it, if:

• You’re just trying to fill space for the sake of making your resume longer.
• You’re stretching for unrelated info just to have more content.
• You’d have to bend the truth or exaggerate to make it sound impressive.

Here are a few additional sections that could boost your chances — if used wisely:

• Certifications
• Projects 
• Technical proficiencies 
• Volunteer work
• Awards & recognitions
• Professional affiliations 
• Publications or speaking engagements

Only add extra sections if they actually add something — context, clarity, credibility, or character. If the new section makes you a stronger, more memorable candidate, keep it. If it’s just fluff or filler, cut it out. Clean, focused resumes always win over cluttered ones.

8. How to avoid common resume mistakes network engineers often make

So, you’ve finished crafting your resume, and now you’re ready to send it out and start landing interviews. But before you hit "submit," let’s make sure your resume isn’t making some sneaky mistakes that could quietly hurt your chances.

Here’s a quick breakdown of the most common resume missteps people tend to make — and how to sidestep them like a pro:

• Typos, grammar issues, and awkward phrasing: If your resume is full of spelling mistakes or jumbled sentences, it’s going to look careless. Run it through a spell checker. Ask a friend to give it a quick proofread. 
• Messy formatting: Use clear section headers, clean fonts, and consistent bullet points. Keep spacing tidy and avoid walls of text. Recruiters love resumes that are easy to skim — the cleaner it looks, the more likely they’ll stick with it.
• Using the same resume for every job: Different companies care about different tools, certifications, or job functions. If you’re applying for a role focused on cloud networking, highlight that. If it’s a security-heavy role, lead with those skills. Make it clear you read the job posting.
• Only listing responsibilities (and not results): Did you reduce downtime? Improve speeds? Save the company money? Solve an ongoing issue? Wherever you can, show your impact, not just your task list.
• Not using numbers: Metrics are your best friend. Instead of saying, “Monitored network performance,” try “Monitored and optimized a network servicing 1,200+ users, reducing outages by 30% in under six months.” 
• Outdated or incorrect contact info: Double-check your phone number. Make sure your email isn’t from high school (looking at you, “cisco_wizard_93@”). And if you’ve recently updated your LinkedIn or portfolio site, be sure it matches what’s on your resume.
• Ignoring keywords from the job posting: Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) are real. And if your resume doesn’t include some of the keywords from the job ad (like “BGP,” “LAN/WAN,” or “Cisco ASA”), it might never make it to a human. Don’t force it, but try to naturally include key terms and technologies the company cares about.
• Cramming in unrelated info: Unless your summer job delivering pizza has something to do with network routing (unlikely), leave it off. Same goes for random hobbies or overly personal details. 

Everybody makes mistakes. But they’re easy to catch if you give your resume one last look before sending it off. Clean up any weak spots, tailor it to the job, and focus on what makes you a standout network engineer. 

9. How to complement your resume with a tailored cover letter

A resume alone — no matter how polished or professional — doesn’t always make for a complete job application. If you want to give yourself the best shot at landing that network engineering role, don’t skip the cover letter. 

What should your cover letter do?

A good cover letter should answer a few basic questions:

• Who are you?
• Why do you want this job?
• Why this company, specifically?
• What can you bring to the table?

What’s the difference?

Resumes and cover letters each serve their own purpose and speak to recruiters in different ways:

• Resumes are skimmable (they use bullet points to highlight facts, achievements, and key skills)
• Cover letters are conversational (they use full paragraphs to tell a story and explain why you’re excited about this specific role)
• Resumes are more structured and formal.
• Cover letters let you show a bit more personality and enthusiasm.

Your resume and cover letter should work together. When it comes to content, keep them consistent, but don’t copy and paste. Your cover letter should expand on key achievements or explain career changes that the resume only briefly mentions.

How to make your cover letter and resume visually consistent

• Use the same header: Include your name and contact info at the top of both documents (same font, same layout).
• Stick to one font family: Don’t switch styles between documents. 
• Align margins and spacing: Use the same formatting rules for both (line spacing, margins, paragraph spacing).
• Use the same color palette: If your resume includes a pop of color for section headers, mirror that in the cover letter.
• Match tone and style: If your resume has a modern, clean feel, your cover letter should, too — no need for overly formal language unless it suits the role.
• Use templates to achieve a unified look: For example, each of Kickresume’s professionally designed resume templates is paired with a matching cover letter template. The only problem you'll face is the dilemma of choosing which design you like the most! 

So… do you really need a cover letter every time?

Not always. Some job listings say it’s optional — and sure, some hiring managers might not read it. But here’s the thing: writing a cover letter never hurts. In fact, it can only help.

It’s your opportunity to show that you’ve done your homework, that you care about this specific job (not just any job), and that you can communicate clearly. So even if it’s optional, sending one in gives you a slight edge. And in a competitive market, every edge counts.

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10. Top resources for job-seeking network engineers

We all know a strong resume is essential, but building a solid network and knowing where to find the best job resources can make all the difference. With the right connections and tools, you’ll speed up your job search and be one step closer to landing the job you want.

Here are some essential resources for network engineers aiming to stay ahead:

• Industry-specific job boards: Explore job boards dedicated to technology and engineering roles, like Dice, TechCareers, and ITJobPro. These platforms focus on tech roles and provide filters tailored to network engineering, making it easier to find specialized positions.
• General job search platforms: Using general job search platforms can be a smart move for advancing your career. Consider exploring options like Glassdoor, ZipRecruiter, Snagajob, and Indeed.
• Networking: Networking is one of the best ways to secure a job, and it’s never been easier. You can start by connecting with industry experts and professionals on LinkedIn from the comfort of your home. You can also consider joining virtual events or Meetup groups for IT professionals to expand your network and find new opportunities.
• Freelance and contract platforms: For those interested in contract or freelance roles, platforms like Upwork and Freelancer offer numerous opportunities in network engineering. These platforms are ideal for building experience, diversifying your skillset, and connecting with potential long-term employers.
• Continuous education & certification programs: Consider programs like Cisco’s CCNA to validate your skills and keep up with industry standards. Certifications in cybersecurity, such as Certified InformationSystems Security Professional (CISSP), can also enhance your resume and broaden job opportunities.

There are many ways and resources to elevate your job search and stay on employers' radar. With a proactive approach and the right tools, you’re well on your way to securing a role that aligns perfectly with your skills and ambitions.