Virtually all businesses rely on phone, internet, computers, and other systems in order to conduct their daily operations. Network engineers are the professionals who design, build, and manage integrated networks of these technologies, ensuring that they function as smoothly as possible.

As a network engineer, your job duties could include maintaining computer systems, backing up data, installing equipment (like switches or routers), and updating key software. You might also offer user support for systems, troubleshoot problems, and devise ways to enhance your network’s performance.

There are plenty of new and emerging job opportunities to be found within this growing field -- employment for network engineers is projected to grow by 4% between 2019 and 2029, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics.

If you’re seeking a network engineering position, you need a strong grasp of network integration, infrastructure, and programming. In addition, you need to be a creative problem solver and a strong communicator. How can you showcase skills like these on your resume and make yourself extra competitive for jobs? Let’s look at some examples of network engineer resumes that can help you stand out in 2021.

Network Engineer Resume Templates

Network Engineer Resume Sample

Network engineers leverage their technical knowledge to design fast, efficient networks that can keep up with the pace of modern business. When problems arise, these engineers find solutions. When applying for a network engineering position, give examples of where you’ve successfully resolved network issues or managed systems in the past. Use numbers to quantify what you achieved, and make sure to emphasize your technical skills in your skills section.

Network engineer resume with achievement data and hard skills section

Download Resume Template (Google Doc) Download Resume in PDF

Recruiter Insight: Why this resume works in 2021

Uses data to quantify network engineering accomplishments

Your overall success as a network engineer will be tied to the results you are able to achieve for clients. On your resume, instead of simply telling hiring managers that you made a positive impact at past jobs, offer data to back up your assertions and provide proof of your skills (e.g. “increased network efficiency by 11%”).

Also see: How to Write Resume Bullets That Get Interviews

List network engineering technical skills listed in skills section, to get past ATS

Network engineering roles are highly technical, and as such, they demand specific technical knowledge and expertise. The best way to showcase relevant technical skills (such as LAN/WAN, TCP/IP networking, and routing protocols) is to list them in a separate skills section on your resume. This helps you get past Applicant Tracking Systems who screen your resume for specific keywords.

Also see: How to Write Your Resume's Skills Section

Senior Network Engineer Resume Sample

Senior network engineers don’t only design and maintain network infrastructure for companies; they may also supervise junior engineers and handle client escalations. For this job, you’ll need plenty of experience as an engineer as well as proven leadership and management abilities -- so be sure to highlight your most noteworthy accomplishments at past jobs as well as promotions you’ve received.

Senior network engineer resume with past promotions and effective action verbs

Download Resume Template (Google Doc) Download Resume in PDF Go to Resume Page

Recruiter Insight: Why this resume works in 2021

Past promotions are prominently featured

Being promoted at a previous position speaks volumes about your talent and drive to succeed. People who strive to excel and rise to greater levels of responsibility are leaders within their profession -- an essential quality for any aspiring senior network engineer. So if you’ve been promoted before, don’t be afraid to showcase it prominently on your resume.

Also see: How to Show Promotions on Your Resume

Leads accomplishments with effective action verbs, relevant to network engineering or senior leadership

To become a senior network engineer, you should have a lengthy track record of engineering successes. Remember that you’re competing with other experienced professionals for the job, so your resume should clearly lay out your past accomplishments. Leading each one with a powerful action verb (such as “collaborated”, “built”, and “enhanced”) makes your achievements seem more impactful.

Also see: Effective Action Verbs for your Resume

Wireless Network Engineer Resume Sample

Wireless network engineers specialize in setting up and managing wireless networks. These engineers need a solid foundation of technical and problem-solving skills, but they must also continually “level up” their skills and stay abreast of new developments in wireless technologies. Your relevant certifications, continuing education, and hard technical skills should feature prominently on your resume, as should any prior experience you have in wireless networking.

Wireless network engineer resume with continuing education, skills section, and relevant work experience

Download Resume Template (Google Doc) Download Resume in PDF Go to Resume Page

Recruiter Insight: Why this resume works in 2021

Highlight education and certifications in network engineering

Wireless technology is constantly changing and evolving in new ways. As a wireless network engineer, you’ll need to actively seek new knowledge and stay on top of industry changes as they’re happening. Show your dedication and commitment to the profession by listing certifications you’ve completed (such as 303 ASM or BIG-IP Administrator) as well as routing protocols and other technical skills you’ve amassed over the years.

Also see: How to List Your Education on a Resume

Resume focuses on relevant work experience in the network engineering field

It takes time and practice to become a great wireless network engineer, and many recruiters are looking for professionals who’ve worked in the field for some time. Listing prior network engineering experience on your resume can be helpful, but wireless networks require special equipment and knowledge -- so if you have wireless networking experience, it can help differentiate you from your competition.

Also see: How To Write Your Resume's Work Experience Section

Entry Level Network Engineer Resume Sample

An entry-level network engineer can help design and maintain networks for clients. They learn key job skills while receiving mentorship and guidance from senior engineers. Although you can get hired for this job without much work experience, you’ll usually need at least a Bachelor’s degree in information science or a related field -- and you’ll need some technical proficiency, as well. Focus your resume on your relevant educational background, internship history, and skills.

Entry-level network engineer resume with relevant education, internship experience, and skills section

Download Resume Template (Google Doc) Download Resume in PDF Go to Resume Page

Recruiter Insight: Why this resume works in 2021

Resume leads with education and technical internship experience

When your work history is short, it’s helpful to emphasize your education, internship experience, and extracurricular activities. If you majored in information science, held multiple network engineering internships, and have already received certifications such as Cisco (CCNA), you have plenty of applicable knowledge to jumpstart your career -- so don’t be shy about showing it on your resume.

Also see: How to List Your Education on a Resume

Skills section demonstrates technical knowledge in engineering

For network engineering and other technical positions, it’s important for hiring managers to see that you have the hard skills they need. For example, you might need to use Javascript, Python, or routing protocols in your job -- so if you’re proficient in these areas, don’t forget to list these skills in your skills section.

Also see: How to Write Your Resume's Skills Section

IT Network Engineer Resume Sample

IT network engineering roles blend network engineering with systems administration. Systems administrators tend to focus on maintaining existing networks, while network engineers work more on developing and implementing new networks. As an IT network engineer, your job could encompass both creating and managing networks, so make sure your resume reflects a diverse skill set and an ability to balance numerous different responsibilities.

IT network engineer resume with strong action verbs and measurable achievements

Download Resume Template (Google Doc) Download Resume in PDF Go to Resume Page

Recruiter Insight: Why this resume works in 2021

Strong action verbs maximize impact of accomplishments

Using clear action verbs to talk about your prior work experience is a powerful way to convey what you accomplished in IT or networking engineering. Verbs such as “installed”, “supported”, and “engineered” are particularly strong choices because they are industry-specific -- they tell hiring managers that you are expired and knowledgeable within network engineering.

Also see: Effective Action Verbs for your Resume

Demonstrates success at past jobs through measurable achievements

The clearest and most vivid way to illustrate your abilities is through specific examples. Wherever possible, provide specific numbers and data to quantify what you achieved. Mentioning that you improved network efficiency by 25% or developed and installed over 400 systems for auto dealerships gives recruiters a picture of what you can do for their company.

Also see: How to Write Resume Bullets That Get Interviews

Cisco Network Engineer (CCNA) Resume Sample

A Cisco network engineer is specially trained to use Cisco products in planning, implementing, and managing network systems. Cisco networks are used widely, and the demand for Cisco-certified networking professionals is high. If you want to become a Cisco network engineer, your resume should show recruiters that you have excelled as a network engineer and that you’ve attained the necessary education to work with Cisco products.

Cisco network engineer resume with CCNA credential and relevant experience

Download Resume Template (Google Doc) Download Resume in PDF Go to Resume Page

Recruiter Insight: Why this resume works in 2021

Essential CCNA certification visibly displayed on resume

To become a Cisco network engineer, you need to get certified as a CCNA (Cisco Certified Network Associate) and become knowledgeable about these specialized systems. The CCNA is also a respected credential that adds to your professional credibility and marketability -- so make sure to display it in a prominent location, such as the top of your resume.

Also see: How to List Certifications on a Resume

Resume focuses on relevant experience in network engineering

The job candidate in this example has spent over a decade working as a network engineer, and has worked specifically with Cisco systems. Having the CCNA certification is a great start, but if you can show that you’ve had hands-on experience with Cisco networks and equipment, you’ll be an even better candidate for the job you’re after.

Also see: How To Write Your Resume's Work Experience Section

Skills For Network Engineer Resumes

What makes a great network engineer? A thorough understanding of networks (and the technology needed to build them) certainly helps. However, engineering isn’t only science and tech-based; it’s also communicating ideas and collaborating with teams to solve all manner of problems. Network engineers also need to be effective at managing their time and the various projects they work on.

Use examples from your work history to illustrate how you’ve put all of these skills to good use in past jobs. Also, because network engineering has a strong technical component, you will need a solid foundation of technical abilities and knowledge. You’ll want to list all relevant softwares, equipment, programming languages, and other hard skills in your resume skills section along with any certifications you’ve done (such as CCNA).

Network Engineering
Cisco Systems Products
Switches
Firewalls
Virtual Private Network (VPN)
Networking
Network Administration
Network Security
Border Gateway Protocol (BGP)
Routers
Wide Area Network (WAN)
Open Shortest Path First (OSPF)
Routing
Cisco Routers
Network Design
Internet Protocol Suite (TCP/IP)
Cisco IOS
Data Center
Troubleshooting
Cisco Nexus

Action Verbs For Network Engineer Resumes

When detailing your accomplishments at past jobs, you should always introduce those accomplishments with vivid action verbs. Choose the best, most precise word to describe what you achieved and how you did it -- you’ll convey a strong message to hiring managers, and you’ll save valuable space on your resume by eliminating fluffy, insubstantial language.

If you’re an aspiring network engineer, choose verbs that highlight your communication, problem-solving, and technical skills. Here is a list of verbs that could be helpful as you write your resume.