Do you know which IT skills to include in your resume?

Are you an information technology professional in the market for your next fantastic job opportunity? If so, then you know how important it is to demonstrate your core IT skills on your resume. To do that, you need to know which skills employers are looking for in today's jobs market and the best way to highlight those abilities in an IT resume. 

Fortunately, we have you covered!

In this post, we'll examine IT skills as core competencies and explore eleven key IT abilities that can help your resume stand out from the crowd. We'll also consider some tips you can use to effectively display those skills and provide some examples you can refer to as you create your own resume.

What are IT skills?

Information technology skills include an array of hard, technical abilities related to computers, networks, and similar areas of knowledge. IT professionals also need to possess certain soft/interpersonal skills that enable them to effectively work with others to communicate information and achieve common goals. The information technology field is continually evolving, so IT experts need to constantly update those skills to ensure they're keeping pace with those changes.

It's always important to remember the essential role that information technology plays in our lives. Throughout nearly every area of society, IT professionals maintain the informational and communication systems society needs to function in an orderly and efficient manner. Indeed, this technology is vital for everything from banking operations and investments to social media, communications, and everyday business activities.

Eleven of the top IT skills for your resume

Qualified information technology specialists and managers are in great demand, so you can expect to encounter tremendous competition when you're applying for a job in this field. To effectively compete, you need to ensure that you have the right computer skills in your resume. 

To help you overcome that challenge, we've compiled a list of eleven IT skills that today's employers want to see on IT resumes.

1.     Network and information security

As technology has advanced, the need to protect networks and data has grown with each passing year. To prevent bad actors from bypassing security systems, IT professionals need to be proficient in a wide array of cybersecurity-related skills – including risk analysis, digital forensics, access management, incident response best practices, and more. It's important to highlight these types of critical IT skills on your resume to demonstrate your competency in information security.

2.     Cloud computing

Companies are increasingly moving their data operations to the cloud, and many of the larger firms are relying on in-house talent to manage those efforts. Make sure that you demonstrate your cloud computing skills in your resume to convey your knowledge about cloud service platforms, data migration, cloud security, and distributed systems. 

Pro Tip: If you possess those critical skills, chances are that you have certification from Google, Amazon, or Microsoft, so list those credentials in your resume, too.

3.     Full-stack web development

Skills related to full-stack web development can also increase your value to prospective employers. IT experts who possess these skills are proficient in both back-end and front-end web development and have competencies in both frameworks and database languages. Employers who are looking for the best IT talent will appreciate knowing that your skills enable you to work on every aspect of their applications and websites.

4.     Data analysis

You'll also want to demonstrate that you're proficient in all types of data management. Whether it's data mining, analysis, modeling, or migration, IT professionals are on the front lines of any organization's efforts to maximize the organization, use, and security of the data it relies on for success. You can include proficiency in Apache Spark, SQL, and other data analysis systems in your resume to highlight those abilities.

5.     Project management

Project management is another vital IT skill for your resume. Whether you're setting up a new network system, engaging in major troubleshooting, or migrating data to the cloud, you need to possess the skills needed to manage that project. These skills can include abilities like task management, project forecasting, planning, execution, monitoring, and more. Leadership roles often require additional skills like delegation, scheduling, and budgeting.

6.     Coding languages

You can also include coding IT skills on your resume to ensure that employers understand your proficiency in software languages, program design, and execution. These skills can include specific programming languages, logical thinking, knowledge of data structures and algorithms, web development, debugging, and problem-solving abilities.

7.     AI integration

If you're familiar with artificial intelligence and machine learning, you can include those IT skills on your resume, too. As more companies turn to AI to remain competitive in today's marketplace, the need for skilled AI professionals is growing with each passing year. IT professionals who have knowledge of things like natural language processing, artificial intelligence integration, big data, neural networks, and deep learning will always have the skills they need to differentiate themselves from their competition.

8.     Network architecture

Even if your job doesn't involve designing a company's network architecture, your employer will still expect you to have some expertise in that area of concern. Network architecture abilities include proficiency in network infrastructure, design, and security. You should highlight important knowledge about everything from routers, firewalls, and switches to the use of dynamic and static routing protocols.

9.     Data migration

IT professionals are often responsible for managing data migration as companies look to take advantage of emerging technologies and new systems. There are many types of data migration, of course, encompassing everything from moving data from one storage system to another. Data can also be moved from database to database, between applications, or to a cloud-based framework. Expertise in data migration requires keen problem-solving abilities, as well as project management, data analysis, and other core technical skills.

10.  Troubleshooting

IT professionals spend a vast amount of time troubleshooting problems ranging from network-related concerns to computer issues. When something goes wrong with the company's technology, it's the IT expert's job to quickly diagnose the challenge, create a solution, and resolve the problem. To successfully troubleshoot these issues, you need to have a deep understanding of hardware components, software systems, and your network's operations.

11.  Systems analysis

Another notable set of IT resume skills involves those related to analyzing your organization's technology systems. You should use your resume to highlight core systems analysis skills that focus on your ability to assess and evaluate information, quickly identify patterns, and create solutions that resolve any challenges confronting the organization. These skills can identify you as a true agent of positive change.

How to include IT skills on your resume

Of course, it's unlikely that you'll want to include all your IT skills on your resume. Instead, you'll need to tailor your resume to align with the specific job that you're seeking. Fortunately, there's a straightforward process that you can use to achieve that goal. 

Below, we've outlined an uncomplicated three-step approach that you can use to determine which skills to include:

  1. Begin by focusing on the role description in the job posting. Employers typically mention the required qualifications they expect you to possess. Make a list of all those requirements, as well as any others that you recognize as essential for the position.
  2. Compare that list to your own list of IT skills to identify the most relevant skills you'll need to include in your resume. Note the terms the company uses to describe those abilities and make sure that you use those exact words when you describe those IT skills on your resume. There's a good chance that those terms are keywords that the company's applicant tracking system may be looking for as it scans your resume.Related post: How to Make an ATS-Friendly Resume - Tips for ATS 2024
  3. Flesh out your IT skill list with other relevant skills so that you have a complete list of between twelve and fifteen IT abilities. Once you have that complete list, you can start adding them to your resume.

There are three places in your IT resume that you should focus on when you're highlighting skills:

  • Your resume summary

  • Your core competencies section

  • Your work experience section

Highlight IT skills on your resume summary

You only have several seconds to capture an employer's attention, so it's important to make an immediate impression. The best place to do that is in your resume summary, of course. This brief paragraph typically contains no more than three or four sentences and can be used as an elevator pitch to sell your qualifications. By including your most in-demand IT skills in this summary, you can more easily earn the reader's interest and inspire them to continue reading.

When writing your resume summary, focus on including sentences that contain the following information:

  • Your job title, years of experience, and any specialization

  • One or two of your most relevant IT skills

  • At least one quantifiable achievement

For example:

Solutions-driven IT specialist with six years of experience in network management, user support, and troubleshooting. Proficient in communication network installation, maintenance, and problem resolution. Dedicated team player focused on quality control, responsive solutions, and operational analysis. Managed six-person team of support personnel, with 99+% reported satisfaction.

Related post: Resume Profile Explained (with Examples)

Include IT skills in your core competencies section

As you've probably already guessed, you'll also need to include your IT skills in your resume's core competencies section – otherwise known as the skills section. You have two options here: 

  1. You can either include all your relevant IT skills – including essential hard skills, soft skills, and computer-related – in one core competencies section
  2. You can split those skills into two separate sections

If you choose the second option, simply list all your core hard and soft skills in a core competencies section and then create a second section titled “Software skills.” 

Whichever option you choose, make sure that you include soft skills to go along with the IT skills on your resume. While those hard skills are necessary qualifications for any IT position, your soft skills can be the deciding factor in many job search efforts.

It's also worth mentioning the importance of formatting the skills section for maximum impact. Always use bullet points to list these skills and format the entire section (or sections) into two or three columns. That will make it easier for hiring managers to skim this part of your resume and increase the likelihood of them taking note of your qualifications.

Demonstrate IT skills in your experience section

The third place you need to highlight IT skills on your resume is in your work experience section. Here, you will want to demonstrate how those skills helped you achieve value for past employers. That can be accomplished by creating measurable achievement statements for each of the jobs you list as experience. 

Add the company name, dates of employment, and job title for each previous position you've held, and then include four to six bullet-point achievement statements beneath each job listing.

For example:

ABC Technologies, Anytown, Anystate

IT Specialist, January 2018 to Present

  • Led network management for six departments, providing troubleshooting and related support to a 200-person team

  • Managed more than 20 client application projects, debugging and overseeing new code development with 100% project deadline success

  • Oversaw three-phased network installation project that replaced previous systems, resulting in 22% reduction in reported user issues

  • Managed projects for 27 clients' data migration efforts as they moved data operations to the cloud

Related post: 47 Accomplishment Examples for Your Resume: Expert Picks

How to improve your IT skills

No matter how skilled you might be, you know that there's always room for improvement. Indeed, emerging technologies and rapid innovation throughout the economy are forcing everyone to continue to develop their abilities to keep pace with the changes. The good news is that you have many available opportunities for continual development of critical IT skills.

Take more courses

One of the best ways to add new IT skills to your skill set is to take formal courses from places like IBM, Cisco, and other providers. A simple internet search can provide you with a host of different learning options. If you're serious about expanding your abilities and willing to invest in your future, there are plenty of options available.

Be active in your industry

Another fantastic way to continue your IT education is to become more active in your industry. Join online forums where tech pros gather, visit information technology shows to stay abreast of the latest developments, and make new contacts. Build your online network to ensure that you remain in communication with other IT professionals.

Use online resources

These days, there are also a host of online resources that you can use to sharpen your skills. That includes online videos, websites that provide tech updates and insights, and places like GitHub where you can share projects and get a closer look at what others in the industry are currently doing.

Find opportunities to use your skills

Of course, it's also important to use your skills in areas outside of your comfort zone. One of the best ways to improve your abilities is to take on challenges that you wouldn't ordinarily encounter. Make yourself available to friends and family who need network or other computer assistance. Check out some freelancer sites to see if you can pick up a gig assignment or two. If all else fails, start your own project at home. Create a new network. Develop an app. Start a website.

IT skills example: resume template

Creating your own IT resume can be a daunting task, but that challenge can be lessened when you have a great template for guidance. With that in mind, we've created this IT resume template that you can use to craft your own compelling resume. Simply fill in the relevant sections with your own resume information and then tailor it to the specific job you're seeking.

[Your Full Name]

[Phone number] | [email address] | [City, State] | [LinkedIn URL]

Resume headline (the job title and a few descriptive words to highlight your expertise

Professional Summary (as we discussed earlier in the post)

Core competencies

  • [A mix of nine to twelve hard and soft skills, in bullet point form]

Work Experience

[Company Name], [Location]

[Job Title], [Start date to End date]

  • [Measurable achievement, using real numbers to show value]

  • [Measurable achievement, using real numbers to show value]

  • [Measurable achievement, using real numbers to show value]

  • [Measurable achievement, using real numbers to show value]

[Company Name], [Location]

[Job Title], [Start date to End date]

  • [Measurable achievement, using real numbers to show value]

  • [Measurable achievement, using real numbers to show value]

  • [Measurable achievement, using real numbers to show value]

  • [Measurable achievement, using real numbers to show value]

[Company Name], [Location]

[Job Title], [Start date to End date]

  • [Measurable achievement, using real numbers to show value]

  • [Measurable achievement, using real numbers to show value]

  • [Measurable achievement, using real numbers to show value]

  • [Measurable achievement, using real numbers to show value]

Education Section

[Degree earned] | [College name], [Graduation year]

Certifications

  • [Certification, with date received or renewed]

  • [Certification, with date received or renewed]

Related post: Seven Key Resume Sections and How to Organize Them

Choose the best IT skills for your resume to increase your job search success

To be competitive in today's jobs market, you need to make sure that your resume highlights the information technology skills that employers want to see. By including some of these top IT skills on your resume, you can ensure that every hiring manager recognizes your qualifications and ability to add value to their enterprise. Happy job hunting!

Need more help ensuring that the IT skills on your resume make the best possible impression on employers? Get your free resume review today!

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