How to write a network engineer CV (with template)

Updated 17 April 2023

A network engineer is a professional that implements and maintains an organisation's computer network. When applying for jobs as a network engineer, a strong CV can help impress prospective employers, obtain more job interviews and increase your earning potential. Learning some of the best techniques to use when writing your CV can help you to demonstrate your relevant skills and experience more effectively. In this article, we explore the key elements of a network engineer CV, explain what to include in one and share a template and example you can use as a reference to write your own.

What is a network engineer CV?

A network engineer CV is a document you submit to employers and recruiters to apply for a role as a network engineer. It allows recruiters and potential employers to review your professional achievements and provides them with a summary of your work experience, qualifications and relevant skills. Submitting a strong CV demonstrating your creative skills and proficiency with computer technology when applying for this position can increase your chances of an interview.

Network engineer job description

Network engineers design, build, implement and monitor the computer networks organisations and companies use. This can include the intranet, extranet and phone systems. Network engineers often work in offices and are responsible for maintaining these networks, which typically includes evaluating performance, assessing network problems, diagnosing or repairing issues and developing solutions. Here are some other responsibilities of a network engineer:

continuous monitoring and troubleshooting to discover innovative ways to improve network performance
installing and configuring network equipment, such as Virtual Private Networks (VPNs), load balances, switches, routers, proxy servers and Wide Area Network (WAN) accelerators
conducting routine maintenance duties, such as scheduling updates, network upgrades, managing security configurations and installing security or service patches
collaborating with third-party service providers and support services to ensure networks function optimally

How to write a network engineer CV

Here are seven steps you can take to create your network engineer CV:

1. Include your contact details

At the top of your CV, create a header with your name. Underneath your name, write your essential contact information, including your telephone number, address and email address. Using your contact information is how employers and recruiters reach you if they want to invite you for an interview, so ensure the information you provide is correct and up to date.

2. Write a professional summary

The next section after your contact information is your professional summary. Write two to three sentences summarising your key skills and qualifications relevant to the network engineer role. Mention your current or most recent job title, years of experience in the industry and some of your key professional achievements.

It's helpful to refer to the job description for the specific role you want to apply for, which you can usually find in the job advertisement. Review the key skills and qualifications the employer desires in a network engineer, and include any skills and qualifications you have that align with these to demonstrate that you're a good fit.

3. List your work experience

Your work experience section is one of the most important sections of your CV. Employers typically look for evidence of skills that candidates develop through work experience when hiring network engineers. List your relevant work experience in reverse chronological order starting with your current or most recent role. For your most recent job, include five bullet points summarising your primary responsibilities and notable achievements. For subsequent jobs, write three bullet points. Write the name of the company you worked for, the position you held and the dates you worked there.

Work experience in related areas, such as IT support repair and service, are useful for networking engineering. If you have limited work experience, add details of any internships or volunteer positions you've completed and highlight transferable skills relevant to the network engineer role.

4. Highlight your relevant skills

List your key skills and abilities relevant to the role of a network engineer in a separate section after your work experience. A network engineer typically requires hard and soft skills, so aim to include both on your CV. Useful abilities for a network engineer to list on a CV include:

analytical skills
time management
problem-solving
project management

5. List your educational background

A network engineer typically requires at least a bachelor's degree in network security management, electrical engineering, computer science, computer systems engineering or a related field. Earning a master's or doctorate can help you to increase your job prospects and earning potential. Include details of your formal qualifications in reverse chronological order with your most recent degree at the top of the section. Write the name of the programme you completed, such as a degree, vocational programme or diploma. Then, state the name of the institution and the year of graduation on the next line.

6. Include any certifications

List certifications in a separate section after your educational background. Include the name of the certificates, the institution you obtained them from and the date you earned them or their expiration dates. To streamline your CV, try to add only certifications relevant to the role of a network engineer. Here are some professional certifications that are useful for a network engineer to obtain:

CompTIA A+
CompTIA Network+
Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert
Cisco Certified Network Professional

7. Optimise your CV for applicant tracking systems (ATS)

Format your CV to be ATS-friendly, as many companies, especially in the technology sector, use ATS to sort and process CVs. These tracking systems scan CVs for certain elements and keywords and, when they find a suitable CV, move it to the next round for a recruiter to review.

These systems are sensitive to certain designs and formatting, so avoid using strange type fonts, graphics or photos. Also, use keywords, phrases and the same language from the job description in your CV, as an ATS may pick this up.

CV template for a network engineer

Here's a template you can use as a reference when writing your CV:

[First name] [Last name]
[Phone number] | [Email address] | [City]

Professional Summary

[Two to three sentences that highlight years of experience, relevant skills, education or certifications and achievements as a professional.]

Experience

[Job Title] | [Employment dates]

[Company Name] | [Location]

(Strong verb) + what you did (more detail) + reason, outcome or quantified results.
[Job duty]
[Job duty]
[Job duty]
[Job duty]

[Job Title] | [Employment dates]

[Company Name] | [Location]

(Strong verb) + what you did (more detail) + reason, outcome or quantified results.
[Job duty]
[Job duty]

Skills

Education

[Degree earned] | [Name of school or university]

[Location]

Optional

[Certification name], [Host organisation] - [Year completed or expiration date]

Example CV for a network engineer

Here's an example CV you can use as a reference:

Sarah Lowes
+ 4477 365111| Sarah.Lowes@email.com | Bristol

Professional Summary

Experienced network engineer with expert project management skills and over five years of professional experience. Dedicated to ensuring network security and optimal functionality. In my most recent role, I designed and installed networks of more than 100 devices for multiple clients.

Experience

Network engineer | March 2018–Current
ABC systems | Bristol

design and implement networks with between 100 and 150 devices for multiple clients
regularly evaluate performance to ensure optimal functioning and security
change vendor software to automate the amount of time spent on requirements gathering
develop and configure VPNs for corporate and employee use
employ expert project management skills to reduce delivery times by over 30%

Network administrator | March 2015–January 2018
XYZ systems | Bristol

developed 10 secure networks, both local and wide-area, for a local company
created, configured and installed enterprise-level networks with enhanced security
conducted troubleshooting on load-balancing, resulting in improved performance

Skills

Time management| Problem-solving | Project management| Analytical skills

Education

BSc in Computer Science | The University of Computing and Technology
Sheffield

Cisco Certified Network Professional, CISCO - 2017

Please note that none of the companies, institutions or organisations mentioned in this article are affiliated with Indeed.

Disclaimer: The model shown is for illustration purposes only, and may require additional formatting to meet accepted standards.

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