1. WELCOME TO MODULE 1 OF WRITING IT RESUMES!

When you think you have IT resumes pegged, the industry changes again. IT is constantly on the move with continued advancements:

• Growth of IT self-service portals and resources
• Data collection from an Internet of things (your smart fridge and thermostat!)
• IT and business ops collaborations (e.g., purchasing, sales, and marketing)
• Advances in AI (e.g., automated customer service, speech recognition)

You've probably heard us say that IT resumes can be intimidating to write.

And if you've avoided writing IT resumes up until this point, you're not alone. Some resume writers refuse to write them. Or when they do, they're nervous that the client will see right through their lack of IT knowledge.

This issue bubbled to the surface for us as students progressed through our Resume Writing Mastery Program. Students often hit a roadblock on the module that requires writing an IT resume.

We recognized a skills gap that needed to be corrected. That queued us to develop the much-needed, in-depth program you have before you. The stumbling block for students seemed to arise most around the various job titles and terminology used in the industry, thereby making things unnecessarily complicated for them.

Despite all the technical mumbo jumbo, what we need to know about as resume writers is simplistic.

This program is designed to onboard writers to the nuances of writing resumes for the technical industry.

For this course, we're focusing on 3 core areas:

• Software (software-as-a-service, mobile/computer apps)
• Hardware (servers, routers, modems)
• Peopleware (tech staff supporting software and hardware roles)

Our goal is to present this content in the simplest form. 

If we use acronyms, we'll explain what they are. We'll also give examples of things to help deepen your understanding of the industry.

We're breaking this program down into 7 detailed modules, which will cover:

• Network Administrators
• IT Directors
• Business Analysts
• Project Managers
• Helpdesk Support
• Software Engineers
• Security Managers

Each module will include a mix of downloads, examples, keyword lists, descriptions, definitions, etc.

Let's get started...

2. WHAT ARE NETWORK ADMINISTRATORS?

Network admins perform or manage the installation, maintenance, integrity, and security of networked equipment.

The smaller the employer, the more inclusive the NA's job is.

In general, an NA job at a small company encompasses things like:

• Networked Operations
• Computer Connectivity
• System Configurations
• Equipment Auditing & End-of-Life Analysis
• Infrastructure* Upgrades/Enhancements

*Infrastructure most often refers to the hardware that makes up the network, including servers, modems, and cooling system in addition to the software, power supplies, etc. Essentially, all the components that make communicating and connecting with the network possible. 

The NA role expands with smaller companies to include:

• Software Administration
• Helpdesk/Tech Support
• Cybersecurity

Most of the network admin resumes you write will fall under this scope. 

Network administrators with larger companies tend to stay more in a designated lane managing network infrastructure, performance, and maintenance.

They work alongside other tech professionals, such as those performing software, helpdesk, and cybersecurity tasks (as mentioned above). However, this isn't always 100% accurate because job roles sometimes tend to be fluid.

The extent of what they do is dictated by server location.

We often think of servers (what networked equipment connects to) as being in-house. Yet, more employers run cloud-based server solutions. The dedicated server that holds the data could be in a different state or country, while employees network (connect) with it using the internet.

In the simplest form, a network can be two connected computers. Yet, for most employers, a network is made up of the following:

• Servers
• Operating Systems
• Connectivity Channel (e.g., internet)
• Equipment (e.g., modems, switches)
• Computers/Tablets/Mobile Devices

Not all employers have loud server rooms with designated cooling systems.

That's all changed.

The employer's server could be in the ocean. You probably think we're kidding, yet companies like Microsoft are testing alternative methods for cooling equipment. And in a matter of a decade, we could have employer server equipment (not to be confused with government satellite services) located in space and on planets. Some experts believe that putting servers in space could alleviate energy pressures.

The largest cloud-based server providers include Oracle, Microsoft, and Amazon Web Services.

Now is a good time to debunk "cloud-based servers," which give the impression that the servers are floating on a cloud. Nope. The providers we mentioned above have large-scale data centers that house hundreds and thousands of servers in large buildings. No cloud. Millions of square feet make up the largest data centers in the world and are located in Georgia, Illinois, Utah, Virginia, Nevada, and, you guessed it, China!

How does a cloud-based solution change the role of a network administrator?

A network administrator spends less time on the network infrastructure when there's a cloud-based solution involved. Instead, the NA scales the networking by adding new functions and services.

3. WRITING EYE-CATCHING SUMMARIES

With any resume, the summary is the most valuable piece of real estate, in our opinion. That's why we treat that area like a stand-alone piece of content that's powerfully written.

When writing a resume summary, focus on the following:

• Specific identifiers that showcase your client's relevant KSAs
• Results and career successes/achievements
• Your client's uniqueness/creates appeal over other candidates

To better format your resume summaries, we recommend using this breakdown we've put together.

ANATOMY OF A GREAT RESUME SUMMARY

1. Use a header/headline - this tells readers the intended job being pursued
2. Use a subheader - a subheader adds more "meat" to the top of the resume and provides details that support the headline
3. Introduce what's relevant and unique and ditch everything else - avoid putting basic information in the resume summary area
4. Highlight eye-catching achievements - when possible, add numbers and percentages to the summaries you write

CLICK HERE to download the anatomy breakdown with an example.

We love providing examples, so here's an example of a resume summary:

NETWORK ADMINISTRATOR | Manage Enterprise Network That Includes 5 Office Locations & 120+ Remote & In-Office Users | Led Major Data Center Migration in 2021 | Windows Servers & Azure Active Directory

Manage complete infrastructure, management, and enhancements to large-scale networks, which includes monitoring and testing configurations and upgrades. Audit fulfillment of 5 tech contracts totalling $900,000 annually. Research and initiate acquisition of networked components that support the infrastructure for the main servers along with those at the back-up location. Hold an active TS/SCI clearance. 

4. KEYWORDS FOR NETWORK ADMINISTRATORS

Keywords are the secret sauce for resumes. ATS are still very keyword-driven systems, which means for your clients to have an advantage, you must pepper relevant keywords throughout your resumes.

Often you'll hear folks say to use keyword phrases verbatim from the employer's job description. We caution you against that practice because HR managers can frown upon matching the job too perfectly.

API/Network Solutions/Security
Application Development/Maintenance
Application Setup/Updates/Maintenance
Asset Inventory Management
Backup & Disaster Recovery
Cloud-Based Environment
Custom Apps & System Integrations
Disaster Recovery Planning
Domain Name Service (DNS)
Equipment Installation/Configuration
End-User Workstations
Hardware & Software Installation
Hardware Acquisitions/Maintenance
Helpdesk Management
Infrastructure Design/Maintenance
Infrastructure Development/Management
Internet Protocol (IP) Address
Intrusion Detection Systems
IT Support/Helpdesk
Licensing Agreement Compliance
Local Area Network (LAN)
Network Capacity Planning
Network Configurations/Connectivity
Network Design & Infrastructure
Network Forecasting/Planning/Budgeting
Network Migrations/Enhancements/Upgrades
Network Monitoring/Diagnostics
Network Scalability
Network Security
Networked Device Backup
On-Site & Remote Systems
Patch Management
Security Testing
Server & Security Audits
Software Installation
Software Service Agreements
System Administration
Systems Backups & Recovery Planning
Technical Support
Telecom Equipment/Systems
Testing (before deployment)
User Maintenance
Vendor Contract Compliance
Vendor Support Liaison
Virtual Private Network (VPN)
Vulnerability Detection/Remediation
Wide Area Network (WAN)
Windows Domain Administration

5. CERTIFICATIONS

Network administrators generally have a mix of the following certifications:

• Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA)
• Cisco Certified Network Associate - Security (CCNA Security)
• Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP)
• Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate (MCSA)
• Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE)
• Certified Network Computer Technician (CNCT)
• CompTIA Network+
• Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)
• Global Industrial Cyber Security Professional (GICSP)
• CompTIA CySA+ (CySA+)
• Systems Security Certified Practitioner (SSCP)

6. DOWNLOADS

Ideal Resume Fonts

General List of Action Verbs

Unique & Lesser-Known Action Verbs

Network Administrator Quick Sheet

You're going to love the quick sheets we provide! Each sheet contains many components, such as:

(1) Terms and descriptions to help you become a “position insider,” enabling you to have more educated conversations with prospects and clients.

(2) Intake questions that you can copy and send to clients.

(3) Extensive list of keywords so you no longer conduct laborious keyword research.

(4) The GOLD in these quick sheets are the example sentences/content that you can use “as is” or customize to your liking. We call those "ready-for-you" or "ready-to-inspire" content.